Love for the Locals: Art Is In!

Our stay in Ottawa was short, but wonderful. P insisted that I should visit the Art Is In Bakery (Units 112-114, 250 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa, ON), so on the morning of the last day, I did! The play on words is already enough to draw me in! They were actually featured on the Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here!" hosted by John Catucci upon his visit to Ottawa, so why not see what it was all about?

Art Is In Bakery is located in a sort of strip mall, minus the mall part. Both the retail and warehouse locations are in that strip, so make sure you go to the one with the red, circular sign in front when you visit :P It's a bit of an odd space that resembles a loading dock, but as you step inside, it's hard not to notice the piles of freshly baked loaves of bread. They are so beautiful that you are tempted to take them all, but you probably shouldn't, but maybe you should. It seems that some people have been a bit critical about the place as of late, but I beg to differ. I think that the atmosphere is very unique compared to other bakeries and cafes I've been to, as it isn't so focused on the decor, but their products are lovely, and that is more than enough for me.

Art Is In Bakery!

All the lovely loaves of bread for all to see!

They spell their Kronut with a K. I'm not sure why, but it sure looks decadent.

Their pizzas looked really good too...

Doris got the Breakfast Sandwich made with fresh sourdough, eggs, bacon, cheese, and homemade ketchup that tasted more like a chutney. I stole a little piece of the sourdough from Doris' sandwich, and it was so good that I bought a loaf. 

My breakfast didn't consist of very much nutrition, but it consisted of very much deliciousness. I had a Raspberry Financier (a small cake with raspberry filling, topped with sliced almonds), an the Chocolate Almond Croissant (pain au chocolat with almonds inside and out, topped with icing sugar). They were so good. I felt bad after, but only because my breakfast was dessert, and so was my lunch from the day prior when I had a BeaverTail and froyo.

Chai Latte! It had been a long time since I last had a latte...I have to say that this wasn't the best latte, but it helped cut all the sweetness I got from my "breakfast". 

About an hour after we came, the line built up very quickly...and this was 10:30am on a Wednesday!

The delicious loaf of Keith's White Sourdough that I bought.

All in all, despite what others may say, I think that Art Is In Bakery is worthwhile to visit. I haven't had an actual meal from Art Is In yet, so perhaps they are lacking in that department, but in terms of their bakery part, that is definitely not the case. They had a wide selection of things in their display, and I really had a hard time picking what to have. One of the local regulars suggested the Chocolate Almond Croissant, so that is what I had. I'd love to come back and try their other savoury goods.

-M

Love for the Locals: Zak's Diner

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Canada Day!

We're in our week off from school, and figuring that the chances of being in Ontario again for Canada Day were kind of slim, I ended up roadtripping with awesome people to...Ottawa! We arrived on the eve of Canada Day and met up with some of our other friends from school who are currently on co-op placements in Ottawa. Our friends took us to a place in the Byward Market called Zak's Diner (14 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON).

Byward Market!

Zak's Diner is a 50s American-style diner that serves all-day breakfast, a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches, and apparently you can get a shot of alcohol in your milkshake! The atmosphere differed from the plethora of bars and pubs in Byward Market, with its 50s-inspired decor. There was an "Internet Jukebox" near the front door, which was kind of neat. I was a little bit disappointed that the mini jukebox things at our tables were only ornamental and didn't work, but it was still pretty awesome! In the spirit of Canada Day, they had Canadian flags everywhere.

Zak's Diner!

Internet jukebox amid Canadian flags for days.

Canada Day themed menu!

More Canadian flags!

Homemade lemonade :)

My friend, Laura ordered a chocolate mint milkshake with a shot of Vodka. The other choices were Bailey's and rum.

Greek salad! There was a slight mix-up with my order as apparently the server heard me say, "Grilled Cheese Burger", which sounded delicious, but was not what I asked for... I have a tendency not to send food back because I feel it is a waste, but with the encouragement of my classmates, back it went.

When my order did come, the server was very apologetic, and my food was glorious. The Goat Cheese Burger. It was the most delicious goat cheese burger I've had to date. The beef patty was so moist and tender, and the combination of sauteed mushrooms, bacon, the creamiest goat cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, on a fresh bun was to die for. I would definitely go back for this.

The food and atmosphere at Zak's Diner was all that I wanted it to be, but with more Canadian flags. It was great to catch up with all of our friends, and see that they were doing well! I would definitely go back to dine at Zak's, and for those of you who can drink milkshakes (and are of legal drinking age), I'd recommend getting a milkshake with a shot! As for food, you have to try the Goat Cheese Burger. I feel like it's going to be very hard for me to find an equivalent, so I'll have to return for it the next time I'm in Ottawa.

-M