You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Ottawa’ category.
Today was the launch day for Ottawa’s new food trucks and carts and it kicked off with an event at city hall. I had every intention of gettng a bracelet and trying the samples at each of the trucks, but so did about 700 other people. Lines, crowds and blazing sun are three of the things I dislike most… especially when you combine them! So I snagged a few pictures to show you and made a vow to try each truck individually when they hit the streets.
Until then here is a little taste of what to expect and where to get it.
So many lovers of food from trucks
Fellow food bloggers capturing the action
The ever-awesome Grayson letting me know he’s all out of Harvey & Vern’s soda – can’t blame the crowd it was scorching hot!
The colourful Mr. Ron Eade getting ready to write a much better synopsis of this event than I’m doing.
This pic was taken as James Cunningham from Food Network’s Eat Street was standing beside me about to film a scene!
Honestly… I’m TOO excited for these trucks. I think I need a new hobby.
It’s happened! May hit and suddenly it is tulip time in the capital! It’s also time to get your butt in gear and get yourself a ticket to Bon Appetit. Not convinced that it is a great idea yet? Well, here are a couple short interviews I did with Vicki from Empire Cheese and Erica from Humming Bird Chocolate – both amazing people and products that you will get to sample at the event. For more information about the charities that will be supported, other food and drink partners as well as how to buy tickets – click here.
Simply Fresh – First question, what made you decide to get involved with Bon Appetit? Do you have a particular cause that you identify with – or just the event in general?
*Empire Cheese – I contacted the organizers of Bon Appetit after I found the event on-line. We were looking for culinary events in the Ottawa region to promote our cheese because we were just expanding our delivery region to include the Ottawa area. When I located this one, I thought what a great event to feature local food and restaurants while raising money for such a worth while cause. We were very anxious to be a part of the event and were thrilled with the success of it last year when we participated for the first time.
**Humming Bird Chocolate - Bon Appetit is a great opportunity to help many worthwhile organizations while bringing some of Ottawa’s best food together in one space. My husband, Drew, and I have done a lot of work overseas assisting people in developing countries, so this was a chance to do something closer to home.
What should people try to keep in mind when searching out a great cheese or chocolate?
* In our plant, we manufacture cheddar in the traditional way using whole milk. All of our cheese is naturally aged and does not include any preservatives or additives to enhance the flavour. As a result our cheddar has a rich, creamy texture and taste. I believe all of these things are important when selecting a piece of great cheese.
** I think one of the most amazing things about chocolate is that it isn’t just one “flavour,” but there is a great variation in taste based on the origin of the cacao beans and how they are handled by the individual chocolate maker. Chocolate can taste fruity, nutty, savoury, floral. So, with that in mind, I would recommend that people look at where the beans are from and the list of ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the better, if you want to really experience the natural characteristics of those fine cacao beans.
Thinking of your product, what is your favourite pairing? Something classic like wine, or a bit more unusual?
* My favorite is a piece of extra-old cheddar on a cracker topped with a great red-pepper jelly. It is even better when you add a glass of pinot grigio!
** Probably because I’m surrounded by it all day, but I eat chocolate slowly and frequently. One of the amazing things about chocolate is that it melts very close to human body temperature. So when you taste chocolate, you want to put a piece in your mouth and let it melt for a little while. It will coat your tongue and roof of your mouth allowing you to experience more of the nuance in flavour.
I love to choose a few bars made from cacao beans from different regions and taste them with friends or family. Everyone will have their own preferences and will identify different flavours in the bars which you may or may not experience yourself. We’ve also been doing some research on pairing our chocolate with wine and whiskey and this is quickly becoming a favourite way to enjoy chocolate at our house!
Can you believe Bon Appetit is 17 years old this year?? It’s started driving but is upset because it still can’t drink – even on the Quebec side.
This is a wicked cocktail party that raises money for numerous charities around the city with a particular focus on children and the elderly, including Harmony House, Meals on Wheels and Youville Centre. I think we all know how I feel about eating and drinking for a good cause.
In the coming days I’ll have some interviews with some of the food and beverage partners who are coming together to raise much needed funds for our community.
In the meantime I’ve got a ticket for this event up for grabs. It’s easy. All I want you to do is comment on this post telling me what your favourite Ottawa charity is, or about the cause that is near and dear to your heart. I’ll pick a winner on Friday and the ticket will be waiting for you at the event!
Don’t want to gamble? Want your ticket now?? I don’t blame you – here are the event details.
What: A killer cocktail party with luscious nibbles and decadent drinks that supports so many charities in our city.
Where: Ernst & Young Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
When: May 7 – 5:30 to 9
How Much: $85 ticket (including a $50 tax receipt) that includes all of the food and beverages for the evening
How: Click here
Bon Appetit, Ottawa!
