Ottawa Tourism is committed to showcasing accessible travel options

OTTAWA- As Canada capital, Ottawa (https://ottawatourism.ca) is the perfect place to experience some of the country best attractions, celebrations and flavors in one welcoming city. With its unique blend of urban and rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and vibrant neighbourhoods, the Ottawa region is best explored over several days or more. Since I often go there for family reasons, an extended trip is usually on the agenda as was the case this past summer.

Ottawa Tourism is committed to showcasing accessible travel options so all tourists can enjoy the many incredible experiences Canada Capital City has to offer.

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is RHF Accessibility Certified Gold by the Rick Hansen Foundation. The Airport Authority is committed to providing a safe, dignified and welcoming environment for everyone. The airport has adopted the Sunflower Program that allows individuals with a hidden disability to voluntarily share that they may need a little extra help, time and understanding while at the airport. Travelers can request a Sunflower lanyard at the Traveler Aid desk in either terminal or ticket counter.

Check outhttps://ottawatourism.ca/en/plan-your-visit/getting-around for highlights of ways to get around the city to help you experience and explore all that Ottawa has to offer. This is where you’ll find out what you need to know on accessibility in Ottawa. OC Transpo buses and the O-Train are fully accessible and include allocated spaces for customers using assistive or mobility devices.

Para Transpo is OC Transpo shared-ride, book-in-advance service for eligible customers who are unable to take conventional transit due to a disability. Visitors who are eligible for specialized transit in their community can request temporary access.

Most car rental companies can provide accessible vehicles provided the request is made in advance. Visit The Airport Authority full list of car rental companies with an outline of their accessibility features.

Drivers and/or passengers who have a valid Ontario Accessible Parking Permit (which must be clearly displayed within the vehicle) are entitled to special parking privileges.

All national museums in Ottawa as well as the National Arts Centre are barrier-free, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum is RHF Accessibility Certified Gold

Parliament facilities are accessible to wheelchairs and service animals, and tours with American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpretation can be requested. Take a look at the

Ottawa offers an abundance of outdoor pathways that are accessible to all. The UNESCO Heritage Site Rideau Canal offers two lanes of pathways that are accessible from various points in the city core.

Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available at no cost at Mooney Bay Beach, Britannia Beach and Petrie Island Beach. Users are required to provide their own attendant to push the chair and assist with the transfer in and out of the chair. There is no lift on site.

What To See

Let start off with the seat of Canada's federal government and the setting for national celebrations the year round. Parliament Hill is the most visited Ottawa attraction. Guided tours are free and include the Senate, House of Commons, East Block and Parliament: The Immersive Experience. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

Ottawa cultural attractions, museums and galleries invite visitors to experience the best of Canada all in one place. Whether it's the stunning National Gallery of Canada, with world-class art on display, or the dramatic Canadian War Museum, these are the experiences that bring Canadian culture to life for any visitor.

A historic farmers' market and shopping district by day, a favorite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night is the ByWard Market, just east of Parliament Hill. This is one Ottawa neighbourhood you won't want to miss.

A historic waterway filled with boaters spring through fall and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter, the Rideau Canal winds through the heart of Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through dramatic stepped locks right next to Parliament Hill.

Have you ever considered trying whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River, some of the continent finest, then top it off with some bungee jumping? The Ottawa region is also a cycling enthusiast dream destination, with around 800 kilometres (497 miles) of recreational pathways linking natural areas, parks, gardens and national sites.

Ottawa is a city of celebrations, offering visitors a year-round calendar of parties, festivals and special events. Admire over a million tulips and enjoy special programming throughout the city during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. On July 1, the city celebrates the biggest party in the country, Canada Day. Visitors will also experience a host of music celebrations, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, and Ottawa Bluesfest, which welcome some of the world's biggest acts to our city. In winter, Canada celebrates Winterlude, and takes to the ice on the world's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway.

The Capital premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre, presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scène.

Ottawa is filled with Capital sights and attractions and just about as many ways to explore and see them. Experience a tour on both land and water with the Lady Dive Amphibus, or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal. Get up close and personal to city sights by joining a walking or cycling tour based on your activity level and interests.

Unique Ottawa neighbourhoods offer distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences across the Capital. From the must-see ByWard Market area, to the Glebe community feel, to the trendy Wellington West, there lots of local flavor to soak up in Ottawa varied districts.

Just go to the websites of the respective attractions listed to learn more about their handicapped accessibility options.

The Brookstreet Hotel

For the second summer in a row, we were fortunate to spend the day at the magnificent Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. While we stayed with family, we do want to try out the accommodations here on a future visit.

