Ottawa The Charming

After living in Ottawa for four years — or, I should say, eight months a year for four years — I came to the conclusion I could never be a permanent resident there. It's a little too quiet, a little too small, a little too inhibited. But it certainly has its charms. 

Now that I don't live there anymore, I love visiting and enjoying all the perks: decidedly fresher air, the beauty of Parliament and the Rideau Canal, and the walkability of all the areas worth going to (namely Centretown, Elgin Street, and the Market...and sometimes the Glebe). Plus I have great pals there who I wish lived in Toronto, but who scorn it for being too big, too dirty, and too trendy. Yeah, yeah.

Last weekend, I got to boast my knowledge of the city by playing a tour guide to three friends who were visiting Ottawa for the first time. Here are the city's must-stops, in my not-so-humble opinion:

Bridgehead

This Ottawa-exclusive chain kicks Starbucks' ass when it comes to popularity in the city. When I lived around the corner from one,  I could never score a seat so I'd always have to go to the half-empty Starbucks or Second Cup down the road to study. I love their London Fogs (made with high quality loose-leaf tea) and chocolate brownies. Plus, the washrooms have dual flush toilets, which manage to be hippie-ish and luxurious at the same time. I want one!

Dalhousie Street shopping

Ottawa doesn't even have an H&M yet, which is just one example of how it isn't quite on the pulse of fashion. (Side question: Why did they film Project Runway Canada there this season?) But strolling down this somewhat hidden strip of boutiques on the periphery of the market—something I always do with my very fashionable friend Suzanne—is a great way to spend an afternoon and lay down some cash. Victoire is a well-edited shop of indie labels, delicate jewelry and vintage shoes. And I always find something at the small thrift shop Young Janes, such as a $14 grey clutch that manages to be '80s and super-chic at the same time.

Mags & Fags

This is possibly my favourite shop in the city. You might say it's just another magazine shop, but I say it's the magazine shop because there's something that feels so right about browsing the shelves on a weekend afternoon. It reaffirms my love of mags every time I go (sigh).

Avant Garde

There's a common complaint about the lack of cool bars in Ottawa, but I disagree. One of my fave pubs of all time is The Manx (which, sadly, I missed out on this visit) and my old 

roomies, Sara and Darcy, introduced me to this vodka bar called Avant Garde, which has plenty to offer, including pickles as chasers (!), bargain Absinthe and chummy French waiters. What's not to love? 

Vineyards

This basement restaurant in the heart of the Byward Market doesn't have great dinner food, but it has an extensive wine selection, including a list of wine flights that go perfectly with the cheese plate and baguette. The decor is cellar-like, which makes you feel all warm and cozy. (Try to overlook the Michael Buble music played on the web site)

Brunch at The Mayflower

It's small, old-fashioned (e.g. the curtains), and—refreshingly—not invaded by hipsters, as most good brunch places in Toronto are. I love how you can get oatmeal with chocolate chips, but I also recommend the tasty omelettes. And you can write on the bathroom walls!

p.s. I miss you Ottawa. xoxo