Category: NEN
Help Wanted: Proofreader and Delivery Team
The New Edinburgh News has some volunteer positions open! If one of these jobs piques your interest, please contact Christina at newednews@hotmail.com.
NEN is a volunteer-run community paper that publishes five times a year (October, December, February, April, and June).
Proofreader
Do you have an eye for detail? NEN is looking for a proofreader to review the pdf version of the newspaper during our production weekends. Help us catch layout problems, missing content and other errors before we go to press. Access to email and internet is a must. Knowledge of DropBox and Adobe Acrobat is an asset.
Distribution team member
Looking to “do something useful” while going for a walk? Our Distribution Team needs a couple of new people or families to take over some recently vacant routes. Drop off copies of this newspaper to your neighbours’ homes, typically around the first weekend of the month of publication. This is a great way for high school students to earn volunteer hours!
Burgh Business Briefs (October 2022)
By Randy Mar and Tamara Miller (This article originally appeared in the October 2022 edition of the New Edinburgh News)
Align Massage Therapy expands its portfolio
Like stock splits, dividends are being paid to New Edinburgh residents with recent changes at Align Massage Therapy. A female-founded health care service established in 2000, Align has been growing and is now about to offer New Edinburgh, Manor Park, Rockcliffe Park, Vanier, Overbrook, Lowertown, and Sandy Hill residents two new therapy environments!
Each Align Massage Therapy clinic is owned by an experienced Registered Massage Therapist. This means they fully understand client needs as well as the business inside and out, and know how to support their therapist colleagues to achieve long-term career goals. Proudly, all seven Align locations are currently owned by women.
Align Massage Therapy has been part of New Edinburgh for the past 17 years at 16 Beechwood Ave., and positive changes of growth and accessibility are on the horizon as they prepare for a move to nearby Sandy Hill.
Owner Elizabeth Eaton-Loken elaborated: “We have grown along with the community, and with growth comes change. We are excited to share our newest creations to serve our clients better.” Align Sandy Hill will be located in the newly retrofitted, multi-disciplinary healthcare and medical building at 168 Charlotte St. (at the corner of Rideau Street) in November.
“We look forward to having a fully accessible clinic space to better offer equity in access. Many of our clients have braved our stairs for many years, and so it will be wonderful to offer an elevator, especially to moms with strollers, some of our seniors with limited mobility, and injured athletes,” Elizabeth tells the New Edinburgh News. The new location also offers street-level parking, and access to nearby bike paths and to four bus routes.
Align Sandy Hill will literally be up the road and around the corner from the current location on the Beechwood strip; only an eight-minute walk from the current location! Elizabeth explains that the therapist team had lots of input on the new layout to maintain the desired client-centric environment while ensuring their workspace continued to complement their needs. You will see Elizabeth’s same team of therapists, who will continue to offer a full range of massage therapies, including expanded acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine) treatments, osteopathy, and reflexology.
Other healthcare and medical services available in the building include a pharmacy and diagnostic clinic, as well as physio and occupational therapy, with more services to come.
As part of the upcoming changes, Krista Dicks, a long time New Edinburgh resident and RMT with Align, has taken on the challenge of operating her own clinic, Align Lindenlea. Her boutique wellness space – located in the former ORESTA Skincare storefront at 137 Beechwood Ave. – opened in early September (read more about ORESTA later in this piece).
Krista plans to continue the Align Massage Therapy philosophy of providing personalized, high-quality health care on an as-needed or preventative basis. The Lindenlea team includes skilled Registered Massage Therapists and a registered reflexologist; and Krista herself will continue to provide hands-on therapeutic and relaxation massages. She prides herself on bringing a calm and intuitive approach to her massage treatments which help relieve pain and muscle tension associated with desk posture, training, and the common “I just woke up with it” type of injury. She has training in lymphatic massage and lymphedema therapy recommended post-surgery to reduce swelling to affected areas.
Rounding out the Lindenlea team are Jade Arthur, a caring practitioner who restores mobility and reduces pain after motor vehicle accidents, including the treatment of whiplash and chronic back pain. Jade helps her clients relax by adding stretches throughout her massage to loosen tight muscles. Finally, Paulette Hébert is a certified reflexologist with a background in sports who knows first-hand the benefits of adding reflexology to health and wellness routines. Her repertoire includes treatments for feet, hands, and cranium, as well as focused training in fertility and maternity reflexology for both men and women, aimed at empowering individuals on their reproductive and fertility journeys.