Since opening in 2003, the Brookstreet Hotel has gained notice as a luxury property noted for outstanding dining, incredible entertainment, luxurious accommodations, inspired green initiatives and world class golf and fitness facilities.

We arrived for our day of leisure and checked in at Perspectives Restaurant and a table on the beautiful patio looking over the full property. Since this was a Sunday, we were fortunate to be able to order from the brunch menu. What a treat! There were three of us. We started off with some drinks and then perused the different choices, opting for the classic breakfast (two eggs over easy, peameal bacon, breakfast potatoes and their homemade sourdough toast); a three egg omelet, with mushrooms, brie cheese, spinach, chives, potato, fresh fruit and sourdough toast; and the salmon and avocado toast (salmon gravias, smashed avocado, sourdough, pickled red onions, wasabi cream cheese, sesame seeds, two poached eggs and green salad). Look out for young server Spencer. He was just terrific.

On our previous visit, I had a nicely prepared club sandwich, grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, confit garlic aioli, vine-ripened tomato, bacon, Boston lettuce and Nat bakery sourdough. The other members of my party started off with some drinks and each ordered lamb barbacoa tacos- two corn tortillas, lamb shoulder slow-roasted in banana leaf, salsa borracha, pickled cucumber, green olives, fresh cilantro and lime.

Interestingly, a few days later, I received a text from a gentleman I know who asked if was having brunch at the Brookside. He said his wife thought she saw me at a nearby table. Happily, he had read one of my stories last year, which focused on the hotel. As a result, he booked a stay.

The contemporary cuisine of the Brookstreet culinary team features fresh, seasonal ingredients from across Ontario, creating exceptional dishes that are totally unique to Perspectives & Options Jazz Lounge. The latter, connected to the restaurant, is recognized as the best jazz bar Ottawa has to offer. Here you can fill your ears with live local jazz music and tantalize your taste buds with the culinary creations by Chef Clifford Lyness. All this while surrounded by the stunning contemporary architecture of the lounge itself, which also features panoramic windows overlooking the immaculately manicured; Marshes Golf Course

The heated outdoor saltwater pool and the area surrounding it truly is a slice of paradise. We were greeted by Rachel from the hotel Flex Fitness Centre who set us up with three comfortable lounge chairs, under a large umbrella to block the sun. Each of us were given towels, bathrobes and slippers. I did not want this day to end. The water was just perfect. After a lengthy swim and dip, I headed to the spacious jacuzzi for another totally relaxing experience. This type of activity is always a novelty for me.

The hotel is now completing an impressive $11 million renovation project, transforming its guestrooms into a haven of luxury and comfort. This upgrade reflects the hotel's commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience and sets a new standard in upscale accommodations.

The renovation has meticulously reimagined each guestroom with a fresh, modern aesthetic, incorporating sophisticated design elements and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can now enjoy elegant furnishings, premium bedding, and chic décor that blends contemporary style with timeless elegance. The new design features a bold color palette, wood flooring, and stylish lighting that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the renovation is the integration of advanced technology. Each room is equipped with smart TVs, high-speed internet access, and intuitive climate control systems, ensuring guests stay connected and comfortable throughout their stay. Energy-efficient fixtures underscores the hotel dedication to sustainability and guest satisfaction.

The revamped guestrooms also boast upgraded bathrooms with luxurious fixtures, spacious walk-in showers, and high-end toiletries. The attention to detail in these upgrades ensures that every aspect of the guest experience is catered to with the utmost care.

Whether traveling for business or leisure, guests can now enjoy an even higher level of comfort, sophistication, and style.

This hotel has 276 rooms and suites spaced across 18 floors. In the past year some major room upgrades have taken place. As noted earlier, I do look forward to the day when I get to stay here for a few nights. Plans do call for the hotel to eventually build a second tower. There is now 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, featuring 25 meeting rooms, including three large ballrooms, an outdoor pavilion and the Newbridge Foyer which boasts floor to ceiling glass windows.

From my seat at poolside I could see the busy activities at the Marshes Golf course and a lovely pond that converts to a skating rink in the winter months. An 18 hole mini golf course is very popular with families. The NHL Ottawa Senators partner up with the property. Brookstreet is recognized as the official hotel and resort of the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre, which also includes the title sponsorship to the Brookstreet Lounge (located at ice level).

