I've got some dear friends in the Ottawa area and I'd love to surprise the with a gift certificate to an upscale market. Any suggestions?

The Byward Market is an upscale market in downtown Ottawa, very chic in parts, yet also offers actual farm produce in the open air area. However, I am uncertain if I am answering your question: I don't know how a gift certificate would work with all these (seemingly) independent stalls?

If you're American you are likely referring to a supermarket, such as Gelson's or Whole Foods, as opposed to a market. But in Ottawa, I am afraid you're out of luck. Perhaps you'd consider giving them a gift certificate to the LCBO which is the government owned liquor store. Ottawa has one of the largest and nicest ones on Rideau Street which has a very good Vintages section for better wines and spirits.

thanks gayle, that is what i was referring to.<BR>in lieu of a market, how about a new, "must-try" restaurant that the critics rave about. you know, the type of place that you would try if you had a gift certificate.<BR>thanks.

Here are three wonderful (and wonderfully expensive) Ottawa restaurants.<BR><BR>Signatures, 453 Laurier, Tel 613-236 2499<BR><BR>Arc Lounge, Arc Hotel, 140 Slater, Tel 613 238 2888<BR><BR>Wilfrid's, Chateau Laurier Hotel, 1 Rideau, Tel 613 562 7043<BR><BR>And for good measure, here's a classic and excellent restaurant across the river in Hull (Hull is now renamed Gatineau and this is confusing everybody).<BR><BR>Cafe Henry Burger, 819-777-5646<BR><BR>All of the above are classical French except for Arc Lounge which is Asian fusion.<BR><BR>Your friends will love you.

Thanks, curiousx, this is just what I was looking for.<BR>Do you have a favorite amongst the group?

To hrc:<BR><BR>The 4 restaurants I mentioned are all super. I give a slight edge to Wilfrid's because of the location in the heritage Chateau Laurier hotel near the canal and the Parliament Buildings. <BR><BR>However, Signatures, according to some, is stronger in the kitchen. And it too is located in a heritage building (formerly a private club)in a very pretty part of the city with embassies, university buildings, etc.<BR><BR>Henry Burger is consistently excellent - some folks have found it snobbish but that is not my experience. The stone house it is in is also heritage and right across the street from the stunning Museum of Civilization.<BR><BR>Arc Lounge'a menu is adventurous and fun - sometimes a bit over the top. The hotel is unprepossing from the outside but funky and sharp once in the door.<BR><BR>I don't really think you can go wrong with any of them.

Hi : how about killing to birds with one stone? The Bistro 115 in the Byward Market area, great food, wonderful atmosphere and its in the market. Karen

I agree with Karen that Bistro 115 is excellent. Also, the prices are about half compared to those of the 4 restaurants I suggested.