Ottawa

Today	Monday	Tuesday
Partly Cloudy 31°/15°	Mostly Cloudy 30°/15°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 23°/9°

Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Ottawa

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Hot Dining: Homemade Pasta at Mamma Grazzi’s

A pasta dish made 'al momento' at Mamma Garzzi's

Mamma Grazzi’s offers comforting food reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen. Known for Old World Italian cuisine with homemade pasta and hand-rolled thin crust pizzas, this restaurant sticks to an “al momento” philosophy of cooking, with each dish prepared individually to order. And with pastas and pizzas ranging from about $11-$20, this is good food that won’t break the bank (try the Odessa and Milano pastas, which are local favourites). Plus, now that the weather is warm, you can even enjoy your meal on one of the prettiest patios in the city.

25 George St., 613-241-8656.

Hot Date: Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser perform tonight at Centrepointe Theatre

May 17
Get ready to swoon when you see Straight No Chaser live in concert. This male a cappella group brings an age-old singing tradition into the modern era by tackling pop songs such as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” Coldplay’s “Fix You,” and even a “Billie Jean” and “Poison” mash-up that will have you wanting to hit the dance floor when these 10 guys take the stage.

Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., 613-580-2705, www.centrepointetheatre.com

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for May 18 to 20

Friday, May 18

Dutch DJ Nicky Romero plays Elektrik Tulipe on Friday.

The end of The Canadian Tulip Festival this weekend brings electronic music event Electrik Tulipe. In collaboration with the festival, world famous DJs will set the stage this Friday with performances by Steve Angello of the famed Swedish House Mafia, Dutch DJ/producer Nicky Romero, and Size Records DJ Third Party.

“Nightwalking” is an exhibit by artist Julie Berthelot that explores Canadian landscapes through large-scale abstract paintings of trees, fields and forests. The exhibit runs through June 3. Artist vernissage will take place this Thursday at Orange Art Gallery.

The 40^th annual MusicFest Canada is a five-day event that celebrates over 10,000 young Canadian musicians through performance. Friday’s lineup features the 40^th Anniversary Celebration Concert with performances from Canadian artist David Clayton-Thomas from the band Blood, Sweat & Tears, jazz vocalist Ranee Lee, drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez from Santana, and Yamaha pianist Oliver Jones.

Saturday, May 19

The four-day-long Sheep Shearing Festival at the Canada Agriculture Museum teaches children (and adults alike) about the many uses of sheep’s wool. Activities include sheep shearing and herding, sheepdog agility, wool carding, and felt making. Children will also be able to help Little Bo Peep find her sheep. (more…)

Hot Shopping: A Colourful Birdhouse from Urban Barn

Globe birdhouse from Urban Barn

It’s spring, so welcome our feathered friends back to town in style with these fun and funky gem-toned Globe Bird Houses from Urban Barn. With eye-catching hues and a modern shape, these round abodes add a touch of whimsy to any nature lover’s backyard. Available in purple, yellow, and teal. $10. 22 York St. (Unit B), 613-860-6020.

Fantasy is Reality at Ottawa’s First-Ever Comiccon

By Scott Kennel

Lou Ferrigno as The Incredible Hulk

Superheroes and space travellers are real. Time machines exist and fiction is coming to life. You can see it happen, because on May 12 and 13, impossible creatures from the fringes of reality are gathering together to celebrate the fantastical at Ottawa Comiccon.

William Shatner is the guest of honour at this year's Comiccon

For the first time ever, Ottawa is hosting this epic comic book/science fiction/video game/geek heaven convention. Anyone who spent their childhood living in imaginary worlds (or who still lives there) will be amazed to see their favourite characters living, breathing, walking, and talking. Fans dressed as popular superheroes, TV characters, aliens, and monsters will fill the CE Centre, and a costume contest and masquerade will give them a chance to show off their suits. A Magic: The Gathering card tournament offers a chance to battle it out in a competition that will undoubtedly feature the most serious gamers in the city, and comic book artists will be available to do on-the-spot sketches of favourite characters. On top of that, any kind of geek paraphernalia, from comic books and video games to clothing and art, will be available to purchase from more than 100 booths set up by exhibitors from Ottawa and beyond.

