2009 Tulip Festival [Events]
2009 Mar 30
If anyone will be trying the Philippine food, my mother will be helping them by making some food. I'd like to know what people think. I won't tell her because she takes lots of pride in her cooking and don't want to boost or deflate her ego. :)
But this is a great opportunity to try different food, assuming they are made properly. Mmmm mexican food....
But this is a great opportunity to try different food, assuming they are made properly. Mmmm mexican food....
2009 Mar 30
Hi All,
I remember last year that a couple of Ottawa Foodies, checked out the International Pavillion for lunch... although at that time the location was downtown... seem to recall they said the food was great!
EDIT - Looked up the previous posts from last year... the Tulip Festival's International Pavillion is referenced in both of these Forum topics:
Tamales - www.ottawafoodies.com
Foodie Events this Summer - www.ottawafoodies.com/371
I remember last year that a couple of Ottawa Foodies, checked out the International Pavillion for lunch... although at that time the location was downtown... seem to recall they said the food was great!
EDIT - Looked up the previous posts from last year... the Tulip Festival's International Pavillion is referenced in both of these Forum topics:
Tamales - www.ottawafoodies.com
Foodie Events this Summer - www.ottawafoodies.com/371
2009 Mar 31
ITCHY! LOL! Halo-Halo...she makes some when we have family parties in our back yard. But that's more of a dessert, you need to eat first. I'll ask her if she will be making vegetarian dishes, or possibly the others cooking.
She might be making "Fresh Lumpia". For those that don't know Lumpia, it's like an eggroll. It's deep fried with stuff inside, usually pork. But my mother likes to make "fresh" ones. Basically it's NOT deep fried, it's veggies wrapped in a crepe-like wrap. Great with peanut sauce. Maybe look for these during the event.
She might be making "Fresh Lumpia". For those that don't know Lumpia, it's like an eggroll. It's deep fried with stuff inside, usually pork. But my mother likes to make "fresh" ones. Basically it's NOT deep fried, it's veggies wrapped in a crepe-like wrap. Great with peanut sauce. Maybe look for these during the event.
2009 Apr 4
Yum, yum -- lumpia! And who says Halo-Halo can't make a meal in itself? Just drink 2-3 of them.
speaking of mothers (and other volunteers), LWB's response to Monkey Feet ("...awesome that your mom is involved!") underscores the efforts --somewhat overshadowed, me thinks-- of the various community groups and volunteers that make the pavilions a success. The tulip festival's own site, with its casual mention of the International Pavilion being "home to 24 participating embassies and local community groups" hardly hints at the commitment of the latter.
I suggest this on the basis of friends who've been directly involved in the Japanese pavilions in past years, and another in the Korean entry this year. By no means a representative sample from the larger group (of 24), but i'll mention 'em anyway since the people involved would be too self-effacing to play up their own efforts. That, and i'm getting a jar of homemade stinky-spicy-delicious kimchee for mentioning the Korean Pavilion here <- suffice to say I'm a "shill" well-compensated for his work! :-)
Re. the Korean case, my friend ("Ms. Kim") describes their embassy's involvement as an arm's length funding one. They provide a budget, but the logistics (food, costumes, booth decorations, etc.) are managed through a committee & volunteers. Likewise, while the Japanese pavilion in past years drew some funding from the Jpn embassy, the event itself was organized almost completely by volunteers (represented by a self-organized Tulip Festival Committee). Common to both groups was a general commitment to a principle of inter-cultural sharing / relationship building (cuisine included).
At least in the two cases above, there's no embassy staff overseeing quality control or coordinating the workload: its "ordinary folk" (like Monkey Feet's mom?) volunteering their time and knowledge. Indeed, as Ms. Kim tells me, all of the cooking for their pavilion will be done (on-site) by "various moms hand-picked" from the Ottawa-Korean community at large. And, its no trivial affair -- the planning and work spans several months, not to mention its drawing on people w/ generations of food knowledge in the first place.
So, for the foodies attending, if you're lucky to catch the "moms" and other volunteers when its less busy, think of the infinite Karma you'll generate by thanking them (and attempting to pry away family recipes).
None of the above diminishes the involvement of the embassies, of course: financial support is an essential ingredient to pulling off this sort of event! In fact, its a credit to both the embassies and to the volunteers themselves that they've reached this sort of an arrangement in the first place.
