Emily finds ‘out of this world’ food is totally worth the wait at ART IS IN Bakery

ART IS IN Bakery offers much more than bread (250 City Center Ave.)

Emily Rack (Twitter) is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies and dancing the night away.

Inside ART IS IN

I must admit, I am a little bit reluctant to share what I am about to share. I would very much like to keep it a secret, but as a local tourist AND food-obsessor, I think it is my solemn duty to spread the word about the complete and utter deliciousness of ART IS IN Bakery.

Now, I don’t want you to get too excited, but I think it may be one of Ottawa’s best foodie establishments. That’s right. Best in the city. Maybe best in the world, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself (although I have been gallivanting around Europe for most of the summer and have yet to discover a better sandwich).You may have heard of it already (in which case, you’re one of the lucky ones), but if you haven’t visited, I figured it was criminal not to tell you.

ART IS IN pastries

My first ART IS IN experience was sometime last winter. Housed in a minimalist, almost warehouse-type building at the City Centre, it is not much to look at from the outside and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Let me assure you, the inside is full of magic.

The smell of bread and freshly baked goods hits you from the steps on the way in and the crowd lined up all the way to the door is a surefire sign you are in for a treat. Racks of fresh bread look impossibly delicious lined up alongside the cases of sandwiches and pastries, and the seats inside and outside mean that even on a busy day you can almost always find a spot.

I’ve done my research thoroughly so you wouldn’t be disappointed. I mean, I’ve gone back to this place week after week, testing and tasting and trying to make sure I’ve done a complete and careful evaluation. All that eating: all those sandwiches, the desserts, the pastries … that was all for you. So you’re welcome.

The buttermilk brined chicken caesar sandwich is probably the closest thing I have ever been to perfection. Salty, flavourful and with a bit of a kick (as it’s grilled up on the bakery’s cheddar, chive and jalapeno bread), it’s my first recommendation and a personal favourite. Prepare to become an addict.

The pulled pork sandwich with homemade coleslaw is almost an equal competitor. Tender and full of rich flavours, I would propose snapping one up quickly too. The coleslaw is divine, and the fresh peach slices included in the sandwich add an unexpected yet delightful dimension.

Pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw

The other sandwiches I’ve tried have all been fabulous as well. The ham and cheese, the prosciutto with ricotta and pesto, the angus striploin … all the ingredients are top-notch. And, of course, the breads are phenomenal.

One I have yet to taste is the crispy cod sandwich (served on Fridays) and it seems to be calling my name. Not to fear, there are vegetarian options as well and I daresay they would be well worth a try.

ART IS IN croissants

Desserts and pastries are another forte of owner and passionate baker Kevin Mathelson. The Winnipeg native has trained with top chefs in New York, Switzerland and France, even apprenticing at the world-famous patisserie Laduree, so you can expect the sweet selection is something special.

The chocolatines have a cult following in the city — and although I haven’t tried one yet, I can certainly vouch for the almond croissants and the almond brioche toast. As well as the bready desserts, Art Is In offers a selection of fancier treats. Macarons, cheesecakes, rum baba, beautifully glazed fruit tarts, flourless chocolate walnut cookies … and so on.

ART IS IN bread pudding

For me, it’s all about the bread pudding. Often seen as a soggy, unappealing food, the ART IS IN bread pudding is to die for. Basically, it is pastries and those aforementioned breads chopped up and bubbled down with cream and caramel. Add a drizzle of chocolate and crème anglaise and show me someone who can resist that.

The employees are friendly and knowledgeable, prices are good, the food is out of this world and, apart from the slightly out-of-the-way location, I have absolutely zero qualms. Even better, between 5 pm and 6 pm every day, the bakery offers up their bread at half price.

If that isn’t reason enough to get down there, did I mention they have recently begun making Sunday brunch?

A line-up often snakes through ART IS IN Bakery

As a general rule, I think the term “hidden gem” is thrown around a lot, but ART IS IN Bakery is indeed a true testament to both of those things. Tucked away in the City Centre near the Bayview O-Train station, it is certainly hidden, especially if you don’t have a car. If you are a student (like me) or an eco-friendly public transit user only, don’t despair. As long as you get to Bayview station, it is a relatively quick walk. Totally worth it.

Honestly, I would walk from Kanata just for the a sandwich. In any case, it is without a doubt, one of the city’s most precious gems.

ART IS IN Bakery is located at 250 City Center Avenue, Bay 114. If you can’t make it to the shopfront location, don’t despair. ART IS IN breads and goodies are sold around the city. The Candy Store, Piggy Market,  Ottawa Bagelshop, Nicastro, Serious Cheese and Red Apron are just a few of the locations that carry ART IS IN stock. Visit the website for a full list and more information.

