Sexiest City

[jdobbin]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/30072008/54/sexy-canada.html

If you've been noticing hordes of plain Janes and dime store Romeos diluting the city's singles scene, it turns out you're not alone.

Ottawa has been bestowed the dubious distinction of "least sexy" city in Canada by FastLife.ca, which claims to be the country's largest speed-dating service.

Most city residents were surprised, and more than a little offended, to learn their fair city ranked at the bottom of the list, with an "embarrassing" 40% score.

Kind of strange because people say that Washington D.C. is supposed to be a sexy city because it attracts many political employees who are young and single. I guess Ottawa doesn't have the same thing.

Winnipeg had the highest score. Walk into any Moxie's or Earl's and see why.

[guyser]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/30072008/54/sexy-canada.html

Kind of strange because people say that Washington D.C. is supposed to be a sexy city because it attracts many political employees who are young and single. I guess Ottawa doesn't have the same thing.

Winnipeg had the highest score. Walk into any Moxie's or Earl's and see why.

Cant be sexy when the sidewalks get rolled up at 6pm in front of the stores.

Actually, it should be most boring. No idea about the sexiness of Ottawa, unless of course they are taking cues from the PM.

[Guest American Woman]

Winnipeg had the highest score. Walk into any Moxie's or Earl's and see why.

What are "Moxie's" and "Earl's?"

[guyser]

What are "Moxie's" and "Earl's?"

TGIF and Brennigans.

[jdobbin]

What are "Moxie's" and "Earl's?"

Canadian restaurant chains on the more expensive side compared to say, Applebee's.

[guyser]

Canadian restaurant chains on the more expensive side compared to say, Applebee's.

They are all expensive for what you receive, even at half the price.

[jdobbin]

They are all expensive for what you receive, even at half the price.

I'd agree with that. I don't usually go unless I'm on an expense account.

I know in Winnipeg, one location of Earl's is the chosen place to begin or end a stag or stagette. On some nights, there are several parties going on at the same time. I have heard of people meeting their new boyfriend or girlfriend on these nights where one party of unrelated friends blends with another.

In relation to this story, I have had friends not familiar with Winnipeg come for a visit and be gobsmacked just over a visit to Earl's.

[Guest American Woman]

I'd agree with that. I don't usually go unless I'm on an expense account.

I know in Winnipeg, one location of Earl's is the chosen place to begin or end a stag or stagette. On some nights, there are several parties going on at the same time. I have heard of people meeting their new boyfriend or girlfriend on these nights where one party of unrelated friends blends with another.

In relation to this story, I have had friends not familiar with Winnipeg come for a visit and be gobsmacked just over a visit to Earl's.

Thanks for the answer, guyser and jdobbin. I like Bennigan's, TGIF, and Applebees. Anyone know if there's a Moxie's or Earl's in Toronto? Are they everywhere, or more regional?

[capricorn]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/30072008/54/sexy-canada.html

Kind of strange because people say that Washington D.C. is supposed to be a sexy city because it attracts many political employees who are young and single. I guess Ottawa doesn't have the same thing.

It's a fact that government towns attract female employees. Before the federal public service decentralized to regions, I would say pre 1975, there were 4 women to 1 man in Ottawa. This gender imbalance resulted in some very interesting workplace romance situations. Today, there are approx. 102 women for every 100 men. The dynamics just aren't the same. Maybe that's not such a bad thing, for women that is.

[jdobbin]

Thanks for the answer, guyser and jdobbin. I like Bennigan's, TGIF, and Applebees. Anyone know if there's a Moxie's or Earl's in Toronto? Are they everywhere, or more regional?

Bennigan's just went bankrupt on Thursday. Most of them closed this past week except some franchises. Sounds like it is the beginning of the end for them. I think I only went to one once.

Moxie's and Earl's are national. You should find quite a few in Toronto.

[jdobbin]

It's a fact that government towns attract female employees. Before the federal public service decentralized to regions, I would say pre 1975, there were 4 women to 1 man in Ottawa. This gender imbalance resulted in some very interesting workplace romance situations. Today, there are approx. 102 women for every 100 men. The dynamics just aren't the same. Maybe that's not such a bad thing, for women that is.