Phew ... never thought i'd be such an evangelist for the Tulip Festival. Such is the effect of kim-chee!
speaking of mothers (and other volunteers), LWB's response to Monkey Feet ("...awesome that your mom is involved!") underscores the efforts --somewhat overshadowed, me thinks-- of the various community groups and volunteers that make the pavilions a success. The tulip festival's own site, with its casual mention of the International Pavilion being "home to 24 participating embassies and local community groups" hardly hints at the commitment of the latter.
I suggest this on the basis of friends who've been directly involved in the Japanese pavilions in past years, and another in the Korean entry this year. By no means a representative sample from the larger group (of 24), but i'll mention 'em anyway since the people involved would be too self-effacing to play up their own efforts. That, and i'm getting a jar of homemade stinky-spicy-delicious kimchee for mentioning the Korean Pavilion here <- suffice to say I'm a "shill" well-compensated for his work! :-)
Re. the Korean case, my friend ("Ms. Kim") describes their embassy's involvement as an arm's length funding one. They provide a budget, but the logistics (food, costumes, booth decorations, etc.) are managed through a committee & volunteers. Likewise, while the Japanese pavilion in past years drew some funding from the Jpn embassy, the event itself was organized almost completely by volunteers (represented by a self-organized Tulip Festival Committee). Common to both groups was a general commitment to a principle of inter-cultural sharing / relationship building (cuisine included).
At least in the two cases above, there's no embassy staff overseeing quality control or coordinating the workload: its "ordinary folk" (like Monkey Feet's mom?) volunteering their time and knowledge. Indeed, as Ms. Kim tells me, all of the cooking for their pavilion will be done (on-site) by "various moms hand-picked" from the Ottawa-Korean community at large. And, its no trivial affair -- the planning and work spans several months, not to mention its drawing on people w/ generations of food knowledge in the first place.
So, for the foodies attending, if you're lucky to catch the "moms" and other volunteers when its less busy, think of the infinite Karma you'll generate by thanking them (and attempting to pry away family recipes).
None of the above diminishes the involvement of the embassies, of course: financial support is an essential ingredient to pulling off this sort of event! In fact, its a credit to both the embassies and to the volunteers themselves that they've reached this sort of an arrangement in the first place.
Phew ... never thought i'd be such an evangelist for the Tulip Festival. Such is the effect of kim-chee!
2009 Apr 4
ITCHY, that was very well said. It's difficult enough for people to try something different, but having an international day gives people a chance to try new food from other countries. And like many on this site, know great ethnic food in the city, you are fortunate. I'm looking for a great indian place to try.
But on to the bad news. It seems my mother can not cook for the event. I can go into details, but basically too many papers and legal mumbo jumbo involved and she does not want to deal with it. She gets frustrated with stuff like that. She just wanted to cook. So I believe they are hiring people form two different restaurants to make the food. I know one will be as great as my mum's, but not sure about the other.
Sorry to burst your bubble Itchy. But someday I'll get you the fresh lumpia and halo-halo.
But on to the bad news. It seems my mother can not cook for the event. I can go into details, but basically too many papers and legal mumbo jumbo involved and she does not want to deal with it. She gets frustrated with stuff like that. She just wanted to cook. So I believe they are hiring people form two different restaurants to make the food. I know one will be as great as my mum's, but not sure about the other.
Sorry to burst your bubble Itchy. But someday I'll get you the fresh lumpia and halo-halo.
2009 Apr 21
The Tulip Festival for whatever reasons never seems to get enough attention from locals... brings in a ton of tourists, but is primarily overlooked by us residents. Might be because they've had so many problems with funding over the years.
Anyhow, this year I am going to make a point of checking them out... besides the massive and beautiful flower beds (a photographer's dream) I am going to "discover" the foodie events.
According to the Official Website... www.tulipfestival.ca one of the events lined up for the "Mirror Tent"... supposidly a spectacular venue to be located at City Hall... will be an afternoon cocktail party entitled "Savour the Tulips".
