TOP RESTAURANTS TO GO TO BEFORE AND AFTER #ALEGRIA BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

WELCOME TO THE MAGICAL WORLD OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S RE-IMAGINED ALEGRIA

I DO NOT LOVE Cirque du Soleil!

Says NO ONE – EVER!

And if you love Cirque de Soleil, you will undoubtedly LOVE Alegria!

If you love magic and beautiful story telling that would capture your heart and imagination, then do not dare miss Alegria, a Cirque du Soleil classic that is beloved the world over.

Providing the giggles – one of the funny clowns of Alegria
Photo (and photos above) by @StreetDreamsOttawa: Instagram | Facebook |

We’re SO thrilled to, again, have been part of Cirque du Soleil’s grandest celebration as it unveiled the second of its three acts of the revival of their iconic production – Alegría.?

This time, we feted #Alegria so close to home… at Zibi Canada!

A SPECTACULAR RED CARPET GRAND PREMIERE FOR ALEGRIA IN VIEUX-PORT MONTREAL AND ZIBI CANADA

While we walked the red carpet, dressed in RW & Co., Le Chateau and Skechers Canada, at #CirqueduSoleil’s Alegria Premiere in Montreal alongside stars, celebrities, government officials, artists, media, bloggers, influencers and Minister Melanie Joly, in Gatineau, we started the night with an exclusive VIP reception for #Zibi’s closest partners at Zibi House.

With champagne flowing along with a sumptuous seafood buffet, the petite soiree at Zibi House was the perfect warm-up for the #CirqueduSoleil’s Alegria Premiere in the nation’s capital.

We had such a fabulous time at the Cirque du Soleil Alegria Gatineau Premiere and you can see tons of photos and videos here, here and here. Here’s a flashback to the Montreal Grand Premier at the Vieux Port, where we were also in the coverage video by Impact Montreal, you can see it right here!

Up Close and Personal with Monsieur Fleur
 Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ALEGRIA BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

First presented in April 1994, the return of Alegría is destined to change the history of the company. This widely loved show won over more than 14 million spectators in 19 years of touring and it is destined to win over millions more. ♥

Adored by fans around the world, the iconic Alegria is reinterpreted in a renewed version to share its timeless story once more.

Presented by Sunlifeca Global Investments, the show is performed under a blue-and-white Big Top at the Vieux-Port de Montreal from April 12, Zibi Canada in Gatineau from August 1, and at Ontario Place in Toronto from September 12.

One of the most arresting and captivating scenes in Alegria
 Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

In 2019, in time for its 25th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil reinterprets and re-energizes Alegría for today’s audiences.  Cirque updated the show’s acrobatics, visual design and new musical arrangements and the result is spell-binding.

Having been to at least 3 performances, the reviews were indeed beyond spectacular naming Alegria as one of the most loved Cirque du Soleil show – EVER.

This does not come as a surprise as not only was the visual effects breath taking and the stunts and performances mind boggling, the storyline itself was, compared to other Cirque du Soleil shows, humanizing and heartwarming.

It had both heart and soul and it was an epic ride from start to finish.

The final bow to thunderous applause and a lengthy standing ovation
Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

TOP OTTAWA AND GATINEAU RESTAURANTS TO GO TO BEFORE AND AFTER CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Now if you’re going to see #Alegria by Cirque du Soleil, there’s something that could make your #cirquedusoleil experience even more extraordinary.

Go for dinner & drinks before and/or after at these restaurants and bars in Ottawa and Gatineau that you will totally LOVE!

Don’t forget to cheer Alegria as it celebrates its 25th birthday in Gatineau!

In case you didn’t know, #Alegria is being performed under the Big Top hoisted once again at the ZIBI Site in Gatineau, same site where VOLTA was held a couple years ago.

Yes, exactly the same site where we had the added special privilege of meeting Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and his family at the Ottawa premiere of Volta.

Standing on an unceded Algonquin, Anishinabek territory,  Zibi Canada is currently hosting a cool weekend Festibiere de Gatineau pop-up bar and food truck by Olivia Bistro, which couldn’t have picked a better venue as it is strategically right next to Alegria!

You can head here too before and after the show!

