Good to know! I will add to it during the next few days.
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I stayed at the ARC Hotel, so Elgin St was quite close. It was a long 10h drive, and it was raining when I checked in, so I wasn’t in the mood for walking to the Byward Market. In retrospect , I should have walked to Elgin St or Byward Market, instead of spending a frustrating hour looking at menus and and calling restaurants from my hotel room.
I also had salmon on Fri so I wasn’t in the mood for the Whalesbone- so I decided on Italian. While I love Middle Eastern food and Chinese food, I often find it salty. I rarely have issues with the salt at Italian restaurants. I needed a good sleep, since I would have a long day today (11 h drive), so I had narrowed my cuisine choices down to Italian or continental.
I called Mama Teresa’s at 8 pm and their kitchen was overwhelmed, and I was told the earliest they could have takeout ready was 9:20 pm. I also would have a 20 minute walk after that. I hadn’t eaten since 1:30 pm so I didn’t want to wait past 9.
Called North & Navy, they don’t do take-out. Cantina Gia, their sister restaurant does, but I wasn’t going to travel to Wellington St for takeout.
Considered Town, but nothing was grabbing my attention.
Colonnade was closing at 9 pm, and it was already 8:30 when I was making my 3rd call. Interestingly, 3 other friends recommended Colonnade. Next time, I hope.
By this point, I had decided I wanted gnocchi alla Gorgonzola, veal parm or veal Marsala, which are easy to find in Ottawa, and not easy to find in London, Ontario where I spend much of my time.
Ended up trying Tosca, which I called at 8:35 pm, and had my dinner ready at 9 pm. Veal parm and insalata mista. I think there was an error in the kitchen, way too much salt in the salad dressing, plus probably a lot I the veal parm. I was guzzling water all night. The restaurant was full. I can’t recommend it. (Nice dinner rolls, though .)
I have enjoyed Ahora on a previous visit.
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Had a quick getaway visit to Ottawa over the weekend here are the short takes on the places I visited
Arlington five a very good cafe and next to atrocious wait times wilf & ada (perplexingly popular)
kuidore: decent mid level food for an izakaya sushi looked sad
Union local 613 a decent getaway from the same old same old food. Strong drinks and ok BBQ though I am not an expert. Extensive southern focus dishes which aren’t common here in Canada. Adding pics
Without Pics Moon room food looked good as friends who had snacks commented very good. Pricey but good wine and cocktails.
Oz cafe I only tried the duck rillete there OK. Good wine list and talkative bar tender.
Bistro Ristoro oh boy we are talking warm red wine here!!!
Food is forgettable. Good service but I can’t overlook these major issues.
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Posting images feedback to follow
Tried Turkish kebab House (really good)
Whalesbone platter (some sans pork so some subs)
Chez Fatima across the bridge combo for 2
More to come as some coveted reservations this weekend 
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Here is a play by play of this trip:
Supply and demand very good apps (welk was a surprise as don’t see it much on menus though I could hardly tell as with tiny meat portion, Scallop being the best IMO)
The pasta which gets rave reviews was decent (very oily IMO fish was OK and the weaker item IMO)
Chez Fatima with the closure of Casbah (I really enjoyed that spot during peak covid this one would do the job.) They are more oriented towards the buffet option so the service was really slow. I enjoyed the food though for a cuisine that’s known for spices they held back a lot IMO as all the tastes are there and could use a boost. I just liked the combo of sweet and savory (with meat as not many others do that)
Whalesbone is a regular for moi ended up having the meat platter (its on promo on some days so it was enticing) Took its time to arrive. We had to sub Pork for other meat so we got a whole chicken and a shrimp add on which much appreciated. Good stuff.
Turkish Kebab house was find of this trip IMO. As good as it gets in GTA even and now with a spot nearby downtown this will become a regular IMO. I tried the Kanada location though which is the original apparently and was picked as being the best by a local who has extensive experience for this cuisine.
Not in pics Brigid’s well. Hmm I wouldn’t come here for food for sure (despite pubs having a different threshold for good food in my book) Guinness wasn’t anything special either. A good spot to see once I guess and I see it being popular when the LIVE band is playing. Otherwise just an Instaworthy spot.
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Thanks for the report! I live in Ottawa and I’m always interested in hearing what visitors say about our restos.
As for Brigid’s Well, as you could probably tell it was formerly a church and when it was deconsecrated it was turned into an event space. It’s the type of place you go to see live events - the drinks seem to be an afterthought. (This comment coming from someone who hasn’t actually been there yet 
) I didn’t realize they even served food…
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My sentiment exactly. One has to order and pay separately for the food and drinks! The server just disappears for ages. We all had the chicken curry and potatoes app. Something I would expect at a potluck at an office party (I haven’t been to one in years but I recall the stuff and the dreaded Costco cakes!)
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That’s too bad. There are so many nice options nearby, Brigid’s Well is going to have to up their game if they want people to eat or drink there. If I ever make it to a show there I will make a note to eat somewhere else first.
