Freshness with the delight of Perfection

Sushi Go

3712, Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

(613) 424-7051

http://www.sushigoexpress.ca/

Doesn’t matter If you are Sushi connoisseur or just a shy beginner. Your palate will thank you for giving them a try. I am a very difficult critic to please, and they hooked me ! Lucky for me, they are located just outside of the fitness center where I do my training. That’s how I discovered them. After my training, on a Friday afternoon, I just noticed the Sushi sigh, and I said with all that training, I don’t want to waist all that training by having a pizza tonight. I walked-in, without having any idea on what to expect. The first contact was easy, you walk-in, you get to the counter (it’s a small but cozy business with a few waiting chairs and high tables and chairs, almost like a bar setting). The staff and very friendly, if you don’t know what to get they will guide you. I looked at the menu and decided to try a party tray (25 pcs for two person on the first visit).

When it was ready, I noticed that everything was as fresh as fresh can be. I have seen the staff do it. The presentation is neat, well placed in a plastic transparent carrying tray. You can see every items of your meal.

Once I got home (45 minutes later), I hurried to put them in the refrigerator until dinner time. I got all my stuff ready to make a complete meal (spring rolls, etc.). The moment of truth arrived, first I smell , then I taste. My reaction was a huge smile and said immediately…Divine!  So Fresh and tasty, it does taste what it should ( no bad smell of older fish or dryness of yesterday’s sushi). I am delighted with my new find.

From my point of view, after trying many restaurants who pretend to be mastering the art of making sushi . I can honestly say, that they were not. So far , I just have found one other Restaurant in Canada,  who could equal the quality of Sushi Go and they are in Quebec city.

I just returned last Friday, and I ordered a 15 Pcs (I was eating alone that evening). To my great surprise , I could have eaten easily 20. You eat and you don’t feel stuffed. they are very light and delicate.

Recommendations: You have to try the spicy ones!   For those who never tried Sushi before, start with the vegetarians , you’ll climb to the other stuff in no time…Promise!

Party Tray

Party Tray

Party Tray

Party Tray

Fantastic Every Time !

Just-Eat.ca

642 King St W, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1M7, Canada

1-877-338-0568

http://www.just-eat.ca

I found Just-eat.ca, by accident. I was browsing the web looking for restaurants that was offering delivery, in the area of Quebec City. I decided to give it a try. You just enter your postal code (the location where your at now). Fill in your information’s (register with username and password) , enter your address, phone number, credit card info’s, etc. It’s very secure (little lock on the bottom of the page) and nothing was over charged so far.  I placed my first order in August, and since then,  I have used that service at least 6 times, they have never let me down.

On one occasion, my order arrived incomplete , some  items were missing (I ordered Sushi’s with soups and I was missing chop-sticks, spoons for the soup, napkins and paper plates) I was at the hotel (you don’t have that kind of stuff in your hotel room).  I contacted the company (just-eat.ca), they were very  upset about that;  even if it was not there mistake.  It was the restaurant responsibility to  verify,  that everything was correct before sending the order. They contacted the Restaurant, then the restaurant contacted me, they apologized a few times and offered a compensation, and sent back the whole order with all the items, they even added extra items that I didn’t ordered (Sapporo beers) , to compensate the error that they’ve made.

More recently, I have order again. It was a pizzeria in Ottawa, Ontario. I was starting to be impatient when my order was running late;  But,  after verifying my order confirmation, I noticed that I have made a mistake when I entered the Hotel address (instead of 101 I entered 1001). I open the chat immediately and explained my situation to the Just-Eat.ca representative, she reassured me, stayed calmed (I was horrified to see that my pizza was late because of me). She told me that it was not a problem and that she was going to contact the Restaurant and fix this for me. She did, I got my order 15 minutes after that chat. You know what, my pizza was very hot (so they probably cooked another one). Even if I had already added 3$ in tip online, (you have a add tip to the delivery person , it’s charged to your credit card) I gave him more tip . That guy drove all the way to a destination , where I was not , he  went back to the restaurant and came back all the way to deliver my meal. Sometimes you have to be humble and admit  your own mistakes!