WHERE TO GO FOR FOOD AND DRINKS IN OTTAWA AND GATINEAU BEFORE AND AFTER ALEGRIA BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

In partnership with Zibi Canada, Alan Wainwright Photography and Mystikopoulos Photography, here’s our  Twenty York Street X #ZibiCanada recommendations for TOP bars & restaurants in #Ottawa & #Gatineau!

MICROBRASSERIE GAINSBOURG

Starting with a really popular gastro pub in Gatineau, Microbrassserie Gainsbourg is less than 5 minutes away from Zibi Canada.

With an always crowded and lively patio, come to Gainsbourg for a wide selection of gastro pub food and an even wider selection of beer and drinks. Sit back and enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the most fun restaurants this side of the Ottawa river!

Located at 9 Rue Aubry in the heart of Old Hull, Gainsbourg is not your average run of the mill pub with greasy food and sketchy ambiance.

In fact, the menu offering at Gainsbourg is thoughtful and refined featuring ingredients from a lot of local farmers and vendors.

Up Close and Personal with Monsieur Fleur
 Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

A stroll through Old Hull is a beautiful experience in and out of itself.

And when you get to the expansive corner entrance of Gainsbourg, you cannot help but be drawn in by the vibe and atmosphere. Warm woods, black iron rails and brass fixtures on the bar make it both cozy and inviting.

Try their Double IPA or for something a little stronger, the Scotch Ale hits the spot.

p.s. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the current art installation at Gatineau’s Culture Trail! We love this shot from one of our fave Ottawa Influencers Mylaine of Gifts and Other Blunders. Visit Tourisme Outaouais for more details.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB

The staff are knowledgeable and super friendly. We enjoyed some crowd favourites such as the Tuna Tartare, Fish and Chips and the massive burger, which we devoured in 5 minutes flat!

Indeed, the beer was satisfying, the food delicious and overall, the pub menu offers a little sophistication guaranteed to please even the pickiest of diners.

Microbrasserie Gainsbourg is definitely an ideal spot to come with friends and family for a cold beer and some wonderful food before Alegria Gatineau.

Reviewed by: Alan Wainwright of Alan Wainwright Photography.

MICROBRASSERIE GAINSBOURG

Address: 9 Rue Aubry, Gatineau, QC J8X 2H1

Official Website: http://www.gainsbourg.ca

Prices: $$

To make reservations: (819) 777-3700

Huge selection of craft beer, some brewed right on site
Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

LIFT RESTO LOUNGE

Located at the Delta Hotel Ottawa, LIFT Resto Lounge boasts a modern and sophisticated interior, where you can enjoy an elevated dining experience at one of the capital’s “sexiest” restaurants!


With a new General Manager at the helm, Mr. Adam McIntyre who recently moved back from east coast, LIFT Resto Lounge offers some unexpected twists on classic food and cocktails.

We had the sweet privilege of testing new cocktail concoctions such as the Lemon Berrykin, Raspberry Mojito, Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini and the Pineapple Fizz Bomb!

Adam and his amazing team (Mel, you’re a true champion!) not only welcomed us with reinvented cocktails but also a cohesive menu created by their award-winning Executive Chef.

SLEEK INTERIOR, SEASONAL CANADIAN-INSPIRED CUISINE

Dining on the sumptuous shrimp risotto, decadent mac & cheese, chicken buffalo flat bread, seafood chowder and nachos, it was no doubt a delightful gastronomic feast!

LIFT Resto Lounge offers a curious menu that changes with the seasons, beers from local breweries, wine from small wineries, it’s cut above the rest.

Only few minutes away from Zibi (you can certainly park your car downtown and walk to Hull), the LIFT Resto Lounge is a runway winner as one of the best places to have dinner and drinks before Alegria Gatineau.

Or come here for lunch whenever you’re downtown.

Definitely a place you do not want to miss!

Reviewed by Alex P. of Mystikopoulos Photography.

LIFT RESTO LOUNGE

Address: 101 LYON ST. OTTAWA, ON

Official Website: https://liftrestolounge.ca/

Prices: $$$
To make reservations: (613) 567-2337

For Open Table reservations: http://bit.ly/2LbUA2o

TULIP RESTAURANT & BAR

Rapidly becoming one of Ottawa’s hot spot, the Tulip is the Hilton’s signature restaurant located at the heart of downtown!


