Candyscovery, Candies From all Over the World, Every Month At Home!

I discovered Candyscovery through an article on the website of The Telfer School Of Management, and I immediately fell in love with the concept.

Thibaud, a 2011 MBA Graduate is travelling around the world finding the best, original and handmade candies, just for you. But it isn't just this. You can receive candies every month thanks to the subscription! What a smart idea! Just imagine, every month, you receive a surprise mix of candies from a country you maybe never visited!

I do not know if it is the same for you, but I am always looking for great gift ideas for my friends or my family. I am taking so much time to find something very original and unique. Here is the solution! Offering 1, 3, 6, or 12 month of candies! Your friends will love it!

With Candyscovery, every month you can make you or your friends happy!

So what do you think ? Are you ready to "sweeten your life"?

Loch March Golf: What are you doing on Sundays?

I went to this Ottawa Golf and Country Club called Loch March on Sunday afternoon. It is located in Kanata, in a very peaceful environment. 

I have to admit that it was the first time I was golfing. I really wanted to try and I found this great deal called "Nine and Dine" which means that you can play 9 holes and then go for dinner! The price is $49,99 by person and I really think it worth it...You will understand why.

You can imagine that, because it was my first time golfing, I was a little bit stressed because I did not want to disturb other players. But I quickly noticed that the staff was very nice and understanding and they helped me to fully enjoy the experience.

With the price, you have 9 holes but also the cart (the cute little car), a new sleeve of balls and finally the dinner. You have to rent the clubs if you do not have yours. We were two and we took two bags of clubs, but if you are novice, I think one bag for two persons is enough. It is $30 the bag of clubs.

I had a lot of fun, look at these pictures, with the sun, the view, it was like a vacation day, far from everything. If I can give you an advice, take your mosquito repellent if you want to have the time to concentrate.

The Golf is very nice, and the holes are all very different so you can not be bored. Bring your soul mate or go with a bunch of friends and you will really enjoy it!

My favorite: a nice girl is doing the tour of the golf all the day, and giving us some fresh water (and mosquito repellent!)

Of course, I could not wait for the dinner...And I was not disappointed! I went outside to enjoy the patio. 

Have a look to these pictures:

It was a very complete meal, and everything was delicious. After all my efforts :) I was happy to have a big dinner, with good products.

First it was a salad with an Italian dressing (yummy), then a nice plate with potatoes, vegetables and stuffed turkey (with apple compote on it!). You even have olive bread and salt butter to eat with it. Finally, the dessert was so smooth and light in the mouth, a perfect choice to finish the dinner (and the day).

You do not know what to do on Sundays afternoon? You have to buy a gift and you have no idea?

 The Nine & Dine at Loch March is for you!

Lieutenant's Pump, Best Brunch in Ottawa!

I went here because I wanted to walk, enjoy the summer air. So I walked and walked on Elgin street and I immediately fell in love with this little square at the corner of Waverley street. Cute and with so nice restaurant patios. 

You know that you are arriving at Lieutenant's Pump on a Sunday morning by following the crowd. 

This restaurant is huge, and the patio is lovely. Inside it is like a Pub but outside it is more classic. 

The waitresses are so nice. Each time I came (Yes I went there at least four times...) it is the same pleasure: smiles, quick service and nice conversations.

Moreover, the food is great and the price is very low for the quality. The quantity is perfect for a brunch, after eating, you just want to go back home and sleep! It is not a coincidence if there is so many people every week-end! 

I never went to Lieutenant's Pump for lunch or dinner so this review is only about the brunch.

My favorite: you can watch the TV outside during your brunch! I was there for the Rolland Garros Tennis Tournament men's final and I could watch it!

Go to Lieutenant's Pump with friends on a Sunday, the best place to enjoy the end of the week!

I Fell In Love with Lucien : "Chez Lucien" THE Place to Go!

This restaurant is one of my favorite in Ottawa. You cannot be disappointed! I went there at least three times and the pleasure was still the same! I have so much compliments to say...

First, the place is so lively, you can hear the atmosphere, the miscellany chat which makes the place so friendly.

Then, the staff is so nice, it was a pleasure to talk with them each time I went there.

What about the food? Sincerely, I LOVED it. You have to try the burgers, they are amazing, the fries are perfect, and the dressing...the BEST I never tried! I think it is for the salad, but please, dip your fries in it!

My favorite burger is "L'hambourgeoisie" with brie cheese melted over sliced pear...Yummy!

I also tried the Chicken Dijon, with mashed potatoes : it is a great alternative to the burger!

Finally, for only $7, I tested the chocolate fondue! It makes me think that I forgot to say, that the price is more than reasonable, I even think it is cheap for the quality! I ordered a bottle of wine for only $25!