I know some people have given bad reviews to that service, but personally I can say that I have tried them in several city, and so far I found the service very effective . The website is easy to use, it’s very easy to contact them, even after you placed your order!

If I would recommend them?  Yes, I would without any hesitation. For me,  it’s no brainer;  when I will have to order  food online,  it’s only going to be with Just-Eat.ca!!

To try it, is to love it!

La Favorita

356 Preston Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 4M7, Canada

613-749-7490

http://www.lafavoritapreston.com

I was in my hotel room at the Delta (first time at that location). I knew I had an over-night work shift coming, So I decided to open just-eat.ca website and see what they have available in the area. I found La Favorita , very interesting menu , lots of choices in Pizzas, Pastas, etc. The prices are good (average if you compare to other Italian restaurants).  I choose a Pizza,  al Forno Futta Di Mare with regular crust  ( Sea food with crab meat, shrimps, scallops, etc.). Good to know they also have Gluten free Products.

I placed my order, and asked for delivery As soon as possible, It was around 5h00PM when I ordered, and was expecting it to arrive at around 6h00PM, At 6h30, It was still not arrived. I verified again my order confirmation….I came to an horrific realisation…I entered an additional 0 to the address ; instead of 101 Lyon street, I entered 1001 !!!  I contacted immediately the website that took the order (via chat online). Fast reply, I apologized at least 3 times. The representative was very polite and understanding, she  placed the call to the restaurant and just minutes after that I received my Pizza and it was very hot (they probably had to cooked another one). It was delicious, one of the best pizza I had in a very long time. For me to eat my 4 pieces of Pizza, it was something else!

Yes, I would recommend, no hesitation there!

Pizza Reg Crust, Al Forno Frutta Di Mare

Menu

Ok! Once your inside the building!

Delta Ottawa City Centre

101 Lyon Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5T9, Canada

613-237-3600

https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Ottawa-City-Centre/

I stayed at the Delta Ottawa last week (I had to work downtown Ottawa). I took the precautions of doing a map before leaving my house. I also programed my GPS. Even with all that. I ended-up not finding the parking entrance (it’s a huge indoor parking). I circled around the building 3 times (was not too happy about that). The entrance and the exit of the parking is on Queen street. It’s not mentioned on their website, or I haven’t seen it, why’s that? Once inside the parking  , again some confusion, I tried to follow the sighs to the Delta’s specific parking, You see signs that says tower A Tower B, and in the middle Delta’s clients . I circled again a couple times and to make it even more confusing, they have arrows on the floor that indicates both ways traffic (so you have to guess if your going in or out of the parking . I parked at P2!

Now, I am sure that finding the elevator should be easier enough; It was not…I walked a bit in the parking, finally find a sigh with an arrow , I followed the direction and it was pointing out of the parking lot. I figured out that the Elevator was not there for sure! I walked back in the parking and noticed a man standing in the middle of the P2 parking. I walked in his direction and decided to ask him, at that point I was very frustrated! While I was getting closer to him, I noticed a small sign marked elevator (with a door). Finally found it!

Out of the elevator , no sigh again to show me where is the reception. It’s completely at you left side when you exit the garage’s elevator and it’s a small counter.

The check-in was very fast and easy, it brought me back a smile (because I was not smiling at all before). The staff was ok, (a young man and a young women), no one smiled, but that’s fine, they did what they were trained to do. I asked them for a bottle of water (Platinum privilege member) and If they have a restaurant onsite. Yes they have, The Lift , located  on the Mezzanine floor.

I got to my room (1502) , it’s small,  but clean (and just for one short night, I am working most of it) . Internet is on and off , sitting on the chair it’s working fine and in the bed it doesn’t . Lucky for me I was not working from my room! The view from the 15th floor (1502), was nice (not the best sight but at least it’s not a wall or a parking lot). After a few minutes of me being in the room, my water was sent . They gave me 2 bottles (very happy). Soon after that, a cleaning lady, knocked on the door and used her key to get in. Surprised to find me in the room, she said I have that number to bring more towels and they told me that the room was empty?! Guess, it’s not empty if you can see me!  That was just another confusion,  to add-up  to the list of all the confusion’s that I lived in that day!

