Ottawa Tourism at Roots on Bloor

13 Jan

I’ve been keeping a secret…Last year was fantastic, two 2011 highlights were my culinary tourism showcases of Prince Edward County and Niagara on the Lake. I am happy to announce that I have been working away with the lovely folks at Ottawa Tourism to coordinate a similar adventure in our nations Capital for Family Day Weekend.

I am excited to be spending the weekend with my father… will certainly be a memorable one! We will be flying Porter Airlines return from the Toronto City Airport. It will be my first time with Porter and was smart enough to book my flight a little bit later in the day so that I can loiter around in their lounge taking pictures of all their lovely pre-flight snack options. Once we arrive in Ottawa we will be checking into The Arc Hotel and enjoying a chef’s tasting menu at The Arc Lounge. We will spend the weekend enjoying Winterlude activities, The National Gallery and a well researched shortlist of Ottawa’s top restaurants.

As if timing could not be more perfect, Ottawa Tourism recently hosted a party at Roots on Bloor Street in Toronto’s Yorkville fashion district. I was joined by my coworker Liz and was happy to run into other social media friends and members of the food, fashion and travel press. I immediately grabbed a glass of champagne and marched on over to the cheese table which had been provided by the Savvy Company. Sommelier Debbie Trenholm was also on site by the bar offering VQA wine and Ottawa made Kichesippi Beer.

Liz and I dressed up in Roots winter warmers and took a snap shot at the Ottawa inspired photo booth. We spent the rest of the evening circling around the catering curtain. The servers quickly got to know me, offering up perfect plates for photo snap shots and an expected quick treat popped in the mouth. Snack highlights included fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, prosciutto wrapped figs, smoked duck grilled cheese, roasted pumpkin soup and a colourful platter of macarons. Later in the evening I enjoyed a Prince Edward County Riesling and Chardonnay. My final slurp was the nights signature cocktail: The Parliament Splash, which featured floating frozen cranberries.

I was so pleased to have a quick taste of Ottawa before my adventure in late February. Stay tuned for beavertail and maple syrup lovin’.