The Flex Fitness Club has 500 members from the community. Recognized as the ultimate Ottawa gym and fitness studio, it is equipped with extensive fitness equipment, saltwater pools, hot tubs, fitness classes and personal trainers. Flex Fitness Studio provides a wellness component for those who wish to stay active during their travels. Members get the advantage of access to the indoor and outdoor pools. The Au Natural Spa looked mighty fine as well.

Indeed, on a warm summer day when you enter these premises and close your eyes imagine being at a Club Med resort. It is that impressive!

The entry way to the hotel is fully wheelchair accessible. You can access the outdoor pool via the restaurant and then via a nice pathway. Elevators will take you to the different floors. There is indoor parking and a large lot near the entrance.

The hotel is located at 525 Legett Drive. For more information log on to https://www.brookstreethotel.com, https://www.marshesgolfclub.com or call 1-888-826-2220.

Professional Baseball

The Ottawa Titans began play in the Frontier League in 2022. They play out of the state-of-the-art Ottawa Stadium. This is minor league professional baseball. The schedule begins in May and continues through early September. It is a wonderful outing for the entire family, even someone who might not even be a baseball fan. The franchise officials work so hard to offer a fun game day experience. I really enjoyed my night out there, especially coming from Montreal. Our professional baseball team the Expos left 20 years ago. Go to www.ottawatitans.com

Ottawa Stadium is handicapped accessible. Accessible seating is available at the top of Sections Lower BB, CC, EE, HH, LL, NN, and OO. Wheelchair-accessible washroom facilities are available in all men and women washrooms, with additional unisex facilities with baby changing stations located behind Section GG.

While I was in town the Titans organized a very special event of the Miracle League in Orleans, just outside of Ottawa. Players, coaches and mascot Cappy were at the Miracle League Field in Orleans to do some drills and spend some time with the children there, concluding with a barbeque. “This was all about kids with disabilities playing baseball,” said team co-owner Jacques Shore. “It was very moving.”

Professional Football

I went to my first professional football game in Ottawa in more than three decades to see the hometown Redblacks host the Calgary Stampeders at TD Place Stadium (formerly known as Lansdowne Park), which seats 24,000 for football games and concerts. The Lansdowne neighbourhood also hosts two condominium towers and town homes with a combined 280 units, a 360,000 Sq. Ft. shopping/entertainment district, an office tower, 1,300 underground parking spaces and an 18-acre urban park.

In collaboration with OC Transpo and STO, the OSEG provides accessible Park & Shuttle and Take Transit service on all routes to TD Place and will drop off and pick up on Bank Street near Gate 1, which is a designated accessible support entrance location. In addition, Para Transpo and Taxi pick-up/drop-off zones are located at accessible Support Entrances, at the corner of Exhibition and Paul Askin Way for events at the stadium, and at Gate 1 for events at The Arena the guest services team is also at those locations to provide assistance to guests. During major events at TD Place, additional parking spaces near elevator lobbies within the underground garage for guests who require accessible parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to inquire about the availability of on-site parking, please get in touch with us at least 48 hours before you arrive at 613-232-6767, ext. 1.

Accessible seating at TD Place is available on various levels and sections, depending on the type of event and seating configuration. Portable chairs may made available for fans who do not require a wheelchair, on request.

Accessible seats at TD Place may be purchased as a single ticket, or in a pair. All accessible seating is based on availability and cannot be guaranteed. Accessible seats at TD Place are reserved exclusively for guests with accessible needs, and their support person, until 48 hours before any event, at which time unsold seats are released into the general pool of tickets that are available for sale.

TD Place welcomes support persons for guests with disabilities. All guests entering the venue, including those acting as a support person, are required to hold a valid ticket. Tickets for a support person will be charged according to standard event pricing. If a guest and their support person come to an event and have tickets in different sections, the Guest Services team will do their best to relocate them to a location where they can be seated together. In certain situations, including for general health and safety, TD Place may require that the person with a disability be accompanied by a support person in order to access the premises.

Mobile concession order pickup is available during 67 and Redblacks games at Wing’n It (near Gate 2) and during Redblacks games at both Wing’n It (near Gate 2) and Pure Foods West (near the South Main Concourse).

Elevators at TD Place are available for guest use to access between levels and the stadium.

TD Place offers kits with tools that reduce the stimulus often associated with sporting and entertainment events. Kits can be signed out at any of the Guest Services booths at Section 18 (Arena) and Section S (Stadium) and are free of charge in exchange for a valid driver license or other ID, which will be held until the kit is returned. The kits include sunglasses, noise-reducing earmuffs, fidget and sensory toys, and bacterial wipes. Quiet areas have been identified and can be made available for guests who need a space to regulate. These areas may vary depending on the event; please contact Guest Services by email at info@tdplace.ca or by phone at 1-844-FAN-INFO (326-4636) at least one business day prior to your event to discuss the available options.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals that meet the conditions under the AODA (including requirements related to proper identification and/or supporting documentation, and subject to verification) are welcome at all events at TD Place.