When it came time to get to work, I just got down to the main floor (reception). Got outside and asked the bell-boy if there is some taxi close-by? and he found one in just a few seconds (he yelled at one that was just around the corner). That was fantastic, from my point of view!  When I returned from work, the bell-boy welcomed me back into the hotel. You can’t get better services then that !  The sleep quality is good, even if I had feathers in my pillows (I am allergic and it’s mentioned in my Delta privilege file) . Anyhow (I was in bed for about 4 hours), I was  suffering from congestion and my eyes were itchy when I wake-up, but as soon as I was up, it was fine.

Now, with all this said. Would I recommend? of course I would , because of the location. Once you know where the parking entrance is and the arrows inside , the elevators location, etc. you should be fine and enjoy your stay. I will probably have to return eventually, I will make sure to try the restaurant, the fitness center and the pool. for me it’s a huge deception, when I don’t have time to visit those area. Guess, I will have to write another review about that!

Room 1502

Entrance of the room

View from the 15th floor

View from the 15th floor

View from the 15th floor

Bathroom room 1502

The Only Oxygen you’ll need

OXYGEN MEDISPA

2602, Innes Road

Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1B4Z6

613-317-7572

http:www.oxygen-medispa.com

My first visit at the Oxygen Medispa, It was after buying a Groupon (a rebate Voucher that you buy online). I was not too sure what to expect (hesitant and skeptical). Since I had tried many other spas in the past. I was wondering what else they can offer that I haven’t seen already. So I called, tried to book my first appointment, asking for the specific treatment of Ultrasonic Liposuction, The lady on the phone suggested having lots of water before and after the treatment. Then I asked her if I can combined two session in one (Usually the treatment is offered in 30 minutes in length session), But put two together and you’ll get a one hour session. To my great surprise, she said NO! It left me with a huge question mark in my head? Is it a question of making me paying for more session, after I am done with that voucher or else? I have seen it in other spas where I tried the Ultrasonic Liposuction (sometimes only the name changes, like Lipocavitation) back then, I was at my third spa with that specific treatment.
I needed to verify what was the technology they were using and if they were using it correctly (safety first), the instructions that they give you, the recommendations (pre and post treatment), if they welcome you in a proper way and make you feel welcome from the minute you walk-in until the moment your leaving, or am I just another digit $ in your daily cash register?

The day of my first visit:
I got my voucher, I am feeling a little nervous(I don’t know what to expect), but at the same time, I am feeling on my guards, with all my question ready. I am going to toast them with my specific questions (Usually the girls can’t answer them), and I’ll know for sure if they at least know what they are doing. I arrived at the location, lucky for me, it’s a free public parking, with enough parking space (good start). I got in with my “I mean Business face” (a determined women on a mission just walked-in or a real bitch if you prefer). Anyhow, the person behind the counter gave me her best smile and welcomed me, in a very friendly manner (destabilizing , far from what I was expecting). She right away took my voucher and offered me a beverage (water or herbal tea). I accepted a glass of water, and the glass was spotless clean, I was expecting lipstick traces or fingers prints all over, like I’ve seen in other places.

