A “Random Rant”  about a whole bunch of stuff that has happened to me in the last week:

-I bought myself an iPhone 5 as an early birthday gift. One of the only reasons I wanted an iPhone 5 was to take take better pictures for my blog! Time will tell. Still trying to sync everything over from my iphone 4. Wish me luck.

-Usually I buy  Belkin products to protect my iPhone and my iPad, however I decided to buy a hard covered case for $12. I returned it to Staples 30 minutes after purchasing it as 4 people could NOT remove the case. Lesson Learned. (ps the staff at Staples were amazing)

-Usually I go to the Apple store to buy all my accessories, but was already at Staples and bought a Belkin car charger for my new iphone. Guess what? It doesn’t work  either and I’m pretty sure I threw out the receipt and the box. #nothappy. Again, lesson learned.

Total Fail – both items. Not happy

-I’m in Ottawa at the moment and arrived with a nasty cold. I brought medicine with me as I knew I was getting sick and this stuff  (err, Tylenol Cold) SAVED me. I took a dosage on Friday night at 11 pm and took another dosage in the middle of the night. Guess who woke up on Saturday at 2 pm. Guess who also had a nap between 6 and 8 pm?

-This is totally random: My parents live in a condo in downtown Ottawa and the cost of using the laundry machine is $1.25. My laundry machine in mid town Toronto is $2.25. Can someone explain this  to me?

-I went to the National Home Show/Canada Blooms last week. Why did it take me 17 years to go to Canada Blooms? #lessonlearned….won’t be missing it again.

-My mom went on a cruise and came back with a Kipling hand bag for me. I have no idea what this is but apparently my 74 year old mom knows her “labels”.

So how was my random blog? did you like it or should I stick to recipes and restaurants and food products? LOL

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As you know, I keep visiting Ottawa on a regular basis to visit my parents. On my last visit to Ottawa over the holidays, I asked my twitter friends “what’s new in Ottawa” and with their help I was able to check out two new restaurants: Illume Espresso bar and Union 613. Plus I went to visit Golden Palace , which has been a staple in Ottawa for over 40 years.

My mom and I went for dinner at Union 613 the night that  I arrived….., but only after I read every blog post possible on Urbanspoon.  Reading these blog posts certainly helped me figure out what to order. (Does anyone else do this – or just me?).

We shared the following items:

• Fried Green Tomatoes, Boston Bibb, pimento cheese, pickled onions, bacon and black pepper ranch dressing

Yummy chunks of perfectly fried green tomatoes

• Eggplant and Tomato Casserole, herbed clarmell chevre, garlic crumbs
• Cheddar & Roasted Garlic Hominy Grits
• Cornbread & Bourbon Brown Butter
• Dessert: Pretzel Beignet, lime glaze, dark chocolate, acorn creek chili

Absolutely DA best egg rolls

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Back in November, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. This was a BIG deal and I wanted to mark this special occasion with the right gift. I knew how much my parents loved personalized gifts and wanted to give them one of those “special photo books”but I didn’t have the TIME or the SKILLS to do it. (in that order)

Then I had one of those “aha” moments. I called up an acquaintance (Susan) that I’ve known in the school yard for the last 14 years who did this as a business. She was all too happy to help me out. All I had to do was drop off photos at her house and she would do the rest.  Not to mention the photo book would be directly mailed to my parents in Ottawa, just in time for their anniversary.

My parents were thrilled with their personalized gifts and I was thrilled with this service.

My special parents!

The photo album contained some nostalgic photos:

That’s me in the blue overalls

There were some recent photos as well that I included:

My mom = a ton of laughs

I am so lucky to have such cool parents and to witness their amazing marriage. They are truly amazing individuals and amazing as a couple as well.

If you want to get in touch with Susan to help you make this type of personalized gift, here’s how you can reach her:

Susan Yalowsky

Photo Solutions Consultant, Reconnecting You With Your Memories!