Anyone hungry after that? Sounds like a few trips to ART IS IN are in order!  Thanks, Emily.

Fish feast: Emily Rack brown bags it with The Whalesbone

Inside The Whalesbone Oyster & Sustainable Fish shop on Kent Street

Emily Rack (blog/Twitter) is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies, and dancing the night away. 

Until recently, I have never been a big fan of fish. Shrimp were fine, and maybe I’d have some lox with my bagel on Christmas morning. But generally the aquarium was about as far as I’d go when it came to fish.

Enter Whalesbone and the delightful sandwich that solved my fish issues. (Fish-ues?)

The Whalesbone Oyster & Fish Supply

What you may not know about this Ottawa gem is that one block away, on the corner of Kent and Arlington, lies the backbone of the whole restaurant: The Whalesbone’s Sustainable Oyster & Fish Supply. Here they sell fresh fish, oysters, other seafood accoutrements and — in what I consider to be the main event — the Brown Bag Lunch.

If you haven’t tried the lunch, you are certainly missing out on some of Ottawa’s prime sandwich offerings. From Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 2pm, you can pop into the shop and order a supremely delicious fishy sandwich.

Whalesbone's Walleye Sandwich

While you wait for your sandwich to be prepared in the kitchen, it’s hard not to be tempted by a glass bottle of root beer and the potato salad (made with sweet potatoes and potatoes). I highly suggest you pick up a little pot of it and add a tangy, limey kick to the sandwich you will soon consume. 

Whalesbone's potato salad

By the cash register are some huge peanut butter cookies, made in-house. I can’t speak for those, but next time I think I may have to partake. Judging by the rest of the food, I have no doubts about their tastiness.

The sandwiches are all sublime. A little spicy and warm, the quality of ingredients are top-notch, and the flavours all combine to bring a depth to the meal.

There’s nowhere to sit inside, but what can you expect for a depot? My only qualm is that the whole meal was a little pricey ($6.75 for just the sandwich), but it was worth it — just as long as I don’t make it an every day habit.

The Sustainable Oyster & Fish Supply is a great place to go pre-picnic to grab something yummy or even on your lunch break. It’s relatively close to downtown and there’s usually a big lunchtime crowd, and I would definitely recommend you join it.

The Whalesbone garden provides the freshest ingredients

If The Whalesbone Supply made me a fish-eater, I’m sure it could turn even the most stubborn of tastebuds.

The Sustainable Oyster & Fish Supply is located at 504 A Kent Street. It’s open for lunch Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-2pm. On Tuesdays, Brown Bag Lunchers get a free cup of chowder. For more info: www.thewhalesbone.com.

Happy lunching! 

Yum! Have a favourite sandwich joint in Ottawa — fish or otherwise? Let us know about it by leaving a note below! And don’t forget to check out Whalesbone’s Oysterfest on June 26.

Fitness Fridays: Emily Rack sweats through a sword fight

Bill Fedun spars with a partner during a sword fighting workshop

Emily Rack (blog/Twitter) is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies, and dancing the night away. She is joining forces with LTOttawa to bring you the very best weird and wonderful fitness classes throughout the city.

Alternative fitness fanatics of Ottawa: I realize I owe you an apology. So far here at LTOttawa I have mainly catered to the hip-swirlers and the booty-shakers of the city. I’m planning on evening out the score today by taking a look at the more macho side of alternative fitness. What I am about to show you is not only for the strong-of-bicep, but also for the brave-of-heart.

European broadsword handling is what I’m talking about. Yes, although the clanging of swords, the rustling of chain mail and the battle cries of would-be knights sounds a little medieval, swordfighting has made its way into the fitness scene of the 21^st century.

In Ottawa alone, there is a variety of sword fighting classes that have proven to be extremely popular. The more delicate European-style of fencing, the Japanese sword art of Kenjutsu, and what I like to consider the main event: a class that is entitled “Chivalrous Broad Sword Handling.”

Bill Fedun crafts some armour

Ottawa’s foremost armour-maker, Middle Ages enthusiast and seasoned sword handler, Bill Fedun, runs the class. After training in martial arts for years, he decided to combine his Kung Fu and Kenjutsu skills with his love for medieval times and open his class to the public. Fedun teaches classes not only on swordplay, but also on armour-making at Algonquin College and the Plant Recreation Centre throughout the year.

“There is no better empowerment than to know how to use a battle sword with finesse and skill,” says Fedun. “Anybody that has an interest in honour, courtesy, loyalty, chastity, faith, courage, and prowess, will also have an interest in armour.”

