How well do you know the couple?

Fall is in the air, and one of my favourite things to do this season is have lunch and tea at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.  The tearoom (previously called the Moorside Tearoom) is part of the Mackenzie King Estate, in the Gatineau Hills.  The drive up is beautiful, especially once the leaves start changing colour.  I also recommend taking the time to walk around the estate before or after your meal.  You can explore old ruins and gardens, and hiking trails are accessible right from the cottages. 

Taylor’s Genuine Food and Wine Bar

John Taylor’s second restaurant opened in Old Ottawa South just over a year ago, and I stopped by over the summer.  Like Domus, the menu features seasonal Canadian dishes and regional ingredients.  Reservations are a must because the restaurant is small and garnered quite a bit of attention recently over its “no kids” policy (some people loved the idea and others were offended – regardless, it doesn’t seem to be a very strict rule, as there actually were a number of kids there when I went and they were all very well-behaved).

Trustfund's 5th Birthday

Head down to Trustfund this weekend to celebrate the boutique's 5th year in business!  The store is stocked with delicious fall pieces for men & women.  Tiger of Sweden has some beautiful dresses for the ladies, and Fred Perry has cozy sweaters for the gents.

Check out Trustfund's Facebook page to take advantage of 15% off any purchase all weekend, and 30% off 7 for all Mankind and Nudie jeans.

Out of Town: Jean-Paul Gaultier at the MMFA

What better way to spend a Saturday than taking a day trip to Montreal?  I recently checked out the “Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk” exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. 

Exhibitions at the MMFA are always so engaging and cutting edge.  This show is a wonderful glimpse into the crazy and glamorous world of haute couture that most of us regular folk never get to see, except maybe on TV.   

Best Cheap Eats

Restaurants in Ottawa tend to be on the pricey side.  Compared to Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, the number of restaurants in Ottawa is quite small.  However, Ottawa is filled with well-educated, well-paid public servants.  Apply the basic laws of supply and demand, and you end up with restaurants that can get away with charging $30+ for a chicken dish. 

September 17, 2011: Taste of Wellington West

The Wellington West Business Improvement Area is hosting its 5th annual “Taste of Wellington West” event this upcoming Saturday.  Expect everything from musical performances, fashion shows, raffles and even a tea party with city councillor Katherine Hobbs.

SideDoor Contemporary Kitchen and Bar

I went to SideDoor recently, located where Foundation used to be.  The owners and chef are the same as Eighteen, but SideDoor is an Asian-influenced small plate restaurant.  I’ll start off by gushing a bit about one of my favourite spots in Ottawa – the Clarendon Courtyard.  I love the cobblestone, the old buildings, the European vibe… no wonder people take their wedding photos here so often. 

Anyway, SideDoor is nestled right in the Clarendon courtyard.  We started off the evening with sakepolitan and yuzu champagne cocktails at the bar – both fabulous, well balanced. 

National Arts Centre: 2011-2012 Dance Season

Tickets are now on sale for the NAC’s 2011-2012 dance season!  My top picks for the year are the Bolshoi Ballet’s Don Quixote and Alvin Ailey’s Revelations and Other Works.  Of course The Nutcracker is also a good choice for parents wanting to introduce their kids to the dance world.

Inaugural Post!

Welcome to my blog about life in Ottawa!  Travellers and locals alike can use this site as a guide to the best restaurants, shops and culture Canada’s capital has to offer.  Amid the government buildings and political happenings are nestled lots of interesting and inspiring things to do.  Lots of festivals, concerts and other entertainment roll through Ottawa, but I will focus more on permanent establishments.  Here you will find my reviews of gallery exhibits, theatre performances, shopping events, restaurant meals and so on.