416-630-8821

www.mycmsite.com/susanyalowsky

cm-susan@rogers.com

P.S. It’s not too early to start thinking about Valentines Gifts (#justsayin’)

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My mom was visiting from Ottawa over the weekend, so it was a perfect time to book “Afternoon Tea” for some mother/daughter bonding. Seeing as my mom is from Glasgow, she has always adored scones with clotted cream and the whole “afternoon tea” ritual.

I decided to book afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms after reading some blog entries. (I do my research. Surprise. Surprise).

We got all dressed up and off we went. Well not exactly. Afternoon tea requires reservations as it served daily at 12:30 p.m, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and even 6:00 pm. So please ensure that you make reservations and call in advance as it’s more popular than you might think!!

When we entered the dining room, we immediately felt relaxed. The atmosphere was elegant without feeling too stuffy. Here’s what a table looks like:

After we sat down, the waitress quickly served us chilled water with lemon along with the menus. She then explained how afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms works. We were impressed with the service from the get-go!

We selected our tea and when it arrived it’s poured with style. (see photo).

Then the “serving tray” arrives! I quickly made myself a little plate that looked like this and then tried my best to take my time and enjoy each bite while sipping my delicious tea (#33 in the event that you are curious).

For me, the best part were the scones. They were so light…so fluffy ….so warm. The scones were even better after I shmeered them with the strawberry guava jam and the mixed berry jam and the clotted cream! The whole experience was just heavenly.  Just so you know, both jams are made in house!! #impressed.

It was real treat to spend some quality time with my mom while enjoying this special ritual at the Windsor Arms. We certainly will be doing this more often!

For more info:

Windsor Arms 18 Saint Thomas, Toronto 416 971 9666

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Just returned from a whirlwind trip to Ottawa. Nothing quite beats spending Canada Day in Ottawa. Naturally I started off celebrating Canada Day at the Ottawa Farmers Market. (now located at Brewer Park and not at Landsdowne Park). The trip  to the market was highlighted by the fact that I saw Toronto Foodies: @AS_Toronto and A Food Gypsy there!

3 Toronto Foodies with Michael Sutherland (from Michaels Dolce)

We all seemed to bump into each other infront of Michaels Dolces Booth. After hugs, photos and introductions I had the chance to wander thru the market to discover Brewgels. What a awesome concept (in my humble opinion). I ended up my visit to the market by bumping into FoodiePrints. How perfect.

Can you read the list? Oatmeal Stout, Strawberry Fruli, Coffee Porter…

Notice the dark color of these bagels..due to the infusion of porter, stouts and more!!

ps Sorry didn’t taste the bagels as I’m still on this carb free diet! (argghhh)

On our way back downtown, we stopped into Bridgeheads’ new Roastery, which just opened this past week. (thanks Twitter for the update!!). I am so glad that we stopped here to see this 15,000 sqf space that now houses their head office, a coffee shop, and training centre. Congratulations Bridgehead!!

134 Anderson Street

What a great space for a tweet up!!

After enjoying our coffee it was time to walk by the Parliament buildings. No shortage of proud Canadians. Downtown was mobbed and it was GREAT to be there.

The perfect place to be on Canada Day

Then we went to the Byward Market to walk around and watch the soccer game at Smoque Shack.(129 York St).  The air condioning, great staff, amazing deep fried pickles and the beer – made it a welcome stop for us to get out of the sun and rest our feet for a bit.

On the stroll back to my parents condo we stumbled across this vendor on Sparks St. I just HAD to try it. I have never seen this “new way” of serving potatoes before, have you?

due to the carb free diet – I only had ONE potato slice. I swear.

At 10 p.m, we stood behind the Supreme Court building to watch the spectacular fireworks. Not a bad way to end a great day!! Hope you had a meaningful Canada Day as well.

PS. One more thing: I really meant to try two new restaurants: Brothers Beer Bistro (366 Dalhousie) and Big Rig BrewPub (2750A Iris St). Sadly didn’t have enough time, but these two restaurants will be on my radar for my next visit. Tweet Up anyone?

