Tennessy Willems: The Wood Oven Pizza Joint



Courtesy Ottawa Magazine

 I was so happy to hear that the new wood oven pizza restaurant in Hintonburg had just opened. The minute I arrived back to Ottawa from the holidays, I went straight to the Tennessy Willems: The Wood Oven Pizza Joint for dinner. I was told that it was booked that night however there was room at the bar or take-out. My guests and I were pleased to sit at the bar - this way you can see everything going on in the kitchen and restaurant and chat with staff.
First off, I found the restaurant had a cool vibe about it. It seemed relaxed and friendly, my kind of place. My sister who just moved here from Toronto was also very happy with this place also since it reminded her of some cool places she haunted in downtown Toronto.

I was quick to chat up the service staff to find out more about the owners. First I found out the place is named after the owner's son and daughter. This is their first restaurant and that they didn't have any previous experience. Rumour has it that they own a tree farm - that would make sense since they can easily supply the wood for their oven :) They wanted to open this type of restaurant because they had no luck tracking one down in the area after experiencing this type of pizza in the States.


Courtesy Ottawa Magazine

The Tennessy Willems menu had a great selection of pizzas that I had a hard time picking just one. It also included a selection of salads, apps and other main courses like chicken, fish and beef. Something for everyone. I was pleased to read that the restaurant supports local farming and they use organic produce when available.

On tap they had Beaus and St. Ambroise beer - which my husband was very happy to hear - they are two local beer companies. They also have a very good wine selection - almost too good for a pizza joint.

I had the house salad which was made with arugula and mushrooms - very delicious. The pizza I had was nice and light with a thin crust and delicate ingredients. I liked is so much I ate the whole pizza and didn't want to share!!

I would definitely recommend the Tennessy Willems restaurant to anyone. Go check it out and I dare you not to finish your pizza. I should add that my sister's comment about the food that it is good but it needs more love or passion in it. I said I think it will come since they just opened and they are getting use to this business.

Note: The staff told us that it has been really busy over the holidays and that you should call ahead for reservations: 613-722-0000.

Address: 1082 Wellington Street (Across from Giant Tiger in Hintonburg)

Solar Gel Nails Part Two: The Refill

This post is a continuation on my post about my Solar Gel Nails experience, I finally went in to get my nails refilled. What is a Solar Gel Nail Refill you ask, well let me tell you...

As your nails grow, it pushes the solar gel nail part up so the bottom of your nail by the cuticle is exposed. This is the area where you get it filled in, about every 3 weeks. I had no idea how labour intensive and time consuming this process was. I thought it would take 30 minutes to do but I was wrong - it takes an hour!!

1. First they file down the top of your nails both the regrowth area and the existing solar gel nail part. They file it down with two different type of files to ensure surface is even,but with a rough texture, so that the new gel coat will adhere to the nail.
2. Second they cut the nail down to the length you like and file that so you have nice, smooth edges.
3. Third, they spray paint white tips on your finger nails. This was really cool.
4. Finally they add the solar gel coat on your nail and then they put some sort of polish over top to make your nails shiny.

As I was getting my nails done - I had lots of time to think about it. First I noticed that some of the esthetician wear masks while doing our nails. I noticed how much powder was coming off my nails as they filed down the gel - it was dispersed everywhere like when you sand  drywall. This made me think - should I be wearing a mask too? What is in this powder that I am inhaling? What is being absorbed through my nails? Are solar gel nails good for my health?

I have decided to look into this and will do some research and find out if Solar Gel Nails are safe. If you have any information on this, please let me know. Once I have all the info I will write a post on it.

I should also mention, I am getting lots of compliments on my nails. They do look fantastic!

Kunstadt Sports

Now that winter has finally arrived with a nice, white blanket of snow, its time to prepare for it and get your gear to enjoy the snow. The best place to go buy your winter sports equipment is Kunstadt Sports, unfortunately they are not in the neighbourhood, but they are not too far away in the Glebe on Bank; other locations include Kanata and Ottawa South on Bank.

For the kids, they carry a selection of new and used downhill, cross country skis and snowboards. If you are contemplating getting your toddler downhill skiing, they carry the small toddler skis and all the training gear (tip clips and ski harness) to get them on the hill with you.

For you, they also carry a wide selection of ski and snowboard equipment. Check out their website for what brands they carry: http://www.kunstadt.com/snow.cfm

For the ski racer, they will help get them prepared and equipped for this season. My niece who is downhill racing has been in at Kunstadt a few times getting all her racing gear. They take the time and ensure that she gets the right equipment for her racing needs.

They also offer tune-ups for your skis. This is important for the beginning of ski season, since your skis have been rusting away all spring, summer and fall.  Their service department has the Wintersteiger automated ski and snowboard tuning machine and they give you a nice, professional tune-up. They claim that your bases will look as they did originally from the factory they were produced in.