My first stop before having my treatment, was the bathroom (I need to inspect) for me, if the bathroom is not clean, I can only imagine that everything else is the same (I am Germaphobic to a certain point, mostly when it comes to public establishments). This one was clean, but they did not have a hook on the wall or behind the door (I can’t leave my purse on the floor with all the germs crawling around, neither should anyone else).
Now, time to get in the room, as I am walking in the hallway, I can se the candles, the pictures frames (Paintings), It’s nicely decorate, I could even say sophisticate without pretention. Right away you start to feel the positive and relaxing energy.
The treatment’s rooms (they have more than one), are small but cozy. Well organized, functional. I would even consider it to be ergonomic for the technician (everything is placed in a manner that the technicians don’t have to twist or stretch too much); The tables (massage tables) are at a proper height for either the technician or us.
Once I am in the treatment’s room, Joanne started with the first visit questionnaire, again I was on my guards (I was so sure that I was just going to do my 4 sessions and try other spa after that).She is asking medical questions, if you know about the technology they are using, the benefits of doing the treatments, your age, in resume they need to know who you are and what you’re hoping to find there.
Finally, I got on the table’ got my pants down on my hips (I was doing the Ultrasonic-Liposuction on my abdomen), while I was finalizing my questionnaire in my head. Joanne, started by telling me about the machine itself, what to expect after one treatment (30 minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes per session or it can literally hurt your organs and you have to wait at least 48 hours before another one). As I am lying on the table, she is starting the machine, put the gel (translucent conductor gel) and the massager on my abdomen. Here it is…the noise, it’s like a constant humming sound, loud enough…I asked about that and she said that she can hardly hear it, since the noise is coming from me….say what? Now I am an emitter…wow! (It’s the Ultrasonic waves crossing my body), so I guess now I can understand why we shouldn’t and can’t have 1 hour sessions!
While she was doing my treatment, it was time to carry-on with my own questionnaire. I asked her about her training and how she got started as a technician; How her boss was trained, who is the owner, for how long the business was operational, did it changed of owner recently, how they disinfect the machines, all kind of pertinent questions. To my great surprise, she was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions in a very professional way. Always polite and giving me even more details, then what I was expecting to get. At the end of my session, she took the time to clean-up all the gel that was left on me(I had some on my sides and on my abdomen), she wiped it all out(I was dry, usually with the other spas I tried, I was left with half of the gel, so I ended-up having gel in my underwear’s and on my tops). After that, she took my measurements, we need to compare from one session to the other (is it working or not?).
I booked my second session after that, that’s when I got introduced to the owner (Shawna), a real nice lady, who loves her work and who is passionate about helping each client’s reaching their best appearance possible.

To this day, I am still going on a regular basis to Oxygen Medisap, because they are reliable, the staff is fantastic, the location is good , but a bit far for me  (I have to drive 40 minutes to get there), you can book your appointment online, the price is average,  compares to the other similar services offered in the other spas. The Quality of services and effectiveness is incomparable to the others I’ve visited (In Ontario). I would give them a 9/10, because of the location and because they don’t take the Amex card.

The services they offers are multiples: Body Contouring, Alpha Led Capsule, Face Treatments, Reflexology, Reiki, Waxing (even where you can’t imagine someone would do), Nails, Ion foot detox, Lashes, Teeth Whitening, Botox and Filler, and yes they have specific treatments offered for Men (I have seen a few while I was there)! Good to know, they are wheelchair accessible (On the main floor, no steps and large doors) and I am sure that the ladies, would not hesitate to hold the doors and help you in.

Would I recommend? Yes, Absolutely! Why? Because, they are the best at what they’re doing and it works! Suggestion: For those tempted to do some treatments and expect to lose 100 lbs. without changing your habits (no exercise and eating junk-food), it’s no brainer…no pain, no gain! Oxygen Medispa is like a box of tools, and you should us it as a complement to whatever you are willing to do (Exercises program, diet, les alcohol, etc.) to achieve your realistic goal (los weight, get a tighter body, reshape, get back your figure after a pregnancy, etc.). Paying for a result is something, but without a superior amount of efforts and sweat, you will not be happy at the end!  (not the results your expecting and less money in your pockets)

The front Door

Inside in-front of the counter

The Hallway to the treatment’s rooms

The owner Shawna

What they’ve help me achieved until now!

Tim Hortons should call this one Timmy (it’s a mini Tim)

Tim Hortons

1221 Rue Nobel,

Boucherville, Quebec J4B 8E4 , Canada

 

My review is about the Tim Hortons on 1221 Rue Nobel. The one that has a counter at the Esso Garage. I was staying at the Mortagne hotel for a few days and one morning , I decided to go to Tim Hortons….Are you kidding me people ?! this is a mini Tim Hortons, it’s just a small counter with a few selections of doughnuts , a few croissants  and few selection of  muffins …I was even wondering if it was big enough to serve iced cap ( I was not able to see the machine).