“I am fortunate to have found such wonderful space so close to home. The building has a historical charm and beauty that makes for a unique massage experience,” enthused Krista. “As a new business owner, it is an honour to be within a space that has known success and is recognized for its quality of service and products, as well its contribution to the community.”
Krista looks forward to new horizons as a local business owner, while maintaining balance of family life with her husband, Scott, and their two dogs Maxx and Kona. You will see them enjoying walks in Stanley Park!
Both Elizabeth and Krista love the surrounding community and are thankful for the long-time support of their neighbours!
Align Massage Therapy Lindenlea is located at 137 Beechwood Ave. Contact 613-276-4396 or visit alignyourbody.com. Until Nov. 1, Align Massage Therapy Beechwood is located at 201-16 Beechwood Ave.; 613-744-4604; alignyourbody.com. After Nov. 1, you can find them at 406-168 Charlotte St. (same contact info). –RM
Farewell to Oresta Beechwood
On July 30, ORESTA clean beauty simplified on Beechwood closed its doors after 11 years in our neighbourhood. An Instagram post from the company thanked patrons for all their kind messages and visits, as well as for all the support they received throughout the pandemic. ORESTA will continue to have a strong online presence, as well as two other bricks-and-mortar locations in the Glebe and Hintonburg communities. As the name implies, ORESTA clean beauty simplified is still committed to offering clients the highest-quality clean beauty brands and treatments with the skincare guidance and friendly service customers have enjoyed, both in-store and online.
Visit ORESTA Glebe at 464 O’Connor St., and ORESTA Hintonburg at 1121 Wellington St. Explore their website at oresta.ca – TM
A new space for Nuvo
Nuvo optometry was founded over 20 years ago and has two locations in the Ottawa East community with nine practicing optometrists! They have been in their 178 Beechwood Ave. location since 2009. However, they will be making a move to 156 Beechwood Ave. this October, according to Michelle MacDonald, who works in Nuvo’s marketing department.
Nuvo has been fortunate to have outgrown the smaller location both in patient care and clinic needs, and they wanted to be able to offer a larger selection of eyewear. When the space in the adjoining plaza became available (the former dentist office next door to Subway), Nuvo jumped at the opportunity to move into a space that would accommodate their growing needs.
The new space will certainly be bigger. Nuvo will go from a location with only two exam rooms, limited room for additional testing equipment, and a small eyewear boutique, to a larger clinic with three exam rooms, ample space for additional tests and a larger dispensary and eyewear boutique.
If you need eye-care, Nuvo has you covered! They are a full-scope optometry clinic that offers routine and specialty eye exams, contact lens fittings and evaluations, a recycling program for used contact lenses, multiple myopic control strategies (including orthokeratology), and full optical services for all your eyewear needs.
Their clinics are proudly owned and operated by an all-women team. Dr. Corina Buettner has led the charge and guided Nuvo toward the ever-growing success of both locations and continues to promote a healthy and positive work environment for all her staff.
Contact Nuvo Optometry by phone at 613-749-0481 or by email at ottawa@nuvoeyes.ca. You can also book an appointment directly at nuvoeyes.ca/book. –TM
Unleash your creativity at Ply Studio
Ply Studio is a creative arts space located at the corner of Crichton and Dufferin Streets, conceived of by local fibre artist Carmen Bohn.
Carmen has had a lifelong passion for creating weird and wonderful things with paper, paint, yarn, textiles, markers, and anything else that might be lying around, and so she left the corporate world in 2021 to follow this passion.
The emphasis of Ply Studio is creative workshops, from in-person to virtual, where people can come together to engage in regularly scheduled (and sometimes pop-up!) events and activities, browse a beautiful selection of fibre and workshop supplies, as well as local, one-of-a-kind gifts for sale.
In recent months, as we slowly move out of the pandemic and see a social narrative about well-being and people increasingly needing connection, Carmen saw a gap that needed to be filled. A big believer in the link between creativity and well-being, she decided to offer creative team-building retreats.
These retreats are get-togethers that will inspire, build connections, and make people feel better. In preparing for the retreat, Carmen will work with you to understand your team dynamics, challenges, and areas for creative collaboration. Based on her years of team management, as well as her experience as an arts entrepreneur, Carmen will create a five-star learning experience that will have your team connecting and working better together in no time, using methods with creativity at their core.
