Tulip Time is coming!
It’s that time of year again, and as we know, April Showers bring May flowers. In this case we’re talking about Ottawa’s 61st annual Canadian Tulip festival. This month Hotel Indigo has brought you a history of this amazing festival.
This tradition was started in 1945 when Princess Julianne from the Netherlands presented Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs as a thank you for taking her and her daughters in while their royal family was exiled from Holland during World War Two. It wasn’t until 1953 that Ottawa began the festival that we now celebrate.
Something that may not have been considered when Canada humbly received our gift of 100,000 bulbs was the value the tulips held to the Netherlands. If we look at the history of the tulip, we can discover why the gesture was so significant. In the 1600’s there was an influx of value given to tulip bulbs in the Netherlands. For whatever reason they were valued above all else and almost became a type of currency in Holland. This reached an all-time high around 1637 when one single tulip bulb was worth more than 10 times a year’s salary of a skilled craftsman in the Netherlands; in today’s terms that would be around $500, 000 per bulb! That is something to keep in mind considering we were presented with 100,000 of them in 1945; after their Country had been invaded and demolished for the past five years by the Germans. Their economy was crushed, as well as their people. In order to repay us, they gave us something they still had, and attached a great value too at one point. Their country also holds a tulip festival each year; a tradition that we now proudly share with them.
Over the years the festival has grown to be the largest showing of tulips in the world with over 1 million bulbs sprouting each year in our nation’s capital. In 2002 Princess Margret of the Netherlands returned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival with Canada. Something you may not have known is that Princess Margret was born here in Canada in 1943 while the Dutch Royalty were still in exile due to the war. She was born at Civic Hospital under a Dutch Flag that was declared temporary Dutch ground.
Today the festival hosts thousands of people coming to enjoy the site of so many colorful tulips and the ambiance they provide. This year there will be live music being played in the streets, as well as food vendors all over the area. A final list of activities will be announced on April 10th at http://tulipfestival.ca/
The festival will run from May 3, until May 20th and is coming up soon! So make sure you make all of your arrangements and get to Ottawa to take in the sites. If you’re from out of town, you are always welcome to stay here at Hotel Indigo! http://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/reservation
13 Tips for Your Best Body by Allan Alguire, End Result Fitness
You know that diet and exercise are important when it comes to creating your best body, but you may be overlooking other techniques for getting into the best shape.
Turn the following 13 simple tips into habits and watch as your body transforms.
1) Eat a Smart Breakfast.
Most people load up on carbohydrates and simple sugars for breakfast. Cereal, pastries, smoothies and juice are all poor choices when it comes to starting your day off right. Center your breakfast around protein and healthy fat, and you’ll have energy for hours. Try a protein shake, eggs, lean breakfast meat, or a handful of nuts.
2) Get More Sleep.
If you’re not getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night then you could use more sleep. This is especially true if you’ve reached a plateau with weight loss. Give your body the 8 hours of sleep each night and make weight loss easier.
3) Just Do It.
If you’re really ready to achieve your best body ever, then dig down deep and commit. As Woody Allen famously said, “80% of success is showing up.” This is absolutely true when it comes to fitness. Show up to your workout. Even if you’re tired. Even if you’d rather be doing something else. Just do it.
4) Plan Ahead.
Take one day each week to plan your healthy meals for the following week. You don’t have to do all the shopping and cooking on that day, simply jot down what you plan to eat. This small act of planning ahead will keep you on track with healthy meals even when the week gets crazy busy.
5) Cut Out Gluten.
Many people don’t realize that they have a certain level of sensitivity to gluten, which causes intestinal inflammation and bloating. Also, gluten-filled foods are typically high in carbohydrates, which contribute to weight gain. When you cut gluten-filled items from your diet don’t fall into the trap of simply replacing those items with other high-carb items. Choose non-packaged, whole foods instead.
6) Believe In Yourself.
Do you believe that you have what it takes to transform your body? If you want to succeed in weight loss then you have to believe that it’s possible. Give yourself a pep talk and dig down deep for the courage and discipline to apply these healthy changes to your life.