My favorite: There is a jukebox, with old songs, and most of it from France!

I am at the end of this review, and I think I just convinced myself to go back there...right now!

Thann, A Taste of Thailand in the Glebe

After a lot of restaurant articles, here is a post about a store which is not selling food: Thann is a cosmetic store...but with natural products!

First, when I entered the store, I immediately smelt this reinvigorating lemon scent. I was also subjugated by this decoration. Have a look to the pictures, you will see the products in the middle of grass and plants!

I came here for a Bloggers' night and I had the chance to test different products and to smell all the collections!

I didn't know the brand when I came here and it was a total discovery. I had a facial and hands spa treatments. Both were great, I could feel the quality of the products. My hands smelt good even 3 hours after!

So if you love Skin Care products as I like them, You have to go here, test the products, and live this store experience!

The Black Thorn, A Very Good Surprise!

I went to The Black Thorn, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, looking desperately for a terrace...

First, I chose it because of the nice pavement area, with nice paintwork in the back. Due to the logo, I was thinking it was a pub, so I expected classic pub food like wraps or burgers...

But what a surprise! Actually the food is not at all like a pub food, but fine food!

I chose the Mediterranean Bruschetta and the Black Thorn Charcuterie (combination of meats and Quebec farm cheeses) .

I can't say that I liked it...because I really LOVED it! It was actually so good that I ordered these dishes...TWICE!

First, I was at the terrace but after an hour, the weather was not warm enough to stay outside so I went inside and the decoration and design is lovely too!

The waiters and waitress were as nice as the restaurant so I really enjoyed my experience here! I think I stayed here more than 2 hours!

So only one advice, go to the Black Thorn, try the terrace, try the cheese, try the bruschetta...Actually, try everything you can...

It Is Time To (go to) Play!

The restaurant Play Food and Wine on York Street is really a place to go whether you are new in Ottawa or not.
This is one of my best experience here. First, the waiter was incredibly nice...and the food was amazing too!

I was missing so much good Charcuterie and Cheese, but I found the place to fill this need!
I started by order a French white wine: The Chateau Lafage 2009. I loved it, so tasty and fruity!

For the dishes, I choose the Mixed Charcuterie plate and then, a five selections of cheese. I had 3 French cheeses, and two from Quebec. It was EXCELLENT. Look at the picture, you will know what I mean...

For the quality, the price is reasonable, it is not an "everyday-life" restaurant, but it is a real pleasure that you can afford at least one time in your Ottawa life!

Go Play With Tastes!

Empire Grill: Lounge and Trendy!

After a big week of work, I decided to have a break and begin the week-end with a good restaurant. So I went at the Empire Grill, at 9pm, on Friday. 

I was very surprised by the decoration, the atmosphere but also the quality of the food!

The Wine Menu is huge, a lot of choice, it is like an encyclopedia!

I choose the Lobster Spaghetti and the Warm Beef Salad. Everything was perfect to have a good time here. The salad was delicious, and I am very critical with salad because I had a lot of disappointments before. The meat was so tender and the little potatoes drove me crazy!

It was reasonably price for this kind of restaurant and for the quality of the services.

The Bar is lounge and shiny,some people come here with friends, just to have a drink, and to test some wine!

If you want to chill out and enjoy your evening? Take your friends or your other half at the Empire Grill!

The End Of Winter...lude

I know you want to say: Why does she write about Winterlude after Winterlude? Maybe because I did not want to show you the Ice Sculptures before you go? Or maybe to encourage you to go here next year!

I only visited the Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden). I went there at night and it was beautiful thanks to the lights which were enhancing the sculptures. As it was Saturday evening, it was very cool because there was a DJ (more precisely DJ Vito V). He was in a bubble and people were dancing in the snow in front of him: so funny! 

I had a very good feelings about this event because it was (in the same time) very dynamic with the music and peaceful with the speechless sculptures.

 I do not know if the sculptures stayed alive until the end, because when I went there it was already melting. 

In conclusion: It was very impressive and I never stopped to think: How they can do that?

Heart & Crown, Great Place For a Saturday Lunch!

I went at Heart and Crown last Saturday afternoon. I was hungry because it was more than 4pm...

I wanted something big, good, quick and in a fun atmosphere, just to chill out.

It is a typical Irish Pub, a lot of wood decoration, of beer and a big screen in the middle of the room to watch sports on TV. There was a lot of people for the hour, so it was a friendly atmosphere.

I took the Smoked Salmon Marbled Rye Sandwich and the Prime Rib Beef Burger. I was not expected fine food for a pub but actually I was surprised: Salmon was tasty, bread was very good and I loved all these colors in my plate.

My favorite: I entered the pub via a little path which is the Mother McGintey's entry, and it is really cute!

