Just came back from a quick quick visit to Ottawa. This visit was special as I discovered something NEW plus I went to visit a museum that I use to enjoy when I was a kid. (keep reading).

Let’s talk about the NEW discovery first.

As you know I spend a lot of time on twitter. Here’s a classic example of a finding out about something via twitter. One day I was on twitter and I noticed  @LiftRestaurant had sent me a tweet . I checked out their profile and noticed that they were a restaurant in the Delta Ottawa City Centre – exactly a block away from where I stay in Ottawa!! We started to chat on twitter and I mentioned that I would drop by on my next week. So I did.

When we arrived  at Lift Restaurant, the first thing that impressed me was the contemporary, bright, space. After chatting with our super friendly waitress, we ordered the Lift Chowder (Bay Ccallops, Shrimp, Atlantic Salmon, Surf Clams and a Charcuterie Board to share. We scored with our order. The soup was probably the best chowder I’ve ever had and there’s a reason for that. IT’S  MADE FRESH WHEN YOU ORDER IT.

I was also given a quick tour of some of the suites and LOVED the fact that the CLEAN DESKS had all sorts of  computer plugs in it. This certainly appeals to people like me, who travel with no fewer than four cords on each trip!!

I can’t wait to return for more Chowder and have even posted the menu in my parents nearby condo so that this restaurant is on their radar too!!

Now for the part of my trip that brought me down memory lane.

We went to visit The Canada Science and Technology Museum. This museum was my favorite museum as a kid because they had an exhibit called the KRAZY KITCHEN. Forty years later – it’s still there.

I swear I was smiling throughout my visit.

I love visiting Ottawa! Period.

For more information:

Delta Ottawa City Centre 101 Lyon St. N, Ottawa,  613 237 3600

Lift Restaurant  101 Lyon St. N, Ottawa 613 688 6802

Canada Science and Technology Museum1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa 613 991 3044

Ottawa Tourism

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I went to three Food Trade Shows in one week!!. As I walked thru the aisles of the CHFA show, I realized that I’ve mastered the skill of “sampling”. I can now add that to my list of skills on my Linkedin profile. (ha). This is the annual trade show for the Canadian Health Food Association and a great opportunity for me to find more new products to share with my readers (that’s you).

Here’s a few items that I’d like to share with you:

MONKEY TOAST:  These are flavour packed fruit crisps that are dairy free, and nut free. Ideal for kids and big kids too (like me).  I also adore their packaging and the fact that they are a Canadian company. (B.C. to be exact)

MACKIE’S CRISPS: All their potato crisps are suitable for vegetarians and their line up includes flavours like Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper, Scotch Bonnet Chilli Pepper and Aberdeen Angus steak. On a side note: My mom is from Scotland and I have family there so I have a soft spot for any product that is Scottish.

OHMBARS; This date and seed bar is Dairy free, Gluten free and is made in Ottawa (where I grew up). Naturally this caught my attention too.

CAPLANSKY’S MUSTARD:  I read on facebook about this new line of mustard and was delighted to see this new product at the Neal Brothers  booth. I sampled all of them (of course). Today I read that there’s a new menu being launched at Caplansky’s which means I really need to visit so I can try the mustard on meat instead on a pretzel!!

(note: stole this photo from Facebook. Hope you don’t mind Peter).

As always, had a great time wandering the aisles of this show. No shortage of new products to try!!

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I’ve never been east of Montreal before but today I had the chance to “pretend” that I was in Nova Scotia!! I simply went to the Waterfront Festival  at HTO Park in Toronto!  It’s easy to find as you can spot these giant (magnificent) Tall Ships a mile away!!

I made a be-line to the Nova Scotia Eatery, where I enjoyed a Nova Scotia Lobster Roll, Sea Salt Caramel Apples and a Wild Blueberry & Honey Lemonade.  

Not only was my tummy happy but my eyes were pretty happy too. I got the chance to enjoy  my lunch while staring at the beautiful lighthouse with the CN Tower in the background.

The Nova Scotia Eatery  will also be making it’s way to Ottawa, London and Belleville over the next few weeks. So make sure to follow them on twitter, @TasteoNS to get the latest updates or visit their website!