7) Eat Less Dairy.
Dairy products like cheese or cream add extra fat and calories to your meals. Pass on the dairy and you’ll eliminate unnecessary calories, making weight loss quicker.
8) Sleep and Wake at the Same Time.
This tip sounds so simple, and yet it’s a powerful way to increase your daily energy. Get your body on a schedule and watch how much more productive and energetic you become.
9) Include Veggies at Every Meal.
Most people aren’t too crazy about vegetables, and probably eat less than they should. Make it a point to include a vegetable with each of your meals – even breakfast. The increase in fiber and other nutrients will give your body that extra boost that you’re looking for.
10) Ditch Packaged Food.
Throw out those packaged foods! This is one of the easiest things you can do to achieve quicker weight loss results. Packaged foods contain chemicals and additives that will slow your fitness results.
11) Drink More Water.
Being hydrated is key when it comes to creating your best body. Drink water throughout your day and limit caffeinated beverages to once daily.
12) Forget Artificial Sweeteners.
Sure, these sweeteners don’t contain calories, but they are known to increase your appetite and cravings for carbohydrates. In the quest for your best body, put down the diet soda and reach instead for some water.
13) Exercise With a Pro.
Are you exercising as efficiently as possible? Do you challenge your muscles enough during each workout? Are you keeping the routine new and fresh? These are all factors that will be taken care of for you when you work with a trained fitness professional. Working with a pro ensures that you make the most of your exercise time.
About Allan Alguire:
A renowned fitness and nutrition expert and author of Your End Result Fitness, Allan Alguire is responsible for getting many of Ottawa’s most recognized professionals into the best shape of their lives, from Doctors, lawyers, accountants, government workers, entrepreneurs, university students, and many more! Allan Alguire understands what it’s like having a busy lifestyle and will design a personalized workout and nutrition program that only requires 30 minutes to give you the end result you deserve.
http://www.endresultfitness.ca/
The City of Ottawa: A Rich & Proud History
By Jason Wowk, PR Intern
Many of us live our day to day lives here in Ottawa; and we know its Canada’s Capital and some of its history. However, sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of exactly what your city has gone through to become the city you know and love. So this month Hotel Indigo Ottawa has done a little research in order to bring you the story of how our city came to be!
It starts farther back than you might have realised. In 1610 Étienne Brûlé became the first European to travel the Ottawa River. It was only three years after that, Samuel de Champlain followed him and named the Chaudière Falls. However after that, the place which would one day be home to many of us went unsettled for another two hundred years. It wasn’t until the 1800’s when the logging industry picked up, that Ottawa really began to thrive. Of course back then our city was known as Byward. It wasn’t known as Ottawa until 1856. Since then, Ottawa has grown and developed into a city which is now rated the second highest quality of living in the Americas by the Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Of course the construction of the Canal had a huge part in the development of our amazing city. Governor General George Ramsay, took a great interest in the construction of the canal, as well as in establishing a settlements in the area. On September 26, 1826, Colonel By announced that the canal’s entrance was to be at Entrance Bay (its current location). Colonel By began to divide the town into lots and marked the origins of what was to become Ottawa. Colonel By laid out the town and most of his original street plans remain today.
The Royal Sappers and Miners were employed in 1827 for the canal’s construction, which began in three separate locations, one of them being the site of the locks in Ottawa. The workers were eventually moved into three barracks on today’s Parliament Hill, which was then known as Barracks Hill. In 1827, Sappers Bridge connecting the Upper Town (west of the canal) and Lower Town (east of the canal) was built over the Rideau Canal.
Many Irish began traveling to Eastern Ontario over the next 30 years, as well as French Canadians who crossed over from Quebec. These settlers would be the predominate work force involved with the completion of the Canal. After years of hard work the Rideau Canal was finally completed in 1832.