They also carry a variety of jackets, helmets, goggles, clothing and bags for winter. One item I'm thinking of getting is the Kunstadt Boot Backpacks for downhill ski boots. These are really cool and they are 50% off right now - $45. Your ski boots go on the sides and your helmet and lunch fit in the middle. I think this would be a great gift for me...just saying:)

So if your are thinking of buying ski equipment for this winter, check out Kunstadt Sports. I think you will be surprised with their friendly, superior service and will feel comfortable with your purchase because of their expertise and care.

Few More Neighbourhood Gift Ideas

Bija-Bijoux: This cute little jewelry shop is located on Wellington. Whatever your budget, this store is great to buy a gift for that special woman in your life. They carry a wide selection of crafted jewellery from Canada and around the world. Anything I have purchased from this store, I have loved.

Destination, Hair Committee, Red Salon & Bobbi Pin: Any of the wonderful hair salons in the neighbourhood offer great hair product gift packs (i.e. Moroccan Oil) or gift certificates. Why not purchase a gift certificate for a blow dry and style - any woman would love this when she has a special evening planned.

I do want to note that most of these hair salons don't have web pages - can someone tell them to join the modern age:)

Flock: This new store on Wellington street beside St Vincents, carries a wide selection of unique handmade goods, clothing, accessories, housewares, gifts and jewellery from up and coming Canadian designers. I have received a few jewelry items from this store for my birthday and they were real cool pieces. Lots of people have been raving about this store, so I'm sure you would be able to find a great gift here.

LCBO: Go for some sparkling wine or champagne as a present. Or even better purchase the ingredients to make a holiday cocktail or martini and package it all together as a gift. For example for a Holiday Cosmo.  Package together two martini glasses, a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, simple syrup (buy or make), bottle of lemon juice and a bottle cranberry-pomegranate juice. Check out the LCBO's website for more cocktail ideas.

Three Bakers and a Bike SOLD!

I just went into Three Bakers and a Bike on Wellington to buy some cupcakes and was greeted by a friendly man behind the counter. My kids were a bit surprised and asked me who this man was. If you know this cafe, it was always run by women and it was strange to see a man there. Anyways, I had to ask who he was and he told me he was the new owner!

The cafe/bakery looked the same other than a few personal items that have been removed. My son noticed that the Cookie Monster figurine was missing - he was somewhat distressed with that but was soon comforted when I ordered cupcakes.

The good news is that the previous owner, Lyle will still be involved with the business. I'm not sure how long though, probably a month or two, to help with the transition.

I look forward to positive changes to Three Bakers and a Bike and wish the new owner all the best. Just keep making those small cupcakes - don't change them.

Neighbourhood Christmas Gift Ideas

I thought I would put together a list of some gift ideas that you can pick up in our neighbourhood for that special woman in your life - your wife, sister, Aunt, Grandmother or good friend. Okay this might be my Christmas wish list, but hey I think it's a good list for any woman.

Renu Spa

Manicure and Pedicure  The Renu Manicure ($37+) starts with a moisturizing hand soak, then they will shape the nails and condition the cuticles, then they will apply OPI nail polish. Also includes a relaxing hand and arm massage.
The Renu Pedicure ($60+) allows you to relax and enjoy the comfort of their chairs that offer you personalized massage at your fingertips. The pedicure treatments include a herbal foot soak in their whirlpool footbaths, followed by nail and cuticle care, smoothing of rough skin, exfoliation treatment and moisturizing mask. Also includes a therapeutic foot & leg massage and your favourite OPI polish application. Perfect for someone who likes to socialize, to be pampered or just wants to have nice looking nails.

Oresta's

One of their Signature Facial Treatments ($105-$145). All of their facial treatments include an eyebrow clean-up as well as arm, shoulder, decollete and foot massage. Perfect for someone who likes to be pampered and who wants glowing skin.

Lululemon

Classic Lululemon Scuba Hoodie ($98-$128). Any woman in the neighbourhood would love to have one of these hoodies. If she already has one, there is nothing wrong with buying her another one. These hoodies are cozy and warm and they also look great. Perfect for someone who loves Lululemon, or likes to be cozy and warm.

Mountain Equipment Co-op

Fox River Pippi Ski Socks ($9.50). These are nice and warm wool ski socks - they are really cute because they are pink with stripes. Perfect for someone who is active, downhill skier or who have cold feet.

David's Tea

Tea Kit - Seductive Selection ($35). The small tea kits includes 6 different teas (30 sachets)  in a magnetic lid tea chest. Perfect for someone who loves tea or to entertain.

Truffle Treasures

Truffles ($2 each). You can choose from a wide  assortment of authentic Truffle  Treasures original truffles. They are handmade, fresh, and delicious. Perfect for any woman because all woman love chocolate.

