On a scenic tour of Taverns

If there’s a sure-fire way of calling attention to your business, invite a bus-load of television media, food writers and influencers on a tour of your various locations. Add food, drink and beautiful locations and you’ve won over hearts, minds and bellies.

Knock on Wood PR did a fine job of organizing a whirlwind tour of the Tavern Group of bar/eateries giving everyone a chance to experience these destinations back to back.

The Tavern Group, in conjunction with the NCC, operate these destinations primarily to showcase so many of the beautiful vistas that are available to Ottawans while they enjoy cocktails and house-crafted bites.

Our first stop was at the newest location Tavern on the Island at Bates Island, where you felt whisked away from the city to a well-appointed retreat.

Freshly made poutine and mini smashburgers were on the menu and folks happily washed it all down with fall-themed bourbon and cider cocktails.

Folks were so deep in conversation that it was a good thing the KOWPR wranglers were on hand to remind us that we were leaving for the next destination, Tavern on the Falls at 1 John St.

Here was a great spot to enjoy the setting of the sun and in the waning light we enjoyed an assortment of charcuterie, hummus and some excellent housemade pickles of beans, cucumber and asparagus. A perfect sharing platter when out with friends.

It was already getting dark when we arrived at Tavern on the Hill, at 1223 Alexandra Bridge. It was nice of the organizers to think of our well-being as the espresso martinis were lined up to help keep us alert.

Fresh and nicely constructed juicy pulled pork tacos made an ideal pairing with the martinis and I made a mental note of it.

Luckily it was just a short walk to the next Tavern at the Gallery, at 380 Sussex Dr., around the back of the National Gallery. Here was a setting that felt a little like a magical forest made mysterious and romantic with dramatic lighting.

We were greeted with energetically fizzy glasses of Prosecco and a selection of hors d'oeuvres and pizza and the evening was capped with steaming cups of Bailey’s spiked hot chocolate.

It was a smart decision on the part of the Tavern Group to coordinate this excursion and to make available to the media, in one evening, the beautiful views of our city from their restaurants.

Each tavern offers something different in terms of ambiance and food and for those readers who’ve explored the various locations, I’d be interested to hear which Tavern was your favourite. Let us know by replying to this email!