The Timber trade is credited to the growth of Bytown, as it caused an influx of immigrants, and later entrepreneurs hoping to profit from the squared timber that would be floated down the Ottawa River to Quebec. Bytown had seen some trouble in the early days, first with the Shiners’ War in 1835 to 1845, and the Stony Monday Riot in 1849. Yet the city prevailed and continued to grow and prosper.
Byward remained one of the most promising cities in Canada, but it wasn’t until 1893 that it made its jump to become a metropolis. A man named Thomas Ahearn created the Ottawa Electric Railway Company. This replaced horse and buggy, with heated street cars that could take you from one end of the city to the other in a fraction of the time. The huge selling feature was the cause of even more immigrants flocking to the promising town.
While the city was prospering, the population was growing and business was thriving as always when things are looking up, disaster struck. In 1900 the great Ottawa-Hull fire devastated nearly all of Hull and a massive portion of Ottawa. The horrific blaze left over 15,000 people homeless. Afterwards thousands of people were forced to live in make shift tent cities. In the close quarter living situation, it wasn’t long until disease set in and claimed more lives. As a result, the fire costs Ottawa over $6,000,000 and set progress back years.
Life went on, and the city began to rebuild, but only sixteen years later there was another fire. This one took place in the parliament buildings. It burnt down almost the complete centre block aside from the library. The Senate moved into what is not the Canadian Museum of Nature until the rebuilding was completed in 1922.
Let’s jump forward 60 years. Ottawa’s had grown into a large, multicultural city that is comparable to major cities all over the globe. Being one of Canada’s largest high tech cities we earned the nickname Silicon Valley North. Nortel (then known as Bell Northern Research) were federally assisted in research that contributed to the technology boom that created the modern world we live in today.
Since then, Ottawa’s city limits have grown; drastically increasing the population. Our great city is now made up Vanier, Nepean, Kanata and Orleans with a population of nearly one million. We have maintained our status of our nation’s capital. We have grown into one of the largest, most diverse and most cultural cities in Canada.
It has been a long road for Ottawa to get to where it is today. It is a place that we can all be proud to call home, and a place that Hotel Indigo is happy to be a part of.
Bibliography
http://hsottawa.ncf.ca/stories.html
http://www.bytownmuseum.com/en/main.html
http://www.oldottawasouth.ca/index.php/oos/history-project/history-project
Food is Love
By Head Chef Phi Bistro and Bar Emily Krolikowski
For the majority of the population the month of February generates our thoughts towards the most famous and sought after four letter word, love. Valentine’s Day is a holiday known for sweet hearts and true love; a day famous for the celebration of love. The immediate assumption is that it is a holiday meant exclusively for lovers but really it is a holiday for all forms of passion. Any chef worth mentioning is someone who has devoted their life to their love of good food; an individual that comprises an inordinate amount of passion for the culinary craft. To them, to people like me, it is simple, food is love. Sometimes the one distinction between a satisfactory dish and a life changing mouth-watering masterpiece is the feeling and fanatical touches that have taken place behind the swinging doors
Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.-Harriet van Horne
Everybody knows that there are many ways to cook any given protein or vegetable. Such like in daily life there usually proves to be an easy way and a hard way. The easy way will simply get the job done in a quick and timely fashion, where as the hard way usually proves to be longer process and tends to push you to think, make decisions and fix any problems. In day to day life while carrying out our mundane chores such as dishes from super we can clearly identify the difference between a sloppy and lazy completion opposed to being done proper way. Yet as our lives become busier we tend to reach for those frozen pizzas instead of standing in front of the stove; even though we would never dare to do our dishes without soap. So why are we cheating our stomachs. Just consider the difference of between a tenderloin of beef simply being roasted opposed to a tenderloin of beef being marinated in garlic and spices for days then braised in red wine and shallots then roasted to perfection. The flavors and mouth pleasing textures created, when a chef who is passionate for the culinary art has trained and mastered their craft, is truly a gift.
If were not willing to settle for junk living, we certainly shouldn’t settle for junk food. - Sally Edwards
So, this month of February 2013 make sure you think about love in all its forms; and most importantly the form that it touches you each and every day. Whether it be your beautiful children, you’re confident or partner in crime, your furry best friend, your profession or your hobby. Celebrate the reasons that make your heart skip a beat and your smile spread high from cheek to cheek…
The wonders of Winterlude and keeping warm while enjoying it.