One of my bucket list items was to spend time in 3 neighbourhoods in Ottawa that I don’t usually visit. And of course they needed to be chock full of great food.
Living in lower town, so close to the ByWard Market, I’m rarely in the Glebe. For some reason or another, I decided to rectify this during the Easter weekend when we were having that nasty April Fool’s winter storm. It is really saying something that I had a great time out in that weather. I hate being cold, more than I hate raw onion.
Here are some photos from my adventure – I’m looking forward to coming back when I don’t have to rush into stores just to escape the wind. Also because I need to spend time in Cats R Us. Seriously a boutique of all things cats?? I’m a dog person and I still need to check this out.
It might be just another passing fad, but I like food trucks. I like the idea that no matter what part of the city I’m in, if there isn’t a great place to eat near by – one might be on its way to me! I also love the idea of wacky themes that might not make it as a restaurant, but totally work for a truck or stand.
Recently the city of Ottawa has approved the paper work for 18 new food trucks. From Texas Street food to Asian-fusion, the streets just got tastier.
Now you can find Stone Soup Foodworks on the streets AND at the University of Ottawa
Personally, I could never run a food truck. That doesn’t stop me from having some pretty kick ass ideas for them. So please, anyone who is willing to do these idea’s justice – take them. Make my vision come to life. I only ask that you send me an email telling me where I might find this food truck, so that I can become a regular. And maybe lunch is on you. Seems pretty reasonable I think.
Idea #1 – Stuff-ins
What would make a banana muffin even better? A peanut butter centre. What about blueberry muffins filled with jam? Or a chocolate chip muffin stuffed with chocolate hazelnut spread? And I *need* a carrot muffin filled with coconut cream cheese icing.
That’s right. This whole truck would be nothing but muffins stuffed with yummy centres. And coffee and tea.
I’m picturing a black and purple S&M themed truck. Black lights, leather whips – the whole shebang. But that’s up for debate.
Idea #2 – Dumplings
I see this as a Japanese Anime themed truck. No idea why.But I think this needs to be linked to Sailor Moon.
The idea here is pretty self explanatory - Dumplings. Nothing but dumplings in all their various forms, from perogies to gyoza. Basically an entire menu, desserts and all, of small packages of seasoned dough that are boiled, fried, baked or steamed filled with goodness. There is a lot of room for fun here.
Makes me want dumplings. Can’t explain it.
Idea #3 – To Be Named
This is my least developed, and newest food truck idea. I’m afraid I don’t have a theme for the truck visually… but I’d like to see some kind of sombrero in the artwork.
This one is all about Nachos. I hate the way Ottawa does nachos. These would be layered, with cheese and ingredients on multiple levels. No more of this tasty toppings hiding 30lbs of dry corn chips.
And there would be all different kinds of Nachos. Think of it as ‘The Works’ or ‘Wild Wing’ for nachos. Just think of all the fun you could have naming these creations! One small request, if you name one after me – no onions and lots of avocado please.
So there you have it. 3 amazing food truck ideas that I’d like to see in our city, but am decidedly too lazy to see through to fruition. Here is hoping you are more ambitious than I am and I can have a stuffed carrot muffin, Thai golden pouches and some super nachos in the near future.
Ok. I’m more than a little bias when writing this post. But let’s face it, you aren’t here for journalistic professionalism. Fitting, since this blog has always been intended to be more of a diary than a news source.
As you know from several of my other posts, tweets and facebook updates: I have the best job in the world at C’est Bon Cooking. Honestly. The best. I spend my time there thinking about food. Writing about food. Talking about food. Sometimes even making food. It’s fantastic.
So obviously, when the opportunity presented itself, I weasled my way in to a lunch to test out our newest offering “Eat. Speak Critique.” Another perk of the job!
The idea behind ESC is that you get to hone your inner dining critic along with the help of the über talented former Ottawa Citizen restaurant critic and the mind behind Capital Dining - Anne DesBrisay. As well as your inner chef with the lovely Chef Andrée of C’est Bon Cooking.
The wonderful Chef Andrée
When you sign up for the experience, you get the opportunity to dine with these lovely ladies and talk about how their profession impacts their dining experience. What do they look for in a great restaurant? How are different dishes prepared? And have your say too!
In the end, you’ll have a great meal with some fantastic company and lean a great many things as well. And if you are lucky, your experience will end up on Anne’s blog – just like ours did.
**
Oh I am just awesome. I suppose that after reading this you might just want to learn more. Well – here is the C’est Bon website, or feel free to contact them at info@cestboncooking.ca – wow… epic fail.
