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

A Brew or Two

Brewery Market / Farmers Market

Between Hollis and Lower Water Sts.,

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

1149 Marginal Road

(near Pier 21/behind Westin Nova Scotia)

902-453-5343

http://www.garrisonbrewing.com/

 

It was during my 8 days trip to Halifax. I decided to extend my daily walk further on the water front. I got the  Farmers Market, got inside and looked around (a few stalls here and there). Perhaps,  it was the day of the week, but it was not crowded at all , not much merchants or  clients at sight. It was probably on a Tuesday when I visited. Anyhow, I decided to get out of there.

I got out of the market , using the door at the far end , when I noticed Garrison’s sign (on top of and old brick’s building) , I decided to cross the street and go for a visit. It was a very hot day, and I was feeling to have a drink. The first thing I noticed once I got  there,  was the décor, Old wood barrels (they are using it as tables), that itself was appealing to me (different) . Next I found a rack of clothing (still outside), one of the t-shirt as the mentioned Jalapeños Propeller beer (or something similar) , Everybody’s know that I am a tough one when it comes to spicy food and drinks (the more spicy it gets the larger smile I’ll have ) . They got me at Jalapeños beer. I got inside (while waiting to be served, I looked at the installation, the boilers, etc., It’s , behind large windows, so you can see, it’s clean and  and very well organized ). now, back to my order ,  I ask for that Jalapeños  beer, but they did not have it. So I tried a Garrison’s Irish Red ale (small glass .100ml taster’s glass) and a Garrison’s Propeller (small glass. taster’s glass again) . I had to mention that I was just having the taster’s glass size , Not that I was driving or anything, but If you want to give fair reviews you have to keep your ideas straight.

On this, Yes I would recommend , would be a nice suggestion for a visit between friends, groups, or like I did, simply to enjoy a nice beer on your own,  during a boring afternoon.

 

Sweet tourist’s money

Sugah Confectionery & Ice Cream

1479 Lr Water St,,

Halifax, NS B3J 3Z3,  Canada

Phone: 902-421-6079

http://www.theuncommongroup.com/v/sugah_about.asp

I visited Sugah on two different occasion, It was during a 8 days stay in Halifax. I was walking on the waterfront boardwalk and I noticed lots of visitors getting out of that store (it’s more of a store then a restaurant). People were getting out with ice-cream cones and bags of candies. So on my first visit I decided to try and Ice-cream cone, I was not ready to get in a long line-up and being rushed to order something. When it came to my turn to place my order, I asked if they have frozen yogurt , did not; so I tried asking for a pistachios in a waffle cone , did not have either. You basically have only a few choice you can choose from , as plain as Chocolate and Vanilla…with a few variants and you put it in a cone or in a paper bowl. From my point of view…very boring and expensive.

My second visit , I concentrated on the candies ,  I looked at a few bags and I choose a bag of brittle (Beer Brittle), at least it’s a local product , hand made with local beer (Garrison’s Irish Red Ale). Again, it was very expensive for a little 300g bag (7.95$) , but like I said, I wanted to at least try a local product. It’s very good by the way.

My suggestion, I would recommend that you go for the candies, not for the ice-cream. You definitely have to taste the brittles.

 

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.

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 fabulous find after a disastrous accident

Hotel Mortagne

1228 Rue Nobel,

Boucherville, Quebec J4B5H1, Canada

1-866-500-4938

http://www.hotelmortagne.com

reservation@hotelmortagne.com

 

It was the first day of our 3 weeks summer vacation (July 2014), it was a beautiful day, sunny with no cloud, but a bit cold. We took the road with our jeep and our camper-trailer . Heading to Quebec city (our fist stop). The road was on construction (In Canada , especially in the province of Quebec, most of the road are in constructions for years) nothing new. It was bumpy and we couldn’t even drive at speed limits (we were towing the camper). We started hearing strange noise and the jeep was acting funny (but no worries, it was at the garage for the past 10 days, for maintenance and some repairs, like the brakes, and calipers) . We were just past St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Qc. Getting close to Ste-Julie. when  I said to my husband, shouldn’t we stop and check what’s going on (it’s shacking a lot now), My husband said that he will stop in a few minutes, when their is less traffic . A few minutes after that, it happened….we lost a wheel (rear-left side). Rest assured, we were not harmed , but shaken quite a bit . To make a story short, we got towed to the Garage (Sega Chrysler St-Bruno) where they took care of everything. The repairs will be long, so we had no choice but to go to the Hotel.

One of the local Gentleman’s that was at the garage, suggested Hotel Mortagne (in Boucherville) 10 minutes away from the garage ( fairly new, good restaurant, higher quality, pool, terrace, close to stores and other restaurants). I just took my IPhone and made the reservation. We got to the hotel at around 3h00 pm. The receptionist did her job well, but when I mentioned that I was there because of a car accident on the highway, and that I had to book online with my phone and that it was not an easy task (the website is not IPhone or Ipad friendly..it kept asking me to go to the main website) , it only offered to book a room (no choice of rates possible ) she didn’t reacted.