By Jason Wowk - PR Student
Winterlude 2013 is kicking off with a bang on January 31st. Our guest love joining in all of the festivities, that will be taking place all the up until February 18th. Winterlude is truly a beautiful time of year for Ottawa’s downtown. If you’re not from Ottawa make sure you book a room with us and come join in all the fun. Among the opening festivities is the 2nd annual winter jazz festival. Michael Blake will start things off at Dominion-Chalmers with back to back sets and will be followed by the Fred Hersch Trio. Michael has recently released a new album called “In the Grand Scheme of Things” and is currently touring Canada. Canadian born in Montreal, Michael is a leading voice in contemporary music and is sure to put on a great show.
If you’re looking for something to do during the day with the family, you may want to check out Exhibit: Hunting Aurora — Northern Lights, Nature’s Own Magical Lantern in Confederation Park on February 1st. The Exhibit will feature award winning photography by Fredric Brom and recent research by Pal Brekke. The Northern Lights are a spectacle that have intrigued people for thousands of years, as the amazing colors float across the sky in the northern parts of our great country. The Exhibit will explain all kinds of details about this phenomenon and provide and in depth looks as to why they occur.
Something fun and exciting for the kids, or romantic for you and your partner is the Rink of Dreams, one of the largest outdoor rinks in Ottawa. It is open every day of Winterlude from 6am until 11pm. The rink is illuminated by LED lights creating a breathtaking atmosphere for everyone. Maybe you would enjoy a nice long skate on the canal if the 12,500 square foot Rink of Dreams isn’t quite enough leg room for you. Skating on the Canal is a tradition in Ottawa that dates back many years. In 1971 the Canal was officially opened for skaters from all over, and during the first weekend it was open, over 50,000 people came out to enjoy what is now the largest skating rink in the world. Make sure you check the conditions of befor you head out.
If skating is not your forte, why not introduce the kids to downhill skiing. Kids between 5 and 8 will have a chance to get a free lesson from a qualified instructor in Jacques-Cartier Park. A make shift, small and safe bunny hill will be set up in the park in order to teach our young Canadians about downhill skiing and how to do it safely under the supervision of a professional.
Maybe you just want to have a nice relaxing time, take in the sights and maybe learn a thing or two. If this is the case, be sure to visit the IllumiNation: Outdoor Light Art Displays, during the day or night. The beautiful sculptures and other forms of art are amazing during the day and unbelievably gorgeous during the night. They are all designed and made by Canadian artist, many of them local people. It is simply breath taking to see the displays under the dark cover of nightfall.
An important thing to remember, when bringing the family out to celebrate the great Canadian winter life, is to dress for the occasion. Although the first few days of Winterlude look like they could be above seasonal temperatures, it will be getting quite cold out at times and it’s vital to come prepared in order to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
Here are a few tips that will help keep you and the family warm and happy in the wonderful winter land that is our nation’s capital:
1. Bring a bag: Make sure you pack a backpack before you leave the house. You can keep a few extra pairs of mitts and tuques in case the kids get theirs wet. It’s also a good place to store extra hand and feet warmers, or keep a thermos with some hot chocolate.
2. Don’t Sweat it: It’s important to anticipate when you should remove layers to avoid sweating and getting too hot. Once you stop moving the wet clothes will make you a lot colder than you would have been.
3. Keep Moving: One of the tips that we hear all the time is keeping moving! It works, plain and simple. Whether you’re taking a skate on the canal or watching the 33rd annual bed race, keep your body in motion. Stamp your feet, clap your hands and keep your heart pumping.
There is a multitude of activities to enjoy in our beautiful downtown this winter. Make sure you take a look at http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude to find out everything that’s going on in February. Remember, have fun, stay informed, and stay warmed this Winterlude!
