Do you love food? Do you Instagram your every meal? Are you fascinated by the notion of chocolate-covered crickets and beer cupcakes? If so, then you are a foodie, and there is an event this weekend tailor-made for you.

Ottawa’s Foodie Challenge takes place on Saturday, May 25. For the admission price of $50, it’s a full day of palate-experimentation that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling.

It all starts at 9 a.m. at the Domicile Developments Sales Centre (222 Beechwood Ave.) with a breakfast provided by Art-is-in Bakery. After that, expect the unexpected.

OFC co-founder Carolynn Lacasse says some challenges will be harder than others — and thanks Domicile Developments for helping to grow this annual event. Photo by Miv Fournier.

Foodie Challenge cards will be given to every team of two entered. Teams have until 5 p.m. to complete as many challenges on the list as possible. We talked to event organizer Carolynn Lacasse about what participants can expect this year.

“Blind beer tasting, knife skill workshops, and food truck locating are some hints of check points on this year’s clue list,” says Lacasse. “A special component of the challenge is connecting our city’s food fanatics with restauranteurs, chefs, and owners they might not normally meet on a regular visit.”

Lacasse adds that she and event co-founder Larissa Beznaczuk-Smyrnew wanted to bring foodies and industry professional together to shine the spotlight on hunger in the region.

No cheating! All challenges must be photographed and submitted at the end of the day, at which time points will be totaled to determine the winning team.

The victors will rejoice their foodie feat when announcements are made at the closing ceremonies, which wil be held at Urban Element (424 Parkdale Ave.).

And if all of that intrigue, competition, and glory doesn’t spark your interest enough to get out there and taste the deliciousness that abounds in this city, know that all proceeds go to the Ottawa Food Bank. (Oh, and participants also receive an issue of Ottawa Magazine’s Eating and Drinking Guide!)

— Karen Ladouceur

The post EVENT PREVIEW: Ottawa’s Foodie Challenge brings together gourmands and restaurateurs to raise funds for Food Bank appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Rhapsody Blue is best known for her fire-breathing. She also dances with fire fans and, according to her bio, performs a mean strip tease. Photography by Ben Ripley

FIRST OTTAWA BURLESQUE FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER
In an effort to raise money for an Ottawa Burlesque Festival next year, the burlesque community has come together to put on an intriguing fundraiser involving local burlesque performers and music by DJ Lowpass. Proceeds from the event will help to fun a a three-day bilingual celebration of art, sensuality, and diversity. $10 tickets at the door. Must be 19. Sunday, May 26 at 8 p.m. Held at Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin St.

JEFF ELLIOTT AT YUK YUK’S
Known for his “clean” and canny comedy, Jeff Elliott has become a major talent in the Canadian comedy scene. Jeff also writes for MSN.ca, freelances for major advertising companies, and can be seen in a number of commercials. Warning: you may find yourself laughing in an uncontrollable manner. Tickets at $18. 379 Preston St., Friday, May 24 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. 292 Elgin St. Saturday, May 25 at 9:30 p.m. www.yukyuks.com

BIRDS WITH SKYMIRRORS AT THE NAC
A pioneer in the evolution of Pacific contemporary dance, Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU will be performing their internationally renowned production of Birds With Skymirrors at the NAC this weekend. Inspired by an event where Ponifasio witnessed birds carrying magnetic videotape in their beaks, this dramatic performance will challenge audiences to reflect on the future of the environment. Sit back, relax, and take in this provocative and enchanting 90 minute multi-media production. Tickets starting at $38. Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-can.ca

Tired Paws and Weary Wings is artist Gwendolyn Best's homage to the cats of Parliament Hill. Her show is at Orange Art Gallery near the Parkdale Market

TIRED PAWS AND WEARY WINGS (FREE!)
This exhibit pays hommage to the cats of the Parliament Hill sanctuary. Ottawa artist Gwendolyn Best is well known for her ability to capture the spirit of dark creatures, especially cats, through her paintings. Her upcoming show pays tribute to Parliament Hill’s recently dismantled cat sanctuary. Exhibit runs from Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, June 9. Orange Art Gallery, 233 Armstrong St. www.orangeartgallery.ca