I placed my order (One Iced cap. and a croissant). My Iced cap. tasted like Iced milk and the croissant was not fresh as what I am used at other Tims (it was solid dry).

My recommendation: just avoid going at that location, If your at the Hotel, you better go to one of the other restaurant close-by, or the hotel restaurant, or even better, just go to the grocery store, next door neighbour of the Mortagne.

Jazz at it’s best

Halifax Jazz Festival

Waterfront

2178 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS B3K 3B4

(902) 492-2225

http://halifaxjazzfestival.ca

 

I was visiting Halifax for 8 days in July, when I take my first walk on the waterfront boardwalk, I noticed a huge tent and a gate that says TD Halifax Jazz Festival. Thinking to myself, I hope to find some tickets (We must need passes to get in all the time). I continued my walk and came back by the site at around 1h30 pm , the gate was open and we can hear the music (jazz-blues), I asked one of the volunteer at the door , were I can get a pass? He just looked at me and say, there is no pass, it’s free  every afternoon (1h00 to 3h30-4h00). My luck, I am a huge fan of Jazz. I bought a glass of white wine (selling alcohol on site), sat down and enjoy my first show at the Jazz festival (many will follow after that) I went almost every afternoon after that . I only got some tickets for St-Vincent’s  show (that was on Monday July 7th). The free shows are as good , if not better then the evening shows (most of them are local groups or individual), that made it internationally or are expected to go further with there sounds.

I have discovered some groups, that I didn’t Patrick Healy’s Lazarus Project knew before; like The Heavy Blinkers, The WAYO,The Water Street Blues Band, PANOS,The 24th Street Wailers, and Galaxie Rising Star contestant Roxy and the Underground Soul Sound, just to name some of the best that I’ve seen. So much talents, There’s not one afternoon, that I didn’t had a huge smile of contemplation and contentment on my face. 

The weather was wonderful (hot and sunny every afternoon ), the sounds was divine, what more can a girl wants. It was probably the best week of vacation’s that I had in a very long time. Thanks to all the performers , for making that week really special.

Note that they have portable toilets on site (many), mobile (trailer) restaurants (all kinds of food) and  a good variety of alcohol ( liquors, beers and wine , from cheap house wine to more refined)  that you can get a glass at a time (with little coupons that you buy before).

I would recommend to anyone (even family with young kids), even if you don’t think you’ll love Jazz, give it a try you might like what you hear .

Tips: If you are planning to visit Halifax, why not planned for that time of year, the next Jazz festival  will be in July 2015 and  It’s totally worth it !

 

Book your appointment ahead of time

Gentle Touch Spa&Laser

5657 Spring Garden Rd,

Halifax, Nova Scotia

902-429-6611

http://www.gentletouchonline.com/

 

I have discovered that spa, using a search engine on the web. I was going to visit Halifax for 8 days and wanted to try a few spas during my stay . I choose that one first, because they are offering so many services and they are in two locations (Halifax and Dartmouth) . I booked my appointment, probably 3-4 weeks before my trip. I scheduled a Body sculpting session (thinking that it was the same thing that I have experienced in other spas), but it’s a very different technologies (they are using Accent XL) .

I was taking a walk in the area the day before, so I stop to see where the spa was located specifically , it’s in Park Lane mall -M2 . Very easy to find and a walking distance from most hotels in the area. I just went to the receptionist (a small counter), I taught to myself that it was so small , that it was impossible to have that many services or clients. But , I was wrong!  I asked her if I could get my treatment now, since I was on site, she said no, we are fully booked for weeks. The thing is that they have a sigh at the door, saying that walk-ins clients are welcome. I tested it and it’s not working (perhaps it’s a real busy time and it’s exceptional?) .

The next day, I showed up for my appointment and requested , if possible to have my nails done and a spray-tan, I wanted to try different services they are offering, it would make a better review. Yet again, they said that it was impossible, maybe a spray-tan, if my Accent Xl session was going well ( takes about 60-90 minutes) . I got to the treatment room , expecting that it was going to be like any other treatments’ I got in the past . To my great surprise, the technician (who was very knowledgeable) told me that It was very different, and that it was very important for the clients to drink lots of water (or you would feel a real burning sensation, like an open flame on your skin). Good thing that I am a huge water drinker. It was pretty tolerable . The technician was supposed to send me an email with her name and all the specific of the spa , but she didn’t . I would have told you more on the technology and on the services they offers.