So, whether you are an individual looking to engage with others in your community, or a team looking for a creative way to build connections, Ply Studio has something for you! Connect with Ply Studio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or check out their website at plystudio613.com. You can also reach Carmen by phone at 613-850-8485 or by email at create@plystudio613.com. –TM
Coffee “solutions” on the horizon
Amid supply chain and resourcing challenges, Acacia Tree Farms/Advanced Coffee Solutions has managed to slowly build its presence within the Beechwood coffee scene.
“Many curious residents and coffee lovers have been wandering in and getting to know us since we first opened our doors in December” said Amavit Rath. But it has been slow as they experienced the struggles of starting a new storefront business venture in the middle of a pandemic, and are now emerging with a new sense of positive energy.
When co-owners Nikhil Rath and Karawan Ahmed first chatted with the New Edinburgh News late last year, they excitedly revealed their plans to introduce Ethiopia’s signature Harar coffee bean to Ottawa and Canada, to offer a superior line of home coffee machines, and to establish partnerships with name coffee brands to offer collaborative roasts, all based in the former BMO space at 14 Beechwood Ave.
Among the unique offerings in the works was a self-serve vending machine offering high-quality cold brewed coffee to go, along with roasted Happy Goat beans. Coffee aficionados will be pleased to hear that the parts and servicing challenges have been overcome and the “ATM” of coffee is running smoothly.
As a locally founded and locally operated coffee enterprise, Acacia is especially proud to have forged partnerships with two purveyors of specialty coffees, local favourite Happy Goat, as well as Toronto-based Hatch Coffee Roasters.
Similarly, those stopping by the showroom will see a range of high-end home espresso units alongside commercial grade equipment. They will also get a chance to learn more about the Acacia Tree coffee experience from Jeylene Suangco, who will be there during operating hours.
Acacia Tree Farm/Advanced Coffee Solutions is located at 14 Beechwood Ave. Learn more at acaciatreefarms.com, advancedcoffeesoluntions.com, or call 613-741-7272. -RM
October 2022
Help Wanted: Managing Editor
New Edinburgh News is looking for a new managing editor. This part-time volunteer position, under the strategic direction of the publisher (NECA), involves operational, editorial and managerial responsibility for this community newspaper.
The managing editor works collaboratively with a motivated and experienced team (production manager, advertising manager, distribution manager, bookkeeper, proofreaders, photographer, writers and an Advisory Board), ideally has experience with print media, publishing, and managing a team. Access to email and internet is a must.
If interested or for more details, please email Christina at newednews [at] hotmail.com
Guide to New Edinburgh’s Patio Pathway
By Randy Mar. Map by Chantel Richard. This article originally appeared in the June 2022 edition of the New Edinburgh News)
Patio season certainly arrived with a blast of heat and sunshine this spring!
The New Edinburgh News has put together a guide to help make choosing your patio easier. As you can see from the accompanying map and legend, at print time, there are at least 13 locations to choose from. You can head out your front door and walk or bike there in mere minutes.
New Edinburgh patios have you covered, whether you want to enjoy fantastic scenery, fall into deep loungers, absorb the urban streetscape, savour international cuisines, test in-store-baked goods, or sip your favourite beverage at a bistro-style table.
Our community’s patios have family-style picnic tables on which to spread out, are off the beaten path, can be either open air or have sheltered overhangs, or offer colourful umbrellas to provide much-needed shade.
Equally important is your choice of beverage, whether sipping tropical cocktails, tasting local craft beers, non-alcoholic refreshments, or simply a cold brewed or iced coffee.
The map legend also notes which patios are accessible (for those with mobility issues or strollers); serve alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, have public washrooms; offer kid-friendly menus; and provide shade.
Fun fact: the New Edinburgh Patio Pathway is 2.5 kilometres in length. It starts at Tavern on the Falls on Sussex Drive, weaving south to Union Street Kitchen Café, turning east at the Royal Oak, and continuing along Beechwood connecting Ministry of Coffee, Dhruvees, Starbucks, the Clocktower Brew Pub, and Mr. Luko, with a slight detour to Ola Cocina, then continuing to the Red Door, Bridgehead, and Bibi’s, before ending at Soca/Plantain Cartel.
Sadly, the patio at resident-favourite Fraser Café on Springfield Road is not able to open this summer for reasons beyond the owners Ross and Simon’s control. We will miss stopping by and enjoying their menu outdoors.
Let’s get outside and continue to support our neighbourhood businesses!