If you are anything like me, the haze of the holidays has worn off and you actually can’t remember having any days off at all. What you need (and me too… desperately) is a night of amazing food and drink. Enter the Red and White! You might remember this fantastic fundraiser from last year or at least from my teaser post a few weeks ago.
The twist this year, it’s an all female chef crew! That’s right – girl power! The very talented chefs include: Caroline Ishii, Zen Kitchen; Katie Brown, Beckta; and Sarah Allen of Union 613.
The part I’m looking forward to most (besides ALL OF IT), is dessert. Which will once again be provided by Little Cakes. Last year the cupcakes were so amazing – I’m pretty sure I tried all four flavours at least twice. Don’t do the math. I don’t want to admit to eating that many cupcakes… even if they are mini.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Shakira Whitton from Little Cakes about this year’s event.
Simply Fresh – I’ll start off by saying I’m so happy you are doing the red and white again this year – your cupcakes were such a hit last time!! What made you want to get involved in the event??
Little Cakes – Being successful business women and mothers, with safe and happy home lives, Colleen and I both strongly support charities such as Youville Centre and Harmony House. We believe every woman and child in need deserves a brighter future and we respect the work these organizations do for women.
We have been donating graduation cupcakes to The Youville Centre for the past 3 years and when [we were] contacted about the The Red and White event for Harmony House, we were very eager to participate. The event would feature savory foods being prepared by top chefs, as well as local wine and beer. Mini cupcakes to wrap things up seemed like a perfect fit!
The evening was a huge success and we are delighted to be back this year!!
That’s great how do you feel about the line up being all female chefs this year – and all from Ottawa no less??
YES the all female line-up of chefs is super exciting – GIRL POWER!!
And now for the most important question – what kind of cupcakes are you making for the event this year??
We’ve chosen a few cupcake flavors to serve up this year; 2 of our classic favorites and 2 scrumptious new ones! From last year’s event - Bananarama and Chocolate Brownie and the new flavors – Raspberry White Chocolate and Black Forest.
I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering already.
The Red and White is next week – Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 at Ashbury College, 362 Mariposa Ave. at 7pm. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.
All profit from the event go to support Harmony House Women’s Shelter. Do some good, eat some food and drink some wine. Can there possibly be a better evening?? Not in my books.
Welcome 2013!!!
New Years is my favourite holiday. A time for new beginnings, good will and looking forward. It’s a time to reflect on what was and take the time to make plans on how to make the year to come even better than the one before.
Thanks for the great picture @nice_jewish_boy
With it comes resolutions and lists. Here’s another one – of all the foodie adventures I hope to have this year.
1. I still want to learn to cook offal – this is my year!
2. I want to spend an afternoon in 3 foodie neighbourhoods, that I don’t already know and love, in Ottawa and learn more about the shops, restaurants and food artisans that are there.
3. This year I’m going to up my food vocabulary – so every day I’ll post a new food term or definition on twitter and do a round up here on the blog.
4. Another left over from 2012 – I want to make my own dishes. Or dish. Let’s see how hard that is first.
5. In a step towards becoming that old Italian Grandmother I so long to be, I want to make my own pasta. I know, I know… I can’t believe I haven’t done that yet either.
What are your plans for the year ahead?!?!
There are only a few days left of this year and let’s face it – the bucket list isn’t getting done. I don’t want to make excuses… but I cross my heart and promise that I will not get another divorce in 2013* (*any current ones started in 2012 do not count) – so that should free me up to get some stuff done!
So – that said. I felt like I made some headway through the bucket list and it’s a great jumping off for my next year’s list. But before moving forward – let’s do a year in review thingy.
I said I wanted to eat at 15 new restaurants from ‘The List’ - well I got 12:
- Courtyard Restaurant
- Zen Kitchen
- Pressed
- Absinthe Cafe
- The Table
- Ceylonta
- Moji
- Palais Imperial
- Brothers Beer Bistro
- Union 613
- Vittoria Trattoria
- The Urban Pear (still needs a review written!)
And I went to a few new additions to the Ottawa food scene that weren’t on the list. So… not too shabby.
I went to high tea, hosted a foodie get together and ate more than one very memorable dinners in this awesome city. I preserved tomato sauce, made things I was buying, used new ingredients and found a white wine I enjoy.
I even found Ottawa’s best beer! Though I think in the name of science I should probably taste test them all again.
And yeah… I got to do this. Not a bad year!
With that brings 2012 to a close. One of the worst – but somehow also the best – years of my life. The lows were low, but worth the lessons and discovery of an inner strength I didn’t know I had. They also set the stage for me to fully appreciate the amazing things and people when they come along.
But please 2013… give a girl a break.
This is just a little teaser about a really wonderful event coming up in the new year! I’ll have more postings later but until then you should grab a ticket or four and get ready for a night of great food helping out a wonderful organization in Ottawa.