(more…)

Hot Dining: Black Cat Bistro

Dinner is a fun affair when you head to Black Cat Bistro in Little Italy, starting from the moment you walk in the door. The décor is both chic and cozy, making it the perfect place for a special occasion or dinner with pals. The food is colourful, prettily plated, and pulls from classic French cuisine. And if you love hamburgers, we recommend “Burger Tuesdays,” which sees the creative minds in the kitchen whipping up a different burger every week. Save room for something sweet (the unique “Rocky Road” dessert is a must). 428 Preston St., 613-569-9998.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for May 11 to 13

Friday, May 11
Join a talented group of vocalists as they sing hits from iconic musicals Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Do You Hear The People Sing is put on by the NAC Orchestra and runs Thursday through Saturday. The Ottawa Festival Chorus is among the many performers.

Kaya 2 by Shannon Kaya of Teomae Designs, who will be exhibiting at the Glamour in the Glebe Jewellery Show

Over 30 jewellers will be present for this Friday’s Glamour in the Glebe event, which features a jewellery fashion show and refreshments. Pick something up for yourself, or grab a gift for mom from one of the many vendors.

Saturday, May 12
If you’re searching for great local food, look no further than the Locavore Artisan Food Fair. Over 20 local vendors will be present, and a silent auction will take place with proceeds going to the School Breakfast Program (an Ottawa initiative).

(more…)

Hot Shopping: Fab Footwear from Geox

The “Janira” patent leather dress sandal by Geox

You’ll feel like the queen of the urban jungle when you strut your stuff in the “Janira” patent leather dress sandals by Geox. With bold colours and modern design, these shoes are indicative of the brand’s 2012 Spring/Summer line, which focuses on colour, texture, and prints. And even though you’ll be rocking a sky-high stacked heel, the shoe also features padded insoles, a patented breathable sole, and soft leather lining to wick away moisture, so you never have to sacrifice style for comfort. $130. Available at Geox, Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-567-4369.

Best of the Fests

Tulips bloom during the Canadian Tulip Festival. (Photo: Ottawa Tourism)

Ottawa buzzes with excitement as festival season kicks into high gear. From performing arts to cultural celebrations — and everything in between — here are just a few top picks for May and June.

CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
May 4 to 21
Enjoy the stunning landscape, decorated with millions of tulips, in honour of this annual festival, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2012. As always, Major’s Hill Park, Commissioners Park, and other areas around town will showcase the colourful blooms. This year’s festival programming will be moving into various neighbourhoods for community activities and celebrations. Popular programming that celebrates the theme of international friendship will be offered and includes dance, music, cuisine, and arts from diverse cultural communities, as well as interactive activities for families from galleries and museums.
Various locations.

OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
May 30 to June 3
Children — and those young at heart — will delight in the fantastical shows on offer at this annual fest. Award-winning artists from around the globe bring their acts to town for five days of performing arts. Performances include 2 Dimensional Life of Her, a performance made of drawing, animation, puppetry, projection, and paper; Black Violin, a slick combination of classical and hip-hop music; Head à Tête, a play about two strangers, one French, one English; and plenty more exciting shows. There will also be family activities at the fairgrounds before and after the performances.
Lebreton Flats Park and the Canadian War Museum. Tickets: $12.50; three-show pack: $30.

(more…)

Weekend Roundup: Best Best for May 4 to 6

Friday, May 4
The 2012 3i Summit on Sustainability is a two-day event aimed at creating change to transform Ottawa into an environmentally sustainable city. The event, which is partnered with the City of Ottawa (among others), has also teamed up with businesses and community members to create an action plan for Ottawa’s future. Moe Garahan, Executive Director at Just Food in Ottawa will be one of several speakers as part of a panel.

The 60th annual Canadian Tulip Festival kicks off this Friday.

This Friday kicks off the first weekend of the 60th Commemorative Edition of The Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa. To celebrate this milestone, the festival will begin with an opening party in the ByWard Market. Join half a million visitors during this month-long event, and tour some of Ottawa’s most historic neighbourhoods.

Join Bryan Adams on his first Canada-wide tour since 1992, this Friday at Scotiabank Place. Expect to hear great hits like “Open Road” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” as Adams rocks out alongside his longtime band members.

Saturday, May 5
Death and the Maiden, directed by Craig Walker, is a live performance that tells the story of fear and paranoia in a now defunct dystopian society. This three-week event begins May 1 at The Gladstone.

(more…)