TD Place offers family washrooms for people with disabilities on all levels of The Arena and The Stadium, as well as wheelchair-accessible stalls in select washrooms.

Certain accessible washrooms are equipped with power doors.

For more details go to info@tdplace.ca | or call 1-844-FAN-INFO (326-4636)

DINING OUT

There are so many wonderful choices for dining out. From my most recent trip, here is my culinary report.

Starling

The historic York on William (YOW) building, which encompasses Starling Restaurant & Bar and Apothecary Cocktail Lounge, represents a must visit and we were thrilled to dine there for the second successive year. The latter are part of a multiple-dining concept featuring a rooftop terrace and street-level patio and located in one of the oldest buildings in Ottawa, dating back to 1875. Early occupants included an undertaker, a baker, and a wholesaler, uses which reflect the diverse commercial activity of the ByWard Market in the 19th Century.

Starling is Ottawa new concept which elevates any night out with hand-crafted cocktails and a refreshing, modern menu that draws inspiration from bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Here you step in to an inviting and stylish atmosphere, built for creating an incredible experience.

The 12,000-square-foot building was purchased in 2020 for $5 million. Co-owner John Borsten business partners in this venture are Pat Charbonneau and Ian Darveshali. It is spread over four levels, with Apothecary, YOW and Starling each catering to different audiences under the same roof and able to serve 500 diners at a time. The seasonal patios are big draws: one at street level can seat 50 while the rooftop has room for 60. Capacity for both can be increased for cocktail receptions.

Apothecary is described as “a nod to medicinal cures of which bitters, tonics and spirits all play a role. Here they believe in using real botanicals, house made syrups and tinctures, to heal the body, mind and soul.”

Starling brings you contemporary dishes from timeless classics to personal recipes with a fondness for locality, designed to be loved by one or shared by many. Their mixologists can serve up a broad range of tasty concoctions, either mixed, stirred or shaken and inspired by local ingredients and international techniques.

Starling is named after a highly social bird that likes to travel in large flocks. That is why you will see decorative bird cages in the restaurant. Our table had one. It was in fact Marketing Director Sofia Santiso Borsten who created the Starling concept and oversaw the design. Even the doors they inherited were restored and now serve as a privacy wall for a table near the bar. The same goes for the original lamps, which were repainted. Of course, the wallpaper features colorful birds.

While we dined on the rooftop last year, on this particularly warm evening we chose to be seated in a booth at beautifully air conditioned the main level.

Our wonderful server Rory started us off with some drinks: a scarlet tanager, an Elderflower egret and an Abigail placebo drink.

Following a look at the menu, we began with 12 oysters. They were of good size and went very quickly among the three of us

Next, we chose something new, a Mediterranean platter. It was highlighted by freshly baked and piping hot focaccia bread along with marinated roasted peppers, salsa verde and cerignola olives. Now I usually try and limit my bread intake before the main course, but this focaccia bread was simply too good!

We also enjoyed a bowl of caprese risotto with shrimp. This dish offers a delightful symphony of flavors. The creamy risotto provides a rich and velvety texture, with each grain of rice perfectly cooked to a tender, yet slightly al dente consistency. Infused with a hint of garlic and onion, the base is subtly seasoned, allowing the star ingredients to shine. Tender, succulent shrimp add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness, complementing the dish Mediterranean essence.

For the main course, we ordered the steak frites and the beef tenderloin.

Steak frites is a classic French dish that epitomizes simple, high-quality comfort food. Here it featured a perfectly cooked 10-ounce striploin, served with crispy, golden-brown French fries. The steak was seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked to our preferred level of medium rare. The combination of a juicy, tender steak and crispy fries offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making it a beloved staple here at Starling. Meanwhile, the six-ounce AAA beef tenderloin, came with whipped potatoes and bordelaise sauce. This is a premium cut of meat renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. The "AAA" designation indicates a high-quality grade, meaning the beef has excellent marbling, which enhances its juiciness and taste. This cut is often considered one of the most desirable steaks due to its buttery texture and subtle, yet robust, beef flavor.