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Canada day is quickly approaching and this means that my brain is thinking about “Canadian Foods“. It’s a problem. I wish that I didn’t think about food as much as I do but we can talk about that problem another time!!

Here’s a few food items that I identify with as being “Canadian”. I won’t be googling about the history of each item (although I’m sure it would be interesting)…just going to share a few photos with you. Is that ok?

#1 on my list: Beavertails: Have been eating beavertails since the 70’s.

I indulge in a Beavertail almost every time I visit Ottawa #fact

Item #2: The Buttertart

oh such goodness

My favorite treat but I will only have a buter tart if it’s a GREAT one. Not just a mediocre one. (I’m fussy that way). I love the buttertarts from Flaky Tart ( 711 Mt Pleasant) or from Marty’s World Famous Cafe. (5 Manitoba St. Bracebridge)

Item #3 Tim Hortons: I had one Tim Bit and a medium sized coffee every day for years.

My favorite: Banana Timbits or the powered sugared ones

Item #4: Maple Syrup

I head out the Maple Syrup Festival almost every year!!

Item #5; Ice Wine (sorry no photo)

Items #6: Poutine. Poutini’s (1112 Queen St. West)  just celebrated their third birthday and it was very very hard for me not to go that day. (due to this carb free diet). The minute I decide to splurge..I will be going directly to Poutinis for their teeny weeny version (the best idea ev-uh).

another weakness of mine…specifically from Poutinis

I know I missing a few: Saskatoon berries, and a few other items. You can help me out by leaving a comment (hint).

Have a wonderful Canada Day. I will be in Ottawa walking thru the downtown core and catching the fireworks. Can’t wait.

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Last week, I biked from Bathurst/Eglinton to Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market. It was a super easy route, and 99 % of the time I was on the beltline and not on a major street. I was kicking myself that I have never done this before!!

It was my first time visiting the Farmers’ Market since the Fall and was eager to buy vegetables, but I didn’t!! I bought only one item that day and that item was a cinnamon bun for $3 that was absolutely heavenly! I nibbled on it the ENTIRE DAY – that’s how good it was. (I wish I knew the vendor but I was clearly intoxicated from the smell and forgot to ask for a business card).

This was what was left at the end of the day.

The next day, I went to Ottawa to surprise my mom for Mother’s day. The sun was shining, so off we went to the Ottawa Farmers Market in their new home at Brewer park. We loved the lay out and every vendor that I spoke to was thrilled with the new location.

Once again, I had every intention to buy vegetables but ended up buying maple cotton candy. I felt like I won the lottery as I scored the last two bags.

Does anyone make this in Toronto?

What is wrong with me? Why didn’t I buy anything healthy? I honestly don’t have a sweet tooth but for some reason…did not buy one single vegetable at either farmers market. I’m not really concerned as I know that I will be visiting plenty of farmers markets over the summer and fall!!

For further info:

a) Farmers Markets: click on this website  www.farmersmarketsontario.com

b) Biking in Toronto: click on this website  www.bikingtoronto.com

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Every time I go to Ottawa..I can’ t seem to stop eating. There’s always something new to try and always something I want to bring back to Toronto.

I started off my trip with a tweet up at a new restaurant called Pressed. I had read about it on other blogs (naturally) and thought it would be an ideal spot for a tweet up. Sadly I scheduled a tweet up on a night that the Senators were playing (oops) but I discovered that not EVERYONE watches the hockey game.

I loved the casual atmosphere of this restaurant and was impressed that they even put a few tables together for the tweet up!! Nice touch. I ordered the Margherita sandwich which was described on the menu as: fresh mozarella, basil, smoked tomato, and black olive tapenade.

Now, this could have been an ordinary sandwich but when I bit into the sandwich, I soon discovered that this WASN”T an ordinary sandwich.The addition of the SMOKED tomato made a huge difference!!  It was an amazing sandwich. Their investment to buy a smoker paid off. WOW..why don’t more places offer this smokey goodness?

The Smoker!!