As Twenty York Street continues its quest to bring you the best places to eat and drink either before and/or after seeing Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria Gatineau, we find ourselves at one of Ottawa’s newest restaurant offering.

Well what a treat we had as guests of Chef David Vinoya and his amazing staff, led by the charming restaurant manager Nicole.Everything is in bloom at Tulip Restaurant & Bar
Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

GLOBALLY INSPIRED MENU THAT WILL TAKE YOU TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD

With Gold Medal Plates award-winning Chef David Vinoya leading the charge with his inspired menu, dining at Tulip is like taking a culinary trip to different places in the world!

The menu has something for everyone with Gluten Free and Vegetarian options, there is a strong Asian and distinctly Filipino influence on his innovative menu.

Available at the bar are a range of craft and local beers along with some very inventive cocktails. We sampled the Bannock with charred hummus miso along with the flatbread served with whipped goat cheese, roasted mixed mushrooms and shaved parmesan.

The Bao was a favourite at our table, crispy pork belly with smoked burbon maple sauce in a steamed bun. On the side crunchy picked cucumber and mixed pea shoots.

Mains were a beautiful corn meal breaded Sea Breem, served with sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes and purple yam gnocchi. An aptly named Anarchy, a squid ink pasta dish served with an interesting smoked roasted pepper veloute with mixed seafood of clams, baby scallops and baby shrimp.

We also sampled the Zucchini Noodles, which were crunchy and ever so tasty with the celery pesto, mixed mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.

The clear winner was definitely the Carbonara with a twist!

Just picture this: warm squid ink pasta gloriously topped with crisp prosciutto, egg yolk, chives, basil and finished with a drizzle of truffle oil and grana padano, it was a godsend.

We do need to come back for some of Tulip’s intriguing items in the menu such as the Adobo Poutine, Porkuni, Mazemen and of course, a Filipino all-time favourite dessert – the velvety Maja Blanca.

Up Close and Personal with Monsieur Fleur
Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

WINNING DISHES FROM AN AWARD-WINNING CHEF

As if that wasn’t enough, we ended this culinary adventure with a Creme Brûlée Dulce De Leche, topped with cookie crumbs and sugar coated berries and highlighted with a citrus merengue shard.

We were pleased to know that this is a MEALSHARE item as well. Which means, for each item sold, Tulip will provide one simple, healthy meal to a youth in need.

The Tree of Sweetness is an innovative belgian Chocolate Mousse,  mixed berry coulis, served in a cute little plant pot topped with a butterfly pea flower cotton candy “Tulip.”

We also enjoyed the signature Vanilla Egg Ice Cream, served with meringue and a chocolate tuile, a dish that catapulted Chef Vinoya into rock star status in the culinary world.

The Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites is conveniently locate at 361 Queen Street at Lyon. There is plenty of on street parking and it is just a short hop across the Portage Bridge to the famous Blue and White Big Top for Alegria Gatineau.

Book your table at Tulip Restaurant and Bar today!

 

We are sure Chef Vinoya and his team will provide you with a warm welcome and a wonderful dining experience.

p.s. Seriously, the pork belly bao and the squid ink pasta carbonara –  TO DIE FOR!

Reviewed by: Alan Wainwright of Alan Wainwright Photography and Alex P. of Mystikopoulos Photography.

TULIP RESTAURANT AND BAR

Address: 361 QUEEN STREET, OTTAWA, ON, K1R 0C7

Official Website: https://tulipottawa.com/

Prices: $$$

To make reservations: 613-234-6363

For Event Reservations: Click Here.

MILL STREET PUB OTTAWA

Literally steps away from the Cirque Big Top, this celebrated pub and brewery is an absolute must for an overall dining experience!

The location itself is absolutely stunning. The pub is a 177-year-old building, sitting on the Lebreton flats, overlooking the Ottawa River. Mill Street Ottawa offers a wide selection of their own seasonal and specialty craft beers. For all the beer lovers out there, we recommend to check out their website and book the brewery tour, it is fun, highly informative and it includes free samples of beer!

