My Ottawa, Canada's Capital

The Manotick Farmers Market -- a cornucopia just minutes south of Ottawa

2014-08-01T10:35:00.001-04:00

What a great day we had at the Manotick Farmers Market! We met some new fans who signed up for the newsletter, sold some CDs and cookbooks and even met fellow musicians. All told, a fantastic day!

Our fellow vendors were so friendly and offered this newcomer perks like 1.00 coffee (really good coffee) from Coffeys Coffee (still only 1.50 for everyone else) and a dollar off a bag of crunchy Empire apples from Hall's Apple Market -- Yum!

Book lovers will appreciate the huge Carriage Shop used book sale in the building behind my tent (see pic below). I popped in briefly, but was too busy (yay) to shop -- next time!

Stairwell Caroller booth at the Manotick Farmers Market

The fun does not stop at the market -- there are lots of reasons to visit Manotick. Here are just a few events connected to Watson's Mill. It's a happenin' town.

Here's a walking tour :)
I recommend anyone who wants to sell their produce, crafts, art work etc. at the Manotick Farmers Market to get involved now. The season goes till October 11th rain or shine and if you don't delay, there will still be room for a new vendor or two. Hint to vendors -- show up well before 8:30 for setup or you'll be jostling early market goers for parking space!

8:30 am -- the quiet before the storm

Thanks to Jack of Jack's fudge and 2 Broke Boys for inviting the Stairwell Carollers to join the party!

The organizers from Watson's Mill, located just across the street, have even supplied us with a tent -- very posh. I got to have fun in the sun without giving up the lovely shade -- the CDs appreciated that for sure.

Nice tent at the Manotick Farmers Market

Whether you want fresh vegetables and fruit, organic eggs, fudge or even a sprout garden in a jar, the Manotick farmers Market has it all!
Open from 8:30 am till 2:00 pm Saturdays until October 11th, 2014, the Market stands across from historic Watson's Mill in The quaint town of Manotick, south of Ottawa.

And this weekend, I will be there representing my charitable choir of 37 years, the Stairwell Carollers.

Pete and Andrea at the #manotick #farmersmarket come on down :) @ManFarmersMKT @ManotickVillage @JimWatsonOttawa pic.twitter.com/ygrq7iEstT
— Stairwell Carollers (@StairwellChoir) July 26, 2014

Come say Hi, and ask me about our charitable efforts which include concerts, CDs and even a cookbook to celebrate our 30th anniversary of song.

Oh, and here's a video of us in concert, in case you are brand new to the Stairwell Caroller experience.
Holly

"Maman" at the National Gallery, Ottawa

2014-06-14T14:17:00.003-04:00

"Maman" at the National Gallery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Thrilled to announce that my blog, My Ottawa, Canada's Capitol, has been included in the Ottawa Blog Guide at Ottawa Start.com. This will motivate me to write more posts on my hometown -- still my favourite place.

Ireland is a close second.

Here is another shot of "Maman" If you haven't stood under her, used her as shade or imagined her devouring the Parliament buildings yet, what are you waiting for?

Cheers!

My images on display at The Flying Banzini, a fine sandwich sanctuary at Wellington and Holland

2014-06-01T12:58:00.001-04:00

This is not a restaurant review. It is a shameless brag-fest about being discovered on twitter. Well, when I say discovered, I really mean that Dave Scharf of The Flying Banzini noticed that I take photos and offered me an opportunity to hang some in his adorable upscale sandwich palace, The Flying Banzini.

Interior view of the Flying Banzini, Ottawa

Chefs at the Flying Banzini, Ottawa

Bite sized Banzini Cheesecakes

Well, maybe it is a restaurant review too. Honestly, no biased. At all. Yummy, adorable eats, from the giant paninis with artisan bread and the best coleslaw since my mother in laws to the teeny cheesecakes, all ingredients are prepared fresh using Banzinis original recipes. Gluten-free too.