My foodie adventures continued at Mugena which has been around for 17 years. I’ve probably passed it a hundred times but never once had eaten there.  Thanks to my foodie friend @sforzely who recommended this gem of a place that serves Caribbean food. When I walked in, I knew I scored as the place was full of Caribbean customers. While pouring over the menu, I didn’t see any vegetarian options but they were more than accomodating to make me a potato roti. I instantly fell in love with the soft dough and the filling. Next time I will order even more of the mango chutney. My taste buds really enjoy that sour sweet condiment.

will be back for another one!!

I also stopped in to chat with Michael Sutherland from Michaels Dolce who highly recommended that I try the Chai Raisin Loaf from True Loaf. WOW…this bread is so unique and has such a different flavor profile. It’s in my freezer to help me from eating the whole loaf!! True Loaf has been around since 2009 and often sells out so I called first and got there before 1 p.m!!

Great Choice!!

What else did I bring back besides bread? Oh yeah – some  of  Michaels Dolces’ Jam!! I’m so excited to sample his unique jam (think Rhubarb Pepper made with Ontario Rhubarb) that I am going to host a Jam Party so I can share the bread AND the jam. Who wants to join me?

Jam Party Anyone?

Pressed: 750 Gladstone Ottawa ON (613) 680-9294

Mugena: 911 Richmond St. Ottawa ON (613) 722-8228

True Loaf: 573 Gladstone, Ottawa ON (613) 680-4178

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My last visit to Ottawa was in December, which means a lot has happened in regards to new restaurants opening up!!  Therefore, I was on a mission to visit these new restaurants even though my trip was a quick one.

I had been tweeting with @AMWATERS about my trip and she suggested we have a coffee at Bread & Sons (195 Bank St). I’m always eager to visit new coffee shops even though I’m a huge fan of Bridgehead. While sipping coffee, we shared a croissant which was buttery and chewy and quite perfect!! I had my “eye” on the butter tarts but decided to try it on a future visit.

Cool presentation!

Then we met for lunch at a new Taco restaurant that recently opened called Taco Lot (995 Wellingston St. W). I inhaled a super fresh taco and can see why Ottawa has embraced this new restaurant as the city was kind of lacking a place to eat a really good taco.

Really. Really. Good.

Seeing as the taco was more of a “snack” – we headed over to Hintonburg Public House (1020 Wellington St. W). We shared an order of fish and chips and noticed that all the surrounding tables had ordered the same thing. Clearly this a a hit on the menu! We were impressed with the food, service and ambience – no complaints.

Perfect.

Due to the fact that Isobel’s was a few stores down, (1018 Wellington St. W) I went in to grab a vanilla bean cupcake with cream cheese dressing. I couldn’t resist.

I encourage everyone to visit Wellington St. West  – it’s truly a happening neighborhood. (referred to as Hintonburg). You can visit lots of fabulous stores and restaurants without having to move your car once!! SCORE.

In the afternoon, I headed over to see my foodie friends  at Michaels Dolce to check out their new kitchen facility. This couple is super interesting and super talented and I was thrilled to have had a few minutes to drop by.

Available in Ottawa AND Toronto!!

For dinner I headed out once again to Wellington St. W. I was excited to catch up with @FoodiePrints and they suggested we eat at Hintonburger (1096 Wellington).  I ate the falafel veggie burger while chatting with this lovely young couple about food, social media and more food!!

The next day, I made sure to visit 3 places very quickly before heading out:

1. Art-Is-An Bakery: to pick up 3 fantastic loaves of bread

2. Rideau Bakery: to pick up challah and rye bread.

3. SuzyQ Doughnuts: to pick up 2  (yes, only 2), salted caramel donuts. By the way – I was introduced to these donuts at the Farmers Market last year, but just recently they opened up a retail location at 991 Wellington St. West. I’m thrilled for them.

Next time Im buying 3.

It was a great trip that combined inhaling great food and spending time with family and friends. Even the weather cooperated. Looking forward to my next trip already.

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