#FOMO Ottawa: Your guide to high rolling at the Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau

I’ve lived in Ottawa for just over 15 years, and by now I feel that I have experience most of what Ottawa has to offer, which is why I love discovering new places and things in the city. We tend to forget that there is a whole new place next door, waiting to be discovered! I vowed, not long ago, that I would try and get my feet wet, and learn a little bit more about the gems hiding away in Gatineau, which is why I am so happy to share this post with you.

I was recently invited to spend a fabulous VIP evening with the gracious folks of the Casino Lac Leamy‘s PR team. I almost forgot how much fun it is to party with the Quebecois! They have an immense passion for life and all things food, culture, music and entertainment. We chatted, wined and dined and had the opportunity to hear first hand about all the amazing experiences that the casino has to offer. From first class dining, to adrenaline pumping games and gorgeous views of the city, there is no shortage of amusement on the other side of the bridge.

This year, Casino Lac-Leamy is a sponsor of the RBC Bluesfest and a big part of their message is that your night doesn’t have to end after the concerts are over. So, grab a $10 uber across the river and keep the party going! No doubt you’ve heard the commercials. I suggested they organize a fairy ride to bring you there. Can you image how much fun that would be?!

The night started off with an exclusive boat ride on Leamy lake. This boat and tour is exclusively reserved for high rollers, as a way to thank their loyal clients. I was impressed, to say the least, and most of all flattered to take part in the entire thing. I had the honour of popping the bubbly and we toasted to a fun girls night out!

Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog fountain
This 225 foot fountain is a true Casino Lac-Leamy landmark.

Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride for high rollers 2Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride for high rollers 1Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride for high rollersCasino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride for high rollers 5 Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride for high rollers 3 Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride 4 Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride 3 Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Boat ride 2 Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog boat ride 1

We then headed over to Arome Seafood and Grill, one of three restaurants located inside the Casino. We sat on the lovely terrace and had the tender 70 day dry-aged beef with lobster tail for dinner (YUM!) The appetizer was a crab and fish cake, and an assortment of sweets for dessert to end the night. It’s hard to tell in the photo (sorry bad lighting), but the sculptures on the tray are completely edible and made of sugar. We had a mini roulette table on our tray. The level of detail is astounding! All the work is done by an 84 year old confectioner who works full-time producing exquisite sugar sculptures all day, every day.

The image of the fridge (sorry to my vegans and vegetarians) is a one-of-a-kind cutting edge process of aging meat. Arome receives their beef aged at 35 days, and they age it for an additional 35 days: 70 days in total! The aging process helps to tenderize the beef and release different flavours you otherwise wouldn’t get in the meat. The fridge is openly displayed at the entrance of the restaurant and vigilantly monitored by the chefs.

Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Arome Restaurant Terrace patio viewCasino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Arome RestaurantCasino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Arome Restaurant 70 days aged steak Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Arome Restaurant aging beef fridge Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Arome restaurant desserts

Now we party! I’ll have to admit, after all that food, I was very sleepy and not in the party mood. But once we started playing in the Zone, my energy levels kicked in! The Zone is crazy! Like, you need a short attention span to survive. There is so much going on, but it’s so much fun at the same time. I played roulette for the first time and won a cool $43. Not bad, not bad! The hosts on the main stage are so much fun and super entertaining. It’s amazing to watch them go from one game to the other and keep up with the pace. I would fail at this job, I think.

Because mama knows when to cashout, we left the Zone on a positive note and headed to Alea night club, the angular dome on the second floor. I really wish I wasn’t a grandma that night. I totally would have stayed to dance, the music was awesome. (Note: don’t book a huge meal and go dancing on the same night… it’s not gonna happen!)

Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog the Zone Dancing at Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog Alea Night Club Casino Lac Leamy Gatineau Ottawa Fashion Blog slot machines

 

If you’re just scrolling through the post quickly, the least you can do is grab my tips on making the most out of your Casino Lac-Leamy Experience!

  1. Try the Brazilian BBQ dinner on Friday and Saturday nights at Arome. It’s grilled and served on the terrace and only costs $37 for AYCE!! (All you can eat)
  2. Get the girls together and experience 5 star dining like no other at Le Baccara. The prices and service are not as intimidating as you think.
  3. It’s a $15 Uber ride from the Glebe to the Casino.
  4. Do you have a boat? Awesome! Dock your boat at the Casino’s marina and walk right in! PS- it’s the only Casino in the world that has a marina directly attached to it!
  5. If you like live music and cover bands, the party is always happening at Bar 7. Also, I saw a lot of cute boys… (where the single ladies at?)
  6. You can now play “Win for Life” on a slot machine. There have already been 2 winners! (Can you imagine?!)
  7. BRUNCH people, BRUNCH! If you love to brunch, make sure you call in ahead of time and book your reso at Arome. It’s supposed to be out of this world!
  8. Treat yourself to a night stay at the Hilton, book your spa day experiences or lounge on the poolside patio.
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Chantsy Eats: Common Eatery, new Ottawa restaurant, opens on Elgin Street

