Cindy Zell and her beautiful fiber-based art

I came across LA artist Cindy Zell's fiber-based sculptures recently on Instagram and was instantly smitten. I keep thinking how fabulous one of these would be over my bed (I'm tired of having nothing hanging there). Every bit is handmade/hand-dyed/hand-spun. So pretty!!!

Fairouz

Last night my husband and I went for dinner with my cousin Jocelyn (we hardly ever see each other) who was in town from Toronto on a business trip. She suggested we dine at Fairouz, a restaurant located in a beautiful century old home on Somerset St. that serves Middle Eastern cuisine a bit more upscale/refined than you typically find. We spent nearly 4 hours chatting, drinking and eating what turned out to be an awesome meal, while surrounded by a gorgeous interior. Some of the small plates we shared: pita with labneh, warm olives, sesame crusted falafel, halloumi with apple, heirloom tomato salad with melon, cauliflower and ice cream bars. 

The decor was amazing and not at all industrial/rustic like just about every other restaurant in the city is doing. Kudos to Kayla Pongrac for knocking this one out of the park, and her murals in the stairwell are incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately it was very dark so I gave up trying to take photos so these are from Kayla's website. 

The food was to die for (the best pita I have ever had), the service was great and the prices were totally reasonable. We will for sure be going back. 

IN LOVE

Oh HELLS YESSSS!! The Arne Jacobsen Mayor Sofa, available via Mjölk.

Datsun

Weeks ago husband and I finally made a trip to Datsun, Matt Carmichael and Jordan Holley's second of 3 restaurants here in Ottawa....but this time they went Asian. And as expected, we LOVED it. 

As you can see, the decor is pretty simple but fabulous. This "Invisible Chandelier" by Castor is a fav of mine and it was awesome to finally get to see it in person. (Via The Modern Shop). And another favourite, classic Emeco stools. 

I looooooove this photo! By Rowan Corkill via La Petite Mort Gallery. 

My cocktail. Can't remember what it was but I wanted 3 more. 

Jeff's cocktail. Super manly. 

We shared these pork belly steamed buns with cucumber and broad bean sauce. So good Jeff ordered this again for dessert. 

My soup - spicy coconut milk seafood laksa with egg and noodle. HOE LEE SHEET. Loved the bowls too. 

Jeff's soup - Dandan noodle with minced pork and chili. *two thumbs up*

And a wee bit of dessert for me because DESSERT ALWAYS. Deep-fried ice cream with sesame and coconut caramel with a side of candied ginger. 

Super food at great prices. GO NOW!

Ace Mercado

I have been meaning to get this post ready for weeks now as our visit to Ottawa's Ace Mercado in the Byward Market was July 24th to celebrate our anniversary. But alas, I have been swamped with other blog related things so here this is, finally. 

This Mexican restaurant is my sister's favourite spot in the city and after she had raved about it many times, it was about time Jeff and I tried it. It was a really warm, sunny evening so we sat out on the patio hence my lack of interior photos. 

Tolix chairs are always a good thing. :)

Vintage metal cabinet for storage on the patio. 

Jen was particularly fond of their margaritas so each started with one. AWE. SOME.
~ Cazadores Reposada + Tromba Agave + Lime Juice + Black Salt Rim ~

Our server told us about this nifty beverage so we decided what the hell, we were celebrating. And it was amazing, especially for those who don't normally enjoy shots. 
~ Tromba Verdita: Tromba Blanco + Side Verdita (some smoothie-type concoction that I totally don't remember the ingredients) ~

We started with The Ace Bricklayer. I could have eaten a whole table of this.  
~ Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa + Queso Fresco + Lime Crema + Slow Cooked Black Beans + Pickled Red Onion + Micro Cilantro ~ 

Yet more booze! The white sangria sounded divine, and it SOOOO was. We are dying to try to replicate this at home.
~ Ontario White Wine (Vidal) + Briottet Peche de Vigne + Lillet Blanc + St Germain Elderflower Liqueur + Lemon Juice + Ginger Beer + Fruit ~

We both ordered the chicken tostada. Yum!
~ Refried Black Beans + House Bacon + Caramelized Onion + Achiote Chicken + Minced Lettuce + Mexican Pickles + Roma Salsa + Cilantro + Blue Cheese Habanero ~ 

Jeff ordered a side of Mexican fries. I want my fries served like this always and forever. 

Dessert for Jeff was churros topped with pineapple. 

My dessert was flan. My only beef the whole night was that this was a reeeeeally small portion. 

We will absolutely re-visit Ace Mercado. Mexican food is one of my favourites and reminds me of Puerto Vallarta so this was an awesome night. 

Oh....I wore some black because always, by some favourite designers (Barbara Í Gongini and Rick Owens and TEO+NG, and some cheap Mexico sandals because all my decent footwear was at work)