Ottawa

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Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Ottawa

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for May 25 to 27

Friday
Capital Chill is a collaboration between musicians and artists that celebrates contemporary arts in Ottawa. Some of the performers include Matt Dorgan Project, Adam Saikaley, and Graciellita, as well as artists Stefan Thompson, Etienne Gélinas, Mat Dubé, and more. Art will be available for purchase at the event, which is being held at Arts Court in Ottawa’s downtown core.

The Ottawa Storytellers will recreate the traveling Chautauqua of the 20^th century this Friday evening at Billings Estate National Historic Site. The tent show features music, comedy, politics, and culture.

The Bolshoi Ballet performs Don Quixote at the NAC this weekend.

Saturday
Guests will witness astonishing feats of Russian ballet when the Bolshoi Ballet performs Don Quixote. The show, which is based on the novel “Don Quixote de la Mancha,” will dazzle audiences with a mix of dance, costumes, and set design. A special pre-ballet show takes place this Wednesday evening with former Royal Winnipeg Ballet instructor Kathryn Jones, who will discuss the history and cultural significance of this performance.

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is an annual event open to visitors which aims to raise money for The Ottawa Food Bank. This community garage sale sets up shop on front lawns, driveways, and porches and attracts thousands to the Ottawa neighbourhood of The Glebe. Visitors are encouraged to bike or walk over, and bring cash to support a local charity.

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Hot Shopping: Covetable Brands at Wallet-Friendly Prices

The Clothes Secret offers fashionable consignment finds for discerning fashionistas. Photo credit: Cochrane Photography

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 are choosey in their selection, taking items that are no more than three years old, so you can find all the current styles for prices that range from about $12 to $125. Hot tip: the shop also offers free personal shopping, so book an appointment if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. 1136 Bank St., 613-730-9039.

Hot Dining: Homemade Pasta at Mamma Grazzi’s

A pasta dish made 'al momento' at Mamma Garzzi's

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 won’t break the bank (try the Odessa and Milano pastas, which are local favourites). Plus, now that the weather is warm, you can even enjoy your meal on one of the prettiest patios in the city.

25 George St., 613-241-8656.

Hot Date: Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser perform tonight at Centrepointe Theatre

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 to hit the dance floor when these 10 guys take the stage.

Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., 613-580-2705, www.centrepointetheatre.com

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for May 18 to 20

Friday, May 18

Dutch DJ Nicky Romero plays Elektrik Tulipe on Friday.

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 by artist Julie Berthelot that explores Canadian landscapes through large-scale abstract paintings of trees, fields and forests. The exhibit runs through June 3. Artist vernissage will take place this Thursday at Orange Art Gallery.

The 40^th annual MusicFest Canada is a five-day event that celebrates over 10,000 young Canadian musicians through performance. Friday’s lineup features the 40^th Anniversary Celebration Concert with performances from Canadian artist David Clayton-Thomas from the band Blood, Sweat & Tears, jazz vocalist Ranee Lee, drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez from Santana, and Yamaha pianist Oliver Jones.

Saturday, May 19

The four-day-long Sheep Shearing Festival at the Canada Agriculture Museum teaches children (and adults alike) about the many uses of sheep’s wool. Activities include sheep shearing and herding, sheepdog agility, wool carding, and felt making. Children will also be able to help Little Bo Peep find her sheep. (more…)

Hot Shopping: A Colourful Birdhouse from Urban Barn

Globe birdhouse from Urban Barn

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 B), 613-860-6020.

Fantasy is Reality at Ottawa’s First-Ever Comiccon

By Scott Kennel

Lou Ferrigno as The Incredible Hulk

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.

William Shatner is the guest of honour at this year's Comiccon

For the first time ever, Ottawa is hosting this epic comic book/science fiction/video game/geek heaven convention. Anyone who spent their childhood living in imaginary worlds (or who still lives there) will be amazed to see their favourite characters living, breathing, walking, and talking. Fans dressed as popular superheroes, TV characters, aliens, and monsters will fill the CE Centre, and a costume contest and masquerade will give them a chance to show off their suits. A Magic: The Gathering card tournament offers a chance to battle it out in a competition that will undoubtedly feature the most serious gamers in the city, and comic book artists will be available to do on-the-spot sketches of favourite characters. On top of that, any kind of geek paraphernalia, from comic books and video games to clothing and art, will be available to purchase from more than 100 booths set up by exhibitors from Ottawa and beyond.

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Hot Dining: Black Cat Bistro

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 cuisine. And if you love hamburgers, we recommend “Burger Tuesdays,” which sees the creative minds in the kitchen whipping up a different burger every week. Save room for something sweet (the unique “Rocky Road” dessert is a must). 428 Preston St., 613-569-9998.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for May 11 to 13

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.

Kaya 2 by Shannon Kaya of Teomae Designs, who will be exhibiting at the Glamour in the Glebe Jewellery Show

Over 30 jewellers will be present for this Friday’s Glamour in the Glebe event, which features a jewellery fashion show and refreshments. Pick something up for yourself, or grab a gift for mom from one of the many vendors.

Saturday, May 12
If you’re searching for great local food, look no further than the Locavore Artisan Food Fair. Over 20 local vendors will be present, and a silent auction will take place with proceeds going to the School Breakfast Program (an Ottawa initiative).

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Hot Shopping: Fab Footwear from Geox

The “Janira” patent leather dress sandal by Geox

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 heel, the shoe also features padded insoles, a patented breathable sole, and soft leather lining to wick away moisture, so you never have to sacrifice style for comfort. $130. Available at Geox, Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-567-4369.