I think I can pretty much say that I have accomplished one of my many life goals. Being invited to a new Ottawa restaurant opening and having the chance to sample half the menu… and loving it! This is exactly where I wanted to be, when I started blogging about 5 years ago. It goes to show you that hard work does pay off, and that sometimes you just need to start doing and stop dreaming!

Back in November 2015, I gave you a glimpse of 380 Elgin street’s Common Concept Shop, and even planted a seed about the soon-to-be “eclectic eatery”. Well, it’s open now! It’s called Common Eatery and it’s anything but common. The moment I walked in, I knew this was going to be my new hang-out spot. What a great use of large windows, street views, natural lighting with an urban vibe. This space is perfect  to host events or throw a wicked party! In fact, I am sure they are already hosting hip hop nights (*adds upcoming events to calendar and books babysitter)

The food was fantastic: All carefully prepared, with wild contrasting ingredients and beautifully plated too. The cocktail list, blew me away. Also, it’s a danger zone, because when you use really good mixes and high quality ingredients, it’s easy to get carried away! I realize now that I don’t hate liquor, I hate cheap liquor! I am also now switching from bubbles to cocktails (anything with egg whites, St- Germain or Gin, please!)

I don’t want to talk you through this, but more so let your taste buds salivate over my pictures. By the time our meals arrived, I was famished and didn’t take any pics of our actual dinner. I had the bison slider  where the patty tasted like we make at home. Lots of fresh Mediterranean flavours with herbs in the meat (delicious!). I tasted my friend’s steak and ravioli which was also excellent.

Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Ottawa food blogger
I call this one #BloggersEat (a photo of a photo of a photo)
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Totally digging the hoop chandelier
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Cool people hang out at Common Eatery
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog graffitti
Awesome Egyptian inspired grafitti artwork greats you at the entrance
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Go Green cocktail
Go-Green! Gin and St-Germain are on my to-drink list
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Foodie
Peaking inside!
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog drink menu
The cocktail menu
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Cool toilet
The devil is in the details… all the way down to the toilet bowl!
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Romantic
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Common Concept
The view from outside
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Cocktail
All the drinks! The hot pink one is called Unicorn and is served in a hollow sphere ice cube! Crack the ice and the drinks spills out.
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Cocktail lounge
Bacon and Eggs! Like I said, I love egg whites in my cocktails! Also, that maple bacon tho.
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Chantsy
Cozy private nook in the back
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Blogger
Crab cake, scotch egg, toke salad and guac!
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog
Apple Wood Smoked Apple Pie Manhattan

Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Bar on Elgin

 

 

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About last night: Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards 2016 Gala

Last night, I had the great privilege of attending the 24th annual Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards 2016 Gala. I vaguely knew about this event, and was always intrigued by the hype. I didn’t realize the significance of the prestige that comes with becoming a laureate. It’s essentially the highest honour that Canada gives to the performing arts community. That’s kind of a big deal.

Star studded evening
The ceremony was hosted by actor Colm Feore (a.k.a a younger looking version of Richard Jenkins) joined by other Canadian actors such as Paul Gross and Tom Jackson. Ottawa’s Amanda Rheaume open with our national anthem, and Chantal Kreviazuk concluded the show. We also sang Happy Birthday to the Honourable Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who was celebrating his 75th birthday this month! Now that was the best HB song I have ever heard. Choir, harmonies and everything!

The 2016 laureates of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards were:

  • Susan Aglukark- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Michael Bublé- National Arts Centre Award
  • Marie Chouinard- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Ben Heppner- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • John D McKellar- Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts
  • Robert Lantos- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Suzanne Lebeau- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award

The ceremony was very well executed, and told touching and inspiring stories about each award recipient. You can now watch the short films about each recipient too! Follow this tweet for more details.

From musical numbers, and play excerpts, the audience was able to have a taste for what each winner was being recognized for. What really stole the show, was the avant-garde dance performance produced by Marie Chouinard.

Although the NAC was in shambles amongst the construction rubble, next year, just in time for the 25th Awards ceremony and the 150th Canada celebration, the NAC will reveal it’s newly renovated facade! I can only hope to attend once again and see it for myself. The NAC will be gorgeous from the outside in!