Put on in conjunction with FoodMODE & Groovy Grapes there will be 14 Vendors present... among the more recognizable names a couple of notables... Toss It Up a recent addition to the Ottawa Restaurant Scene, as well in the libations department Heritage Brewery and Beau's (wonder if the 2009 edition of "Festivale" will be featured at this event?)
In addition to the food, there will a range of wines from around the world for tasting.
The whole idea is to get out and celebrate Spring, and the fact that the dreary days of Winter are finally over.
DATE - Saturday, May 2nd
TIME - 2 to 4 PM
ATTIRE - "Spring Fabulous"
COST - $ 40 Tickets thru the Website (Capital Tickets) or at the door
INCLUDED - All food and wine tastings
Anyone else planning on attending?
Anyhow, this year I am going to make a point of checking them out... besides the massive and beautiful flower beds (a photographer's dream) I am going to "discover" the foodie events.
According to the Official Website... www.tulipfestival.ca one of the events lined up for the "Mirror Tent"... supposidly a spectacular venue to be located at City Hall... will be an afternoon cocktail party entitled "Savour the Tulips".
Put on in conjunction with FoodMODE & Groovy Grapes there will be 14 Vendors present... among the more recognizable names a couple of notables... Toss It Up a recent addition to the Ottawa Restaurant Scene, as well in the libations department Heritage Brewery and Beau's (wonder if the 2009 edition of "Festivale" will be featured at this event?)
In addition to the food, there will a range of wines from around the world for tasting.
The whole idea is to get out and celebrate Spring, and the fact that the dreary days of Winter are finally over.
DATE - Saturday, May 2nd
TIME - 2 to 4 PM
ATTIRE - "Spring Fabulous"
COST - $ 40 Tickets thru the Website (Capital Tickets) or at the door
INCLUDED - All food and wine tastings
Anyone else planning on attending?
2009 Apr 21
I am hoping to check out the Tulip Festival. I've never been in Ottawa during tulip season. When I used to visit my grandparents who lived in Ottawa south, I'd come on March break which was too early. I am most excited as spring flowers are my favorites and I haven't seen good tulip beds since Kukenhof when I was 14.
Thanks, F&T, on the activity updates.
Thanks, F&T, on the activity updates.
2009 Apr 22
Did a little reading, and discovered that Beau's Beau's is featuring a new seasonal beer to be available as of April 24, 2009
As per their webiste...
Beaver River I.P. Eh? - (Available Starting April 24, 2009) – Inspired by the Beaver River (rivière Castor), which connects Ottawa to many communities to the East, this IPA is designed to appeal to Hop Heads. Taking the malt and yeast profile of a traditional British style India Pale Ale and adding an American-style citrusy punch, our Beaver River is both assertive and drinkable. Beaver River is brewed with local spring water and the ingredients are 100% certified organic.
Sounds interesting... looks like Festivale is currently on the back burner. Guessing that Beaver River IP Eh? will be the beer that will be making the rounds this summer (first up Tulip Festival's "Savour the Tulips" event May 2nd).
As per their webiste...
Beaver River I.P. Eh? - (Available Starting April 24, 2009) – Inspired by the Beaver River (rivière Castor), which connects Ottawa to many communities to the East, this IPA is designed to appeal to Hop Heads. Taking the malt and yeast profile of a traditional British style India Pale Ale and adding an American-style citrusy punch, our Beaver River is both assertive and drinkable. Beaver River is brewed with local spring water and the ingredients are 100% certified organic.
Sounds interesting... looks like Festivale is currently on the back burner. Guessing that Beaver River IP Eh? will be the beer that will be making the rounds this summer (first up Tulip Festival's "Savour the Tulips" event May 2nd).
2009 Apr 22
i am not sure if it is true that locals aren't going to the tulip festival. i live near Commissioner's Park at dow's lake and during the tulip festival it is always packed! you can't drive down our streets there are so many cars, families, bikes, strollers, & people walking. that isn't just on the tulip fest weekends either, lots of people come down in the evening to see the tulips and then dine on preston street.
if you haven't been down, or had stopped coming, please come back! it is a wonderful event and being local you have the opportunity to come down when the tulips are at their finest, something that vistors often miss.
last year there was also food at commissioner's park, though the stalls are only open from lunch until 6pm every day of the week. there was a fantastic burrito/taco stand that made everything fresh to order, plus other stands that seemed to be serving healthy and fresh fast food.