Not only that, but I would argue that anyone who has an interest in getting in shape through a mixture of weight training (those swords certainly aren’t light) and martial arts would also be interested. Swordfighting is a great way to get moving, work on your agility and exercise muscles you normally wouldn’t use. (Seriously; What day-to-day activities are similar to a swordfight??)

Now, although this sounds like it could be dangerous, Fedun says his main concern is safety. While he says many other medieval organizations have a lenient policy on safety and violence, it is something at the top of his priority list.

“Our goal is to spar safely, effectively and efficiently. We’re looking for the long term benefits; the camaraderie, and the fact that you’re engaging in a martial art and won’t hurt yourself.”

The classes are predominantly made up of young adults, who may be interested in the novelty of the sport at first, but come to find a real solidarity with it. As well as simply getting some exercise, students of the class are schooled in honour, kinship and the art of graceful competition, something that prompts many beginners to continue into the advanced classes.

Bill Fedun's South Tower Armouring Guild, where he makes weapons and chain mail

Four times a year, Fedun and his wife Brenda hold a swordplay tournament on a piece of land near their home in Metcalfe, allowing students and medieval buffs alike a chance to get together and show off their skills. Up to 80 armour-clad fighters participate in duels, and they always attract a large number of spectators.

If swinging a sword and duelling with a worthy opponent is the kind of thing that gets your heart rate up, maybe you should give it a try. Until next time, en garde!

More information on Fedun’s classes can be found at his website: http://www.southtower.on.ca/

More information and events about medieval swordfighting in the Ottawa area can be found here: http://www.ottawasword.com/

If fencing sounds like a better fit, try the EXO Fencing Club on the University of Ottawa campus: http://exo.ottawafencing.ca/

And kid-friendly swordfighting classes and more classical swordfighting options can be found here: https://sites.google.com/site/ottawaclassicalswordplay/

Wow! Exercise AND adventure! We can’t wait to see what you get up to next, Emily. Have any ideas for interesting fitness? Leave a comment below.

Fitness Fridays: Emily Rack finds her inner Latina with Zumba!

Photo Credit: Senior U.S. Airman Kenny Holston, via Flickr

Emily Rack is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies, and dancing the night away. She is joining forces with LTOttawa to bring you the very best weird and wonderful fitness classes throughout the city.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

My second adventure into the world of alternative fitness found me shaking and moving to a decidedly Latin beat. Zumba (pronounced ZOOMBA! exclamation point necessary) is essentially a fusion of dance and cardio-aerobics. It’s an incredibly fun (albeit extremely sweaty) way to get fit because it combines interval training with toning resistance training. In an hour of zumba, you’ll be put through a series of intense exercises and a number of short dance-style sequences. 

At first, I must admit I was a bit nervous to go.  I’m really not much of a dancer. Don’t get me wrong, I love dancing, but apart from a number of solo dance parties in front of my bedroom mirror, and a tap class when I was 8, I would pretty much categorize myself as “inexperienced.” Walking into the studio, faced by a roomful of fellow zumba-hopefuls, I began to get extremely self-conscious. What if I couldn’t keep the rhythm? What if I embarrassed myself? This self awareness continued through the warm up, but trust me, once you get into the class the last thing you’ll be thinking about is if the girl in front of you is moving to the rhythm or not.

High energy and heart pumping, there’s a lot of really intense movement in this class. Shaking, twisting, jiggling, thrusting, ’snapping,’ squats (oh, squats like you would never believe) and a lot of moves Beyoncé seems to be so good at, but I have yet to master. In a way, it’s very brave to go to a class like this, where everyone is trying their very hardest to channel some glamazonian diva power, without much success. But it feels awesome. After going a few times, zumba started to make me feel more confident, more energetic, and– let’s just say it– sexy! And although at first you probably look anything but, it’s a huge confidence booster and really all about the attitude.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

The music, a variety of salsa, merengue, flamenco, hip hop and bhangra, really sets the pace for the whole class, encourages you to keep up, and manages to lead the workout to focus on every muscle group. After zumba-ing once, I was hooked and continued to sign up for another semester worth of classes.

