Barrhaven Insider: Darrell Bartraw

We are pleased to introduce our new Barrhaven Insiders Series! Each quarter we will be profiling a new member or our community in order to share with you their favourite “hidden gems” of Barrhaven. 

Barrhaven Insider: Darrell Bartraw

Darrell’s Barrhaven Story:

Darrell grew up in downtown Ottawa and moved to Barrhaven in 1989. He says that he and his wife moved here for the house, but have stayed because of the community. Barrhaven in 1989 was a different place than it is now. With very few stores and businesses, driving out to see the house made him wonder why anyone would want to live here. Over the years, the community has grown as well as the amenities and Darrell jokes that he has been here since before Barrhaven even had a McDonald’s (we now have 3!) 

From the early days, Darrell loved the community. Great neighbours are a big part of that but also the larger Barrhaven community as a whole. Darrell has been very active in Barrhaven with the West Barrhaven Community Association and the Canada Day celebrations, which bring thousands of us together every year, but it was last year that he truly saw our community spirit come out in full force after the devastating tornadoes that ripped through the neighbouring communities of Arlington Woods and Craig Henry, and also left much of Barrhaven without power for a couple of days. Darrell, along with the West 

Barrhaven Community Association, was involved and instrumental in providing food at Larkin
Park for our community and the neighbouring communities as well.. With the help of Jan Harder and Lisa MacLeod, calls through social media were made for donations and volunteers and the response was overwhelming. It showed the true character and spirit that is Barrhaven.

Darrell also urges Barrhaven residents to get involved with our community. We have 4 active community associations and numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year. It’s the people that make all these things possible and these events truly bring our community together.

Darrell Bartraw’s Barrhaven Favourites

Favourite Bar and Patio: He has three and it’s hard to choose! 

  • Broadway Bar & Grill – Fun fact: Darrell was their first customer! If you stop by Broadway’s, Darrel loves their Jambalaya but make sure to ask them to make it with penne pasta instead of rice.
  • The Royal Oak – The Royal Oak is great for wings and appetizers! Make sure to try the antojitos!
  • Heart and Crown – If you stop by the Heart and Crown, you can’t go wrong if your order “Shannon’s Salad”

 

Favourite Butcher: Darrell loves to stop by Pete & Gus’ to pick up a California roast. He recommends buying the biggest one they have, for the left overs. Bring it home, cover it in a mixture of soy sauce, worchestershire sauce, and garlic and pop it in the oven for 50-60 minutes.

Best Pizza: “San Man’s” – Darrell loves San Marino Pizza but doesn’t have a standard order as it depends on who he will be sharing it with. Meat, peppers, and mushrooms do make him happy though!

Favourite Coffee Shop: Darrell is adamant about supporting local and loves to grab a coffee at either Anabia’s Cupcakery Cafe or Cafe Cristal.

Best Greek Food: Pinelopi’s, hands down (just don’t ask him how it’s pronounced…) His favourite dish is the Santorini Chicken.

Best Italian Food: If you haven’t had a chance, check out La Porto a Casa but make sure to make a reservation well in advance as they are always booked solid.

Favourite Place for a Night Out: Greenfields features live music most weekends with a lot of tribute bands!

Favourite Grocery Stores: Darrell likes to frequent the two grocery stores that are strongly committed to the community: Sobey’s and Ross’ Your Indepedent Grocer.

These are just some of Darrell’s Barrhaven favourites. Let us know if you check any of them out!