Tag Archives: byward market

Soaking up the Sun…

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Happy first day of spring, nuts! As of 1:14 p.m. we are officially out of winter! As of noon yesterday, we were also somehow in summer. With temperatures that reached the mid-twenties by noon, we Ottawans have been blessed with a tropical treat! Since our weather seems to be ridiculously temperamental this year, I’m going to take advantage of the sunshine before Mother Nature changes her mind again. What better way to do that, than unwinding after work on a patio with a cool, refreshing bevy and a bite to eat. And so, even though this may be a tad premature, without ado, I present to you a list of my favourite hot spots to visit in Ottawa…

Business Sector:

Royal Oak (180 Kent Street):

One of the newer locations in Ottawa, the Kent Street Oak encompasses everything that you probably already know (and love) about this Ottawa classic…but with a gigantic outdoor patio. In the heart of the business sector, this patio seats 160 patrons and features a different drink special every night. Add in a menu that features a ton of different appetizers and British pub fare, and you have yourself a recipe for a good time.

Parliament Pub (101 Wellington Street):

Looking for a patio that’s unique to Ottawa? Try out Parliament Pub, located directly across from Parliament Hill, with a prime view of the Peace Tower. Known as the place where ‘real politics get done’, it often attracts politicians and their staff, as well as journalists, civil servants and more. Happy Hour runs from 5-7 p.m. and while the beer list isn’t extensive, their drinks will still get the job done!

Fox & The Feather (283 Elgin Street):

There’s something extra-special about being on a patio that is elevated, and that’s what the Fox & the Feather has to offer: a large, second story patio that overlooks Elgin. With a large menu that offers everything from sandwiches to steaks, this full-menu has a food-pick for everyone. My personal fav? The Cajun fajita wrap – YUM.

Preston Street:


Pub Italia (434 ½ Preston Street):

The mecca of all things beer, Pub Italia is known for its Beer Bible, which displays their selection of over 200 beers for their patrons to enjoy. 200 beers and a large patio? Sold.

Heart and Crown (347 Preston Street):

Both Heart and Crown locations in Ottawa are known as patio hot spots. The Preston location boasts the street’s largest patio that wraps around the building. Additionally, Heart and Crown often features live music, which makes the atmosphere even more enjoyable. While they may not have 200 beers available, they still have an extensive drink menu including some great imports on tap (like Boddingtons!).

Byward Market:

Stella Osteria (81 Clarence Street):

The elevated, roof-top patio at Stella is one of Ottawa’s most coveted summer hot spots. Not only is their food delicious, but their drink menu is to-die-for. With an extensive list of cocktails, martinis, and liquers this up-scale patio is perfect if you’re in the mood for some flavour in your after work drink. Of course they serve beer and wine as well, but the patio-drink that I have my eye on: one of their ‘Ice Fizzies’ which combine Prosecco, Liquer and Gelato. WOW.

The Black Thorn Cafe (15 Clarence Street):

Not to be confused with the Black Rose (the back patio of the market’s Heart & Crown), The Black Thorn is further up Clarence Street and boasts a large patio and an extensive drink menu comprised on draught beer, wine and a slew of cocktails and martinis. The food fare is nothing to scoff at either, with a wide variety of appetizers and entrees that are sure to peak your interest, including a selection of gourmet pizzas that have received much critical acclaim.

Cornerstone Bar and Grill (92 Clarence Street):

Known for their large wrap-around patio, Cornerstone definitely has one of the busiest patios in Ottawa. Their signature drink, the mojito is always a great summer pick, but their specialty mojitos that include fresh fruit, such as raspberries, set them apart. With a fun and energetic staff, Cornerstone is always bustling with excitement, making it an ideal place to park it for a few hours and really unwind. This is definitely one of those places where you head for a drink and stay for 10…Cheers!

What’s your favourite patio to visit in Ottawa? Leave us a comment below or drop us a line at [email protected]

SmoQue Shack

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On June 22nd, 2011, ribbers from all over the world took over Ottawa for Ribfest. This international cook-off  is held to determine the best meat across the continent and draws thousands of tourists to Ottawa each year. I know people who book off time from work to indulge in a weekend of hickory sauce and finger-lickin’ fun.

About 6 weeks ago, Warren Sutherland decided that the summer time festival could have the potential to fill a hole in the Ottawa restaurant scene. “With a menu drawing from the best of the best in BBQ genre”, The Smoque Shack is our new, permanent Ribfest in restaurant form.

Sampling Platter with Jerk Chicken, Brisket and Ribs

The Texas-style brisket and North Carolina style pulled pork is just shy of the magic you find at Ribfest, but it’s a great substitute if you are craving a taste of Southern BBQ anytime other than those wet-nap weeks in June.

Monday night football with half price Rib Tips and $5 pints

The interior of The Smoque Shack has been criticized for lacking atmosphere but you will quickly realize that this BBQ joint is meant to be more of a smoke house/sports bar than a romantic nook. So roll up your sleeves and tune into your carnivorous side for a taste of Ottawa’s best BBQ!

The Smoque Shack

129 York Street

613.789.4245

The Tiny Treat

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After a particularly stressful work week, polishing off 14 hour work days with half an hour for a break if I was lucky, I was beginning to feel a little down on myself. The beautiful summer hours of sunshine were being toiled away inside a stone building with little time for friends, family or loved ones. On one of such tiresome days, I did manage to squeeze in an hour for myself to wander the market until I was expected to be back at the grind. As I mentioned, I was feeling a little overwhelmed, underappreciated and really needed a little something to pick me up. I found myself at Ottawa’s newest cupcakery, The Cupcake Lounge.  The little lounge opened in May and is located right beside Zaks diner in the Byward market. It’s the sweetest little place you’ll find for a mid-day treat offering 7 flavours on the regular with a wide variety of other flava-flaves that rotate depending on the day of the week.

The mother board, dictating which additional flavours can be expected on any given day of the week

I had the pleasure of meeting the dedicated owner, Claudia Arizmendi, from Monterrey, Mexico. She began her small business many years ago when she cooked pastries, cupcakes and other delicious treats at home for her children. Her friends would often tell her she had a true talent for making a delicious cupcake and to that, I can attest! Finally, when her children were all grown up and moved out, she decided to pursue her talent by taking the Baking and Pastry  Arts course at Algonquin College to hone in on her cupcake creativity and leaving us with an incredible eatery in the heart of the market.

Claudia Arizmendi: talented baker and owner of The Cupcake Lounge

Claudia swears by the Key Lime cakes, but (just like the mobs) I was partial to the fan favourite : Red Velvet. This tiny treat brought a smile to my face as I sat in the park with a cup of Swiss coffee that Mrs. Arizmendi so happily brewed for me. Red Velvet is a light chocolate cake with red colouring so the inside has a beautiful, ruby hue. The icing is an absolutely fabulous cream cheese, which literally is “the icing on the cake”. So wander down and chow down one of these little puppies, selling for $3.25 a pop.  After all, it’s the small things that count!

Sizing up Red Velv'