For dessert we shared the delicious sticky toffee pudding. This is a classic British dessert that's beloved for its rich, comforting flavors. Imagine a moist, spongy cake made with finely chopped dates, which gives it a deliciously sticky texture. This cake is drenched in a luscious toffee sauce that is both sweet and buttery. Served warm, it comes with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Starling is located at 54 York Street in the Byward Market. Hours of operation are 4 pm to 11 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am to midnight Thursday and Friday and 9 am to midnight Saturday and Sunday. You can call 613.421.0820 or log on to www.starlingottawa.ca.

There is patio seating at street level and therefore accommodating those for people in wheelchairs.

Metropolitain Brasserie

We can never get enough of the fabulous Métropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa, conveniently located next to the Byward Market at 700 Sussex. That is just steps away from Parliament Hill. Each summer we make a reservation the moment we know the date of our trip.

Home to Ottawa's largest oyster bar, the restaurant is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. While we have enjoyed their sprawling patio in recent years, it was quite warm out on the evening we arrived, so we asked for a table in the dining room. The covered patio can accommodate 125 people while the capacity inside is 300.

The Brasserie presents a Hill Hour every day from 4 pm to 7 pm for discounted oysters and shrimp, and every Thursday for Buck a Shuck. There is an award-winning wine list, and this is considered a prime place for a large event or a romantic dinner for two, adding that certain Parisian flavor.

We started off the evening with some cocktails, two French Rivieras (Strawberry vodka, melon, Chambord, lime) and a glass of Riesling wine. It was then time to take a good hard look at all the options available among the appetizers. The small size seafood tower was more than enough for three of us to share. It contained shrimp, oysters, mussels, snow crab, cod croquettes, scallop crudo and ceviche. This was just fine to share among the three of us; and we had some left over. There is also a larger platter for four or five people available.

The burrato toast for two was another treat for the three of us to share. It includes sunflower seed and beetroot pesto, avocado, fried sourdough, sprouts and chili oil.

There is a nice selection of main courses. I have traditionally feasted upon the Duck Confit here. It is an item I do not see available at too many restaurants I frequent. Crispy Duck Confit is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of duck with a delightful texture. The term "confit" refers to a method of cooking where the duck is slowly simmered in its own fat until it's incredibly tender and flavorful. In this process, the meat is seasoned, cooked at a low temperature for several hours, and then stored in fat, which preserves and enhances its taste. To achieve a crispy exterior, the confit duck is typically finished in a hot oven or under a broiler to crisp up the skin. The result is a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin that contrasts with the tender, succulent meat underneath. As for the others, one opted for the duck as well while there was also the selection of the petit steak frites, a classic French dish known for its simplicity and deliciousness. The term "petit" means "small," so the dish features a smaller portion of steak. The steak was seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled to achieve a perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

For dessert we shared a decadent piece of flourless chocolate cake, a recommendation from our server Michael.

Other items on the menu include burgers bouillabaisse, steak, fish & chips, cauliflower steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled mackerel, steelhead trout, lobster ravioli, coquille St. Jacques, whole wheat penne, lobster & matane shrimp roll, sandwiches, salads, omelets, beef and tuna tartare, poutine and a charcuterie and cheese board.

Weekend brunch is available from 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays.

The restaurant is co-owned by John Borsten and Sarah Chown, with Mike Poliquin as chef de cuisine. Hours of operation are 11:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to midnight Thursday and Friday, 10 am to midnight Saturday and 10 am to 11 pm Sunday Take-out and delivery service is in place each day from 11:30 am to 9 pm. For more details log on to www.metropolitainbrasserie.com or call 613-562-1160.

The patio and main entrance are wheelchair accessible. You can also park in the building next door and an elevator will bring you to the dining room.

Cocotte

The Metcalfe Hotel in Ottawa marks the Gray Collection's first hotel property outside Montreal. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, just a few blocks from the historic Parliament Hill, the boutique hotel is home to Cocotte, a French-inspired restaurant on the ground level, where we dined.

Gray Collection is comprised of Hôtel William Gray, Le Petit Hôtel, and Auberge du Vieux-Port. Additionally, its restaurants include Maggie Oakes, Terrasse William Gray, Perché, Taverne Gaspar, Pincette, Terrasse sur L'Auberge, Bevo, Jacopo, and Vieux-Port Steakhouse, and a spa at Spa William Gray. The hotels, restaurants, and spa are formerly part of the Antonopolous Group, which has almost 50 years of success in the Montreal hospitality industry. Each property is a unique celebration of its neighbourhood and is connected to the other establishments by a shared philosophy of generosity, excellence, and premium service.