It seems a more uptight city than you would think. Certainly beautiful but I think the cutbacks over the years both privately and publicly have sapped some of the joy out of it.

Edited August 3, 2008 by jdobbin

[capricorn]

It seems a more uptight city than you would think. Certainly beautiful but I think the cutbacks over the years both privately and publicly have sapped the some of the joy out of it.

As a native Ottawan, I can vouch that our city council has done its share of sapping joy from our City.

[Guest American Woman]

Bennigan's just went bankrupt on Thursday. Most of them closed this past week except some franchises. Sounds like it is the beginning of the end for them. I think I only went to one once.

I didn't know Bennigan's went bankrupt. I guess that would be the beginning of the end for them. Too bad. As I said, I like them.

Moxie's and Earl's are national. You should find quite a few in Toronto.

I'll be sure to check it out then. Thanks for the info.

[jdobbin]

I didn't know Bennigan's went bankrupt. I guess that would be the beginning of the end for them. Too bad. As I said, I like them.

Some restaurants just seems to fade away. Are they any Country Kitchens, Bonanzas or Ponderosas left in your area? We used to have all three but they are no more at least in these parts. Funny thing is that you can still some of the old buildings that Country Kitchen used being used for other restaurants.

I'll be sure to check it out then. Thanks for the info.

Be prepared on price. As I said, I find Applebee's a little better on the pocketbook.

If you want a better price for a Canadian chain, you might try Swiss Chalet. That might generate a few "Blech" responses from people here though. We used to have them in Manitoba but they have all retreated back to Ontario where people think chicken in a Swiss named restaurant makes some sort of sense.

Other Canadians restaurants are The Keg and Boston Pizza. The first is more expensive steaks and the second is pizza that Canadians seem to think Bostonians might want.

[White Doors]

Earl's and Moxie's are a tier above applebees as far as dining experience goes.

They are not in the same market, hence the price differences.

The Keg is in the same dining market as Earl's.

[Guest American Woman]

Some restaurants just seems to fade away. Are they any Country Kitchens, Bonanzas or Ponderosas left in your area? We used to have all three but they are no more at least in these parts. Funny thing is that you can still some of the old buildings that Country Kitchen used being used for other restaurants.

No, there aren't any Country Kitchens, Bonanzas, or Ponderosa's left. No Big Boys, either. But like you said, the old buildings for all of those chains are still around, as you said, and they all have different restaurants in them now. Seems some of the Bennigans will remain, so I'm glad about that since the one I go to most often is among them.

Be prepared on price. As I said, I find Applebee's a little better on the pocketbook.

Are they more along the line of the Hard Rock Cafe's price wise?

If you want a better price for a Canadian chain, you might try Swiss Chalet. That might generate a few "Blech" responses from people here though. We used to have them in Manitoba but they have all retreated back to Ontario where people think chicken in a Swiss named restaurant makes some sort of sense.

I like the Swiss Chalet.

Other Canadians restaurants are The Keg and Boston Pizza. The first is more expensive steaks and the second is pizza that Canadians seem to think Bostonians might want.

Well if Boston wants it, it's gotta be good, right?

[jdobbin]

No, there aren't any Country Kitchens, Bonanzas, or Ponderosa's left. No Big Boys, either. But like you said, the old buildings for all of those chains are still around, as you said, and they all have different restaurants in them now. Seems some of the Bennigans will remain, so I'm glad about that since the one I go to most often is among them.

We never did get Big Boys in my area. I went to only one in my travels and I think it dropped my lifespan by one year but it was worth it.

I think the one Bennigan's that I am familiar with has survived in Moorhead, Minnesota survives but the one in Fargo did not.

Are they more along the line of the Hard Rock Cafe's price wise?

That might be in the ballpark although the last Hard Rock I was in was Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo and the prices there were that you had to name your first child after them.

I like the Swiss Chalet.

I have no idea why they all closed in Manitoba. I went a few times and it was always packed.

Well if Boston wants it, it's gotta be good, right?

