second avenue sweets

Oh my! I have finally found what I was looking for in Ottawa! A good, no - not just good, an AMAZING local bakery!!

The little gem is tucked away from Bank street on Second Avenue (hence, the name!) and is always fresh, and loaded with goodies every time I stop by. Coming from Montreal, I had the hardest time finding a bakery that lived up to my standards, because we all know Montreal is filled with the best of the best in the bakery world. And Second Avenue Sweets was recommend to me by a local peep when I was in a mad search for a lemon tart.

For my 1 year wedding anniversary, I surprised my hubby with this gynormous tart. He absolutely loved it! Every bite was so lemony. It's amazing how something so simple was so delicious and fresh. It wasn't overly sweet and filled with that fake lemon power we all buy at the grocery stores to make the easy lemon meringue pie.

They also have lemon cakes and cupcakes that I can't wait to taste. But, one thing at a time! If I took anything away from my experience in Montreal, it was portion control! Your food tastes much better when you limit yourself and don't get greedy.

By the way, if you want something specially made, make sure to call and order it a day ahead of time. You won't regret it, I promise!
#Ottawa #bakery

the scone witch

This little hidden gem just outside the main core of DT Ottawa is such a fabulous place to chillax with family and friends over coffee and a fresh warm scones. It's away from all the noise, but close enough to gather all your peeps for a quick lunch or a weekend afternoon snack.

It's small and cozy, which is why I love to come here on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy some fresh local food. It's always consistent and they even serve breakfast (best meal of the day!)

The Scone Witch offers a wide variety of scones and homemade jam to snack on, scone 'sandwiches' sided with a salad for lunch, and scone 'sandwiches' filled with breakfast goodness such as cheese and eggs as well as fresh ham for those meat lovers (note: they do NOT serve lunch meat!!)

I love when I come across new local cafes with fresh ingredients and not full of tourists. If you haven't tried The Scone Witch, I suggest you grab a friend this weekend (or a good book) and head over there for a delicious ginger scone! Just to note, it's hard to only eat one of these. I usual grab some to go and snack on my way home.

the manx

There are 2 resto/pubs I hit up once a week because they have by far, BY FAR... the best food and drinks in the city (in my opinion!).

I will post the other pub soon...

But first, The Manx. Yummm, this place is just awesome. It's a small little hole in the wall basement under an aparatment on Elgin Street, and I seriously missed this place driving by the first time I ate here. It doesn't even have a website (but I found a menu here). Yes, it's that good. It doesn't need a website, because it's full of locals (of all ages) and the atmosphere is so fun and relaxed.

It's small, so there is always a wait. On a busy night, you usually have to wait 45 minutes for a table. But don't fear because they feed you beer while you're waiting in the small doorway, chatting it up with other locals. I have had some pretty interesting conversations with complete strangers during my wait to eat at the Manx.

I am not a writer, so the best way I now how to describe just how delish the resto is, IS...by posting pics. Please drool over these...

BTW - the menu is small (which isn't a bad thing) but they have a chalk board full of daily specials when you walk in the place. I recommend the specials. You will go home happy, full of good beer and good food. And... maybe a new friend :)

Curried Sweet Potatoe, Tofu, and Veggies over Noodles - Sepcial of the Day

Grilled Chicken Wrap with half Potatoe Wedges and Salad (dress is a good vinigarette) - On Menu

Codd Burger - On menu

Grilled Chickpea Wrap - On Menu as Chickpea Burger

Salt & Pepper Tofu Chickpea Wrap grilled with Tomato Asiago Soup du jour - Sepcial of the Day

Can`t forget the Mill Street local beer - Cheers!