If you’re visiting our fair city during the festivities, we have special rrates at www.ottawadowntownhotel.com.
Links for More Information
Jazz Festival
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude/calendar-events/ottawa-winter-jazz-festival
Exhibit: Hunting Aurora — Northern Lights
. http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude/calendar-events/exhibit-hunting-aurora-northern-lights-natures-own-magical
Rink of Dreams
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude/calendar-events/rink-of-dreams
The Canal: Conditions
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway/ice-conditions
The IllumiNation
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude/calendar-events/illumination-outdoor-light-art-gallery
Winterlude Schedule
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude
Top 5 list - February 2013
By Jason Wowk - PR Student
Hotel Indigo has compiled a list of some of the best features of Ottawa that you simply can’t miss out on if you are visiting. A few of these places you may not have heard of if you’re not from Ottawa or haven’t spent a lot of time here. The purpose is to bring you off the beaten trail a little ways and allow you to enjoy the city the way the locals do.
Top Five Family Restaurants
1. The Works:
The Works brings the term burger joint to a whole new level. With so many different and unique ideas of what is appropriate to put on a burger, you are sure to find something that sparks your interest and fires up you taste buds. With everything from Kraft Dinner, to peanut butter, there is literally everything you can imagine on this menu. Make sure you don’t miss out if you’re in The Works neighbourhood. Located in downtown Ottawa. http://www.worksburger.com/
2. Shawarma Palace:
Ranked amongst the best restaurants in Ottawa there is just simply something special about this place. It’s hard to put your finger on what makes their Shawarma’s so delicious and what sets them apart from so many of the other places in Ottawa, but whatever it is, let’s hope that they keep doing it. With great portion sizes, hot fresh meat and a fantastic garlic sauce, Sharwama Palace is a must! http://www.shawarmapalace.ca/
3. Colonnade Pizza:
Are you looking for the best pizza place in Ottawa? Colonnade Pizza has been accused of being just that. Most commonly called the cheesiest pizza in town; Colonnade offers great portion sizes, fair prices and fresh ingredients. It’s quick, easy and to die for, if your visiting our city make sure you grab a slice. http://www.colonnadepizza.com/new/
4. Thai Lanna Cuisine:
Are you in the mood for some Thai food? Head over to Bank St. and look for this cozy little place. It has gotten great reviews, moderate prices, and fantastic food. It is conveniently located if you’re downtown. Make sure you stop by and try their Tom Yum with seafood. http://www.thailanna.ca/
5. Zac’s Diner:
Zac’s Diner is somewhat of a tradition in Ottawa. Serving customers since 1986, the 1950’s style diner has been very successful in what they do best. You can never go wrong with a classic burger and fries with a milk shake to wash it down. Great food, great location, don’t miss out if you find yourself in the Byward Market. They are also fully licenced if you find yourself looking for a late night snake while enjoying Ottawa’s night life. http://zaksdiner.com/
Top Five Winter Activities in Ottawa
1. Dow’s Lake:
Dow’s Lake is a popular place for boaters in the summer but it is equally as thriving amongst Ottawa citizens during the winter months. With one of the largest skating rinks in Ottawa, skates and sleds available to rent, it isn’t hard to spend an entire day enjoying the fresh air. However if you do find you need a break from the elements, there are bars and restaurants there for you to warm up in and get a drink or some food. If you’re looking for a fun active way to spend a day, you can’t go wrong with Dow’s Lake. http://www.dowslake.com/
2. Tubing:
A unique spin on tobogganing, flying down a large hill on an inflatable tube is nothing short of exhilarating. There are numerous places near by the city where you can experience this first hand. One of the best places is Edelweiss Valley Ski hill. There is also a chateau for you take a relaxing break in and get something hot to drink before you get back to the slopes. http://www.skiedelweiss.com/
3. Beavertails:
BeaBeavertails are definitely a Canadian trademark and a fantastic addition to any day that you’re braving the cold and enjoying the wonderful outdoors. You can pick up your tasty treat in a few locations. There is a place in the heart of the Byward Market. Just ask one of our cities friendly citizens to point you in the right direction. Or maybe if you’re out for a skate on our world famous canal you can swing by their place right on the ice to fulfill your craving. http://www.beavertailsinc.com/
4. Rink of Dreams:
The Rink of Dreams is a 12,500 square foot oval shaped outdoor ice rink funded by the Ottawa Senators. It is officially open for anyone who would like to go for a skate in the middle of our beautiful city. LED lights illuminate the boards during the night creating magical atmosphere. http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/get-know-your-city/use-public-space-ottawa-city-hall/rink-dreams
5. The Greenbelt:
The Greenbelt is a series of trails wrapped around the city of Ottawa that combine for over 150 km of nature paths. In the summer time they are a beautiful place to go for walk, or a bike ride. But of course being in Ottawa, for more than half the year, they are utilized for some of the best cross country skiing you can find. They are perfect for both experienced and beginner skiers. They’re an awesome place for a winter outing with the family. Pack a lunch in backpack and spend some time in the great outdoors. http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/greenbelt
Train Ride, Canada
Photograph by Tatum Wulff, My Shot, nationalgeographic.com
A timeless photo taken in 2012.