 I’m also super impressed that Taste of Nova Scotia is using social media to get the word out about their amazing province and the culinary adventures that they have to offer.

For more information about Taste of Nova Scotia:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TasteofNS

Twitter: @TasteofNS

Instagram: TasteofNS

For more information about The Waterfront Festival that is taking place at HTO Park in Toronto from June 20- 23, 2013, please visit their website.

Twitter: @WaterfrontFestivalTO

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Had another quick visit to Ottawa so I could celebrate Father’s Day with my amazing Dad. I arrived on Friday at 6:30 pm and left on Sunday at noon. However this still gave me enough time to devour these goodies!

a) CHOCO FRITO Doughnuts from SuzyQ Doughnuts (991 Wellington St. W). There are no words to describe these doughnuts. They are THAT good. Just imagine the salty, crunchy, pieces of Frito Lay with just the right amount of chocolate, on top of a yeasty delicious doughnut.  It’s a FREAKIN’ AWESOME combo. PERIOD.

b) Golden Palace Eggrolls (2195 Carling Aveune). These eggrolls are unique to Ottawa – they have burnt ends and full of pork and cabbage (not bean sprouts). I love dipping them into the hot mustard and the plum sauce. The restaurant itself is totally out of a time warp but the eggrolls are simply epic.  PS many people I know take these eggrolls back to Toronto and freeze them.

c) Candied Ginger from Michaels Dolce; (Ottawa Farmers Market). This ginger was so good that I noshed on half the packet on my way back to Toronto. I can’t stop thinking how I would like to make an apple crisp and cut these strips into smaller pieces so I could incorporate it into the recipe. I will bringing back 3 of these packets next time. One packet is NOT enough.  P.S. his jams rock as well. I encourage you to check out his website to learn more about Michaels Dolce products and where you can buy them.

d) Maple Syrup Cones (Byward Market). I did not buy one of these .75 cones on this particular trip..but I really did want to!! I have such fond memories of these cones from my childhood. Have you ever had one? On this particular occasion my tummy was not happy but my eyes were!!

e) Deep Fried Pickles and Beer from the Big Rig Brewery and Restaurant (2750 Inis St.). I’ve always wanted to try this restaurant and finally I got there!! YAY. The beer scene in Ottawa has really exploded so   I was all too happy to check out these deep friend pickles and a flight of beer, on a gorgeous Saturday evening.

When I returned from Toronto, I made a huge Kale Salad. I try to lead a balanced life. Can you tell?

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My Dad lives in Ottawa so I will be visiting next week  in order to celebrate Father’s Day with him.

BUT if he was in Toronto,  this is what I would be doing with him!

1. We would head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre to visit L’OCCITANE En Provence so my dad could have one of those old-school shaves. (errr…hot towel, shaving cream, brush, etc). I know he would love it.  They are actually offering this service for FREE this coming weekend. Make sure you call (416) 782-0005 to RSVP. PS saw on their facebook page that there’s mini facials for women too!!

This service is being offered: Friday, June 7^th, 7-9pm, Saturday  June 8th 1-5 pm, and Sunday June 9th 1-5 pm!!

While you are in the store, take a peek at their selection of gift sets for Father’s Day in the Cade and Verdon lines! #justsayin’

1. We would also head to Montreal Deli & Greek Grill (115 York Blvd, Unit #7, Richmond Hill, ON) for a freakin’ unbelievable (yes – Freakin’ UNBELIEVABLE) smoked meat sandwich. I’ve just discovered this restaurant (thanks M!) and I was blown away. I even asked for a tape measure to measure this sandwich. PS I submitted this photo to Gastropost as they are hosting a Fathers Day Mission and my dad taught me all about good smoked meat!!

3.  We would end the day with a trip to Holy Chuck (1450 Yonge St)  to try one of their epic milkshakes. We both like flavour and unusual combinations so I know he would love the milkshakes here.

Can you tell my Dad is a bit of a foodie and a shopper too? I am so lucky to have a Dad like him. I’m sure we will find foodie adventures in Ottawa too. Stay tuned!!

