Mezzaluna a quiet, hidden Italian discovery

I had a lunch date with Marie in downtown Ottawa and was trying to find a spot I had never been to. I had heard good things about Café Mezzaluna, so that’s where we headed. Located on Cooper near Elgin, this Italian restaurant is connected to the Cartier Place Suite Hotel.  It has a nice little patio in the summer, but since March begun at -10, it wasn’t open, despite yesterday’s hype about year-round patios being considered by the city.  I mean, this is not Vancouver, especially not today. The restaurant’s decor is kind of dated, but I actually do not mind.  It gives it a classic, old school feel, a warm and comforting atmosphere. We sat at a table in the back corner. There was a party of 8 by the front window, sitting around a big round table. A couple of women showed up some time after.  So it wasn’t empty, but it was quiet. Which,…

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Ronald’s All Day Breakfast is here

Apparently, we’ve all been waiting for it. And today, McDonald’s is rolling out all-day breakfast to around 75% of its Canadian restaurants across the country. This means that at 11:01 am, you’ll be able to get some Hotcakes, McMuffins, Biscuits, McGriddles and Hash Browns, despite your tardiness. In this corner, we do not understand why anyone would want breakfast when lunch time has obviously arrived.  But apparently, after 50 years in Canada, McDonald’s now believes breakfast time should be on our time. McDonald’s began selling all-day breakfast in the United States back in 2015 and it has been a huge success for the Golden Arches. A pilot project in 17 restaurants showed it would be the case in Canada, too. Here is a map of the participating locations in Ottawa.

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Chipotle has arrived in Ottawa

The rumours started last spring with what appeared to be a job posting. Chipotle was looking for a restaurant general manager… in Ottawa. Even though Chipotle wouldn’t confirm, it seemed obvious. Even more obvious when Cadillac Fairview posted a new floor plan for the Rideau Centre – something folks on reddit shared widely in August: Chipotle had a spot secured in the old Elephant & Castle (followed by the failed The Exchange) location at the Rideau Centre, at the corner of Sussex and Colonel By. Chipotle confirmed on Twitter what every Ottawa Foodie was hoping for and expecting: @CBCOttawa @parkerwags Yep, if all goes according to plan, we’ll open there on January 30th. Don’t beans a stranger. -Dre — Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) January 10 2017 It didn’t quite go according to plan, as the first Ottawa Chipotle finally opened on February 2nd at 10:45 am. It is now open every day…

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Cheaper than roses!

Tired of being fleeced for Valentine’s Day? Tired of jam-packed restaurants offering a mediocre table d’hôte for twice the price? Montana’s has a solution for you. They are offering you to share your love of BBQ with your tender half for only $45. That’s right. They’re making it extra saucy with this deal. For 45 bucks, you can bring your Valentine to Montana’s and get sticky! Together, share a starter (Antojitos or Spinach Dip), choose your own entrée (Rib Taster Plate, 7 oz Steak, Fire-Grilled Pineapple Salmon or Chicken Parm) and dig into a dessert (Shake N Share Donuts or Skillet Cookies), all for just 45 bucks! What’s not to love? Even better, the offer is available until February 17th. Get your coupon here. Note:  Ms. Waffle declined this very generous offer.

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Riviera is sticking out

Riviera is sticking out on Sparks street, figuratively speaking. The restaurant, opened six months ago by Matthew Carmichael and Jordan Holley (of El Camino and Datsun fame), has a very discreet neon blue sign and you can’t really see what’s going on inside from the pedestrian mall. If you don’t know about it, you could walk right by it without noticing. Located between Metcalfe and Elgin, the spot actually sticks out because it is a fancy-schmancy restaurant on a stretch better known for its pub fare, cheap breakfasts and quick lunches. It is also quite stylish. Built in 1869, the building was a bank for most of its lifespan. It features fantastic high ceilings, more natural light then you would think, an open, humming kitchen and a very long bar, spanning almost the length of the entire restaurant, with plenty of space to sit, drink and eat comfortably. I’m a sucker…

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