The Cardio Myth - By Allan Alguire, End Result Fitness
There are certain fitness myths that just won’t die.
These ideas are passed from one unsuspecting person to the next, a little tidbit of misinformation that does more harm than good.
I’ve heard them all.
There’s the myth about ab crunches melting off belly fat. (Sorry folks, spot reduction doesn’t exist. You’ve got to burn the fat from your body as a whole.)
Then there’s the one that says the faster you do an exercise the better, even at the expense of form. (Ouch. This philosophy has caused many an injury. Never sacrifice form for speed.)
I’ve even heard one that says recovery days are not necessary. (Rest days are actually of vital importance to your recovery and weight loss.)
But of all the fitness myths out there, the one that gets under my skin the most is the belief that fat loss comes as a result of long, slow cardio sessions.
I’ve seen many people waste their time and effort on this one.
The truth is that intense, shorter workouts that incorporate resistance training with challenging bouts of cardio will burn fat quicker than a long, steady cardio session.
Who doesn’t love to save time?
If you are still plodding away on the treadmill 60 minutes at a time then you are spending more time to get half of results.
Allow me to introduce you to a little technique called HIIT.
High-Intensity Interval Training is an exercise strategy that improves performance with short training sessions. These sessions involve a warm up period, several short, maximum-intensity efforts that are separated by moderate recovery intervals, and a cool down period.
The addition of explosions of speed into your comfortable pace will increase your power, muscle tone, speed, strength, endurance and best of all it allows you to burn more calories.
There you have it-all you need to know to take your workouts to the next level
Bonus Burn
After you exercise using HIIT, your body goes into a state of increased metabolic output. Simply put, this means that your body will continue to burn extra calories long after you have put down your last set and left the gym.
On the other hand, if you stuck with a long session of steady cardio, your calorie burning would stop quickly after you hopped off that treadmill.
I don’t know about you, but I like the concept of burning more calories after I’m done exercising. Talk about a bonus!
Say goodbye to steady cardio and embrace a whole new fitness philosophy centered around HIIT.
Watch how quickly your body begins to transform.
About Allan Alguire:
A renowned fitness and nutrition expert and author of Your End Result Fitness, Allan Alguire is responsible for getting many of Ottawa’s most recognized professionals into the best shape of their lives, from Doctors, lawyers, accountants, government workers, entrepreneurs, university students, and many more! Allan Alguire understands what it’s like having a busy lifestyle and will design a personalized workout and nutrition program that only requires 30 minutes to give you the end result you deserve.
Phi Bistro - A Whole New Menu
By Head Chef Emily Krolikowski
Hotel Indigo is excited to announce that Phi Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant, will be launching a new menu Sunday night this very week (January 20, 2013). The current menu was aimed to be a gourmet take on classic diner style favorites, featuring many unique flavor pairings. This year Phi is excited to bring to you a menu that proves to be a much more elegant attraction; with a familiarity of flavors we love to see on our plates. Offering a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and entrées; Phi aims to keep each dish simple, showcasing great flavor pairings and textural delights.