Burgh Business Briefs (June 2022)
By Jane Heintzman and Tamara Miller (This article originally appeared in the June 2022 edition of the New Edinburgh News)
In-person training returns at Happy Fido Co.
In the two years since COVID emerged, the substantial cohort of “pandemic puppies” acquired by many local families has settled in, and many are now familiar figures on our streets and in the dog parks. While most pups will have adjusted reasonably well, some may have rough edges and canine quirks to be sorted out. One challenge many may face as they head back to the office is separation anxiety.
But help is close at hand. In the April 2021 edition of the New Edinburgh News, we first introduced Happy Fido Company (happyfidocompany.com), a local, force-free, science-based dog training business, emphasizing positive reinforcement in its approach to training.
Since launching her business, owner and certified trainer Fumie Watanabe has had to navigate the constraints of pandemic protocols, and to move online to deliver her core programs and one-on-one consultations. But thankfully, as the world begins to re-open, she is now able to gradually reintroduce in-person training and one-on-one consultations.
Last March, Fumie teamed up with trainer Claudia Jodouin. Both are currently teaching beginner and intermediate level Canine Agility Classes at Keshet Kennels in Carlsbad Springs, Ont. (keshetkennels.com). Classes are offered from May through July, and start up again in September with a fall program.
In addition to offering full-service dog boarding and daycare facilities, as well as dog training programs, Keshet Kennels is a rescue operation, providing a refuge for large-breed dogs which are most at risk of being euthanized when given up by their owners. Fumie and Claudia are generously donating a portion of the proceeds from their agility classes to Keshet’s rescue program.
Fumie is enthusiastic about the benefits of agility training for dogs – and their owners! “Canine agility is a teamwork sport activity; the handler needs to give a cue to the dog telling it where to go next, and the dog needs to wait for the cue,” she explains. “Agility training is a great way to build communication skills. The dogs develop focus, paying close attention to their handlers, as well as body-awareness navigating the obstacles.” A prerequisite for agility classes is completion of a basic obedience program focusing on the familiar mantra of “sit, stay, down, come” and the foundations of impulse control.
While most dogs benefit greatly from agility training, Fumie notes a few exceptions: 1) dogs in their crucial, early development stages (up to 12 months of age); 2) dogs experiencing physical discomfort; and 3) some very large breeds such as Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, for whom the agility equipment is simply too small.
In her one-on-one consultations to date, “reactivity” is at the top of the behaviour issues list. Reactive dogs typically overreact in a variety of circumstances, ranging from encounters with other dogs or strangers, to loud or startling noises, and even inanimate objects they may perceive as a threat.
The majority of dog owners (myself included!) are all too familiar with the challenging behaviours associated with reactivity: lunging, barking, growling, or wild over-excitement. In most cases, these behaviours are driven by underlying fears or lack of socialization. “These are like panic attacks,” explains Fumie, emphasizing that “there is no quick fix.” Behaviour modification for reactive dogs can be a long process, using training methods rooted in an understanding of animal-behaviour psychology.
“First, the owner must understand the emotional struggles of the reactive dog, and then apply the appropriate training methods to modify the dog’s negative emotional associations with the reactivity triggers,” says Fumie. “Changing the negative emotion to modify the behaviour takes time. It’s like going through psychotherapy in a way, totally different from obedience training.” She is justifiably pleased to have had some success in this work; in one recent case, her behaviour modification training helped to socialize a formerly overreactive dog sufficiently to participate comfortably in group agility classes.
In our neighbourhood, the off-leash area in Stanley Park is a natural magnet for dog owners and their charges, where (ideally at least!) both humans and dogs can mingle sociably with neighbours. But a word of caution before you and your pooch plunge into that melee. “The true definition of socialization means letting the dogs have positive experiences with the environment, which greatly differs from just exposing the dogs to the environment,” says Fumie. So, if your companion seems exceptionally fearful of other dogs or strangers, or if they seem prone to aggressive behaviour, seek advice from a professional before taking it into that milieu. If it’s not fun for your dog, it’s a safe bet that it won’t be fun for you either!
Visit happyfidocompany.com; search HappyFidoCo on Facebook and Instagram; or e-mail info@happyfidocompany.com for more information or appointments. –JH
Brandi Cowl: Counselling, Yoga and Wellness
Brandi Cowl’s purpose in life is to cultivate health and happiness, both in herself and in others. She has had an interest in health and wellness for many years – she has been teaching yoga since 2003, she became a life coach in 2008 and a health coach in 2012. She’s also published a book: The Modern Yogi, A Guide to Living on Purpose and With Intention (available on Amazon!) and has spent 10 years working with the federal government.