For this feature, the restaurant welcomed us with their usual generosity. We were offered a table next to the river, which was, hands down the best table in Ottawa.

From one of Mill Street’s patio, you can see the Cirque du Soleil Big Top at Zibi Canada, which is directly just right across the Ottawa river.

p.s. Mill Street Pub Ottawa itself is HUGE. Explore Mill Street’s hidden gems – different sections of the restaurant offer incredible views of both Ottawa and Gatineau!

Up Close and Personal with Monsieur Fleur
Photos by Mystikopoulos Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

In fact, you can see the Parliament Hill, the Grands Feux du Casino and Alegria Gatineau right from the main patio!

Our server Jeremy was a fountain of knowledge regarding all things Mill Street. Nothing was too much trouble for this charming individual. We enjoyed some very tasty starters including Calamari, Chorizo Flatbread and a great Salad Bowl.

Mains consisted of Elk Burger with Sweet Potato Fries, A Beyond Meat Burger with a very tasty Vegan Pesto and everyone’s favourite Maryland Crab Cakes. Everything was absolutely top drawer.

We can’t recommend this place enough!

Stay tuned for Hopped and Confused too.

Co-hosted by Mill Street Pub and Dine Alone Records, Hopped and Confused is an annual summer music festival and beer festival rolled into one with headliners such as July Talk and Sloan Music!

Perhaps the Mill’s most valuable asset?

The incredible staff!

Amy, Jeremy and team delivered an unforgettable experience!

Mill St. Brewery counts 6 locations across Canada so, really, there’s no reason for you to not go!

 

Reviewed by Alex P. of Mystikopoulos Photography.

MILL STREET DAILY BREWERY TOUR

As mentioned, Mill Street Pub Ottawa also offer daily brewery tours Wednesday to Sunday at 4pm. Tours include a guided tour by their expert brewing team, beer samples, and learn about the rich history of the Mill Street Brew Pub.

Call 613 567-2337 ext 3 to reserve your spot.

Let’s take a flight! A beer flight of Mill Street’s best sellers
Photo by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

MILL STREET PUB OTTAWA

Address: 555 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1R 1C5

Official Website: http://millstreetbrewery.com/ottawa-brew-pub/ 

Prices: $$

To make reservations: (613) 567-2337

For Event Reservations: Click Here.

One of the most stunning restaurants in the nation’s capital
Photo by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

KINKI KITCHEN AND LOUNGE

Literally steps away from the Cirque Big Top, this celebrated pub / brewery is an absolute must for an overall dining experience!

A visit from our friend, CTV News’ Stefan Keyes, who stopped by to say hello
Photo by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

Welcome to the KINKI Lounge Kitchen located in the heart of the Byward Market.  Long considered as one of Ottawa’s premier restaurant destinations for great food, spirits, and fun! Our eclectic menu features a wide variety of delights to suit every palette, including Sushi, Steaks, Tapas, and innovate and fresh specialty drinks.

Located in the heart of the Byward Market at 41 York Street, KINKI Kitchen and Lounge is a short ride away from Alegria. Fun fact you can buy your tickets for Alegria a few steps away from KINKI’s front door. So you really have no excuses not to see this spectacular show!

The management and staff at KINKI put together a delicious tasting menu, especially designed just for Twenty York Street. It demonstrated their attention to detail to the food they serve and the drinks that accompany that meal. Our server Rob (who we suspect is on hiatus from his day job as a hunk) was a very gracious and accommodating host. KINKI has a star here, great personality and very knowledgeable about everything on the menus.

MODERN, INNOVATIVE ASIAN FUSION AT ITS BEST

KINKI has a distinctive Asian emphasis, however they fuse other cuisines as well. Right off the bat we were served Asian Meatballs, which combines our homestyle favourite but amped up with a Panko-Sesame crust and Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce.

Other fare included KINKI Throwback, which combined Salmon, Tuna, Scallion, Sesame Unagi Sauce, then we tasted Popping, which true to its’ name lulled you with its smooth undertones then BAM, a delicious slap of spicy heat. It certainly didn’t taste like any Salmon Tatar we have had in the past.

We then enjoyed some Korean Fried Chicken, again a wonderful take on a family favourite. Everything is so delicious, we all had our own favourite, but it was very close.


