Savor the Flavors of Canada's Capitol - Part II

Dining Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis

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Ottawa has a unique neighborhood that is a delightful collection of international flavors, featuring an oriental gate taking you to a bevy of delicious venues that welcome visitors to this special section of the city.

We opted to have our first night in Ottawa dinner at the Korean Palace, located at 610 Sumerset Street, where the décor is authentic, the dishes are outstanding, and the service is respectful. A favorite dish at Korean Palace is the Kimchi Jun appetizer (a pancake made with green onions; served with a secret sauce) and the Jaeyook Bok Um (pork with veggies cooked at the table). The Kimchi dumpling Jeorgal (hot pot with dumplings, pork, veggies and broth) is simply divine. This little jewel was quite a tasteful surprise, and I look forward to returning. They serve wine, saki, a bevy of Korean beers and wonderful tea. Visit:
info@koreanpalace.ca.

There are a mileau of little towns and villages that are so interesting to visit just a short drive and ferry trip from Ottawa, and they attract hoards of tourist annually. Taking a ferry to the French side for a visit to The Chelsea Pub founded in 1875, where the quiche is perfect and the assortment of ale is endless, is worth the trip. The crowd enjoying lunch on this historic patio is diverse, and includes bikers, families with children, young couples and seniors who all love the patio activity and delicious faire. In the evening they offer live entertainment in the bar. For additional information visit: www.chelseapub.ca.

For a true gastronimique delight you must stop at Les Fougeres located at 783 Route 105 in Chelsea, Quebec, where you could spend hours in their shop selecting fine gourmet food treasures to bring home, or if you are very lucky you may be having lunch with chef-owners Charles Part and Jennifer Warren Part. The restaurant is lovely, and the authentic French menu, food preparation and presentation is beyond anyone's wildest expectation. This very talented couple are the recipients of awards including the Gold Plate and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. I can hardly wait to return to this enchanting palace of fine food. Visit: www.fougeres.com.

Down the road at 706 Route 105 in Old Chelsea is the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse, a charming little green and white building , where visitors pack in to buy delicious smoked salmon that melts in your mouth, along with amazing mustards and sauces. The assortment of fine smoked meats is surprising and a great delight to lovers of smoked foods. Visit: www.chelseasmokehouse.ca

A drive through Ottawa and the surrounding areas in fall is so beautiful and fun for the family. Stop along the waters edge and take photos of the boats sailing, and people enjoying the wonderful outdoors of Canada.

The fall went on and on in Ottawa, as it has in other parts of the world this year, but soon the winter fun begins, and Ottawa is not only the capitol of Canada, but is a center for cold weather fun. Their Winterlude includes miles of ice skating along the Rideau Canal, and beautiful outdoor rinks that feature glamorous lighting effects, and delicious fast food options. The capitol in Ottawa is also the source of a light show in the evening that outstanding.

Last but not least, don't forget about Mont Tremblant on the French side, which has become one of the most desired ski resorts in the world, and offers the pleasures of the Fairmont Tremblant Hotel and Le Westin Hotel, along with delightful shopping in a resort environment that looks like Switzerland when it snows. They offer fine restaurants and spa services throughout the resort. Visit: www.montblanc.ca.

So, as winter approaches check the visitor information listing for vacation planning in December, January, February where you will find all the amazing food, entertainment, art & culture and family adventures your heart desires for winter. Visit: www.ottawatourism.org.

By Bonnie Carroll

Click here to read Savor the Adventures & Flavors of Ottawa - Part I