2017 National Art Centre Ottawa

Fashion at the #GGAwards Gala

If fashion isn’t art, then… I don’t know! Fashion is art, ok! And it’s no wonder the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala places a significant importance on fashion and the red carpet scene. And of course, that’s where I come in!

Although I didn’t get to actually meet these folks, I saw some of Canada’s top fashion influencers including  Suzanne Rogers, Suzanne Boyd, Suzanne Timmins, Jessica Mulroney, and Liz Rodbell, president of Hudson’s Bay Co. and coincidentally, one of the featured sponsors of the evening.

My date was Catalina, photographer of MDRN Creative Group. She captured these lovely photos of me at the Gala! Big thanks to you, Cat!

MDRN Creative Group
Here I am, taking advantage of the fact that there is a red carpet and 2 footguards to welcome me!
MDRN Creative Group
Snapped a quick pic with Janet Wilson, from Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Citizen Style.

MDRN Creative Group

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Doing my social media thing…
MDRN Creative Group
Snapped a quick red carpet photo with fashion expert, Alexandra Gunn from Ottawa Life Magazine.

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Wearing Ottawa’s own Cantas.

MDRN Creative Group

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Sunny Style: How to choose sunglasses for wide faces

Is it just me, or one of the best things about summer, is digging up your old sunglasses that have been collecting winter dust? Well, I like doing that. The only thing I find is that there seems to be an explosion of style this year. I need and want all the looks! Everything goes!

But, when you have a wider face (a.k.a moon face as my 1rst grade teacher would call me #true story), you need to be cognizant of that fact that not all styles are created equal. I worked with Ottawa’s newest Bailey Nelson store in Westboro who let me pull a few glasses to showcase for this post. I did not get to keep them (just one!), although my heart is pounding for the black cat eyes!! Must go back for more!

If you read my first post about Bailey Nelson glasses, you’ll see that they are assembled in Canada, made in small batches, they are all polarized and offer high UV protection (a.k.a healthy for your eyeballs). Oh ya,  all of this,  for a whopping $145! That’s incredible for high quality glasses. Get this, they also make prescription eye wear!

I am usually a sucker for tortoise shell, the brown compliments my skin tone and hair. Except, now I have a new favourite shade in tortoise shell, is BN’s signature Cherry Blossom. It has a kiss of pink and it’s bright and fresh. I’m so in love! You’ll see that I selected a lot of styles in that colour.

Ok, now that we know how much I adore this brand, we can move onto choosing a style that suits you.

Also, a HUGE thank you to my friend Catalina of MDRN Creative Group who took these amazing photos and made the hilarious gifs! Make sure you visit their Instagram (@mdrncreativegroup) account too!

Metal frames

Metal frames and aviator type glasses work well because they offer more flexibility.  Be warned that based on the angle of the downward slope on the lenses, some aviator styles may not suit all faces. These Airlie’s had a lovely shape, not too downwards sloping, which did not give me the “sad eyes” look (you know what I mean?). Both styles offer an oversized fit and work perfectly for wide faces.

Airlie http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/airlie-with-red-lenses
Archemedis / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/archemedis-cherry-blossom

Cat eye glasses

I think cat eye glasses were made for really wide and large faces. Even though this style has come and gone, a few times around the fashion cycle, one thing remains the same: they will always look fabulous on a wide face! The sides of the glasses move up and create an illusion of a pulled back, more youthful look.

Audrey Lunette / Crystal Bubblegum http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/audrey-lunette-pink
Angelique / Black http://baileynelson.ca/collections/hello-summer/products/angelique-black

Key hole

Anything that creates more space between the eyes and bridge of the nose will be wider in nature. The keyhole look is not for everyone, and may not suit all noses! If your nose is very narrow, I would not recommend this look.

Darwin / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/darwin-cherry-blossom
Darwin/ Black http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/darwin-black

Round
Typically, I wouldn’t recommend round glasses for a wide face, but these were too hard to pass up! If the lenses are big enough and the frame is wide enough, go for it! In this case, the bridge is wide enough in the Elodie model. Plus, reflective glasses are so hot right now, how could I pass up on this?

Elodie / Crystal with Blue lenses http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/elodie

Square

It’s hip to be square, when it comes to jumbo glasses! They are oversized and proportionate to any round or wide face shape. I also like how the Mim style offers a slight lift on the top outside corner. The is a similar illusion offered by the cat eye glasses.

Mim / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/mim-sunglasses
Mim / Yellow Tort http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/mim-yellow-tort

Do make sure you pop in the Bailey Nelson store, next time you’re in Westboro. The staff are lovely and will let you try on all the styles! They have a whole bunch more, so if that’s not an excuse… I don’t know what is!

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