Welcome to Soirée
Dine in a private garden dome under the stars along the Rideau Canal this spring. Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin, Dinner4Four, and Desjardins have partnered to bring the next big pop-up dining experience to Ottawa. Inspired by the Coppa Club in London, England, this month-long dining event will feature an elegant four-course meal paired with wine and champagne served to you in a beautiful lush garden-themed dome at the Terrace on the Canal.
Chef Michael Blackie of NEXT Restaurant, Ottawa’s Kin Vineyards and Big Rig Brewery are responsible for designing the delicious menu that offers a variety of dietary options. Welcome to Soiree will run for 30 days beginning Sunday April 29. Limited dinner reservations for ten domes will be available at 5pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm daily. Tickets for the event go on sale on Friday, February 17 at 11 am and are expected to sell out quickly. Visit at dinner4four.ca.
Ottawa Little Theatre
Experience the renewed energy that accompanies the Ottawa Little Theatre’s Renew the Building Campaign as the theatre embarks on its 105th season. Ottawa Little Theatre has been a vital part of the Ottawa Arts community since 1913, making it the longest running community theatre in Canada.
Located in the heart of downtown at the corner of King Edward Avenue and Besserer Street, the current building opened in 1972 and over the past two years has undergone major renovations. The final phase of this work, Renew the Building Act IV: Interior Renovation and Accessibility campaign, brought much needed improvements to the theatre’s interior.
Cate Proctor, managing director at OLT and Robin Riddihough, chair of the Archive Committee, are both thrilled with the results, saying the new design and colour scheme serve to modernize the space while maintaining its traditional tone. In addition, the new seating and improved accessibility make the theatre experience more comfortable for patrons. As part of the renovation, the OLT partnered with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, to have the original 467 theatre-style seats refurbished and donated to the Notre Dame High School auditorium. Visit ottawalittletheatre.ca or contact the box office at 613-233-8948.
The Grand Hotel
The transformation of The Grand Hotel in Carleton Place honours the beautiful and grandiose history of the building at the corner of Lake Avenue East and Bridge Street. Rod Scribner and Steve Moodie, who have been in the restaurant and venue management business in Ottawa for 30 years, have partnered with Janice Mathers and Joel Schramek, owners of Evermore Weddings and Events in Almonte, to open The Grand Hotel as a luxury wedding and event venue.
Originally the Mississippi Hotel, the historic building has been lovingly restored to offer a 1,200-square-foot bridal suite with ensuite and two fireplaces, 15 tastefully-designed hotel rooms, a large private lounge, and a gorgeous banquet hall, all with an elegant early-1900s vibe.
The venue features fine dining in The Grand Dining Room as well as an old-English-style pub, The Smith & Barrel. Gourmet cuisine is prepared by accomplished executive chef Jordan Forester, previously of West End Bistro in Ottawa. Visit The Grand Hotel at 7 Bridge Street, Carleton Place.
Building on Community
In Recognition of the historical significance of the church as a community gathering place, developer ModBox is incorporating St Charles Church into its residential project, Marché St Charles Market. Linebox Studios developed a design plan for the site that resulted in an impressive residential address within the heart of Beechwood Village. With 54 uniquely designed, horizontal homes and three stunning town homes wrapping the original church structure, the new design honours the neoclassical architecture of the church.
Plans for the old St. Charles Church building include an exciting marketplace and restaurant to recreate the feeling of community within the heritage-designated building.
Gaia Wellness Retreat
Nestled in the Gatineau Hills on the shores of Petit Lac Usher, the Gaia Wellness Retreat provides a tranquil natural escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Billie Lynn Hillis and John Armstrong are co-founders of the retreat, originally established in 1993 by Robert Hay of Rama Lotus Centre as The Yoga Garden Retreat. Their vision is to provide an environment that will inspire guests on their journey towards health and wellness.
Experienced yoga instructors and wellness practioners offer diverse classes in yoga, mindfulness and wellness, guiding your journey towards spiritual transformation and personal growth. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa near Wakefield, QC, the centre is a 55-acre property which offers a serene and calming escape from the city with the added bonus of a 100% vegan restaurant. The centre is open year-round so that guests can enjoy all nature has to offer throughout the seasons. Yoga classes, corporate retreats and weekend events are some of the options available. Visit at gaiawellnessretreat.com
