Fashionistas on a budget go The Clothes Secret to get outfitted from head to toe. This hidden gem is a family-owned consignment shop that’s been in business for 20 years. (With brand names such as Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Liz Claiborne, and 7 For All Mankind, it’s easy to understand why!) The key? The owners [...]

Mamma Grazzi’s offers comforting food reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen. Known for Old World Italian cuisine with homemade pasta and hand-rolled thin crust pizzas, this restaurant sticks to an “al momento” philosophy of cooking, with each dish prepared individually to order. And with pastas and pizzas ranging from about $11-$20, this is good food that [...]

May 17 Get ready to swoon when you see Straight No Chaser live in concert. This male a cappella group brings an age-old singing tradition into the modern era by tackling pop songs such as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” Coldplay’s “Fix You,” and even a “Billie Jean” and “Poison” mash-up that will have you wanting [...]

Friday, May 18 The end of The Canadian Tulip Festival this weekend brings electronic music event Electrik Tulipe. In collaboration with the festival, world famous DJs will set the stage this Friday with performances by Steve Angello of the famed Swedish House Mafia, Dutch DJ/producer Nicky Romero, and Size Records DJ Third Party. “Nightwalking” is an exhibit [...]

It’s spring, so welcome our feathered friends back to town in style with these fun and funky gem-toned Globe Bird Houses from Urban Barn. With eye-catching hues and a modern shape, these round abodes add a touch of whimsy to any nature lover’s backyard. Available in purple, yellow, and teal. $10. 22 York St. (Unit [...]

By Scott Kennel Superheroes and space travellers are real. Time machines exist and fiction is coming to life. You can see it happen, because on May 12 and 13, impossible creatures from the fringes of reality are gathering together to celebrate the fantastical at Ottawa Comiccon. For the first time ever, Ottawa is hosting this [...]

Dinner is a fun affair when you head to Black Cat Bistro in Little Italy, starting from the moment you walk in the door. The décor is both chic and cozy, making it the perfect place for a special occasion or dinner with pals. The food is colourful, prettily plated, and pulls from classic French [...]

Friday, May 11 Join a talented group of vocalists as they sing hits from iconic musicals Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Do You Hear The People Sing is put on by the NAC Orchestra and runs Thursday through Saturday. The Ottawa Festival Chorus is among the many performers. Over 30 jewellers will be present for [...]

You’ll feel like the queen of the urban jungle when you strut your stuff in the “Janira” patent leather dress sandals by Geox. With bold colours and modern design, these shoes are indicative of the brand’s 2012 Spring/Summer line, which focuses on colour, texture, and prints. And even though you’ll be rocking a sky-high stacked [...]

Ottawa buzzes with excitement as festival season kicks into high gear. From performing arts to cultural celebrations — and everything in between — here are just a few top picks for May and June. CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL May 4 to 21 Enjoy the stunning landscape, decorated with millions of tulips, in honour of this annual [...]