Led by Dimitri K. Antonopolous, Gray Collection expands the work of the previous Antonopolous Group while remaining committed to its enduring legacy and a shared belief in the Greek philosophy of philoxenia, which refers to the concept of welcoming and caring for all guests.

Cocotte is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. It can accommodate 96 people inside and 20 on the seasonal patio. We were seated on their beautiful terrace to experience their dinner menu, where French tradition meets local flavours. From veal blanquette to duck confit, the executive chef has crafted a creative menu inspired by French cuisine with market-fresh ingredients.

Our server Cedric started us off with some cocktails. We then went through the menu and started off with a dozen Canadian oysters, served with fresh horseradish, cocktail sauce, mignonette and fresh lemon. Also from the starters we enjoyed the salmon tartare, herbs de provence and lavender cured salmon, ratatouille vegetables, chives and crostini. This comes as an appetizer and a main course, the latter including French fries.

For the main course, the three of us ordered the duck confit, the scallop and truffle risotto and the cod chaudree. Everything was prepared to perfection.

The duck confit consisted of a moulard duck leg, duck fat, fingerling potatoes, small peas, and honey and vidal gastrique. As for the scallop and truffle risotto, these were seared scallops, with charred cauliflower and the truffle risotto in lemon butter. Finally, the Iceland cod was accompanied by pasta clams, chorizo, potatoes, leeks fondue and pineau des charentes cream.

For dessert we shared the special of the night, a s’mores log, with marshmallows, chocolate sauce and some other decadent ingredients.

Cocotte opened in September 2022. I asked Alexandre Cossette, the marketing director for The Gray Collection, whether any of the chefs are from Montreal. “No,” he responded, “because we wanted to work with local chefs from Ottawa. This decision was made to ensure that we incorporate local flavors and culinary expertise. By collaborating with Ottawa's talented chefs, we aim to create a dining experience that truly reflects the local culture and ingredients, providing our guests with a fresh and authentic taste of Ottawa's culinary scene.

“While Cocotte has its unique identity, we have incorporated some of the design aesthetics and culinary philosophies that our guests have come to love in Montréal. However, Cocotte also reflects the local Ottawa vibe, with a menu that highlights regional ingredients and flavors, providing a distinct and fresh experience. Our goal was to create a place that feels both familiar and new, blending the best of what we've done in Montreal with the vibrant culture of Ottawa.”

The restaurant is located right off the main lobby in a very pretty ambiance. Both the hotel and restaurant offers easy handicapped access.

Cocotte is located at 123 Metcalfe. Info: www.cocottebistro.com

info@cocottebistro.com or call (613) 216-2912

Zola Restaurant

Zola Restaurant offers Italian fare and a terrific “Blunch” menu for most of each day

In suburban Nepean, Zola remains family-owned and operated. Since 1986 this spot has kept a focus on its mission to deliver Italian food made from scratch, with super friendly service and a wholesome atmosphere. Owner Antonio Vacchio says he is proud to have been at the helm since day one of the first restaurant in the west-end of Ottawa to offer an Italian dining experience with an open concept kitchen. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free? They have you covered. Vacchio and his team have spent time focusing on options for different dietary restrictions and lifestyle choices. They also operate a popular catering arm.

I met a friend there for breakfast, taking advantage of what they call “Blunch,” served from 8 am to 3 pm each day. Our server Caitrin started us off with coffee and then it as time to peruse the menu. The Big Budgie caught my eye: three eggs, home fries, corned beef hash, calabrese sausage, capicola ham, bacon plus a breakfast sausage and a choice of toast. I substituted the sausages for some smoked salmon. Everything was prepared to perfection.

My friend has lived in Ottawa for more than 20 years yet was not familiar with Zola . He was pleasantly surprised and plans to come back for dinner one day. He chose the eggs benny: two poached eggs, home fries and an English muffin topped with hollandaise choice and a small salad.

Vacchio came to sit with us as we concluded our “Blunch,” the latter of which he introduced about a decade ago. “My bakers were already coming in early to prepare the food for the day, so I figured why not introduce this breakfast service?” he shared. “It is basically available throughout most of the day. We were very pleased from the start with the reaction. I think people appreciate the creativity and variety of our menu items.”

Besides the traditional breakfast-time items of eggs, French toast, pancakes and waffles, there are also poutine and special breakfast pasta and pizza dishes.

Vacchio said that his kitchen bakes fresh goods every day, including the pasta and desserts. The menu and take-out items cater to individuals with celiac disease. Visiting NHL teams and some concert performers, such as Bruce Springsteen, have their meals catered by Zola .

The restaurant can seat 84. On weekends you can look forward to live jazz performances.

