Saturday morning, Todd went for coffee at the Tim’s on the corner, but it wasn’t open; it doesn’t open until 9 on weekends! Had to settle for Starbucks ! After coffee we started our walk to Rideau Hall. On York, between Byward Market and Sussex, numerous police cars (RCMP and Ottawa police) and yellow tape caught our eye. Apparently someone reported a suspicious vehicle (padlocks on the doors and stripped inside with a bed). Being so close to the US embassy and the day before 9/11, no chances were being taken.
The two guys (punks) whose vehicle it was, were not allowing a search (drugs??). The bomb squad was called in. After a couple of hours, police determined the vehicle was not a threat.
We watched for a bit, then continued to Rideau Hall. It was their Savour Fall event.
We toured a few of the rooms like the tent room and the ballroom.
It was interesting seeing a table setting and menu example for heads of state and dignitaries who visit.
We toured the greenhouse and herb garden.
Numerous stands were set up on the grounds promoting freshly grown local foods with plenty of samples – apple fritters, goat cheese on sable bread, cucumbers, apples, watermelon, butternut squash soup, sausage, sorghum salad, and more….so good!
After leaving Rideau, we walked back to the Byward Market area to locate Lowertown Brewery. We enjoyed some cold ones while cheering on the Jays (yay! – they won!)
For dinner we went to a Greek restaurant fairly close to the hotel. Unfortunately, they didn’t have my favourite – Moussaka (apparently it was yesterday’s special). We both ordered a Souvlaki plate. They were very tasty…yummy potatoes.
Sunday, we drove to the small town of Vankleek (population under 2000), just over an hour from Ottawa. Why Vankleek? Beau’s Brewery! I tried their Lug Tread just over a year ago…It is now my go-to beer; so good!
I had emailed Beau’s back in the spring to ask about their brewery and what IPAs they had for Todd. Email response was quick and I was told to let them know when we were coming. I did. Upon entry when I said I had been in contact… “Oh, are you Cindy and Todd? Welcome!” We were started with some tastings at the bar.
Following a few tastings, we did the brewery tour….so informative. Owner, Tim Beauchesne, once used the building for manufacturing leather clothing, but when the industry took a downturn, he decided to go in a different direction. He toyed with the idea of turning the building into a recycling facility or a paintball arena, but with his son they decided on a craft brewery.
Their signature beer, Lug Tread, was released 10 years ago (2006) on Canada Day.
The Italian bottling machine, originally built for bottling wine, can bottle 75-80 bottles per minute. Currently, Beau’s only produces 600 ml bottles of beer.
We had lunch from their patio (ate inside because of the chilly weather). We each had a Vietnamese Burger (pork and beef patty with ginger-chili glaze, mayo, cilantro and pickled slaw) and a side of Barley Salad (barley, roasted beets, and carrots with feta and a lavender-honey beer vinaigrette). Getting hungry??? It was delicious! And very filling…
We were then treated to a complimentary glass of beer after lunch. Before leaving, I turned in my Beau’s collected points. We were allowed above and beyond the allotted trade – Todd and I each got a shirt and Todd got a hat. Our visit to the brewery was excellent. All the staff treated us fantastic!
Dinner was a bit of a disappointment. We walked a distance for Thai food at a place that receives good reviews. We arrived at Talay Thai at 8:20PM, only to find the doors locked, even though the sign said they were open until 9, lights were on and staff were inside. Todd knocked on the door and we were told they closed early because they weren’t busy. Not happy, we just picked another Thai place on the way back. Food was only average.
On our last full day, we decided to go walking (actually, we have done a lot of walking each day…). We walked over to the Ottawa Locks that connect the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River. There are eight locks located here.
We were lucky to get there just as 3 boats were waiting to transport through.
The water level has been lowered for transit to the next lock.
The 8 locks are still manually opened, just as they have been since they were built back for the first boat (a steamboat) through in 1831.
We continued our walk along the canal for quite a distance – a nice relaxing stroll away from traffic and crowds.
For lunch we walked to Chinatown. The grand entrance leads to a number of small restaurants and shops.
We ate at Saigon Boy Noodle House. We started with beef cold rolls to share, then Todd had the Beef Pho and I had BBQ Pork Pho. Flavours were great – the broth wasn’t salty like some Pho places and the soups were filled with lots of tasty ingredients.
After a lot of walking today…the Fitbit says 24000 steps, we headed back to the hotel to rest our feet.
Our last night was spent cheering on our BlueJays to another win !
Tomorrow morning the long drive back home and in 2 weeks we go back to Las Vegas to meet up with our friends Aline and Dave for more fun times !
