Diner en Blanc Ottawa: All-White Menu inspired by Metro

As promised in my Diner en Blanc Ottawa post, I finally had a chance to do my groceries and prepare some of the dishes that were on my inspirational all-white menu. Typical me, I just can’t stick to any recipes, not even my own. So here is my disclaimer, front-and-centre: I went a bit off course! It turns out, my own menu ideas inspired me to think outside the box, and stay inside the season!

Since delicious food is at the centre of Diner en Blanc, this is what my original menu looked like:

White menu ideas for Diner en Blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog

Appetizer

Brie cheese with baguette, Deviled egg whites filled with garlic goat cheese, Crackers and white bean dip, Salted Popcorn, Cauliflower, mushroom, radish and white asparagus with tzatziki

Main

Cold cream of leek soup, Chicken & Penne in Alfredo, Bocconcini & béchamel pizza, Roasted cauliflower and Parmesan crust, and Potato Salad

Dessert

Vanilla cupcakes, White chocolate covered bananas, Powdered donuts, Sugar cookies, Vanilla Macarons, Lemon cheese cake sprinkled with coconut shavings

Do you remember a while back, when I attended the most amazing dinner hosted by Metro Ontario and Jessica Mulroney? Well, Metro really impressed me that night, and I knew I wanted to work with them. Metro is a main sponsor of Diner en Blanc this year, so creating this post using Metro ingredients couldn’t be a better fit.

I finally had the chance to pop into my local Metro (Elmvale), after they completed all the renovations (as promised at the event). WOW! What a difference. It’s an entirely new vibe. The layout hasn’t really changed, but it now has a fresh, much-needed facelift. Everything just looks more appetizing. The renos seem to have impacted the staff too, they just seemed more friendly, in a better mood and really helpful. Honestly, it was a great shopping experience. I picked up most of the ingredients (some of which were on sale) for my all-white menu, and was lucky to find fresh local veggies like cauliflower (perfect!). I also found my white roses on sale!

Baguette & Brie

Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea baguette and brie

This one is a Parisian classic and no-brainer. Baguette and brie is easy to pack, makes little to no mess and should be simple to polish off! I bought Metro’s Parisian style baguette and tried the St-Albert brie, because, well, you gotta keep it local folks!

Crudités blanc & Tzatziki

Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea crudite with tzatziki

This is where you can have fun and go off-road if you wish! I used endive, button mushrooms and cauliflower that I purchased at Metro. I also had loads of white zucchini in my garden, so I chopped some of those too. I couldn’t find white asparagus ( most likely not in season) or lobok radish. The light Summer Fresh Tzatziki was on sale! PS- it’s really good!

White Naan Pizza & Bocconcini

Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea naan pizza and mushroom 2 Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea naan pizza and mushroom Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea naan pizza and mushroom 3

I found these tiny naan breads and made a quick pizza using Tres Stelle bocconcini and white button mushrooms (both on sale!). I added some curry and fresh garden basil to mine, and  my son Victor ate the plain one for dinner tonight.

Powdered Donuts & Popcorn

Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea donuts and cheese popcorn Diner en blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog White dinner menu idea donuts and cheese popcorn 2

I love how these photos turned out, so gourmand and delish! I usually don’t like powdered donuts, but these particular ones were so fresh and moist. They were also on sale! The popcorn is White Cheddar Skinny Pop which was… you guessed it, on sale! Seriously, I was lucky. I sprinkled some extra confectionary sugar on the donuts, and some got on the cheesy popcorn… OMG! I think I just invented the a new Chicago style popcorn. I’ll call this one Ontario Style 😉

At the end of the day, when you’re packing your meals for Diner en Blanc Ottawa , make sure you bring enough to keep you full, and something that packs easily. You can use containers like mason jars that can double as serving ware. They can also dress a table and will do a great job at holding liquids. By adding a little something to your table, like flowers and a killer outfit, you can make an ordinary moment, truly extraordinary!

Although the food doesn’t have to be white, sometimes it’s nice to go all-out and stick to a specific theme. You know, placing limitations and constraints on ourselves makes us more creative! But seriously, don’t look at this as extra work. It’s your chance to be part of a spectacular event in Ottawa and your opportunity to bring it to the next level with creative décor, gourmet food and beautiful clothes, while celebrating with close friends (and making new ones!) all in an incredible secret setting. This is what Diner en Blanc is truly about – an experience you will never forget.

Regardless, Metro is here to help us all re-create the magic of Diner en Blanc, even if we chose to stay at home. (BUT REALLY, PLEASE DON’T!)

I hope my all-white menu ideas inspire your meal for Diner en Blanc, and if they do, I can’t wait to hear all about it!

A big thank you to Metro Ontario who supported this blog post.

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White & Whimsy: XLusive ‘Diner en Blanc’ Ottawa survival guide

Brace yourselves, Ottawa! I have an announcement to make that collides food with fashion and I need your undivided attention please.

Thank you.

Diner en Blanc is coming to Ottawa on August 11, 2016 and you need to be there! The problem is, it’s a secret. As in, I have no details about the venue. Also, I can’t promise that you can come. And, there’s no food to eat or tables and chairs to sit on. You’re going to have to trek it all yourself too. Do I have your attention now?

It sounds crazy, but Diner en Blanc is an old Parisian tradition that happens all over the world and brings together thousands of people to share a meal in the most elegant and unlikely way. Think of it as an all-white “flash mob picnic & dance party”.

