What do you want to discover in Ottawa?

Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Chef Chuck Hughes from Chuck's Day Off in Ottawa

Last weekend, my foodie dream came true. I met Chuck Hughes, Montreal chef from The Food Networks's Chuck's Day Off.

I bough his book a week in advance, because I am a planner, and planners know how to get ready!
I went to Costco (Merivale) really early, about 1.5 hrs before he was going to start, to get a good place in line. And I did :) I think I was about 10th in line.

Tim's breakfast panini and coffee in hand, I made friends with a girl in line in front of me, and quickly realized that maybe my crush on Chuck wasn't so unique after all  :( hahaha

He arrives! My heart is racing, and beating out of my chest, I am so nervous to meet him! I hear his deep raspy cigarette voice and can't help but to release the 12 year old giddy girl with a crush in me. It's finally my turn!

What a gentlemen- he gets up and shakes my hand, "thank you for coming" he says. I answer nervously "my pleasure"... that sounds dorky, right away I regret saying it. Calm down girl! You've been happily married for 4 years and you have a 5 month old at home, get a grip!

"Nice necklace"... um, did he just complement me?.... delayed reaction..."Oh, thanks. Ya, it's a rope in the shape of a tied knot".
"Ya, I know. It reminds me of one of my tattoos" Then proceeds to show me the back of his right elbow (I melt). The tattoo has something written in rope. I was so nervous, I don't remember what it even said. Because, OMG, we are having a conversation!

Embarrassing but worth it-  "Can you sign it, from your boyfriend Chuck?"... he stares at me. I'm thinking, man I sound like a loser, but it's worth a shot! Whatever, he doesn't have to do it, I'm just putting it out there in the universe.

He signs my book, and one for my sister, it's for her b-day gift.

After all is said and done, Chuck gets up for the million dollar shot! What a nice guy. Thanks Chuck!

As much as I felt like a creepy stalker, I feel like we could be friends. He is really cool, chill and just a genuinely nice person, not yet ruined by his famous status.



Questions I would ask him if I had the time:
1- What is your camping cooking style: Ghetto hot dogs or gourmet eating?
2- Did you cancel the last book signing to make it to the Wu-Tang concert after this?
3- Would you like to hang out? I feel like we could be good friends. (After this question, he would quickly get up and walk away as he would soon realize that I am a crazy stalker who is trying to kidnap him, hahaha)


Chuck and I (sharing the same side puff in our hair) 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Thanks Chuck and Universe xox
You can't see it, but I am super shaky and nervous. I immediately headed over to the vegetable freezer to cool off! (True story) 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Winterlude- give it a taste!

What I love most about Ottawa in the new year is looking forward to all the winter activities that I am supposed to be partaking in... if I can leave my warm cozy house.

The Taste of Winterlude festivities begin Jan 27 to Feb 21 2011. Choose from a selection of top restos in Ottawa, and sample a featured menu for a great price! Looks like there are booking up fast, so step on it!
Taste of Winterlude features exclusive culinary events that highlight local chefs, sommeliers, winemakers and Canadian products.
I just came across their site today through a facebook ad... possibly the most effective ad for me yet!
I usually grab the TOW booklet from a participating restaurant and use it as "Checklist" of places I need to try. I also love using my Urbanspoon account that automatically keeps track of this for me :)

I haven't booked a restaurant yet, but I am looking at Murray Street as a possible option.
Let me know where you would like to go or if you have any recommendations!

Bon Appétit!