Images by Holly Massie displayed at The Flying Banzini, Ottawa

Allergy- friendly, In fact, there are no peanuts or seeds on the premises. The only nut product used is almonds. And, since all the breads, meats, sauces -- everything is lovingly created from scratch, the chef can assure allergy sufferers a relaxing meal with no worries. Just make sure to tell him of your allergy or sensitivity and he will guide you to a worry free feed.

Feleena's Cantina serves up Authentic Mexican fare at a fair price

2012-05-22T20:41:00.002-04:00

Your first impression is colour and life overflowing even onto the chairs

Joyous oil painting at entrance

A hint of the energy that awaits inside

When I think Mexican food,
I think of the cozy, handpainted-chair gem
of an eatery that is
Feleena's Cantina.

hand-painted chair

another chair, hand painted

Look at those chairs!

At the corner of Bank and Second -- right across the street from my favourite ethical Coffee establishment, Bridgehead -- Feleena's is all about convenient location and authentic Mexican treats. The facade's intense hues are an appetizer for the colour-splashed interior.

A gorgeous painting showcased at the entrance welcomes you and the friendly staff offer your choice of table adorned.with one of a kind hand-painted chairs. Cheerful just isn't enough to describe.the richly layered feast for the eyes. An outdoor patio gives onto Bank street for the best in people watching and fresh air dining.

Did I mention the food? Scrumptious, fresh and spicy. Cheesy, chip-crunchy and satisfying, feel free to make your way through this menu. You'll be sure to enjoy every dish -- and don't forget to try the Margarita!

Proud owner of Feleena's, Clyde Ross

Clyde Ross, owner of Feleena's, loved Mexico-- the culture, the food, the people -- and when he moved here, he wanted to bring the excitement and ambiance with him.

Also, Clyde is a jovial fellow who shares our love of teaching and music.

Funky Folk art

We found this out after we'd discovered his great food.

Bonus!

All the menus and prices are available to view on their extensive website HERE

Hand-painted chair politeness

Cyranos -- The finest restaurant in Ottawa -- Bell`s Corners

2011-09-11T13:41:00.000-04:00

Selo, owner and head chef of Cyranos

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Looking for a classy upscale cloth napkin restaurant where you won't lose your shirt and you will have something to bring home for a spectacular breakfast the following day?

Welcome to my dear Mom's favorite eating establishment -- Cyranos. It has gone on to become the favourite of many of our friends also. We've held family get-togethers, reunions, Stairwell Caroller committee meetings and intimate dinners with friends and co-workers.

View from "our" booth of the open kitchen

Cyrano's menu is small and gorgeous, with every item prepared in the large open kitchen area. We always choose the booth directly opposite ao we can smile our appreciation directly at the people who made our dinner for us, to order. Variations and requests are welcomed and neither of us settle for the exact item as described on the menu. Since every dish is made fresh -- additions or substitutions are no problem and makes each visit an exciting adventure.

Fabulous sourdough bread made fresh daily by a Cyranos chef

Even when my Mother's Alzheimer's was almost too advanced for her to appreciate the car ride or know she no longer lived at home, she appreciated this wonderful restaurant -- a true home away from home.

My dear Mom and her favourite waitress at Cyranos - Paula

The last time we took her out we went to Cyranos. She recognized the place, the food and the people as familiar and comforting.

Tribute for my Mom's passing from Cyranos staff

When she passed, one of the most lovely flower arrangements at her service was from the staff at Cyranos.

Going to Cyranos is like going home for us - we can always be sure we will have a good time and a great meal amongst friends.

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An American Robin minds her nest of four chicks at the Museum

2011-08-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

"An American Robin minds her nest of four chicks. With four chicks to care for, the female doesn't get much rest even at night, as seen in this 26-day time-lapse video.

The nest is located on a window ledge of the Canadian Museum of Nature's research and collections facility in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Follow the chicks progress on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/canadianmuseumofnature "
(shared from Youtube description)

Tulip Festival Images June 2011

2011-07-22T23:38:00.000-04:00