i am very happy the international pavillion is at landsdowne. it is only a 2k walk from commissioner's park and if you walk on the inside path along the canal (up by the houses), you can admire tulips the entire way there and back.
if you haven't been down, or had stopped coming, please come back! it is a wonderful event and being local you have the opportunity to come down when the tulips are at their finest, something that vistors often miss.
last year there was also food at commissioner's park, though the stalls are only open from lunch until 6pm every day of the week. there was a fantastic burrito/taco stand that made everything fresh to order, plus other stands that seemed to be serving healthy and fresh fast food.
i am very happy the international pavillion is at landsdowne. it is only a 2k walk from commissioner's park and if you walk on the inside path along the canal (up by the houses), you can admire tulips the entire way there and back.
2009 Apr 22
HipFunkyFun - I agree there are a lot of young families going, I guess I was thinking about folks my age that live in the burbs. Among my friends no one seems to go much anymore (still think this has to do with funding and lack of direction... in the last few years the Tulip Festival has definitely suffered from a lack of image... if there was nothing "interesting" happening, then fewer people participated). That said, there are certainly times when someone from my circle of friends makes it out, as you said for an evening stroll amongst the tulips (most notably Commissioner's Park in your area)... also seems to be if the kids take us out for Lunch on Mother's Day that that is another popular time to visit.
:-)
It was mostly however the other events I was speaking about... things like the music and entertainment that was previously offered. As "staid" as some of the line up appears in print for the Celebree part of the Festival, I do think overall it will be well received.
I am really looking forward to the changes that are underway for 2009, and I plan to make a real effort to get out there and take part. Sounds like the committee has worked hard to revamp, repackage and remarket the event.
As for the Concessions in the Park, according to the Festival's Website there indeed will be some available as they say for "lunch or a mid afternoon treat". Also it notes that the overall hours for the Park is 10 AM to 6 PM.
:-)
It was mostly however the other events I was speaking about... things like the music and entertainment that was previously offered. As "staid" as some of the line up appears in print for the Celebree part of the Festival, I do think overall it will be well received.
I am really looking forward to the changes that are underway for 2009, and I plan to make a real effort to get out there and take part. Sounds like the committee has worked hard to revamp, repackage and remarket the event.
As for the Concessions in the Park, according to the Festival's Website there indeed will be some available as they say for "lunch or a mid afternoon treat". Also it notes that the overall hours for the Park is 10 AM to 6 PM.
2009 Apr 22
Brian Mc - LOL, I got a chuckle out of that too... ok here's what I'm thinking... Light, Airy, Bright, Colourful, Fun... something that definitely says the dreary days of winter are over. The Theme this year at the Tulip Festival is Celebree - Celebrate.
I'm currently looking for a sensational new Spring-Summer outfit, so I plan to wear it. Hopefully it won't be a frickin cold or blowy day and I'll have to ruin said look with a bulky seater or trench. And of course being a girl, I'll need to be sporting some great shoes and a purse.
As for "The Man" probably Dockers and a summery (colourful, fun) shirt... sandals if the weather cooperates. LOL
I'm currently looking for a sensational new Spring-Summer outfit, so I plan to wear it. Hopefully it won't be a frickin cold or blowy day and I'll have to ruin said look with a bulky seater or trench. And of course being a girl, I'll need to be sporting some great shoes and a purse.
As for "The Man" probably Dockers and a summery (colourful, fun) shirt... sandals if the weather cooperates. LOL
2009 Apr 30
tulipfest starts tomorrow. the international food tent is at landsdowne park and there are individual food stands at commissioners park. last year there were some really good food offerings at both.
right now the tulip meter says 50%, but i can attest that the tulips at commissioners are were only %30 on tuesday. weather permitting, i will be going back this evening and can see if more have come out.
right now the tulip meter says 50%, but i can attest that the tulips at commissioners are were only %30 on tuesday. weather permitting, i will be going back this evening and can see if more have come out.
2009 Apr 30
HipFunkyFun - I have no idea who is updating the Tulip Festival website, but that little tulip graphic is frustrating... today the number on the meter is lit at 50%, but the tulip itself is looking more like 75% (and if I'm not mistaken it has changed various times between 50% and 100% in the last few days).