Now, having recently returned to the neighbourbood after her husband’s posting in San Francisco, Brandi has become a professional counsellor. She tells the New Edinburgh News that she is excited to be in Lindenlea to launch her business and connect with the community. Through her counselling practice, she weaves together the emotional and cognitive elements elements of counselling, with the healing and mindfulness elements of yoga, and the action-oriented work of coaching.
Brandi notes that as people begin to emerge from the pandemic, it can be a difficult time. On the one hand it’s exciting, but it can also be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Brandi assures us we are not alone in this situation and that she can work with clients to reduce their stress, anxiety and depression.
She offers one-on-one counselling, both in-person and virtually. Her areas of focus include ADHD; anxiety; depression; reducing stress; and building self-confidence. She can also help folks who may be dealing with such major life events as job loss, relocation, or retirement. She can help clients cultivate ongoing healthy habits, such as staying active, getting enough sleep, and cultivating mindfulness.
Brandi has also launched a group support practice called “calm and connect.” The idea is to get a small group together to share thoughts, feelings, challenges, and insecurities in a safe and supportive environment, working with a different theme each week. The practice offers tools to reduce stress and anxiety, but it’s also a forum to foster connection. The small-group format allows time for everyone to contribute. Everyone is heard and seen. Feedback on the group practice has been powerful: the format makes people feel less alone and more supported. It speaks to the power of hearing others’ stories.
It’s worth noting that Brandi also offers a monthly yoga program: members receive a new yoga video straight to their inbox each month. If you’re interested in trying this out, Brandi can set you up with a free, month-long trial!
Brandi is currently accepting new clients for her counselling practice. Reach her at brandi.cowl@gmail.com or check out brandicowl.com where you can also learn more about her “Calm and Connect” group practice. –TM
AIM Fitness: what motivates you to move?
Meg Stickl started AIM Fitness in 2013, having worked with seniors since she was 12 years old. In her experience, she noticed many seniors struggling with mobility-related health issues. She saw an opportunity to help people stay in their homes and empower them to move every day.
Meg’s company has been mobile from the start, and she began by offering personal training in peoples’ homes. She worked hard to help people understand that fitness doesn’t have to be difficult – daily stretching and simple movement are important. From individual visits she expanded to offer group fitness classes in condos and events in seniors’ residences. Her presentations focus on three topics: preventing falls; building healthy habits that last; and getting and staying motivated over the age of 65.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Meg had to adjust her business model as approximately 75 per cent of her clients paused their in-home services. However, it ended up changing things for the better! The pause gave her time to create an online membership for those aged 50+, where people pay $46.99/month +HST for access to videos on demand. Meg now has more than 150 videos and is still creating new content: three new videos per week. She also offers a $7 seven-day trial for anyone curious about joining.
The beauty of this membership program is the feeling of community that Meg fosters through inspiring weekly emails, as well as fitness challenges, and monthly Zoom calls with the membership. She recently held a two-year anniversary celebration with her members!
To folks new to exercise, or who are worried about injuring themselves or being unable to keep up, Meg wants you to know that the AIM approach – shared by her staff of personal trainers working from Kanata to Orleans – is gentle and accommodating of injuries and mobility issues. She challenges people to consider what motivates them to be active. For some clients it’s about keeping up with their grandkids; for others, it’s travel. Whatever the reason, once clients start, their feedback is the same: I wish I’d known how easy it was to get started!
Interested in learning more or booking a free consultation? Reach AIM Fitness at 613-869-3246 or fill out the consult form at activitiesinmotion.ca. –TM
June 2022
Burgh Business Briefs (April 2022)
By Jane Heintzman and Tamara Miller (This article originally appeared in the April 2022 edition of the New Edinburgh News)
Red Door co-owner opens new café
Late last fall, Lauren Power, the energetic owner–operator of Red Door Provisions at 117 Beechwood Ave., opened a new destination in the region’s culinary world. Lauren joined forces with business partner and skilled barista Emmett Pavey to take over Café Palmier, a cozy eatery opposite the Gatineau Park Visitors’ Centre at 40 Chemin Scott in Chelsea, Que. Café Palmier is housed in a spacious, state-of-the art building, and boasts lots of outdoor patio space for the warmer months to come.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It serves a regular clientele of Chelsea locals along with hungry skiers, cyclists, and hikers visiting Gatineau Park from across the national capital region.
