This past Saturday, I skipped making dinner and invited some friends over to test out a relatively new authentic Thai catering company in Ottawa that reached out to me. Farang Thai Catering serves up 100% authentic Thai food, made with locally sourced products in Ottawa and the entire menu is 100% gluten free (see, the cook is celiac, so you know it’s legit!). If you attend any Asian night markets in the city or Asian Festivals in Ottawa, you would recognized their booth: they are typically known for their super spicy dishes and jumbo portions! Although they are sure to serve up a delicious pad Thai, Farang Thai Catering prides themselves on preparing a variety of authentic dishes that are staples in Thai homes and villages, but not typically served in North America.
Farang not only provides catering for large events and private functions, but they have recently launched a prepared meals service for folks who don’t like to cook or rely on frozen meals for the week.
Check out these mouth-watering pics of each menu item that was specifically prepared for us!
Here is your chance to add a little more local to your grocery cart. Metro Ontario will now offer its customers more local products in store as part of their mandate for responsible sourcing. Ottawa is one of the first cities to take advantage of this initiative, as Metro slowly rolls out this program to other stores across the province. In the following post, I get up-close and personal with some of the business owners behind a few local brands and get to taste test a few of the products too. Keep reading to find out what local products in Ottawa Metro grocery stores made the cut!
No, we don’t have the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller center, nor do we have Mariah Carey unveiling The Bay’s annual Christmas window display, but by golly, Ottawa’s got some really great community rituals that should become official annual traditions.
I grew up in Toronto, so I am just now creating my Ottawa traditions with my family. Here are some of my faves!
You look forward to the reveal of Flower’s Talk Tivoli Christmas window display.
You take the family on a slow drive down Taffy Lane in Orleans because it’s warmer in the car and it’s free. You also wonder “who is paying the hydro bill?”
What’s the most cost effective way to add a bit of edge to your look and declare your personal style? Jewelry of course! It’s amazing how a little bling and chain can go a long way. Today’s holiday gift guide is all about supporting local and finding unique Ottawa gift ideas for yourself or your gal pals this Christmas.
What if I told you there is a sweet little eye-candy shop nestled on York street in the Byward market, just around the corner to Sussex. You’ve seen it, it’s by the parking lot, you just haven’t satisfied your curiosity enough to enter the white gates. The store is called Stunning, and if you haven’t been inside, you’re missing out!
I discovered Stunning last year, when I finally took the plunge and went in the shop, where I met the lovely store owner Mandy Gosewich and her dog Pearl. Now, I’m a seasonal regular. I wait for Mandy to post some bait on her Instagram feed, and then pop in when I am tempted to see the treasures in real life. That’s what happened when I spotted these little puff earrings!
Mandy has an exceptionally edgy style, and sources her goodies from all around the world. She has great stories about her buying trips to New York, and can tell you where each piece comes from. What I love about shopping there, is the reward for your individuality. Because there is so much to chose from, it’s up to you to find something that calls you, that suits your personal style. You know you will be the only one with the awesome necklace, or killer earrings, and that you were the one to find them! A challenge we easily forget when we go shopping at big retailers.
Mandy helped me pick out a few awesome pieces to showcase in this gift guide. I hope you love them as much as I do!
I have a soft spot for long chains. This one in particular has a perfect blend of edge to it.
Yup! Removal pompom on this tuque!I call this the puff cuff! You can get one or a pair! Can we also take a minute to stare at the ring!! It’s amazing!I loved these simplistic geometric earrings.This little candy shaped clutch stole my heart!Hoops are back, and this is a very cool way to warm up to them! Love the geometric design here too.These earrings to me are Kate Spade on a motorcycle… right?This bib was out of this world! Just wear all black and wear the rhinestone bib to the party!
So, what do you think? What caught your eye? I am in love with my little puff earnings and can’t wait to wear them for my Christmas party! I really want that long necklace too…
So will you satisfy your curiosity next time you’re in the market? If you head over to see Mandy, please tell her Chantsy sent you! Happy shopping and don’t forget to support local when you can this Christmas!