And like you, I'd like to know where they are looking... I am yet to see a tulip in bloom, in fact most are just still a pile of green leaves... I've always said that May 1st is a tad too early... the real burst of dramatic colour is always the 2nd Weekend in May.
Anyways, like you I am looking forward to the food, LOL.
And like you, I'd like to know where they are looking... I am yet to see a tulip in bloom, in fact most are just still a pile of green leaves... I've always said that May 1st is a tad too early... the real burst of dramatic colour is always the 2nd Weekend in May.
Anyways, like you I am looking forward to the food, LOL.
2009 Apr 30
HipFunkyFun - That is good to know... I knew there were different varieties and they bloom at different times (Early, Mid, Late)... Looks like I'll have something to take photos of then when I'm in the area on the Weekend.
Looking forward to "Savour the Tulips" as well as the International Pavillion.
Looking forward to "Savour the Tulips" as well as the International Pavillion.
2009 May 9
Hi everybody, I went to the International Pavilion at the Tulip Festival today, and had a great time, gastronomically speaking!
It was pouring buckets, which dampened the spirits and made the pavilion super crowded (and thus hard to negotiate a stroller around..sigh) but I was still excited to check out all the stalls. First stop for me was Brazil, where my mother and I shared Brazilian beans and rice (only okay), chicken pie with creamed cassava (super delicious - my baby loved it too!) and passion fruit mousse (yum). Then I tried a syrup soaked cake at the Romanian stall (stuffed with cream - very yum), and pierogies at the Russian stall (bland and over priced).
By then the rain had cleared so we listened to the samba music (I must admit I am not a fan..) then went to the Mexico stall. There I had a sweet tamale with salty queso (umm...no...), a fried pastry shell stuffed with meringue (neat!) and then finished off with some creme caramel from Peru (tasty).
Fun day!
What did you eat there and what stalls and food items do other Ottawa Foodies recommend??
It was pouring buckets, which dampened the spirits and made the pavilion super crowded (and thus hard to negotiate a stroller around..sigh) but I was still excited to check out all the stalls. First stop for me was Brazil, where my mother and I shared Brazilian beans and rice (only okay), chicken pie with creamed cassava (super delicious - my baby loved it too!) and passion fruit mousse (yum). Then I tried a syrup soaked cake at the Romanian stall (stuffed with cream - very yum), and pierogies at the Russian stall (bland and over priced).
By then the rain had cleared so we listened to the samba music (I must admit I am not a fan..) then went to the Mexico stall. There I had a sweet tamale with salty queso (umm...no...), a fried pastry shell stuffed with meringue (neat!) and then finished off with some creme caramel from Peru (tasty).
Fun day!
What did you eat there and what stalls and food items do other Ottawa Foodies recommend??
Food&Think
The Canadian Tulip Festival released their 2009 Schedule of Events today.
THE GOOD NEWS - The International Pavillion will be back, this year featuring Cuisine, Culture and Entertainment as promoted by 24 local Embassies.
THE BAD NEWS - The International Pavillion has been moved from Downtown Ottawa (perfect for those interesting lunch-hour grazes) out to Lansdowne Park.
:-(
Here any how is the schedule of Featured Countries:
ARGENTINA - May 7th to 18th
BRAZIL - May 1st to 18th
CHINA - May 1st to 18th
COSTA RICA - May 1st to 18th
ECUADOR - May 7th to 18th
GERMANY - May 1st to 12th
GREECE - May 1st to 18th
GUATEMALA - May 13th to 18th
INDIA - May 1st to 6th
INDONESIA - May 1st to 18th
ISRAEL - May 13th to 18th
KOREA - May 1st to 18th
KUWAIT - May 1st to 6th
MEXICO - May 1st to 18th
NETHERLANDS - May 1st to 18th
PERU - May 1st to 18th
PHILIPPINES - May 1st to 6th
PORTUGAL - May 13th to 18th
ROMANIA - May 7th to 18th
RUSSIA - May 1st to 12th
SOUTH AFRICA - May 1st to 6th
THAILAND - May 1st to 18th
TURKEY - May 1st to 18th
It is good to see that a fair number of Embassies have plans to be present thru the whole 18 days that is the Tulip Festival.