Café Palmier is closely linked to its sister operation at Red Door Provisions: its pastries are provided by Red Door’s production kitchen on Walkley Road. You’ll find many of your Beechwood favourites on the Chelsea menu, along with a similar repertoire of specialty coffees. Like Red Door, the café offers a lineup of preserves, pickles, maple syrup, hot chocolate, small-batch flours, and other products you can pick up when you visit for breakfast or lunch. And if you work up a thirst cycling or hiking in the park, craft beers and natural wines are also on the Café Palmier menu. The café’s freezer is well stocked with breads and pastries, and the team plans to stock a range of frozen meals as well.
The two eateries do have a few differences, not least the Chelsea café’s significantly more spacious quarters. The Café Palmier menu is also, in Lauren’s words, “more involved” than the regular Red Door offering. She describes the breakfast menu as “fun fare,” with a touch of the eclecticism that characterizes her baking at Red Door.
Breakfast options range from avocado toast to challah toast topped with peanut butter and jam; peanut butter and chocolate; ricotta and jam; and also beet and salmon gravlax. Try out breakfast bowls of all descriptions (several gluten-free): chia bowls; brown rice porridge; a “power” bowl; a “poké” bowl; and shakshuka, featuring poached eggs, spicy tomato and red pepper sauce, parmesan and ricotta cheeses, green onions, and greens.
Lauren’s immediate to-do list for the Chelsea operation includes a major update of the Café Palmier website. For the moment, you can call 819-827-1777 for more information. We wish Lauren and Emmett the best of luck in their new venture, and a long and successful summer in that sylvan location.
Back home in New Edinburgh, Red Door Provisions (117 Beechwood Ave.) continues to flourish as a hub for fine teas and coffees, and irresistible baked fare. Beechwood manager Kerry McRae also coordinates the supply links between Red Door’s production kitchen and Café Palmier, as well as the business’ catering operation. The store continues to operate on a take-out only basis, but looks forward to opening up both front and rear patios once the weather warms up. –JH
Dhruvees officially opens
We last spoke to Donald Wingell, founder and president of Wingell Hospitality group, in October 2021 just after his purchase of the former eatery Jasper at 18 Beechwood Ave., when his restaurant was just a concept. With Dhruvees now open for business, we caught up with Donald to learn more about his exciting new restaurant.
Dhruvees serves “North Star Cuisine,” inviting guests to experience various Asian cuisines in one location, with dishes carefully crafted by world-renowned Michelin Star celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. Dhruvees hasdeveloped its own signature spice mixtures – masalas – based on traditional recipes, with partners Arun Spices and Golden Roots in Malaysia. Every day they mix the masalas, using key spice ingredients to marinate locally sourced Ontario meats.
Dhruvees’ signature dishes include the Indonesian favourite lamb rendang, Sri Lankan pepper crab, salmon tikka, and chicken malai tikka. The biryanis (available in lamb, chicken, shrimp, and vegetable) are made with fragrant long-grain basmati rice. Donald notes that if anyone has a specific meat or seafood request for a biryani, they can simply place an advance order.
Dhruvees recently in introduced a daily “power lunch” menu that features a combination of steamed basmati rice, chapathi, chicken curry of the day, vegetable curry of the day, spiced baby potatoes, vegetable salad, and the daily dessert. This is in addition to a daily afternoon tea featuring Indian and Sri Lankan snacks, served from 3–5:30p.m. Their specially curated children’s menu with mini portions of select dishes has also been very popular with families.
Donald also plans to start a weekday lunch buffet beginning in April, and a weekend brunch special which will include sparkling wines and mimosas, and an eclectic choice of North Star Cuisines’ dishes. Be on the lookout for live jazz music on select evenings at the Dhruvees’ corner patio as the weather gets nicer!
Dhruvees is located at 18 Beechwood Ave. Learn more or place a takeout order at dhruvees.com – your meal will be ready for pick-up in 35 minutes. –TM
New bakery emerges from its shell
When architect and designer Maged Kamal undertook an award-winning restoration–renovation of a dilapidated former bakery on The Mews Lane here in New Edinburgh, it never crossed his mind that he might someday operate a bakery of his own, only a few kilometres away at 285 St. Patrick St. (between Cumberland and Dalhousie Streets). But that improbable coincidence has become a reality, and Maged is poised to launch The Orange Turtle Bakery in the coming weeks. “It’s a new kind of bakery,” he explains. “Small, community-based and offering specialty baked goods inspired by cultures from around the world, notably those of Europe and the Mediterranean.”
