Savoring
the Adventures & Flavors of Ottowa - Part I
By
Bonnie Carroll
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on image to enlarge & get caption |
Fairmont
Chateau Laurier
The
Fairmont Chateau Laurier continues to be the diamond in the crown
for the city of Ottawa, and for tourists to the city it is perfectly
located in the center of points of interest. Located across the
street from the double-decker bus tours and Paul's Rideau Canal
boat ride tours, the Parliament buildings, Rideau Shopping Center
and walking distance to the Bayward Market, museums and fantastic
restaurants it is the centerpiece for visitors wishing to see
the heart of this great Canadian Capitol.
Winfreds Restaurant
The
hotel celebrated 100 years last year and celebrated with replica
menus in their Winfreds restaurant, as well as Zoe's. The lounge
or lobby offer great meeting places for locals and distinguished
guests, where traditional tea, cocktails and a perfect pint can
be savored. I love the photograph of Winston Churchill, among
a collection hung in the lounge, done by long-time hotel resident
Yousuf Karsh an Armenian-born photographer who lived in the hotel
and photographed many dignitaries and celebrities of the period.
Chateau Laurier Chef Louis Simard
The
Winfreds award-winning restaurant is an elegant room with beautiful
décor, and a menu to match. Executive Chef Louis Simard
and his staff offer some Canadian and international specialties
to please every visitor. Canadian born Simard joined the hotel
in January 2013 and was a former sous chef at the Fairmont Miramar
in Santa Monica, California. The hotel has an amazing wine cellar
that includes rare European wines and adds exciting new wines
from other destinations as they become available.
Westin Hotel
The
Westin Hotel, which is connected to the New Convention Center
and the Rideau Shopping Center, is a lovely hotel featuring Daly's,
a full service dining room offering wonderful faire, and I was
told there is a tunnel connecting it to the Parliament Buildings.
This modern hotel is also advantageous for tourists who wish to
see the city and have a limited time schedule.
Black Tomato Restaurant Sign
Two
blocks away, on your route to the famous ByWard Market, you will
find a delightful new American owned restaurant called the Black
Tomato, located at 11 St. George Street, where the chef Rob Mac
Donald, who worked with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in
Northern California, is serving up some amazing dishes to compliment
their astounding list of local ale options. Chef Mac Donald's
duck comfit salad is outstanding.
Tour Bus
Canal Cruise
The
quickest easiest way to get the facts and see the sights is on
the Lady Dive & Grayline Ottawa big red double-decker buses
parked on the street adjacent to the Rideau Canal. This is a charming
way to get a look at the official buildings and major tourist
attractions, and they offer a get-off-get-on option to allow visitors
to spend time at each site. Paul's Rideau Canal Cruises offer
a lovely trip up the canal with an extensive story on the history
of canal's importance to the growth of Ottawa. Both tour options
provide great photo opportunities for tourists. Also check the
Ottawa Tourism site for the upcoming "Winterlude" winter
celebration when the Rideau Canal becomes an enchanting skating
rink for all of Ottawa.
Nat Museum
So
many museums, so little time. Ottawa is overflowing with wonderful
museums including their Museum of Nature, National Gallery of
Canada, Royal Canadian Mint, and many more. One of the most delightful
spots to visit for lunch before or after a museum visit is the
Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Bistro located in a large charming historic
Ottawa mansion, where lunch and dinner are done under the skilled
eyes of Master Chef Yannick Anton and prepared and presented by
the student chefs. It's all delicious. The owner of this Ottawa
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and the venue in Paris is also
connected to Remy Cointreau, so be assured the wine list is quite
respectable.
Le Cordon Bleu Entrance
Next
month we will be doing a story covering the wonderful little towns
around Ottawa, and will take you on the ferry to visit the French
side where there are delightful restaurants, world renowned ski
resorts and food producers you may enjoy learning about. Bon appétit!
Fairmont
Chateau Laurier, www.chauteaulaurier@fairmont.com
Westin Ottawa, www.thewestinottawa.com
Ottawa Tourism, www.ottawatourism.ca
Ottawa Le Cordon Bleu, www.lcbottawa.ca
By
Bonnie Carroll
Click
here to read Savor the Adventures & Flavors of Ottawa - Part
II