I will return to Zola down the line for lunch or dinner to try famous semolina dinner rolls. These soft, supple, and sweet little buns are a staple. They are baked fresh every day, beginning at 11:30 am, with a choice of white or whole grain. Their in-store pasta shop has been a part of business since the beginning and is something Vacchio takes great pride in. Customers regularly walk out with their house-made pasta, pizza, meatballs, bread, pies, and quiche.

There is a large parking lot. The entrance to the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible and it is all on one level.

Zola is located at 2194 Robertson Road and open seven days a week. For more information log on to https://zolas.ca/ or call 613-721-0227.

Nate Deli

Thirty five years ago I travelled to Ottawa for a job interview and before I headed home to Montreal, while driving on Rideau Avenue, I saw a place called Nate Deli. Well, I got the job and while it was in Montreal, it required that I make regular visits to the nation capital. That continued for a decade and on every trip Nate became a standard stop.

Founded by local and well-known philanthropist Dave Smith, Nate's Deli opened its doors in 1959 and quickly gained notice for serving only the best smoked meat in the city. Smith passed away last year.

In 2014 Nate relocated to Sparks Street and on my last trip I finally made a return visit for breakfast with my old friend Steve Georgopoulos, a retired hotel executive. Our charming server was Abby Voisard, a 20 year old student in Environmental Geo Science at the University of Ottawa. She is a terrific representative of the brand.

André Cloutier is the operating partner of the restaurant, with day to day management executed by General Manager Michelle Comeau. There are two other silent partners.

The restaurant can seat 300 people inside and 60 on the patio, much bigger than the original premises.

“Since joining the ownership team in January 2024, we have been actively assessing what our guests enjoy and identifying areas for improvement,” said Cloutier. “One change was bringing back rye bread from Rideau Bakery for our famous smoked meat sandwiches. Guests that remember Nate's from the old days were certainly thrilled with that decision.

‘Sparks Street is a beautiful area with unique challenges, particularly in attracting diners outside of peak times. Weekday lunchtimes are bustling, and events like Ribfest, Buskerfest, and Canada Day draw large crowds. Our venue can accommodate large groups at reasonable prices, which has proven successful for work events and bus tours. Moving forward, we plan to enhance our offerings for group dining and events to continue supporting the business.”

Nate Deli offers an all-day breakfast. Both Steve and I ordered the King Nate. It comes with three eggs, a choice of bacon, ham, sausage or tomatoes, with home fries, a pancake of French toast and toast. You can also get items like steak and eggs, omelettes, a breakfast poutine, eggs benedict, a breakfast sandwich and bagel and lox.

Steve and I also decided to order smoked meat sandwiches to go. I brought an ice pack to keep my take-out order fresh. When I ate it a few hours later, the Montreal smoked meat literally melted into my mouth. They have some terrific sandwiches available, as well as burgers, fried chicken, chicken wings, fish and chips, steak frites, soups, salads, perogies.

The patio is fully wheelchair accessible. However, the entrance has three steps. The restaurant itself is also wheelchair accessible.

Nate Deli is located at 152 Sparks Street and open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 2 pm on weekends. Log on to https://nates.ca and call

613-235-1424

The Wellington Diner

The Wellington Diner serves breakfast from morning until evening and a lot more

Who doesn't love a vintage diner? On the busy street it is named after, you will find the Wellington Diner, which is where I met an old university classmate for breakfast. Many restaurants have their own take on breakfast, but the Wellington team is confident that it has the best one in town. From new tastes to the old classics, the menu was quite impressive.

The Wellington Diner specializes in all things related to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. They use the freshest ingredients to handcraft a distinctive and unique menu in a casual, family-friendly environment. Their unique blend of locally-sourced products and innovative takes on classical dishes, has helped us craft an environment that flawlessly combines the bold and traditional.

I was pleased to meet owner Jeff Frost. He purchased the place in 2015 and truly placed his own stamp on it. The restaurant has a cool vibe, with seating for 88 people over two floors on the inside and 24 more on a most beautiful season patio. Frost constructed it during the pandemic at a cost of $120,000. Inside there is a lot of memorabilia and framed photos on the wall. A lot of the local professional athletes from the hockey Senators and football Redblacks can often be spotted here.

You can order breakfast all day and I must say it took me quite some time to review the selections. I downloaded the QR code at my table and voila, there was the menu.

