Hello From Ottawa Dinner At Bistro 115 Offers Authentic French Canadian Cuisine
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Ottawa: Dining at Bistro 115 and Savoring Authentic French Canadian Cuisine
A Culinary Journey in Ottawa's ByWard Market
After an exhilarating and nerve-wracking TV appearance at Majors Hill Park, the rain began to pour as evening approached. With my umbrella in hand, I strolled towards ByWard Market, excited for my dinner destination: Bistro 115, located at 110 Murray Street. Known for serving some of Ottawa’s finest French Canadian cuisine, this spot promised a memorable meal.
Behind the Bistro: A Conversation with Suzanne Lafrance
Eager to uncover the stories that make each destination unique, I sat down with Suzanne Lafrance, co-owner of Bistro 115 with her husband, André Giroux. Suzanne's journey into the restaurant business began during a ski trip in 1983, where she and friends envisioned opening a restaurant. Having grown up on a family farm, accustomed to large gatherings and cooking, Suzanne naturally transitioned into the culinary world by attending a chef’s course at Algonquin College.
In 1983, Suzanne, André, and friends opened a dessert spot called Memories, which thrived and inspired them to expand their offerings. By April 1986, Bistro 115 was born, replacing a bar on Clarence Street. The name was inspired by the abundance of bistros in Paris and included the street number of their previous location.
Triumph Over Tragedy
In 1991, a devastating fire destroyed the entire block, including Bistro 115. Undeterred, Suzanne and André quickly sought a new location, settling at 110 Murray Street. After a year of renovations, the bistro reopened in March 1992. Despite the change in street address, the name remained Bistro 115.
During the construction, an intriguing discovery was made: horsehair as insulation and newspapers from the 1930s, including a fascinating Electrolux vacuum cleaner ad.
A New Chapter in Hospitality
Initially, neither Suzanne nor André worked in hospitality. Suzanne served as a federal government payroll specialist, while André was a printer at the University of Ottawa. However, neither regrets their bold career shift. Suzanne’s culinary training included enduring a demanding task to peel 50 pounds of carrots, which she accomplished without complaint. Her diverse experience included a stint at a yacht club and a memorable incident making an enormous batch of Red River cereal in a hospital kitchen.
Bistro 115’s Cuisine Philosophy
Suzanne describes their culinary approach as French cuisine with a Canadian twist, leveraging the fresh ingredients available at ByWard Market. French Canadian cuisine, traditionally rich and hearty, is lightened with modern substitutions for a healthier touch. Signature dishes include sugar pie with maple syrup and pea and ham soup, echoing Quebec’s culinary heritage.
The Life of a Restaurateur
Running a restaurant involves long days that start at 7 a.m. with cleaning tasks before transitioning to kitchen duties and opening for lunch. Despite the demands, Suzanne and André have crafted a balanced lifestyle. They now enjoy a weekend property in Prince Edward County, offering a rejuvenating retreat from their bustling professional lives.
A Delightful Dinner Experience
As Suzanne, taking a rare evening off, departed, I indulged in a refreshing Gazpacho soup followed by a light main course of mixed greens with baked goat cheese. The meal concluded with a decadent dessert: a chocolate mousse accompanied by a slice of their famous sugar pie.
Listening to the lively Cuban rhythms of Gloria Estefan, I appreciated the efforts of hospitality entrepreneurs dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. Reflecting on my day, I embarked on my rainy walk back to my bed and breakfast, grateful for the dedication of those who enrich our culinary adventures.
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