The appetizer menu features a cheese burger spring roll; with sharp aged cheddar cheese, grilled angus beef and a relish mustard dipping sauce; keeping the flavors familiar and simple allowing you to enjoy an old time favorite in a brand new way. The salad menu includes three house-made dressings; balsamic and olive oil dressing pairs nicely with the strawberries on the Phi Inspired salad, a maple bacon vinaigrette that couples beautifully with the pear in the Indigo salad, as well as an orange basil vinaigrette that brings out the earthy notes in the roasted beet salad. There are three pizzas on the menu, one being a smoked meat, bacon and mushroom with a creamy rose sauce. Another feature is an Alfredo chicken pizza and take on the classic margarita pizza.
The entrée selection offers both red and white pasta, a delectable ten-ounce sirloin steak dripping with a red wine demi-glaze, as well as a golden dragon stir-fry, packed with vegetables tossed in a honey sesame soy sauce. Phi will also be offering a Shepard’s pie made with ground lamb, caramelized onion, corn, carrots, sweet potato mash and side gravy. Three different desserts will be featured monthly. This month there is a tantalizing white chocolate amaretto cheese cake, served with a chocolate covered strawberry and fresh mint.
We hope to share these tastes with you soon, as we welcome all to come down to see the culinary delights we have created for you.
Hotel Indigo Ottawa’s Top 5 List - January 2013
By Denise Breau, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing
Welcome to 2013! What does everyone usually do in the New Year? Start working on their resolutions! Since getting more healthy or getting in to shape tops most people’s list, Hotel Indigo Ottawa has put together some of the best places to work out, eat or buy healthy food many of which are located close by in our neighbourhood.
Top 5 local places to work out in our neighbourhood
Soma Fitness
Located at the corner of Sussex and Rideau Streets, this health club provides a truly unparalleled setting. An alluring environment wrapped in natural light, modern and stylish design, state-of-the-art equipment, innovative classes, and a team of registered health care professionals. If you are going for a complete physical restructuring, or simple maintenance of physical and mental state—a wide range of treatments, ranging from athletic injury and medical ailments, to stress management and relaxation are offered on site. Other services include: dietetic counseling, kinesiology and personal training, registered massage therapy and physiotherapy.
700 Sussex Drive
613-244-0490
info@somahealthandfitness.com
http://www.somahealthandfitness.com/Soma.html
Greco Lean & Fit
Live Lean, Live Fit, Live Well – that’s the Greco Motto. Located a short walk from the hotel on Sparks Street this health club offers an experience from the man himself – Tony Greco. The unique classes are much more than a series of exercise sessions. At Greco, fitness sessions are a physical, psychological and emotional experience where you first increase the level of base conditioning before progressing to increase physical and cognitive skills.
132 Sparks Street
613-695-5444
http://www.grecoleanandfit.com/
YM YWCA
A top 5 list of health clubs from Hotel Indigo Ottawa would be missing something if we didn’t include the YMCA & YWCA after all; our building was the first YMCA in Ottawa. As always, the Y’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility form the foundation of this neighbourhood gym. Adults & kids alike can join classes, work out in the gym, take swimming lessons or just go for the day while traveling to Ottawa.
180 Argyle Avenue
613-788-5000
Rama Lotus Yoga Centre (Gladstone)
If you are looking for something more zen in your approach to getting healthy, then yoga might be more of what you are looking for. This centre delivers yoga classes, teacher training programs, workshops and even has products for living a healthy, happy and holistic life.
342 Gladstone Avenue
613-234-7974
http://www.ottawayoga.com/home.php
End Result Fitness
If you don’t want to head outside to get in shape, then visit the personal trainer located right inside our fitness centre! Have a personal consultation with Allain Aguire – a renowned fitness and nutrition expert and author of Your End Result Fitness. Get a personalized workout and nutrition program that only requires 30 minutes to get in the equivalent of a 90 minute workout.
