Hello From Ottawa - Ottawa s Byward Market And The Mardi Gras Experience At Fat Tuesdays
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Discovering Ottawa: ByWard Market and the Mardi Gras Magic at Fat Tuesdays
After arriving in Ottawa and enjoying a brief rest at our hotel, we set out in search of a memorable dinner. Staying at the Lord Elgin Hotel, we were just a 15-minute walk from the historic ByWard Market, one of Ottawa's bustling entertainment hubs.
During Winterlude, many Ottawa restaurants offer unique events and entertainment. Our destination was Fat Tuesday's, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant renowned for its Cajun Creole cuisine and contemporary dishes.
Setting off around 6:45, we strolled toward ByWard Market, crossing the Laurier Bridge. This spot sparked stories from my husband about Ottawa's fierce winters during his university days in the 1980s. Feeling a chill from the Rideau Canal, we wisely ducked into the Rideau Centre, Ottawa's largest shopping mall, for a warm, sheltered walk.
Reaching the heart of ByWard Market, we were aided by a friendly Beavertail booth attendant who directed us to Fat Tuesday's, home to Ottawa's Mardi Gras experience.
Inside, we were warmly greeted by Manny Garcia, the general manager and a co-owner. He shared that Fat Tuesday's, created four years ago, is independently owned and not part of a chain. It beautifully blends upscale Cajun/Creole cuisine with live entertainment and friendly service, attracting a diverse crowd.
The lively atmosphere featured waitresses in festive attire, embracing the Mardi Gras theme. Their enthusiasm was infectious, creating a vibrant setting.
Starving, I began with escargots in garlic-white wine sauce?"perfect to start. This was followed by a Mediterranean salad with baby greens, goat cheese, and citrus vinaigrette. Manny recommended the Pacific rim seared tuna with a pepper crust, sweet teriyaki sauce, shaved ginger, and wasabi mayonnaise?"a delightful choice.
We met Executive Chef Neil Baker, a true world traveler. Born in Singapore and having lived in places like Barbados, Kenya, and Thailand, Neil has managed restaurants in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and New York before Ottawa. His insight into global cuisine was fascinating, noting that dishes like Chinese fried rice, Jambalaya, and Biryani share similar culinary roots.
For dessert, Neil tempted us with Bananas Foster?"a heavenly mix of flambéed bananas, caramelized sugar, rum, and vanilla ice cream with a hint of cinnamon. I couldn't resist, especially since we'd be skating on the Rideau Canal tomorrow to burn off those calories.
By 10:30, Fat Tuesday's hosts dazzling dueling piano performances every Friday and Saturday. Though the second pianist was delayed, the first played brilliantly, engaging the lively crowd.
As the night drew to a close, it's time to rest up for another adventure-packed day. With plans to skate on the Rideau Canal, watch the thrilling Bedzzz Races at Dows Lake, and enjoy the Fire and Ice Culinary demonstrations at Confederation Park, tomorrow promises to be exciting.
It's time to recharge for a big day ahead!
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