The links between Maged’s professional background as an architect and designer and his new vocation as a specialty baker and small-business operator may not be immediately obvious. But, he says: “it became clear to me with time, that I was able to bring the same creative processes to this new project, and apply them to recipes with very interesting results!” Maged is no stranger to the art of baking, having worked as a youth with his mother and grandmother, and later recreating many of their recipes. His plan is to start slowly at the Orange Turtle with a small assortment of baked goods – cakes, loaves (including several banana loaf variations), scones, and shortbread, – along with coffee and tea. Once the client base is established, he will gradually expand the repertoire to include unique cakes, specialty coffees and gourmet sandwiches.
Tasty baked goods have an obvious appeal. But Maged’s cosmopolitan background and extensive travels convinced him that bakeries also contribute to the fabric and vibrancy of communities. Much of his youth was spent in Norway and Germany, close to the Swiss border, where he was struck by the importance of the many bakeries thriving in those communities, each with its own distinctive fare and character.
Maged hopes to recreate that effect in the Ottawa context, via both the quality and appeal of his products, and the welcoming atmosphere at The Orange Turtle as a hub for sociability and community life. In the short term, Maged has plans for some modest outdoor seating as the weather warms up, and down the road, he intends to install a small indoor counter and benches where clients can enjoy a pastry and a cup of fine coffee en routeto or from the market. He is enthusiastic about the advantages of his St. Patrick Street location, where there is one-hour free parking, along with local bus routes. “And it’s within walking and cycling distance of New Edinburgh,” he adds.
Maged explains the significance of the bakery’s intriguing name: “The turtle was a logical choice. It’s a friendly, timeless, universal symbol. And I settled on the colour orange from the beginning, because it’s a cheerful and positive colour, and a contemporary one as well.” At this moment in 2022, cheerful, positive and friendly additions to our world are more than welcome!
While he is understandably reluctant to name a specific opening date, given the recent challenges of the pandemic and the recent downtown occupation, Maged hopes to launch The Orange Turtle by the end of April, operating initially on a farmers’ market schedule between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. “Maybe it’s apt that our logo is a turtle,” he says, reflecting on the numerous delays encountered in the fit-up of the premises. While the bakery’s website is still in development, you are welcome to call 613-562-2253 (BAKE) for the latest on the opening date.
We wish Maged success in his new venture and look forward to the day when the Turtle emerges from its shell to greet the spring! –JH
Tiny corner café a great meet-up spot
Spring has sprung at the Union Street Kitchen Café at 42 Crichton St.– just ask some of the loyal customers who, according to owner Christine Garand, have been like family. Since the beginning of the pandemic two years ago, Union Street Kitchen Café has moved away from indoor ordering and eating to an outdoor-only model. This has led to an unexpected result – neighbours gathering and getting to know one another!
Christine tells us that although the café’s outdoor space is limited to a few seats and benches, patrons now tend to mill around the outside of the location while they enjoy their drinks and treats. Folks are congregating in a way that they never did when they were inside. In fact, some of their biggest gatherings happen on Sundays after church services when customers socialize after collecting their coffee orders.
And Christine is in no rush to change this model. She and her team have been able to remain open for the duration of the pandemic (except for a few months at the beginning) because of the shift to outdoor pickup. Her regulars really appreciate this new way of operating and she tells the New Edinburgh News that she is doing her part to make sure our most vulnerable remain safe.
And with the nicer weather just around the corner, this makes outdoor and physically-distant gathering even easier. Patrons can now enjoy favourites that are back on the menu, such as their popular iced drinks or their lavender lemonade, homemade with an organic lavender syrup that they make in-house from scratch – just like everything else on their menu! You can even get your order packed into a takeaway picnic box for convenient transport. And no need to worry about waste: all of the utensils and containers are compostable, including the coffee cups (though many regulars just bring their own mug for a fill up).
So if you are looking to get out of the house this spring and meet up with some of your neighbours, the Union Street Café has a bench waiting for you!
Union Street Café is located at 42 Crichton St. and can be found online at onunionstreet.ca/.
Their hours are: Mondays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday to Fridays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and weekends from 9a.m. – 3 p.m. –TM
Keep calm and eat scones
Ottawa restaurants and small businesses can perhaps be forgiven for lamenting that the prevailing local law recently has been Murphy’s Law: whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.