Roots

Coin Pouch ($24). This is a cute little leather coin pouch, perfect for any woman who has trouble finding change in her purse.

Starbucks

Coffee Mug ($10-$15). They have a wide assortment of lovely coffee mugs. Perfect for someone who loves coffee and likes to have a nice big cup of it.

Happy shopping. I will add some more gift ideas in the next couple of days.

Capital Beauty Supply: Hair Dryer

Great Gift Idea

For my birthday I got a new hair dryer and WOW what a difference a good hair dryer makes when styling your hair.  My husband picked up the Dannyco Avanti Ultra AV-3D hair dryer at our local beauty supply store called Capital Beauty Supply Ltd (613-722-7655) on 318 Richmond Road right by the Newport Restaurant in Westboro.

The Dannyco Avanti Ultra AV-3D hair dryer is compact, lightweight and efficient. My hair now takes less time to dry - which as you know, every minute counts in the morning. When I finish drying my hair, I find it looks more smooth and less frizzy - they say it's due to the hair dryers Ion Generator.

I thinks it is totally worth spending the money on a good hair dryer. We use our hair dryer practically everyday. We spend lots of money on our hair - getting it cut, coloured and styled so why not continue good care of our hair with a superior hair dryer.

A funny Santa Video: 24

Here is a funny Christmas video of Santa Claus on the show 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland as federal agent Jack Bauer and Santa Clause as himself.

 

http://www.rebelchristmascard2009.com/

Poor Santa!

Nice One Nails: Solar Gel Nails

Okay I've been totally pampering myself lately. Since I was going on vacation I had to go to my favourite "in and out spa" called Nice One Nails http://www.niceonenails.ca/. This is the best place near our neighbourhood that you can get a quick pedicure and manicure. It is also cheap - $38 and they do a good job - not super but better than what I could do. 

For the first time ever, I decided to get Solar Gel Nails. I find that manicures only last a few days and I wanted my nails to look great the whole week of my vacation. Solar Gel Nails are artificial nails similar to acrylic but are more natural looking French manicure.

Not my nails but they look similar :)

There are a few steps involved in getting Solar Gel Nails.

1. First your nails have to be prepared for the application by cleaning and buffing them.
2. Second step, the nail technician will glue on the white plastic tip of the nails. These will be long-like-claws, but the technician will cut them down to whatever length you like. I opted for short nails. 
3. Then you need to put your nails under the UV light to set the glue.
4. The last application is the “pink part”, which is a gel like substance that is brushed on and smoothed over your whole nail and the white plastic tip.
5. Then this is solidified and set under the UV light.

Positives:

• The great thing about these nails is that you don't need any nail polish once you have them, because they look fantastic and so shiny.
• There is no way of ruining them in the salon when you go pay for the procedure because they are dry and ready to use once they are set. 
• They feel somewhat like your own nail and I think it looks quite natural.

Negatives:

• Honestly I spend way too much time looking at my nails. I find myself preoccupied with them - it looks so odd to have nice nails. :)
• I was told they need to be refilled about every 3 weeks as your nails grow - not sure how that process will go.
• If you need to pick up a coin off the floor, good luck! For some strange reason, these nails are rounded off on the tips and make it impossible to pick up a coin with them.
• If you have an itch, again, these nails can't scratch an itch like your real nails.
• You kids keep complaining that you poke them with your nails when you need to groom or wash them.
• Typing - I am not used to longer nails and I keep hitting the wrong keys on the keyboard with the nail tips. It takes me twice as long to type anything out.
• I also heard when downhill ski season comes around, you can flick the nails off with just buckling up your ski boots - which is also painful and you need to get it fixed right away.

I'm not sure what will happen when I decide I don't want them anymore or what my nails will look like when they come off. However I try not to worry about that right now, I'll just enjoy my fantastic looking nails.

Enhance Those Eyebrows

My sister introduced me to a fantastic product by Benefit - its a brow shaping kit for your eyebrows called Brow Zings.

I find you get your eyebrows waxed and shaped but they still need some refinement, well this is where the brow shaping kit comes in handy. Now I've tried eyebrow pencils before to darken my eyebrows, but when I looked in the mirror it looked like I just applied an eyebrow pencil on them; it did not blend in at all. This Brow Zing product allows you to smooth and refine your brows so they look incredible.

The brow shaping kit contains a pigment wax for shaping, tinted powder for setting, tiny tweezers for those stray hairs, a mirror, hard angle and blending brush.

Here are the directions from the kit: "Dip the angled brush in your soft, pigmented wax. With smooth, angled strokes shape & define brows. Use the blending brush to apply your setting powder. This powder fills in sparse areas and locks brows in place."

You know this is a great product because it was selected as the "Best brow product"  for Allure 2008 Best of Beauty Awards.

Before your next Christmas party, go out and get this product at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at Benefit Cosmetics.