CultureSavvy Canada set out this week to find some great Canadian coffee shops and brunch spots in Ottawa so you can really enjoy your "cup of Joe" (and "eggs benny") this weekend in a relaxed, chill Canadian atmosphere.
First recommendation for a coffee shop in Ottawa that knows their stuffand has that artistic café vibe going on: The Ministry of Coffeeon Wellington in Westboro. Cool features: in the morning, enjoy a Nutella latte and in the afternoon you can try somelocal craft beers!
Nutella latte with love and a cranberry/lemon scone.
Morning,afternoon,evening--Ministry of Coffee is a great spot!
Hint: Ministry of Coffee on Wellington = good place to take your sweetie! If you arrive after 6:00 p.m., candles are lit on each table and you can order a selection of delicious, creative tapas (try the kimchee fries) along with wine or craft beer, and voilà--a wonderful evening out!
Next up for cool coffee shops in the Ottawa area: the Bridgehead Roastery on 130 Anderson in Little Italy. Our team decided to experiment a bit with some Breaking Bad Style Coffee (siphon coffee). Watching the whole production of siphon coffee being made is an experience in itself! For about $2.55, you get great coffee and a fun 15 minutes feeling like you're part of something vaguely illegal, but not.
Canadian BRUNCH!
Low leather couch corner and rock n roll vinyl album selection
Getting ready to chow down.
Steak and eggs...and home fries,and fruit, and salad,and toast.
You need to eat brunch this weekend! To help you find a really great place for this cultural experience, the CultureSavvy team scouted out the lastest rage in Ottawa brunch placesand we are here to tell you that the rave reviews are all true--for an awesome brunch spot with a warm, Canadian atmosphere (and spinning classic rock on vinyl), get yourself over to Baker St Cafeat 385 Richmond Road. The food is a.maz.ing! If you eat there for brunch, you will only need half an orange for the rest of the day! So put on your toque and boots (and $45 in your wallet for 2--including tax and tip) and make your way to 385 Richmond Road this weekend! Worth any trudge through the snow!
A "simple" 2 eggs, bacon and toast brekkie. Bacon was YUM!!
The charming town of Chelsea, Quebec is only a 15 minute drive from Ottawa so a few days after Christmas we headed up to Le Nordik, the largest spa in North America located in Chelsea, to soak up the zen atmosphere of saunas, steamrooms, waterfalls, whirlpools, and a beautiful infinity pool. Everything at Le Nordik is designed to make you leave your cares behind as you relax, unwind and float in dream-like calm. It's a beautiful mental and spiritual getaway!
We each had our own favourite spa experience. The top 3 were:
the dry sauna,
the steam room, and
the aromatic sauna.
We learned about spa etiquette of silent vs. whisper areas, when to leave your towel or bring it in, and the importance of staying hydrated. Afterwards, we followed up our spa experience with appetizers and a pint of craft beer at the rustic and cozy Chelsea Pub. We tried an IPA, a Scotch ale, and a pilsner along with pork dumplings, "bang bang" shrimps, baked Brie, and traditional poutine. We learned about "hoppy" vs. "malty" or "heavy" beers. More good adjectives for craft beer here. Overall, we had a great day!! We welcome immigrants and international students wanting to learn more about Canadian culture to join us for more CultureSavvy Canada events and activities in 2016! We'll keep you posted!
CultureSavvy Christmas Day started off with a visit to our afternoon Canadian host family. We met Cathy, her husband, daughter, parents and their two friendly dogs. Cathy offered us delicious homemade Christmas cookies and we chatted with everyone while making Christmas ornaments--one of their family's traditions.
Pumpkin pie artists at work!
After visiting Cathy and her family, we walked down the street to our evening host family. There, we watched the movie, Frozen, and helped make Christmas dinner--Christmas punch, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes, green beans with red pepper, stuffing, turkey, and pumpkin pie. We prepared a wonderful celebration feast, carved the turkey, and did the chefs (us!) proud by eating our fabulous meal! After dinner, we sang a few Christmas carols along with the piano (and played Quebecois wooden spoons!) then headed home with full bellies and lots of great Christmas memories!
Carving the turkey.
Time to check the pumpkin pie and the sweet potatoes.
Good friends, great memories!
Cooking up a storm!
Chefs 1, 2, 3.
Finally, we are ready to say, "Bon appetit!"
After all the hard work, we have a lovely table laid out.
A nice bottle of red and there's our sweet potato dish.
Our team prepares for the Christmas 2015 Cultural Events! We had a blast getting ready for the events! Dec.22- A day of holiday activities including Xmas brunch, window shopping, a visit to a tree farm with hay ride, exploring Wakefield, QC and covered bridgewith a final stop at a good ol' Canadian pub. Dec. 25- Afternoon of games and making a gingerbread house with a Canadian family, followed by making Xmas dinner, Xmas movies and pumpkin pie! Dec.28- Slow down and unwind atLe Nordik spa in Chelsea, QC. Followed by a late lunch at Chelsea pub!
Gingerbread houses, candies, cookies at the Ottawa Xmas Market