St Patrick's Day is very soon, and I am sure it would be great to celebrate it in this Pub! Maybe I will see you there!

Santé Restaurant, Asian Food?

Santé was one of my target because I saw this restaurant each time I came Downtown. I was watching at the sign and trying to imagine what kind of restaurant it could be. My first impression with the name was: I am sure it is a gastronomic restaurant, with healthy products and the possibility to buy some paintings like in a gallery.

For me it could be traditional food.

So I was very surprised when I discovered the menu and saw that it is an Asian Fusion restaurant. I don't know exactly why, but my general feeling was disappointment. I was expecting very fine food and, even if the food was good, there was nothing extraordinary compare to what I expected. The service was good enough, but not perfect.

A thing is sure, the decoration is nice, armchairs are comfortable and tables have a nice layout.

Actually, I will not recommend this restaurant because I think the value for money is not interesting (I find it very expensive for simple food) but if you like Asian food and you want to make your own opinion about it, it is upstairs the Chapters store on Rideau!

Go Sens Go! Hockey Game and Entertainment!

Even if you are not a huge fan of sports, you will love a hockey game at Scotiabank Place! I received tickets as a Christmas gift and what a great gift: it was so funny!

First, you would love hockey games for the atmosphere! Everyone is encouraging his/her favorite team, by screaming and singing. There was also a lot of games during the slack periods that I loved, with music, and a random camera which was filming people: you could be on the big screen! I know that it is very common in north america, but not for me, it was the first time I saw that! (except on TV).

Then, I never watched hockey game before and I have to say that I rapidly entered the game and I screamed too!
It was very impressive to see the big arena crowded and all the people supporting the same team, and with the same goal: win the game.

Actually, I went here to see the match the Sens VS the Flames, and Ottawa lost the game. But I did not care, because there was so much suspense until the end :the Sens scored at the last minute of the game!

My favorite? During the half time, little kids were playing! It was so cute, they were so small on the ice! Oh and I love the mascot too.

If you are New in Ottawa Go to see the Sens GO! (If you are not newcomer,I am sure you already did it)

Milestones, Lounge and Delicious

I walked many times in front of The Milestone's and I really wanted to go in. Actually, I was thinking it would be expensive so each time, I walked away. This restaurant is located just above to the Metropolitain.

Finally, I went there for lunch, and I was surprised, the price was not so expensive, even affordable.

I tested the Grilled Portobello Mushroom sandwich (with spinach, goat cheese, red pepper and fresh basil)  and the Prime Rib Beef Dip (with prime rib, crispy onion strings and yam frites).

Everything was tasteful, I was not disappointed. I loved the lounge atmosphere, very comfortable. 

My favorite? The French fries are curly! I found it very original and innovative.

So do not walk for miles to find a good place: Go to Milestone's!

Eggcellent Eggspectation!

After the French Baker, I never tested another brunch until today. You can easily see Eggspectation on Bank Street: the bright colors and the originally sign appeal to your eyes. 

I went here on a Saturday noon for brunch, (the following day of a Friday night out) and my first impression was that I loved the decoration which looks like an old farm. 

I started by ordering a Tropical Teaser (Mango, Banana, pineapple blended with fresh orange juice and ice). Very good and rich in fruit (If you drink the whole glass then you could not eat a lot) to help me waiting my plates: the Eggsuberant (2 eggs, pancakes, tomatoes, sausage, bacon, grilled potatoes, fruit) and the Avocado and Grilled Chicken Salad. For the price, I was very satisfied and it is exactly what I wanted for a brunch: Good products and good quantity!

My favourite: you can eat something big for cheap! Test the Classics One eggs with sausages and grilled potatoes for only $6,49.

As a conclusion: Eggspectation is really better than eggspected!

Clock Tower, The Clock is Ticking

I went at the Clock Tower with friends, to enjoy the atmosphere of a pub, and eat something good.

The first time I heard about it was at The Ottawa wine and food show and I loved their stands and food. So, I was expected something better and funnier.

First we ordered drinks, some beers, cocktails...It was quick served and good.

But it was a match day for the Sens and the waiter preferred watch it, rather than serve us. It was long to have our courses and the pub was quite empty. Because of the combination Sens Match + Wednesday?

I tested the Warm Goat's cheese salad. For me: not enough vinaigrette, not enough taste. Only the Goat cheese was delicious, but there was only 3 pieces of it (I know I am really greedy of cheese!)

I also tested the obvious nachos, but there were too dry compared to all the other I tested before.

Finally, I tested the meatloaf and, this time the dish was very good (I did not know what it was).

So I can recommend you to go here if you want to have a drink, to watch a match. And if you eat, take the Meat Loaf!