Special cocktails were also developed to enhance the food menu. It was so relaxing enjoying a summer evening on a patio in the heart of the city. We tried them all, Diva’s (drinks not the diners!!) Combined Vodka, Rum, Creme de Cassis with freshly squeezed orange juice. A table favourite was The Foxie Mojito, lived up to its’ name, combining white rum, pineapple and the bartenders magic.

It was fantastic.

Enjoy fresh cocktails at one of the best patios in the city
Photo by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

The Good Vibes got things underway with Sparkling Wine, Malibu Rum, Coconut Water and some magic set the stage. On top of all this is a comprehensive wine list and a great selection of beers, including old favourites and craft beers alike.

KINKI is a great casual dining experience, the food and service is top drawer, it’s location is ideal.
Don’t take our word for it experience KINKI Lounge & Kitchen for yourself.

Reviewed by Alex P. of Mystikopoulos Photography.

KINKI KITCHEN AND LOUNGE

Address: 41 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7

Official Website: kinkiloungekitchen.com

Prices: $$

To make reservations: (613) 789-7559

ALEGRIA GATINEAU AT ZIBI CANADA TICKET INFORMATION

For show information and to get your tickets for Gatineau performances of Alegría, visit online at cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.

Tickets start at $66.75.

LAST STOP FOR ALGERIA: CANADA PLACE IN TORONTO

As the last stop of its 2019 Canadian Tour, Alegria will find its way to Toronto in the fall starting on September 12.

With a massive seating capacity, Canada Place is poised to host Alegria in Canada’s largest metropolitan city.

With so many amazing acts in Alegria, it’s so hard to choose a favourite
Photos by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

CANADA PLACE TORONTO TICKET INFORMATION

For show information and to get your Toronto tickets, visit: cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.
You can also watch a preview video of Alegría, visit cirk.me/alegriatrailer.

Follow #Alegria and #cirquedusoleil on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

For an absolutely unforgettable and royal experience at Algeria, book your tickets with @mastercard!

MASTERCARD VIP EXPERIENCE WOULD BE PERFECT FOR YOU

Enjoy exclusive perks in the MasterCard VIP Suite and watch the show from Premium seats. In addition to that, you get all these and more:

  • Best seats
  • Cocktail reception
  • Delicious hors d’oeuvres
  • Complimentary parking
  • Private terrace and restrooms
  • Exclusive gifts

See Alegria Gatineau – it will literally take your breath away
Photo (and photos above) by @StreetDreamsOttawa: Instagram | Facebook |

No matter which seats you see the show from… we say this with no exaggeration, Alegría is like a magic carpet ride, truly perfect for the entire family!

It would mesmerize you and take your breath away!

What an absolute honour to have attended this spectacular event.

Merci mille fois à Cirque du Soleil as well as RW & Co. for always making sure the Twenty York Street aka @20YS family is red carpet ready!

Thank you @skecherscanada@lechateau @poppy_peonies@nyxcosmetics and QUO Cosmetics from @shoppersdrugmart.

BEFORE IT HEADS TO TORONTO, DO NOT MISS ALEGRIA GATINEAU

With its signature songs, acrobatics and archetypal characters that have helped define the Cirque du Soleil aesthetic, Alegría is the reincarnation of a classic, reinterpreted for the age, and rekindled to inspire fans — both old.

Don’t miss Alegria Gatineau (soon coming to Toronto!) – it’s an experience you will never forget
Photo (and photos above) by
@StreetDreamsOttawa: Instagram | Facebook |

We LOVE these restos and we know you will LOVE them too! ♥️

We absolutely cannot wait to hear what you think of Alegria in Gatineau!

Go see it with your friends and family!

*Gifted experience.*

The new and the old, the reincarnation of a classic – Alegria continues to inspire
Photos by Alan Wainwright Photography: Instagram | Facebook |

LET’S BE FRIENDS: FOLLOW @20YS IN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST AND THE GREATEST

To get more travel, fashion and style inspirations and updates on what to do and where to go, follow @20YS on Twitter & @20YS on Instagram today. For behind the scenes from our long weekend adventures in Montreal, follow @20YS on Twitter  and Instagram!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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