03.08.15 BREAKFAST PROFESSIONALS

For the first several months of our relationship, Mike and I went to Broadways Bar & Grill in Barrhaven every.single.weekend. The home-fries called us. The plates were so full, only twice did I devour the entire meal. The service was super quick, and a few times we were in and out in under a half hour.

But over time, we longed for something different. A change of pace. The homefries got a little too greasy. The crowd became a little too familiar. Everything was just a bit too predictable.

So we started exploring other options. We've made it our mission to try out as many breakfast places as we can, and come up with a list of favourites. We always get the same thing - "the special" - which is usually a variation of 2 eggs, meat (bacon, sausage or ham - I give mine to Mike), homefries and toast. The classic breakfast. Now, who does it best?

We are early on in this process, but I love trying new places, and we're quickly becoming experts in what defines a "good breakfast place".

So far, Mike's favourite is the Royal Oak. He likes the home-fries - they're not greasy and just the right amount of spice. The eggs are also "real" (see our experience below). My favourite is still Broadway, but the location on Riverside is better. It's a little less greasy and you're less likely to run into the "I'm-so-hungover-I-can't-change-out-of-sweats-or-bother-to-shower-before-breakfast" crowd.

Places we will not return to? Heart and Crown. Their eggs were definitely out of a box. They were rubber and not appetizing at all. The home-fries were mediocre. And it was expensive!! Why return? Maybe for an evening beer and to watch the game. That is their specialty anyway.

This week we went to Hard Stone's in Manotick. It was OK. You don't get much food, and it wasn't anything special. We may return one day, but not anytime soon.

Do you enjoy going for breakfast? Are you a "regular" anywhere?

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You can follow my adventures on Instagram here: @itsmekelly!

02.22.15 WEEKEND INSPIRATION

Yesterday, Mike and I went to a brewery tour at Ottawa's own Broadhead Breweing Co. What a cool experience.

We walked in and the place was much smaller than expected. You could tell that the entire operation was as DIY as it gets. What better way to exemplify the craft beer style? Between their inspiring story, their super tasty beer, and the slight buzz I had from the samples (thankfully Mike was DD), I left the place a little more excited than when I arrived.

The four founders started their operations making beer in their garage. They expanded to their basement. When they decided to go commercial, they found themselves strapped for cash, needing new facilities. They moved, repurposed old equipment and created their own machines, making Broadhead one of Ottawa's full-blown microbrewery - DIY style.

How awesome is it that such a cool company found this niche? Before craft breweries started popping up all over Ottawa, Broadhead carved out its place in the market. They saw a demand, and moved right in. They did it with minimal money, some very smart and talented individuals, and a little bit of risk.

It's an inspiring story.

When I left, I couldn't stop thinking about how interesting it would be to be a part of something like this. Entrepreneurship is fascinating to me. I'm not one to go into business for myself because I'm very risk averse. I also don't have any good ideas.... But it doesn't stop me from thinking about how cool it would be to be a partner in something. To build something from the ground up. To give it my everything.

And that thought left me smiling :)