Following two difficult years of dislocation and lost business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the downtown core were subjected to still more punishment during the three-week occupation by the so-called freedom convoy. Just as the relaxation of COVID restrictions offered the possibility of recovery, those hopes were dashed by another lengthy shutdown while protesters had free rein downtown.
Heather Matthew’s four SconeWitch outlets were among the many restaurants feeling the pain of this succession of calamities – not least the shop at 150 Elgin St., which was effectively marooned when Shopify abruptly departed the building at the start of the pandemic, and the lunch-hour crowd evaporated when federal offices shifted to a work-at-home model for employees. During the occupation, doors were closed altogether for the safety of SconeWitch employees.
But with characteristic resilience, Heather, her daughter Madeline, and the whole SconeWitch team have continued to do a brisk take-out business throughout the ordeal and introduced a popular home-delivery service for orders of frozen, ready-to-bake scones. In fact, the delivery service has been so popular that Heather has had requests for scone shipments to Toronto, New York City, and Chicago – clearly not an option, but a tribute to the stellar reputation of her legendary scones!
It now seems there may be light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. But eager as they are to welcome back customers for indoor dining, at press time in March, Heather and Madeline have opted for a gradual return to full service, bearing in mind the lingering presence of the virus and the need to minimize risk to both staff and clients. Heather thinks the picture should be clearer once travelers return from March Break, and when the effects of the end of mask mandates have been fully assessed.
Step one of the ramp-up to full service will begin April 1, when SconeWitch customers can once again take a seat in the café to enjoy their purchases. Until then, meals will remain in a take-away format, and limited to the current scone and sandwich menu. “After that, we will gradually expand the menu and allow more relaxed access once things look a little better,” says Heather.
When full indoor service resumes at SconeWitch, plans are afoot to introduce table service: a departure from the long-time cafeteria-style model. But this second step will be contingent on several critically important factors: COVID conditions in the community as spring unfolds; the pace at which business recovers after a long and painful slump; and the martialing of the financial and human resources required to restore normal operations. After two tumultuous years, Heather is understandably reluctant to name an exact date for these final steps, but she encourages patrons to check the sconewitch.ca site for timetable updates.
Despite the lingering uncertainty about timing, Heather and her team look forward to launching the new table-service model, which is certain to appeal to many regular clients. Heather has high hopes that a clear separation of take-out from in-house dining will streamline service for all concerned. The aim is to minimize long waits in the queue, when, for example, a large group takes its time resolving the weighty questions of scone flavour or jam type for each guest, leaving those at the back of the line in hungry limbo.
Based on her experience operating Domus Restaurant some years ago, Heather plans to steer clear of the competitive struggles that can occur between servers and kitchen staff over the allotment of tips. All gratuities will be fairly shared among all SconeWitch staff.
Some late-breaking news for scone lovers: SconeWitch’s menu has a recent addition! Date and fennel is shaping up to be a new scone favourite. To Heather’s amusement, one client who pretended to bristle at the store’s pressure to try this new item returned the very next day to purchase a package of six!
We wish Heather, Madeline and their team an early return to full operations, and smoother sailing in 2022. –JH
Epicuria under renovations April 17–May 8
Beginning in late April, Epicuria will launch a major spring renovation project to overhaul their storefront at 357 St. Laurent Blvd. (at Hemlock). It’s been a little more than a decade since the shop moved to its present location following the Beechwood Fire of 2011, and Tracey Black and her team have found that they need some changes to better accommodate their current brisk business.
They are cagey about precisely what the plans are but have shared some highlights in Epicuria’s weekly newsletter: “We will be bringing back our full-service pastry counter; expanding the freezer and grab-and-go fridges; and will be changing the layout to provide a better shopping experience.” NEN hopes to provide more details in a future edition.
Clients should take note that the shop will be closed from April 17–May 8 while work is underway. But renovation timetables can be notoriously unreliable, so look for updates on their website: epicuria.ca. The online shop will remain open throughout the renovation for both pick-up and delivery orders.
Here’s another exciting note for those with interest in the culinary world: Epicuria is now hiring new recruits for both its retail and its culinary teams. Top criteria for applicants are “genuine enthusiasm about food and people; high standards for their work and their workplace; and a love of working in a fast-paced environment.” Send resumés to team@epicuria.ca. –JH