The rooms are cleaned, the perfect temperature (not too cold or hot), a little music is playing in the background, but it’s relaxing. The staff members are well trained (most of them have studied in that field , have been trained by the owner or went on special trainings as far as Chicago or Vancouver, If I remember correctly).

After my treatment was done , she told me that if I wanted a spray-tan, that it would be feasible . (If you consider doing it, wear dark clothing). I got in another room, got naked and installed myself in a little tent. (put a little shower cap on my hair) It cost 45$ and last about 7 days, I choose the medium-dark tan (I am already pretty dark naturally). After it was done, I was a bit upset (with me perhaps) you have to stay in the tent after she is done spraying, avoid to touch yourself while you dry (fan in front of you).Suggestion, you have to take the time to let it dry, before getting dressed (it does streaks if you touch it). Lucky for me, I am so dark that it didn’t showed that much. After your done, they will offer to buy a can (for other applications when it starts to fade away) I have bought a can (same price) and it’s good for about 6 weeks of tan (like 6 tx) .

I would recommend their services, they have so many that I will not elaborate on the list, you can visit their website and see what they offer. The price list is comparable to any other spas.

Tips: If you live in the area, and that you consider making changes in your health (loosing weight or getting back in shape) book an appointment to see what services would be good for you, let them do an assessment that will work for you . Not all technologies or treatments, are recommended or works on  everyone ( we are all different). 
For the visitors, if you know the dates of your visit to Halifax, book your appointment ahead of time , even more true if it’s summer.

Happy relaxation, to all of you!

A tribute of the Titanic and it’s passengers

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

1675 Lower Water St.,

Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1S3, Canada

902-424-7490

https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, is well located, on the waterfront along the boardwalk. Which makes it very accessible. I went for a visit, only because I read that they have lots of artifacts from the Titanic. I was not deceived, they do have many items (letters, pieces of the boat, luggage’s, etc.) . Even if it’s an event that happened in 1912 and that no member of my family were involved (dead, missing or survivors). You can’t help it, that visit is emotional. Just by looking at the artifacts, it’s like you were part of the action . Because of the movie, perhaps, but still, you can’t remain insensitive to the atmosphere of the room. Everyone is silent, and it’s no a joyous mood, it’s almost sad. 

Yes, I would recommend a visit, but it’s more like a tribute  to the brave passengers that died or survived, that tragedy!  From my point of view, I don’t think that Kids (youngers) would understand and appreciate that historic tour. But, if someone’s watched the movie before the visit, that is a tour that you might enjoy, because it all becomes real!

 

There is a Captain in everyone of us

H.M.C.S. Sackville

1675 Lower Water St adjacent the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic,

Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5X5, Canada

http://canadasnavalmemorial.ca/

 

I have visited the ship with my husband (Member of the DND-military) , as you can imagine, we visit anything that is related to war (sea, air or ground). This vessel was no exception. We have waited for a cloudy day. Usually it’s 5.00$ per adults, but free for military members and their family (with proper ID’s) . The ship, has a rich history, it is the last of Canada’s corvettes, it was responsible of many convoy escort ships, it was  built in Canada and the UK during WWII. It’s the Canada’s oldest warship ( that was fighting). It was nominated as an official Naval Memorial in 1985.

If you are eager to learn more on Canada’s contribution to war, it’s a must see. You’ll learn a lot on the living conditions of the Men onboard, they were quite a  large group living in a confined spaces, at sea for months and without too much commodity . 

I loved my visit, but once you’ve seen one of those warship, it’s like seeing the same all the time . On the other hand, if you take time to listen during the tour, each one has it’s individual story to tell.

Would I recommend this tour? yes, of course. But I am not sure, that it would be appropriate to bring young kids to that activity, they might get bored in time ( I think that it would be great for pre-teens , teens , young adults , adults, veterans, or Naval history passionate).