I stopped going when they started using Howie Mandel to sell the restaurant.

You might want to check out Montana's and/or Kelsey's. Fair prices there. Go to a Montana's before a Kelsey's, in my opinion.

[Melanie_]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/30072008/54/sexy-canada.html

Kind of strange because people say that Washington D.C. is supposed to be a sexy city because it attracts many political employees who are young and single. I guess Ottawa doesn't have the same thing.

Winnipeg had the highest score. Walk into any Moxie's or Earl's and see why.

OK, I'm a devoted 'Pegger - I go to Bomber games, Goldeyes games, Moose games; I listen to Burton and Randy, speak reverantly of Neal Young and Monty Hall, and went to University with most members of the Crash Test Dummies; I trash talk Regina, eat at Sals, and laugh at anyone who thinks -40C is too cold to go out in; I never pay full retail; and I slow down from 80 to 30 on Kenaston just in case a goose decides to walk across the road. But even I, a true fan of this city, have a hard time accepting that it is the sexiest in Canada. Heaven help the rest of the country.

[M.Dancer]

Bennigan's just went bankrupt on Thursday. Most of them closed this past week except some franchises. Sounds like it is the beginning of the end for them. I think I only went to one once.

Moxie's and Earl's are national. You should find quite a few in Toronto.

Never heard of them.

[M.Dancer]

Some restaurants just seems to fade away. Are they any Country Kitchens, Bonanzas or Ponderosas left in your area? We used to have all three but they are no more at least in these parts. Funny thing is that you can still some of the old buildings that Country Kitchen used being used for other restaurants.

Be prepared on price. As I said, I find Applebee's a little better on the pocketbook.

If you want a better price for a Canadian chain, you might try Swiss Chalet. That might generate a few "Blech" responses from people here though. We used to have them in Manitoba but they have all retreated back to Ontario where people think chicken in a Swiss named restaurant makes some sort of sense.

Other Canadians restaurants are The Keg and Boston Pizza. The first is more expensive steaks and the second is pizza that Canadians seem to think Bostonians might want.

Keg steaks can't be called expensive. Very mass market and priced accordingly. On the otherhand Ruth Chris or Mortons is expensive. Hy's is expensive...Or you can stay away from chains all together. MInd you, Oliver's restaurants are adequate. I'm looking forward to attending a wedding next month at Auberge de Pommier...

[guyser]

Never heard of them.

Yorkdale, right across from that jungle restaurant.

I would say the Kegs steaks are pricey....for what you get that is. As for Ruth Chris', well, I cant take them, good styeak but heartburn city afterward.

[jdobbin]

But even I, a true fan of this city, have a hard time accepting that it is the sexiest in Canada. Heaven help the rest of the country.

It is a subjective thing but it isn't like we bestowed the title on ourselves.

[M.Dancer]

Yorkdale, right across from that jungle restaurant.

I would say the Kegs steaks are pricey....for what you get that is. As for Ruth Chris', well, I cant take them, good styeak but heartburn city afterward.

Keg steaks range from $20 - 30ish dollars and that includes sides. Go to Hys....$40 and the potato is extra.

[guyser]

Keg steaks range from $20 - 30ish dollars and that includes sides. Go to Hys....$40 and the potato is extra.

Thats my point. A KEG steak at 20-30 bucks is nothing I want. Bad meat (well not bad is in tainted) and at half the price too expensive.

At least Hy's, from what I recall many many years ago , was tasty at $40+.

I never go for steak anymore, at least not a restaurant steak. I can do infinitely better at home. Restaurants are for exploring the unknown or different. Stuff like tuna, shark (including soup) foie gras, sweetbreads , offal.....that sort of stuff.

Oh, and for trying Haggis.But I like to be mildly drunk first.

[blueblood]

As for Dobbin's OP, no argument there. As for my steaks, I butcher my own steers that way I know that my steaks are perfection. If I want lean steaks, they go on grass feed, if I want tender, they go on oats/barley. Also the benefit of butchering yourself is you get to make em as big and as lean as you want them.

As for cooking, the barbeque will suffice, so will a spruce log campfire.