Now, you should probably be warned . . . zumba is not really for the faint of heart. You will end up sweaty and tired and sore, but for the amount of fun and the health benefits, I can’t recommend it highly enough. My suggestions are as follows:

1. Bring a friend or two! I went with a group of my girlfriends, and we made it into a weekly tradition, which quickly became out favourite. It’s a little less nerve-wracking to go in with other people, and then you can laugh about your struggles after class. It’s also easier to follow through with exercise if you make it into an appointment or a commitment to a friend.
2. Always wear running shoes. A few people in my class (myself included) tried to zumba without shoes, and it ended up taking a toll on my ankles. So, lace up those sneakers. 
3. Loosen up. You really won’t get the full benefits of any dance class unless you drop your inhibitions and just go for it. Maybe it’s a little embarrassing to be shaking your hips so furiously, but once you let go and just immerse yourself, you won’t care (and neither will anyone else!)
4. Don’t forget your water bottle. This is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll definitely need to keep hydrated.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

I know I have a long way to go in the world of spicy Latin dancing, considering the amount of time I spend watching the instructor with wide eyes. (How can anyone jiggle like that?) But I will keep dancing zumba, hoping that some day — some glorious day — I will be able to move like her too! In the meantime, I’ll continue to pretend I am living the dream of being in the background of an Enrique Iglesias music video, shaking it like it matters, shaking it for Enrique. Maybe you should join me?

Classes run at a lot of gyms and dance studios in Ottawa, I took mine at Carleton University (where you get a discount if you’re a student). Here are some places you can definitely sign up for classes:

• http://www.fitnessfusionstudio.com/classes.php

• http://www1.carleton.ca/athletics/news/sign-up-now-for-new-zumba-dance-class/

• http://www.glebefitness.com/detail.php?id_cnt=15

• http://dancewithalana.com/instructors.php

Keep up the shaking and hip-swirling, Emily! Where do you like to bust a move, Ottawa? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Fitness Fridays: Emily Rack recalls childhood hula hooping

Photo Credit: Knitting Iris, via Flickr

Emily Rack is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies, and dancing the night away. She is joining forces with LTOttawa to bring you the very best weird and wonderful fitness classes throughout the city.

Here’s the thing, Ottawa. I have an aversion to conventional exercise. 

I’m not exactly sure why I don’t like it, especially seeing as I’m a relatively healthy person. I choose the grainiest whole wheat bread at the grocery store, I take the stairs at work, I even drink a spinach smoothie every morning. Nevertheless, in an effort to stay trim in traditional ways, like running, going to the gym, and swimming laps, I found myself a little bored.

“No,” I thought to myself. “This can’t be it! There must be more exciting exercise options!” So naturally (like any curious journalism student), I went on a mission to find them. 

Emily Rack

Over the past three years, and to my great delight, I have discovered a wonderland of unusual fitness classes! If you’re anything like me, and your exercise regime has got you down, or even if it’s lacking a little spice, fear not! There are some fabulously unconventional ways to keep fit in Ottawa, whether you’re looking for cardio, weights, increased flexibility, or just getting moving and meeting new people.

I’ve been a convert to “alternative” fitness classes for a few years now, and I’m making it a mission to explore the city on the hunt for even more. Who knows, maybe one of them will catch your eye.

Our first exploration? Hooping!

Hula hooping is something you probably remember from your childhood. Flimsy, colourful plastic hoops you awkwardly whirled around your waist, competing with your friends to keep it spinning. Well, hula hooping today has certainly progressed from those playground days. Over the past four or five years, gyms and fitness centres around Ottawa have been offering “hooping” classes as a fun and effective way to get in shape.

Photo Credit: Marcia Furman, via Flickr

A mix between a dance and muscle toning class, hooping appeals to a large crowd. Hoops are weighted, up to four pounds each, and give your back and abdominals an intense workout as well as including some cardio. 

For the past two summers, I’ve done hooping classes with Brigitte Ethier (aka Hooparella) at the Dovercourt Recreation Centre in Westboro. The classes are once a week for an hour, and although you start off with the basics (moving the hoop in circles, walking while spinning the hoop), you quickly progress to more advanced steps. By the end of my first summer, I was spiraling the hula hoop up and down my body, bringing it above my head and throwing it back into orbit around my waist, and keeping up a steady jog while doing tricks. Not only did I lose five pounds, I was toned, my core felt strong, my posture was better and I had a pretty awesome party trick.

Photo Credit: SmileDarling, via Flickr

The best part about hooping is that it’s a lot of fun. An hour — allegedly burning up to 800 calories with a weighted hoop — feels like no time at all. And the glittering hoops, jazzy music and funky costumes don’t hurt. A word to the wise: if you decide to try hooping, you may find some slight bruising on your hipbones at the beginning, but your body builds up a tolerance to the spinning hoop pretty fast. So stick with it!

You can even buy hoops from Brigitte (or make your own) so you can practice at home. It’s a perfect alternative class to start off the summer with.

Check with your local recreation centre to see if hooping is offered! You can definitely find classes at  Dovercourt, Florida Fitness (on St. Laurent and Merivale), and the Glebe Community Centre.

Find out more about Ottawa’s hooping community here!

Thanks for the twisting tips, Emily! She’ll be back regularly for Fitness Fridays. Have any ideas for her? Leave them in a comment below!