brunch

Settimana Italiana! Italian week - celebrating Calabria

Every year for the last 35 years, there has been an Settimana Italiana in Ottawa. This year, the festivities take place from June 10th to 21st and will celebrate the Calabria region of Italy.

There’s a lot to do throughout the 11 days. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Viva Italia Concert by Capital Brassworks at St Anthony’s Soccer Club on Monday, June 15.
  • Gastronomy Night “Calabria” on Tuesday, June 16 at Villa Marconi (free admission).
  • The Ferraris (!!!) part of the Festivities on Preston St., Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21 all day.

If you want to check the full schedule, go here. Check the Italian Festival’s website for more details on what’s happening.

Mother’s Day in Ottawa

Katie and her mommy

Mother’s Day: the ultimate marketing campaign, because even if you know you are being manipulated into buying useless crap, you can’t really object because it’s for your mommy. This year, I find myself separated from my mother dearest, and consequently I’m more than usually susceptible to the holiday’s insidious charm. Since I won’t be able to take my mom out on the town, I’ve decided to do it vicariously by suggesting some activities you can do with yours. I tried to scope out events to please a wide-range of tastes, but feel free to add your suggestions below.

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The Best Croissants in Town

Courtesy of fieldtripp

French Baker Croissants Courtesy of fieldtripp

They’re tasty, flaky and french… kinda like my boyfriend. Add a latte or a cappuccino et Voilà! Instant sophistication. Here’s where to go in Ottawa to get a little taste of Paris.

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The Best Two-Egger in Town

Courtesy of malias on flickr

Courtesy of malias on flickr

It’s the little black dress of breakfast: two eggs, toasts, potatoes. This cheep and easy standby is a favourite of students trying to forget last night and seniors trying to remember the last ten minutes. For those of you left jaded by decadence weekend brunches, try getting back to basics at these downtown(ish) hangouts.

  1. Mayflower – 247 Elgin Street – $3.35
    What the two egg breakfast is all about – the only way to get more bang for the buck is to lay the eggs yourself. Be sure to get a table in the back where the atmosphere is more English pub, less greasy spoon. Hippies beware: The Mayflower is a known conservative hangout.
  2. Bramasole – 428 Bank Street – $5.95
    Time warp back to the 1950s… or at rather to the 2008 hipster version of it. Although its not the best deal in city, the food is good and plentiful and the decor is the cat’s meow.
  3. Ada’s – 510 Bank Street $4.50
    Maybe its the sizzle from the kitchen, or the colourful checkered table clothes, or the waitress in her blue jeans and a T-shirt, but Ada’s is where you go to feel like an Ottawa insider. The meal is cheep and satisfying but, coffee refills are $0.50 a pop! Gasp!
  4. Wild Oat – 819 Bank Street $6.50
    The two-egger with a hippie twist: you pay a little extra for the virtue of Fair Trade Coffee and organic eggs. Go for the Spelt bread and the homemade jam. Conservatives beware: dreadlocked vegan types love spelt bread.

Any other favourites? Add a comment and let me know.