ONTARIO, "THE PROVINCE OF OPPORTUNITY"

OTTAWA, “BYTOWN”

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags around Canada. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Dining in Ottawa

Eating out in Ottawa is a rewarding experience, with a range of restaurants to suit every budget. The restaurants in Ottawa below have been classed into three different pricing categories:
Expensive (over C$35)
Moderate (C$20 to C$35)
Inexpensive (up to C$20)
The prices quoted are for a three course meal for one, with half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax included.

Smoke's Poutinerie
Inexpensive

Smoke's Poutinerie specializes in the Quebec classic poutine dish, consisting of fries, curd and gravy. This heavyweight dish comes with the option of extra fresh toppings so you can create your own; from pork, chicken and beef to vegetarian options. Many locals claim this place serves the best poutine in town. Check it out for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.

Telephone:  (613) 789 2873.

Website:  http://smokespoutinerie.com/Menu.aspx

Address:

407 Dalhousie Street
Ottawa
Canada

Ahora
Inexpensive

With plenty of tasty mains for under $10 from tacos to quesadillas to burritos, this Mexican eatery is great for thrifty tourists wishing to fill up on good, hearty food. Inspired by a traditional cantina, it offers colorful, lively decor with a free salsa bar to spice up your dish - now that's great value.

Telephone:  (613) 562 2081.

Website:  http://www.ahora.ca

Address:

307 Dalhousie Street
Ottawa
Canada

Murray Street Restaurant
Expensive

Proudly celebrating Canadian cuisine, this eatery claims to "epitomize 'Canadian Comfort' in all its maple soaked, curd topped, wood smoked glory". From duck to pig's head, it's a carnivore's delight. It even boasts its own charcuterie, where everything is made in house. Delicious.

Telephone:  (613) 562 7244.

Website:  http://murraystreet.ca/

Address:

110 Murray Street
Ottawa

Canada

 

The Manx
Moderate

Since 1993, The Manx claims to have been at the center of Ottawa's arts scene, showcasing the works of local artists, hosting DJ nights and proving to be popular haunt for lovers of good food and beer, with its fine selection of craft beer. Alcohol aside, the food is also worth sampling, whether it's spicy crab cakes or a salmon burger. Good pub fare.

Telephone:  (613) 231 2070.

Website:  http://manxpub.com/

Address:

370 Elgin Street
Ottawa
Canada

The Wellington Gastropub
Expensive

This smart gastropub offers a restricted menu but is still a winner with locals. Choose from oysters or goats cheese parfait for starters, scallops or steak for mains, before finishing off with cheese, panna cotta or ice cream for dessert.

Telephone:  (613) 729 1315.

Address:

1325 Wellington Street West
Ottawa
Canada

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
Inexpensive

This place serves what are quite likely the world's best gourmet burgers, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations of delicate flavors and sustenance fit for a rugby team. Ion Aimers, alias the Big Cheese, has opened five stores in five years, all in industrial chic style, serving old-fashioned burgers and milkshakes.

Telephone:  (613) 235 0406

Website:  http://www.worksburger.com/

Address:

580 Bank Street
Ottawa
Canada

 

Parliament Pub
Moderate

In view of the Parliament Buildings, this is the place to rub shoulders with politicians and overhear the talk on the Hill. It offers an intriguing selection of salads and sandwiches named after local politicians, whose caricatures adorn the walls.

Telephone:  (613) 563 0636.

Website:  http://www.parliamentpub.com/

Address:

101 Sparks Street
Ottawa
Canada

Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant
Expensive

This charming French country-style restaurant serves the finest classic French cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Master Chefs. Intimate nooks, impeccable service, perfect wine and food pairings, and an experience in exquisite taste and food artistry are unforgettable at Le Cordon Bleu's only five-diamond restaurant in the world.

Telephone:  (613) 236 2499.

Website:  http://www.signaturesrestaurant.com/

Address:

453 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa
Canada

Courtyard Restaurant
Moderate

This is an elegant, yet casual restaurant in a heritage stone building in the ByWard Market area. It is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, with delectable French cuisine, mimosa cocktails and wicked desserts.

Telephone:  (613) 241 1516.

Website:  http://www.courtyardrestaurant.com/

Address:

21 George Street
Ottawa
Canada

Ottawa Nightlife

Ottawa's nightlife has a hopping pub scene focused on Elgin Street, Bank Street and the ByWard Market. Dance clubs, blues joints, karaoke and a multitude of Irish pubs draw a student and young professional crowd to party the night away. Last orders are at 0200 and bars stay open till 0245.

Check Ottawa's online arts and entertainment guide at The Humm (www.thehumm.com).

Whisky BarWith its stone fireplaces and ski chalet feel, this is an unpretentious and raucous place to hang out if you like, whether you like whisky or not. There is a bar, various booths, a dancefloor and a lounge, while 1980s and 90s music provide the anthems.
Address:112 York Street Ottawa CanadaTelephone:  (613) 241-5457. Website:  http://whiskeybar.ca 

SocialThis is a Martini bar with great mojitos. It has an inviting atmosphere with live jazz, and draws a buzzing crowd.
Address:537 Sussex Drive Ottawa CanadaTelephone:  (613) 789 7355.Website:  http://www.social.ca 

The Heart and CrownSituated in the ByWard Market, this is a popular Irish pub to drop in for a pint and some live music.
Address:67 Clearance Street Ottawa Canada Telephone:  (613) 562 0674Website:  http://www.heartandcrown.ca 

Grace O'Malley's PubThis spot serves typical Irish pub fare with live music throughout the week.
Address:1150 Ogilvie Road Ottawa CanadaTelephone:  (613) 842 0220. Website:  http://www.gracies.ca 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 I just love Ottawa because I was able to develop a lot of things, my own character as a man. 

Rohan Marley

  

Live a Better Life Travel Often!