Back from my European travels, I happily come back to some major Ottawa foodie events.
First off – Ribfest (photos below). Sparks Street. June 20th – June 24th, 10am to 11pm
Happening every end-of-June on Sparks Street is RIBFEST. Vegetarians, beware, this is not a happy sight. Men hauling carcases out of cardboard cases, prying at them, smoking them, slathering them with corn syrup and some other mystical ingredients. The result? Your choice of chicken ($9), pulled pork ($7) and ribs ($9-$13). There are 11 competitors this year all of whom dish out their best. My boyfriend puts it best, “Just stand in the shortest line and you probably won’t be disappointed”.
Ribfest is happening until June 24th – opening daily at 11am and closing at 10pm. This draws a lot of people so try and avoid the government lunch & after work crowd as well as the dinner crowd.
Ottawa Farmer’s Market – Strawberry Jam Demo with Michael Dolce, June 24th, 11am
Buddy of mine, Michale Sunderland, with his epicness in jam making, will be demoing how to make strawberry jam along with samples. If you boycott tasteless Californian strawberries like me, it might be worth checking this out so you too can have delicious strawberry flavours all year round. Preserve the season!
Previously located at Landsdown, the Ottawa Farmer’s Market is now located at Brewer Park on Bronson Ave across from Carleton.
Oysterfest – The Whalesbone Sustainable Oyster and Fish Supply 504a Kent St. Noon to 11pm
While in Scotland last week I desperately tried to find oysters. More on that later, but I finally found them – and they were amazing. I’ve had oysters from Whalesbone before but since the Scottish oysters are fresh in my mind, it might be worth checking out Whalesbone’s Oysterfest and see how they pan out. More importantly though, I’ve heard that these get quite out of hand – in a good way. With live bands, oyster shucking competitions, beer tents, etc Oysterfest is attended by a who’s who of the Ottawa restaurant scene. Tickets are available at both their Restaurant and Supply house locations.
Happy summer solstice! Ottawa has come alive!
evayummers 