For a real treat, cross the Ottawa River to Hull, Quebec - just 5 minutes (or less) from downtown Ottawa - for several great restaurants. Our favourites include Le Tartouffe - wonderful food, even greater presentation. The long-time top-of-the-heap is CafÈ Henry Berger - expensive but very good.

In the Byward Market, there is a terrific Chinese place called Caveau Szechuan. All you can eat but not the yukky buffet stuff. They do it fresh for you dish by dish and just keep bringing it as long as you order it.

Also there are several excellent Thai restaurants scattered around the city - Siam Bistro, Royal Thai, and others. All very good.

For Italian, pretty much any place in Little Italy which is Preston Street. At least half a dozen very good resturants in just a few blocks.

We also like an Iberian place on Beechwood called El Meson.

And, of course, no visit to Ottawa would be complete with a nice gooey Beavertail at the stand down in the Market. Good gelato around the corner too at Piccolo Grande.

Best seafood in Town is at the Pelican on Bank Street south. There is just a half-wall between your table and the fresh fish market. The food is great.

In Montreal, ya gotta have smoked meat at Schwartz's. Best in Canada. I will leave it to others who live there to recommend fancier places. There are lots.

Gerry Crouse Algonquin Travel Gloucester, ON