I may not know much about the details of this event, but here is what I do know… and what you should too:

  1. Sign up here to register you and a guest on the list. There is a long coveted waiting list and it will be impossible to attend if your name is not on it. First come, first serve. So sign up! (Go now, and come back… I’ll wait for you…)
  2. Now that you’re signed up… Think all white, everything. Your clothes, your shoes, your table cloth, your menu, your cloth-napkins. No ifs, ands or buts! Violators wearing ivory, bone or off-white will be denied entry. Yes, it’s that strict. But it’s gonna look so nice!!! Diner en Blanc Ottawa 2016 Fashion Blog
  3. Yes, I said table and chairs. That includes, the right size bistro table and chairs, white table cloth, white cloth napkins (used to whip in the air signalling the inauguration of the party!) white cutlery, china, stemwear and your gourmet meal packed in your cutest picnic basket (white preferably!). “The table must be square, foldable, and easy to carry. The size must be between 28 and 32 inches (71 and 81 cm). The table does not have to be white as it will be covered with a white tablecloth.” Please read all the F.A.Q.s carefully for more precise details. There is no way I can get it all in this post! PS- I found some great table options at IKEA!Diner en Blanc Ottawa 2016 Fashion Food Blog
  4. Plan your menu. Something that will pack nicely and is easy to eat outdoors. For serious guests who are looking for inspiration, I have planned an all-white menu courtesy of Metro Ontario, one of Diner en Blanc Ottawa Sponsors. Don’t forget to bring a garbage bag to clean up after yourself!White menu ideas for Diner en Blanc Ottawa Fashion Blog
  5. White wine and bubbles are the drink of choice, but all alcoholic beverages must be purchased in advanced. “You can also order your meal in advance. Catered meals and beverages are made available for pre-purchase on the e-store at the time of registration, up until approximately 10 days prior to the event. See your e-store for specific details and closing dates.”
  6. Plan your outfit and go all out, all white (white out! haha) This is a posh event, so bring your A game. Hats, umbrellas (duh! rain or shine event), fascinators, anything goes as long as it’s white! Wear comfortable shoes too, because there will be dancing and you never know where the event will take place.Diner en Blanc Ottawa 2016 Fashion Blogger
  7. Patiently wait your turn to receive your invitation and R.S.V.P. without hesitation to secure your spot! (Eeek- I just got my email!!)
  8. Tell all your friends to read this post and do the same.

 

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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)
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Ottawa Cocktail bar
Totally digging the hoop chandelier
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Ottawa Foodie
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!
Common Eatery Ottawa New restaurant 2016 Elgin Street Ottawa Fashion Blog cool spaces in Ottawa
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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Getting Backyard Ready: Eat Drink Spring 2016 reminds us how to indulge outdoors

We have so many plans for the backyard this summer, and I can’t believe it’s already May 3! It’s time to hustle people! This spring has been quite a drag, and I’m finding it really hard to get in the groove.
My husband plans to build a pergola, and I want to create an outdoor living space where we actually have a chance to enjoy! We still have to plant the garden and I need to get my herbs ready!

Every year, I host an annual BBQ in May, where my dad roasts a pig on a spit and I invite everyone under the sun for some food, drinks and family time. The end of May is the perfect time to get all the plants in the garden, it’s my moms birthday and everyone comes down for the Glebe garage sale. We’ve been doing this for 6 years now. The annual BBQ has become somewhat of a tradition.

My family cooks a lot, and sometimes we tend to be creatures of habit and prepare the same old foods on the grill.Don’t get me wrong, I am all about exploring new ways of preparing and eating food, my folks… not so much. It’s more traditional and “don’t-mess-with-the-recipe” kind of cooking at their house.

Finding Foodie and Backyard Inspiration 

To get me out of my rut, I usually need something to inspire me! Where do you find your foodie inspiration? Whether it’s watching the food network, flipping through a sexy cookbook at Chapters, or pinning your favourite recipes on Pinterest, it’s clear that we all need to draw inspiration from one source or another. Me, I’m a hands-on learner. I like draw my inspiration from things that I can taste and watch being prepared in real life.

This season, there is no better place for me to get inspired, than the 3rd annual Eat Drink Spring 2016 foodie event in Ottawa. This is actually the sister show to the Ottawa Food and Wine Festival! On May 13-14, you’ll have the chance to taste food, sample over 100 wines and get backyard inspired, just in time for BBQ season! This outdoor event brings together all the besAndrew Pike, resident Décor Expert The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV, Eat Drink Spring Ottawa 2016t wines for Spring and Summer, Artisinal Cocktails, Craft Beers, and even a Battle of the BBQ in support of The Mission. There will be a food Circus under the Big Top, FREE Bottle Camp, Pati-Oh Canada, BBQ School, and non-stop outdoor entertainment all day long.

I think what I am looking forward to the most is learning how to pack the perfect picnic and make drinks using the herbs in my garden. This is all happening at Pati-Oh Canada

BONUS- Andrew Pike, resident Décor Expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, will be there to talk about patio and entertaining tips!

Isn’t it amazing when things aline perfectly! I can get all my tips and inspiration ready in time to do up my garden the week after, just before my party!

Admission is $20
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
For more details about the event, check their Facebook event page.

So, apparently you can bike or CANOE down to the event at City Hall. I would love to arrive in style in my husband’s canoe! Can you imagine? (I think I might make this happen!)

Eat Drink Spring Ottawa 2016 Schedule

Ottawa Wine Food Show Eat Drink Spring 2016 Ottawa Fashion Blog
I had to share this behind-the-scenes shot of Victor tampering with my shoot. Look at those hands though. He totally gobbled up the strawberries and orange when I was done!
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