The neon signage of Torta Boyz beckons guests from its perch amongst tightly packed houses on a residential stretch of Lebreton Street. It’s a casual dining destination that serves up great atmosphere and the vibrant flavours of Mexican street food in approachable formats. Hearty handhelds called “tortas” headline the menu and are complemented by a selection of sharing plates and smaller bites. This unsuspecting industrial space at the south end of Chinatown is overflowing with good vibes. Interior red lights cast a warm glow on the sidewalk and catches the attention of curious passers-by. Onc ..read more

At street level, beneath the sprawling expanse that is Harmon’s Steakhouse on Elgin, you’ll find a moody and intimate wine bar. Abby’s, the latest addition to the Whalesbone Group family, serves up something a little different. With an extensive list at a variety of price points available in three-ounce, five-ounce, or full bottle portions, the wine offerings are an exciting way to start. Expert service helps guests navigate uncharted terroir. If you’re not in the mood for wine, Abby’s can slake your thirst with one of several classic cocktails on tap or shake up something else à la minute. Th ..read more

A fulfilling couple of days can easily be spent wandering among masterpieces from across the centuries at the National Gallery of Canada or strolling beside the massive antique crafts at the Aviation Museum. The Canadian War Museum offers a quiet sanctum for contemplating the horrors and sorrows of conflict, while heritage and culture (not to mention a busy children’s museum) await at the Canadian Museum of History. But in only one of these august institutions will you find a decent meal — food for the body, having nourished the soul. Let’s start with the best. Food at the national gallery is ..read more

Before the days when air freight brought mangoes, strawberries, and avocados to our stores year-round, and before a globalized food system raised our expectations to absurd heights — dark red cherries at Christmas, sushi spotted far from any ocean — we ate what was produced locally. In a limited way, those who shop at farmer’s markets and subscribe to CSA deliveries do this now, to the extent that the Canadian climate allows. However, when it comes to flour and bread, this has always been more difficult. Grains, mostly produced over thousands of acres of monoculture and plied with environmenta ..read more

The little chalet near the entrance to Hendrick Farm has seen a number of restaurants come and go over the years. Hopefully, Le Petit Bar à Vin is here to stay. The restaurant opened in May 2022 and has about 20 seats indoors and more on a large outdoor deck with views south to Ottawa. As its name suggests, it is primarily a wine bar, but serves simple, good food too; it makes a fun place to stop on your way in or out of Gatineau Park. Photography by Melody Maloney Our evening begins with a glass of prosecco, always a good way to start. It ends with our table having tried wines from Quebec, Po ..read more

In 2012, I was working at a well-respected restaurant in the ByWard Market when I saw my kitchen colleague suddenly leave the line. It was not unusual for a cook to exit in the middle of service for a quick cigarette — often the only way to get a break — but I could tell this was different. When he returned to the kitchen, his face was pale. With order chits piling up, I asked him if he was okay. “I’ve been vomiting,” he said tersely. We continued working side by side until the end of the night. Not knowing how contagious this stomach bug was, I could only hope that the rest of the kitchen cre ..read more

Chef Stephen La Salle has taken his talents from one hotel restaurant, Feast + Revel in the Andaz, and started anew in the freshly renovated Metcalfe Hotel’s Cocotte Bistro. Cocotte serves up classic French cuisine in portions designed to be shared. Mains range from $20 to $54 and run the gamut from a vegan cassoulet to a filet mignon. The décor is as sumptuous as the menu with a spacious dining room and bar featuring rich textures of wood, stone, and velvet. Photography by Melody Maloney Sparkling cocktails and sours feature prominently on the drinks list – with a negroni and old fashioned on ..read more

Ben Barry is the Dean of Fashion at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, one of the most distinguished fashion schools in the world. And it all started in Ottawa. Adrian Harewood talks with Ben Barry about starting a business at 14, studying fashion at Cambridge University, and the Ottawa advantage. You’ve now been dean for 18 months. How is it going?It’s been really fun. It’s been exciting to bring everything I’ve learned at home into a New York context, and into an American-based design school. And what is that you’re bringing to the table — from Ottawa?As Dean, I feel my two main ..read more

Tucked into an unsuspecting nook on Sparks Street near Metcalfe, you’ll find a sexy and austere 21-seat cocktail bar that may remind you of award-winning watering holes in more metropolitan destinations like Montreal or New York. That similarity is very much by design: Tang and co-owners Mike Campbell and Adam Ghor drew inspiration from some of their favourite haunts like Cloakroom in Montreal. Always open until 2 a.m., Stolen Goods is one of the few available destinations for late-night libations.  Tang has been in the business for six years. He first discovered a passion for craft cockt ..read more

Ben Barry is the Dean of Fashion at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, one of the most distinguished fashion schools in the world. And it all started in Ottawa. Adrian Harewood talks with Ben Barry about starting a business at 14, studying fashion at Cambridge University, and the Ottawa advantage. You’ve now been dean for 18 months. How is it going?It’s been really fun. It’s been exciting to bring everything I’ve learned at home into a New York context, and into an American-based design school. And what is that you’re bringing to the table — from Ottawa?As Dean, I feel my two main ..read more