Why we Love it: Art Is In Bakery

Located just a couple of steps away from the Bayview O-train stop, Art Is In Boulangerie is an Ottawa brunch hot spot. It was hoppin' when J and I visited--but for good reason! They have pretty much the best bread I've ever had. No, seriously when I used to buy their baguettes at the Lansdowne farmer's market, I would eat the ENTIRE baguette in a matter of hours. I literally had to fight my roommate off a few times whenever I'd bring home their Jalapeno Cheddar bread because it was THAT GOOD. And you know what? Art Is In may be known for their bread, but they also house incredible soups, sammies, and baked goodies. J and I had delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. We finished them so fast that we both realised after the fact that we didn't even photograph them for the blog (our empty plates are pictured). So I had to ask some kind strangers if I could take pictures of their sandwiches. They politely obliged, but I could tell they wanted those sandwiches FAST so I was quick. Check Art Is In out. I will seriously come with you! - S

Why We Love It:

Ideal Coffee

Ideal Coffee may be a small, tucked away and somewhat hidden coffee shop, but it definitely packs a big punch.  The seating is limited, but the old time booths give this place a homey, go-to diner type of feel.  Plus, they roast their own coffee beans in-house and they make one of the most delicious lattes in town.   Along with the coffee, which they serve in mismatched mugs (just like at home!), they offer an assortment of delicious baked goods to keep you satisfied.  - J

 

Capital Oh-So-Cute

 

I am a firm believer in puppy-therapy. Spend a few minutes with a dog, and your life instantly gets better. At the end of December, J and I took a quick trip into A Guy, A Girl, Two Dogs, and a Cat to hang out with some furry pals and get out of the cold. We both left automatically feeling like the world was a better place. I highly reccomend you do the same thing. Don't live downtown? Why don't you ask people you see walking their dogs if you can say hello (always ask first!)? They almost always say yes, because it's a compliment to them for having such a rad pooch. Seriously, dog-friends are the best therapists, take it from me. - S

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure to attend the opening reception for Canadian artist, Heather Benning's Field Doll.  The exhibition features a 16-foot long doll placed on the floor of the gallery space, accompanied by photos of the doll in locations across Canada.  The doll looks pretty awesome in pictures, but I highly recommend checking this out in person - it is so much cooler! - J

For more information on the exhibit, click here.  The exhibit is open until March 3 at the Karsh-Masson Gallery. 

Karsh-Masson Gallery

136 St. Patrick Street 
613-580-2424 (ext. 14167)  TTY 613-580-2401
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible.
facebook.com/Public.Art.Ottawa

Bluebird Coffee

For not even being a whole four months old yet, Bluebird Coffee definitely seems to be off to a good start.  Located on Dalhouse (right around some of our other favourite places!), this not-so-little coffee shop is the perfect place to cozy up with a warm drink while you watch the snow fall outside.  They impressively brew their own beans so the coffee is always fresh and delicious.  They also offer free wi-fi, which is a huge bonus, especially during exam season.  And, if you plan on spending a while there, they have paninis and soups too, so you won't have to rely on muffins to keep you full . S and I are definitely fans - maybe we'll see you there sometime!  -J

*On a side note, our photos seemed to have gotten much bigger and on some screens, they may be wonky - bear with us as we try to fix!*