A Friday night in the midst of an arctic cold snap is usually the kind of night when the call of the couch is strong, and the blankets beckon. It’s the perfect occasion to pull up the popcorn bowl and shovel away your sorrows after a long hard week, or to cuddle up with the cats and be transfixed by the television….
Well, not I! And not this past Friday. Instead, this girlaboutOtown went out to face the frosty temperatures with the fierce conviction that there was fun to be had. The fella and I, free of the girl, started off at The Wellington Gastropub, a low key establishment in Ottawa West that prides itself on fresh, seasonal food and an eclectic menu that changes frequently.
We were not at all disappointed with our first visit to this popular spot, as our meals were totally tasty, the service was attentive, and the relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere was just what we were looking for to celebrate a personal milestone in style. Sipping a lovely cabernet sauvignon over candlelight while watching this lively restaurant fill up, it was easy to see this is a place people return to. For many, including a cubicle colleague of mine I happened to run into, The Wellington Gastropub was clearly a friendly, customary stop.
Following our early meal, we headed down the street to the Great Canadian Theatre Company to catch their latest production Tempting Providence, stopping first at the local Bridgehead for some after dinner java. 
This was our first foray to the theatre for 2009, and we were genuinely pleased to have had the opportunity to see this show. Tempting Providence is the story of a tough-as-nails English nurse with a heart of gold who arrives in Newfoundland to help provide medical services in the early 1900′s, decides to stay, and then settles for good. It is a spare but clever vignette that offers true insight into early rural life on the rugged Northern coast while inspiring both laughter and empathy about an existence that is at once foreign and familiar. In keeping with true Canadian spirit, Nurse Myra just does what she has to in order to survive while contributing enormously to the life of her community.
Home we came afterwards, to integrate our evening and to enjoy one last glass of wine…
Yesterday was a work at home day. The fella retreated to the basement to tackle his projects, and I went into decorating mode. Having moved to my present house just over a year ago, this girlaboutOtown has been hunkering to turn it into a home. I have officially lifted my self-imposed moratorium on decorating and will finally get going this year, although I’m in no rush. This time (and there have been others), I will go slow and get it right.
Beginning with the bathroom, where we all spend a good bit of personal time, is often fast and easy. Following through on the details in such a small space makes for almost instant gratification, and gets the creative juices flowing for the bigger jobs done the road. Here are the results of yesterday’s quick fix…
So when we were done, it was off to dinner again with some couple friends we haven’t seen in awhile. Again, trying something new, we drove East to Louis Steakhouse, a Cyrville Road find that was well worth the trip. Serving steaks that were simply sublime, this family run restaurant was old school – with a comfortable well-worn dining room, a classic steakhouse menu, and a bona fide serve yourself salad bar. Suitable for a quick bite after work, visiting parents, or even a dinner date (in front of their lit fire) – this great place is obviously a sleeper success.
Sunday it is, and I’m back in front of my favourite green machine. Its snowing outside, but the sun may still peek through. I’ve got steaming hot coffee, a stack of beautiful books and a big plans to do some design school homework. Stay tuned…