161 Laurier Avenue, West
3rd Floor
(613) 321-1159
http://www.endresultfitness.ca/
Top 3 nutrition stores/health food stores in our neighbourhood
Starting a new fitness regime is only just one part of the overall path to good health. So we compiled a list of places to buy healthy food.
Herb and Spice
When we think of health food at Hotel Indigo Ottawa, we think of Herb & Spice since it has been in business for over 30 years. This eclectic store offers fresh organic fruits & vegetables, bulk & dried goods and other groceries. If you need a quick, nutritious snack, a hotel lunch or something to bring back for dinner, their deli caters to a wide variety of lifestyles. If you are looking for raw foods – it covers it all, from vegan sushi to raw cheesecakes.
375 Bank
(613) 232-4087
http://www.herbandspicenaturalfoodshop.com/index.php
Kardish Deli
OK so this one is a little out of our immediate neighbourhood but it is definitely worth the trip. The Kardish Health Food Centre is stocked with fresh, natural, organic and whole foods, nutrition products and body care products.
841 Bank Street
613-234-6795
The Wheat Berry
The Wheat Berry, a health food store located at 206 Main Street in Ottawa, Ontario, opened its doors for the first time in 1977. Their specialty is first and foremost organic food. They have one of Ottawa’s only full organic produce departments, as well as a plentiful supply of organic grains, flours, nuts, seeds and other dry goods. While the Wheat Berry is a ‘food store’, they carry supplements; specialty face and body care products; macrobiotic goods; take-out/healthy convenience foods; as well as boasting the “largest selection of culinary and medicinal herbs and spices in Ottawa”. It is a 100% meat-free environment, but for those who consume dairy and eggs: they carry organic milk, cheese, yogurt and butter (as well as goat’s milk and cheese) and free range eggs.
206 Main Street
613-235-7580
Top 5 restaurants with a healthy menu in our neighbourhood
Just because you are on a health kick doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice going out for dinner. So we have put together a list of restaurants in our neighbourhood that you can visit without feeling like you are cheating.
The Green Door Restaurant
The Green Door Restaurant is Ottawa’s oldest and best known vegetarian restaurant. They specialize in high quality foods and baked goods made from ingredients that are locally grown and produced.
198 Main Street
613-234-9597
info@thegreendoor.ca
Govinda’s Natural Vegetarian - Vegan Buffet
Govinda’s is an interesting little place tucked in to Sandy Hill near the University of Ottawa. It is operated on a non-profit basis by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and offers a healthy, nutritious and wholesome alternative at an affordable price to everyone. It only offers an “All You Can Eat” hot and cold buffet with special attention given to ensure a good variety and well-balanced meal is offered daily.
212 Somerset St. East
613-565-6544
http://www.ottawa.iskcon.ca/homepage/buffet2.htm
Peace Garden Café
The Peach Garden Café is an international vegetarian and vegan organic fair-trade coffee shop that offers culinary delectables including smoothies and fresh juices, vegan truffles, daily specials, Indian thali plate, pad thai, dahl, zatar roll-up, pecan cheddar burger, and gluten-free products.
47 Clarence St (at Byward market, near Parliament Hill)
Ottawa Ontario
613-562-2434
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-Garden/220685884622011
ZenKitchen
ZenKitchen is perhaps the truest restaurant on this list which provides gourmet meals created out of health and environmentally friendly foods. The chef uses all natural ingredients, with no genetically engineered foods, preservatives and chemical additives, and the freshest of ingredients that are as organic and locally sourced as possible.
634 Somerset Street West
613-233-6404
Pure Health Lounge
If you don’t feel like going very far, then the Pure Health Lounge is a simple choice for the lunch time crowd. Located on the same city block, this small shop provides customers with a nutritious and delicious selection of sandwiches, wraps, paninis and salads, along with fresh blends and juice drinks, and frozen yogurt treats. Be sure to try one of their smoothies.
141 Laurier Ave West
613-695-7277
