The Flour Shoppe located at 617 Bank Street makes delicious cupcakes. I had the opportunity to sample some of these delectable treats over the holidays. I’d highly recommend the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake – but I’d be prepared to name your first born after Melissa Somers – the shoppe’s owner – once you have one. Purchased a few for Christmas bring overs and visits over the holidays.

Dave’s Drum Shop located at 390 Gladstone Avenue. Dave Dudley was the drummer in Furnaceface. It’s his store. He’s also a super nice guy. If you’re a drummer, you may want to check out their wares – especially the vintage kits he gets in here. They also have a wicked line of Vic Firth custom sticks – which I got a pair of for Christmas.

The Whalesbone Catering. It’s good. I had the pleasure of having it at a good friend of mine’s wedding at the Cube Gallery back in November. They had a risotto bar. Isn’t that enough of a reason to call this guys when you get married?

If you’re looking for a house cleaning service in Ottawa – check out Greenapple House Cleaning, Inc. They don’t believe in bleach (trust me that’s a good thing), and they’re as professional as they come. They’ve got a very cool policy about always having the same person visit your pad, and they give a no charge consultation at your home before they clean anything to ensure your expectations are met and a consistency is created. Bought a few gift certificates for friends and family over Christmas….

That’s it.

5 out of 5

Had the pleasure this evening of going to Tennessy Willems – one of Hintonburg’s newest restaurants. It’s what I happen to think is Ottawa’s best pizza.

Located at 1082 Wellington Street West - where the old Melrose Grocery used to be, the building stands out in Hintonburg. I wouldn’t say it’s gawdy, but I always like it when a cool business or restaurant doesn’t do something predictable in terms of their brand. This place is no exception. From the outside, and from the name – it looks more like a barbecue sauce factory. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. These guys could have gone with a look and feel that maybe would have said Naples style pizza a little more obviously – you know – the standard fare. An old lady with an apron….a picture of the boot….some scripty font tagline that said “Traditional Wood Fire Italian Pizza” or “A Small Taste Of Naples In Every Bite”…or some shit like that. But they didn’t. I dig that.

Inside, the place is small but cool. You can see the action in the kitchen, and they have an ample bar where patrons sit. Cool looking varnished wood tables deck the floors, and the place was packed, so everyone was eating these beautiful looking pies. The smell is great when you walk in.

I’ve had plenty of wood fire oven pizzas. I’ve had them in New York, Montreal, and even in Italy (granted I was 11). I’m not an expert – but the product here is the best. They source local ingredients and pay homage to their neighbors – The Elmdale Tavern – by having a pie on the menu with it’s name. They have a perfectly sized menu with enough variation in styles and taste that you won’t get bored. Check it out…

MARGHERITA
Fire-roasted tomato sauce, fresh Mozzarella and basil … $10

THE ELMDALE
Fire-roasted tomato sauce, spicy Italian salami, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and fresh Mozzarella … $14

HELEN’s
Baby spinach, fresh Parmesan, C’est Bon goat cheese, and oven roasted pine-nuts, squeezed with fresh lemon … $14

GREEK PIZZA
Basil pesto, oven roasted red peppers, Calamata olives and feta … $16

WILD BOAR
Local wild Boar sausage, carmelized apple, sage, garlic and sharp Cheddar … $18

DUCK CONFIT
Carmelized onion, white Truffle oil, Riopelle and duck confit … $18

SOPRESSATA
Fire-roasted tomato sauce, fresh Mozzarella, red onion and Sopressata salami … $15

FOUR SEASONS
Fire-roasted tomato sauce, fresh Mozzarella, Cremini mushrooms, artichokes, Calamata olives and Capicola ham … $15

THE CHORIZO
Olive oil, carmelized onion, Chorizo sausage and local C’est Bon goat cheese … $16

BIANCO
Pear, walnuts, smoked prosciutto, fresh Mozzarella and Gorgonzola … $16

I’d seriously recommend the charcuterie as an appetizer. They make this pate with cranberries that is delicious. I’d also recommend the duck confit pizza. Very good.

I had the pleasure of eating at Luxe Bistro last night, and left with the opinion that this is one of Ottawa’s best restaurants. I’m sure that will piss of some of Ottawa’s more well known foodies who swear by the Gastropub or Beckta (also excellent establishments).  What I really like about the restaurant, besides it’s convenient location, is the French brasserie feel. It’s just a cool spot, and doesn’t come off as pretentious.

Our waiter and sommelier, Neil Gowe, provided friendly and knowledgeable service, and paired a fantastic Argentinian wine with my main course of Steak Frites. The whole table was talking about his selection, as two of us had the Steak Frites. I also had the opportunity to meet with Duane Keats, who is the executive chef there.

If you’re going here, you have to try the fish chowder as an appetizer. One of the best I have ever had. Dinner is pricey, but worth it in my opinion. I know Luxe had a bit of a rocky start, but that seems to have worked itself out as I found this to be worth the money. Has anyone tried Stella Osteria? This is one of the other restaurants that the Firestone Group has in it’s roster besides the Blue Cactus.