What have you planned for Father’s Day?

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True Story:

In 1977,  I was 12 years old and was going to a new camp that summer called “Wabikon“.  Seeing as my dad owned a sports store in Ottawa called “Ritchies Sports Store“, I was decked out in a lot of clothes from Nike, Adidas, and Puma. In fact, one could say ALL my summer clothes came from my dad’s store.

But then I went to Wabikon and my entire cabin was wearing polo shirts with a little alligator on it. I soon learned the word: Lacoste!!

When I returned home, I started to slowly collect Lacoste tshirts and this trend continued till I was 16. I was a HUGE prep and was proud of it. Througout high school, I wore Lacoste tshirts, Levis jeans and Converse running shoes. Period.

Fast Forward to 2013!

A few weeks ago I received an invitation to attend a media night at the Lacoste store at Yorkdale and I quickly sent a reply back that I would love to attend.  At the event, there was a preview of “the Annivesary Capsule Collection – “Edition and Unexpected”. Did you know that Lacoste is celebrating their 80th Anniversary? I loved walking around the store saying to myself “want” “want” “need” “want”!!

I was all too happy to celebrate with them. It was like going down memory lane but so much better. I can’t remember owning Lacoste shoes – but now I own a a pair and I can’t stop wearing them!!

Happy Anniversary Lacoste! Thanks for including me.

P.S. A huge thank you to the store manager who really demonstrated amazing customer service skills.

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This past weekend, I had the opportunity to play tourist in my hometown, Ottawa. I visit this amazing city almost every 6 weeks for the last few years but this particular weekend I got to know Ottawa in a different way!!

I started off the weekend, by attending Nepean High School 90th Anniversary Celebration. I haven’t been thru their doors since 1984 so it was kind of neat just to be inside the building again. Oh the memories!

Sadly not a lot of people were there from my year (sniff…)

On Saturday, my mom and I REALLY played tourist. We boarded a double decker bus  (at the corner of Elgin and Sparks St) that is operated by a company called Lady Dive.  This 75 minute tour (which leaves every hour on the hour) is truly the best way to see the city as you can Hop On and Off at a variety of stops, such as: Museums, Parks, Galleries, the Byward Market, the Parliament Buildings, Rideau Hall and more.

Our tour guide was entertaining and certainly knew his stuff. My mom and I were amazed at what we learned in such a short period of time about important landmarks in our own city! We loved every minute of this double deck bus tour and would certainly recommend it to visitors.

Playing tourist meant that I got the chance to visit the Tulip Festival TWICE over the weekend. I simply could not stop taking pictures. See what I mean?

And more…LOL

For more info:

Lady Dive Tours:  Reservations-  613 524 2221  PS. many tour options are available so please visit their website to learn more.

Tulip Festival – May 3 to 20th,2013  Ottawa/Gatineau

Ottawa Tourism

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There’s lots of different ways to celebrate Mother’s Day!  As a foodie – the best way for me to spend Mother’s Day is to be surrounded by food!!! This year, I will be in Ottawa for Mother’s Day so I can celebrate this special day with my mom. She’s bit of a foodie herself  – lucky me – so this schedule will be ideal for both of us.

The day will go something like this:

9:00 am – pick up a few donuts from SuzQ Doughnuts

9:30 am — enjoy a cappucino from Illume Espresso

10:00 am – head over to Simply Biscotti for some black pepper  biscottis (not just buying one anymore)

10:00 am -11:00 am Quick visit to the Ottawa Farmer’s Market!

11:30 -12:30 Enjoy a visit with my Dad.  He’s a foodie too so we will be sharing our “goodies” with him

1:00 – visit Golden Palace for some epic eggrolls.

1:30 pm  -2:30 pm – Visit the Tulip Festival at Dows Lake

2:30 pm – hit the hightway

6:30 pm arrive in Toronto

7 pm head to Lotus Pond Chinese Vegetarian (3838 Midland Ave, Scarborough) to celebrate Mother’s Day with my daughter. For dessert we will be enjoying a Cold Stone Signature Ice Cream cake. I’ve always loved  ice cream cake and this will be the perfect way to end my day. We usually go to the Cold Stone that is located at 2005 Avenue Road  as I use to have a store at 1648 Avenue Road. To this day, I still visit Avenue Road on a regular basis even though I haven’t had the store for 10 years.