We finally got our Room keys, went upstairs ( we were on the 5th floor) . As soon as we walked-in, we both said the same thing, it could have been worst. We didn’t had any expectations, we were not planning a stay in that area at all. The bedroom is huge, with nice furniture, clean, no dust, no stains, no bad odors . The bathroom , is also a very comfy size, with saloon’s full doors, It’s different. The shower, is large and functional (no need to worry about low pressure or not having hot water).  Now, it’s time to talk about The view…It’s in an industrial part of the town (so you can see lots of vans and vehicles), but if your lucky enough to get a room that is above the patio (terrace) you will be very happy with the view, because not only you got to see the amazing terrace (with flowers, trees and many other plants), it’s like being down-south for a moment. You will also , be able to see the Olympic Stadium in Montreal (you have a direct view),

The bed and pillows are very nice (one firm and one soft), the mattress is more on the soft side, but we have good night sleeps (even if we were still shaken from the accident).

I had only a few problems during my stay. One was about the ladies room next to the restaurant , one of the toilet, was so dirty (someone must have been very sick ) it needed to be cleaned real bad. I told the staff at the reception, and within minutes it was cleaned (spotless cleaned) . I returned about an hour after and it was done.  My other problem, was about the rate of the room, as I told previously, the website was not Iphone or Ipad friendly, so I couldn’t select Governement rate, and mentioned it on check-in (without saying that I wanted that specific rate). I assumed that it would be fine anyway. On the second day, after I was a bit more calm (less stressed then on my first day), and remembered that I should tell them about the rate that I needed. The lady at the reception, said no we can’t . I asked to see her manager, she was gone home. On the day of my check-out (after 2 nights), I asked again the lady that was working that day (Roxanne), she was kind enough, to say that she was not able to do it manually on her computer, but she would let her manager help me with that. The next day, I received an email from the manager Mrs Katrine Montbriand , she gave me the rate (I have showed Roxanne the proper Id card ). The adjustments was done and was attached to my email. After all that we’ve been trough, we were grateful that she agreed to refund the difference . Thanks to Roxanne for making the request. I appreciate it!

So people, if you have difficulties using the website, you shouldn’t hesitate to call directly to the hotel , with all your specific demands.

Would I recommend this Hotel? of course I would,  without any hesitation. If you have to go in that area and consider just passing-by, you should make a stop and stay for a night, really you should!

 

The best Restaurant In The Gigantic Saguenay- Lac-Saint-Jean

Port D’Attache

 

860 Rue Arthur, Roberval,

Quebec G8H 2M1, Canada

(418) 765-1200

http://portdattache.ca

My husband and I just bought a Sailing-boat at the Roberval Marina, and decided to start our vacations on our boat . It was during the festivities of The Traversée internationale du Lac St-Jean , The town of Roberval probably triples in size during a full week.  We were expecting to find a good table for the two of us. The Port d’Attache is located in the Marina’s building (they have 2 level and a huge outdoor terrace that is the best place to admire the boats) . The restaurant is managed by a team , leaded by two fantastic ladies , the twins sisters , Denise and Diane Maroux. 

My experience: We went to the restaurant, expecting to have a table with a view…foolish of us, it was full , and at the time, I didn’t really believed it . Since the upstairs terrace was empty, that’s where we asked to be seated instead. The waitress told us, that if it rains , the chance to get us inside, is minimal to none. We still stick to our idea of eating outside. We placed our order, my first choice was to get the Fondu Vignerone ( a fondue with fresh cut slices of filet mignon). To my greatest deception , we can’t have that outside (of course not, open flame in the wind). We ordered , steaks and a very good bottle of wine. We just received the bottle of wine, when we noticed the sudden changed in the winds and the formation of huge dark clouds. I looked at my husband and said it’s not going to be pretty. I jumped out of my chair, and ran to Kevin (one of the waiter), I told him, it’s going to be ugly in a few minutes, could you do a miracle and find us a small area inside (even the smallest), He said all cute, don’t worry mam, it’s not going to rain, we are used to those clouds around here, it will be all gone in a few minutes….I insisted that it was a matter of minutes before the rain gets here and it will hit real hard. He went inside, got us a table (a small one, but a table inside close to the bar). I returned to my husband, the waitress (Carolanne ) was arriving with our steaks, I said lets go inside, we have a table, it’s now or never, or the steaks are going to be flooded. We just got to the table inside, and the rain started ( heavy rain and winds). Kevin, came to me after that and asked me for the weather predictions for the next day. Again, I have to say thank you to both of them , Kevin and Carolanne, you were totally awesome for helping us, our evening was saved! Total amount for that evening (Two steaks, one very good bottle of wine and a cognac) 110$ without the tips. Quality/price, you can’t compare to anywhere else, it’s a gourmet meal at the price of a fast-food chain. One note about the baguette bread ….If they forget to bring you some, you really should insist on getting it, it’s warm and they have soft buttercream (frosting kind of) mixed with fresh green onions…it’s to die for !

After that first experience, well…let’s say that we were addicted. We returned at least 6 times during our 2 weeks at the marina , we had breakfasts, we had Lunches , afternoon snacks and drinks, and of course more dinners (just the two of us or with some family members). Every time, it was superb, the staff always pleasant and welcoming (even to tourists). Even if they know me now, I think that they are wonderful with every one and don’t take your patronage for granted. They are truly appreciative.

Recommendations: You should make a reservation, ask for a table close to a window (the view), tip the staff well (they work very very hard and they deserve more gratitude).

It’s  a Restaurant that is accessible to anyone ; families (with kids or teenagers), between friends, solo, couples (good for romantic dinner’s as well), the can accommodate even larger groups (a wedding reception happened while we were at the marina) .

The Marcoux’s sisters have succeeded with that business, I predict that they will be in business for a very very long time …franchises in a near future perhaps? It would be nice, to see more restaurant like that .

Kudos to the owners and the staff!

On ne sait jamais quand une critique touristique est en ville!