Normally, on a warm summer weekend, I would spend my time cruising downtown TO's used bookstore-strips, now in tragic decline due to the Internet and a general increase in stupidity, and then reading my new-bought treasures at some local sports-bar, dressed pretty much like this guy here (except that I would be wearing one of my many, many pairs of sports sandals, because way back when when everyone wore sandals and stuck flowers in their hair was a Golden Age and you youth of today, with your green hair and nose rings and your tattoos and that shitty music.... all suck magnificently).But not this weekend, with the G8/G20 lock-down in force. The wife and I are off to Ottawa because she's allergic to the smell of tear-gas and they've got book-stores in Ottawa and its a nice cultural center that's less than a plane-ride away. (Wish they had better restaurants, though)
Anyone around over the weekend that wants to quaff a few beers, email me at bigcitylib@hotmail.com and we'll see what might transpire. I think I've rigged up something Sunday afternoon with Balbulican, Marie Eve, and Dr. Dawg himself, who will, for a small fee, actually let you touch that crazy mustache. I won't reveal the location until later, and privately, to avoid assassins and unwanted press attention, but it will be somewhere near the market.
H/T
Whooooaaaa now. Better restaurants!? You're obviously missing out. Domus, Beckta, Murray Street, Sweetgrass, Navarra, Benitz, Allium, Wellington, Absynthe, Play, Atelier, Fraser Cafe. You sir, are not looking hard enough.
ReplyDeleteWell I have to agree with Shiner, these are some fine dining establishments, but they come with a corresponding price tag. Specially Beckta. I would recommend "Play" from Shiner's list, I went recently and it was just delicious, reasonably priced, and not too filling - they do small portions but I was satisfied with appetizer, entree and dessert.
ReplyDeleteFor cheaper yet great grub:
The Shawarma Palace (Rideau St. near Chapel)
Jadeland (Somerset St. W near Bronson)
Not so crazy about Domus (it used to be good, but I think they're slipping), but the rest of his list is brilliant (especially Sweetgrass, for something really unusual). May I respectfully add the reborn Black Cat Café on Preston to the list?
ReplyDeleteIf I may chime in:
ReplyDeleteWellington Gastropub, and if you are really into the weird and wacky, there is a place near Preston street, called Atelier that specializes in molecular gastronomy. 88 dollars sounds a lot, but it is a 12 course set up (but small portion sizes).
http://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/
Also, if you are looking for something endemic to Ottawa and really, really, like burgers, there is always the Works.
By the way, Play, I believe, is owned by the same person who owns Beckta (I think).
Oh, and, this weekend is the Jazz Festival at Confederation Park should you be looking for something to do.