Can’t decide between the 6 inch $23.99 or the 8 inch cake ($33.99)!

I’m SO excited to be celebrating Mother’s Day in Ottawa that I’m going to be giving away a 6 inch Cold Stone Ice Cream Cake to one lucky reader. All you have to do is answer this question. Visit the Cold Stone website and leave a comment below, which flavour ice cream cake you would like to win.

The contest will run from May 7 to May 12th. The winner will be selected using random.org. The winner will have 7 days to contact me, otherwise another winner will be selected.

Happy Mother’s Day.

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I’ve just returned from a trip to Hartford Connecticut. I had the chance to hang out my amazing cousins at a bar mitzva AND I had  a chance to visit Trader Joe’s. The last time I went to a Trader Joe’s was in March 2012 while visiting Detroit.  Go figger that this is how I like to spend my spare time while visiting a city I have never been to!

Here’s a sample of my purchases:

–Shelf Stable Whipping Cream ($1.29) – Never know when I might need Whipping Cream last minute, right? Can’t wait to do a taste test and compare this product to refrigerated whipped cream. Stay tuned.

–Trader Joe’s Guacamole Kit: I coudn’t buy this kit due to restrictions about bringing in veggies over the border. But, don’t you think this is a brilliant idea? This contains all the ingredients you would need to make fresh guacamole. LOVE IT.

–Trader Joe’s Chile Spiced Mango:  ($1.99) I have no idea what I want to do with it but I know that I haven’t seen this type of dried fruit in Toronto. Right?

–Trader Joe’s Savoury Popcorn. ($1.99) This totally appealed to me as I’m all about flavour. Can’t wait to try it.

More items that I bought included: Beer $1.50 a bottle, a super amazing kitchen towel ($3.99), Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce $1.99, Crunchy Curls ($2.69), Chocolate bars (99 cents), Cheese and More. My bill was $81.44 to be exact. …so trust me, I did OK.

After my visit to Trader Joe’s, I sat at the pool at the Ramada to enjoy some sunshine. Also wanted to share with you that I purchased my hotel night using Hotwire and selected the Secret Hotel Optionl. I’ve done this only once before and had such a great experience that I did it again. Did I score? You Bet.  I scored a 3.5 star hotel in DOWNTOWN Hartford with a $63 a night room rate. #happiness

Next weekend: I’m off to Ottawa  to:

a) Celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom

b) See the Tulip Festival

c) Hang out at the Ottawa Farmer’s Market  on Sunday.

Can’t wait. So much to see – so little time!

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It’s been an interesting week!

I spent five days in Ottawa for the first time in decades and it wasn’t enough time! SO much to do….so little time!!

Sadly I was sick on the weekend (see previous post). But the minute I felt better, I went to have a beer at Les 3 Brasseurs. I think this new location at 240 Sparks is nothing but brilliant!

On Monday and Tuesday night, I celebrated Passover with my parents. Highlights of my meal consisted of: gefilte fish, matza, eggs with salt water and chicken soup with matza balls. I  also had some delicious chopped liver from Creative Kosher Catering that I wish we had in Toronto.

Not the best picture. Sorry!

On Monday and Tuesday: I hung out in a variety of coffee shops so I could work. (Thanks to my twitter friends @foodieprints @AMWATERS for the suggestions)

–Bridgehead (130 Anderson and 109 Bank St….went to both locations)

-Starbucks at Woodroffe and Carling

–Happy Goat (35 Laurel)

-Illume Espresso Bar  (1433 Wellington St).

-Simply Biscotti ( 307 Richmond St.)

I got a lot of work done and was well caffeinated.

Plus, I managed to give my first twitter lesson in Ottawa!

Hopefully will be back in Ottawa so I can enjoy the Tulip Festival  (May 3-20th) . Hopefully I will  drink more beer and less coffee on my next trip. So many new beer restaurants have opened and I really need to check them out. #lovebeer

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