My dining partner chose one the many Eggs Benny options, which feature two poached eggs atop an English muffin and smothered in savoury hollandaise. This is served alongside house homies (home fries) or a house salad. I chose the smoked meat hash: juicy smoked meat, sauteed peppers and onions, three cheese blend with two over-easy eggs and chipotle hollandaise. Before I left I also ordered a hot chicken sandwich to go: oven roasted chicken stuffed between two slices of bread and smothered in house beef gravy. It is served with fries, a side of peas, coleslaw and a tangy dill pickle.

When Frost bought the place almost a decade ago, he wanted to ensure that the menu had a lot of variety. There is a drink menu and weekly specials. On Mondays, kids eat for free. There is an endless array of egg combinations (some accompanied by sirloin steaks), pancakes, French toast, breakfast poutines, grilled cheese, wraps and clubs, as well as lighter dishes such as a smoked salmon platter.

The daily menu has tasty appetizers, fish and chips, burgers, chicken, Mac ‘N cheese combos, more poutines and a kids menu.

Frost told me he absolutely loves Montreal and visits our city often, always checking out local diners. He is a fan of the iconic Cosmos in NDG. That is why he has a poutine menu item called The Montrealer, with loads of juicy diced Montreal-style smoked meat. There is also the Quebecer: two eggs, a choice of three pieces of bacon, ham, or sausage, served up with a side of pork beans.

“I was in property management before I bought the restaurant,” he said. “When I was young I worked for a busy restaurant in the market. So this turned out to be the right move for me.”

The patio is fully wheelchair accessible and there is wheelchair accessibility to the main level via a side door.

For more information log on to www.wellingtondiner.ca or call 613-798-7800, They are located at 1385 Wellington Street West and open every day at 9 am.

Red Lobster

Over the last few years I feel as if I have become an ambassador the Red Lobster restaurant chain. Yes, I am a big fan, and as a frequent visitor to Ottawa for family reasons, no visit goes without a trip to Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. just as you enter the city via Highway 417. There is a second location at a mall in Nepean.

Red Lobster was indeed a staple in Quebec over 25 years ago. But the company pulled out of our province and given the decision in May to file for bankruptcy that does not seem to be in the cards. As of this writing they were to be sold to Fortress Credit Corp., a lender experienced in restaurant management that has financed the chain operations, including a new $100 million loan that allowed it to stay afloat during its bankruptcy proceedings.

In recent months Red Lobster has closed around 100 restaurants and at least a dozen more are set to shut their doors, none in Canada. It has been reported that mismanagement, competition, inflation and other factors brought down Red Lobster. Thai Union, a global seafood supplier, became Red Lobster leading shareholder in 2020. Even though they cut costs and removed longtime, promotions such as $20 endless shrimp resulted in a loss of $11 million. It is reported to be $1 billion in debt.

I first went to the Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. in Ottawa some 20 years ago when I met the general manager Ian Forrester. When I started returning here for family reasons, I was delighted to see Ian was still there. He was excited to tell me about how many Montrealers come for lunch or dinner, whether they are visiting or just coming in for the evening. Yes, Ian confirms, there are Montrealers who drive in for dinner only. I know a few of them.

Well I am pleased to report that the Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. is doing just fine. When I arrived for dinner the parking lot was full and the wait for tables was so long, the overflow had to sit on benches outside. Forrester was happy to have me spread the word that the Canadian locations have done very well in recent years and they are not impacted by the threats of closure. Many people only read the headlines, so naturally Ian and his team keep getting calls to see if they are still open.

For our most recent visit the three of us started off a Caesar salad, some clam chowder and the mouth-watering signature biscuits. You get two per serving and there is an option to order a half dozen more - good to wrap in a plastic baggie and take home to enjoy. These delicious and soft rolls are not something you will find anywhere else.

For the main course I chose the lobster, shrimp and salmon meal with a side of rice. The others chose the Ultimate Feast (Maritime lobster tail, garlic shrimp, snow crab legs and Walt's Favourite shrimp, with rice); and the Twin Maine tails (a pair of perfectly roasted Maritime lobster tails with cole slaw and mashed potato).

Thanks to Owen Hoyt, the manager on duty that night, for taking care of us

You can find many other tempting items on the menu, such as Date Night Feast for Two – two butter-poached Maritime lobster tails, two seven-ounce sirloins, two jumbo grilled shrimp skewers and a shareable Bacon Mac & Cheese, plus a choice of one side for each guest. The Lobster-Topped Stuffed Tilapia features tilapia roasted with their signature.

There are handicapped parking spots. You can order curbside pickup. Entry to the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible.

Red Lobster is located at 1499 St. Laurent Blvd. You can call
(613) 744-7560 or log on to www.redlobster.ca