GREAT GLEBE GARAGE SALE (FREE!)
Whether you’re on a mission to find that perfect item at that low-low price or you just want to be surrounded in a fun and vibrant atmosphere with your friends and family, the Glebe is the place to be this Saturday. This fantastic annual community event, which raises money for the Ottawa Food Bank, takes place rain or shine. Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located in the Glebe, between Bronson Avenue, the Queensway (Hwy. 417), and the Rideau Canal. www.glebeca.ca

ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS (FREE!)
Grab your helmet and pump up those bike tires because the 43^rd season of Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays is back! This is a great opportunity to get some safe exercise in without the frustration of dodging vehicular traffic. Three Ottawa parkways — Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (5.5 km), Colonel By Drive (7.6 km), and Rockcliffe Parkway (7.5 km) — are reserved for not only cyclists, but also in-line skaters, runners, walkers, and people with mobility aids. Every Sunday morning until Labour Day weekend. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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EAT: Ottawa’s most exciting new food businesses and best restaurants

New and Noteworthy
Fifteen of the tastiest new additions to the city’s simmering culinary landscape
By Shawna Wagman

Restaurants
Our authoritative guide to dining in the city features 100 must-try restaurants
By Anne DesBrisay

Must-Try 
Sandwiches, doughnuts, bar snacks, pickles and preserves, bread

Pouring a pint at Brasseurs du Temps

DRINK: Wines and craft beers to suit every event on your social calendar

Wine
David Lawrason selects 60 bottles to suit all occasions. Includes: A Prince Edward County Wine Tour; sparkling wines; sipping whites; barbecue reds; Euro classics; New World classics; cellar keepers

Beer
A guide to local craft breweries. Plus! Ten Ontario beers to try right now
By Travis Persaud

Photography by Christian Lalonde - Photolux Commercial Studio

SHOP: Where to head for gourmet groceries and top-notch gadgets

Food shops
Tempting the palate with the city’s top gourmet grocers, delis, butchers, bakeries, and more
By Cindy Deachman

Focus on: fair fish, vegan, gluten-free

Kitchen Stores: Where to find everything a committed home cook needs

The post ON NEWSSTANDS: Sneak peek at the contents page of the Ottawa Magazine Eating & Drinking Guide appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Mark Monahan
Executive/artistic director of the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest and the Ottawa Folk Festival 

Why I came to Ottawa: I was born here and never left.

First Ottawa job: Working a Crown and Anchor game for the Ottawa Ex at the age of 14.

My neighbourhood: The Glebe.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Political junkies obsessed with The Weather Channel.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Sleepy government town.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: Private parking spot at the Greyhound bus station (Bluesfest is housed inside the bus station).

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Scenic, safe, energizing, green, interesting.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: Scenic, safe, energizing, green, interesting.

Favourite spot: Any golf club on a sunny day.

Josie Geuer, a.k.a. Josie and The City
Program director and entertainment reporter for The New Hot 89.9

Why I came to Ottawa: I made the big move from Almonte after high school. I was buying time and taking acting lessons because I wasn’t sure about my future plans.

First Ottawa job: Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s. I played with toys all day and listened to children’s music on repeat.

My neighbourhood: Depends on my mood: Funhaven/Farhaven/Barrhaven/The Burbs.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: It’s flippin’ freezing! At least that applies to this past winter.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Stuffy government town. We know how to get down.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: I haven’t. Waiting on the bronze statue.

Favourite spot: Along the canal, especially at night when those people who live in the mansions keep their blinds open. I love seeing how other people live.

Pierre Brault 
Actor, playwright, comedian 

Why I came to Ottawa: After the company I was working for in Montreal went bankrupt, I was given the choice of termination or a transfer to Ottawa. I took the transfer thinking I would stay in O-Town for maybe a couple of years, then leave. That was in 1990. Still happily here.

First Ottawa job: I was a corporate video producer for Pizza Pizza. I would write, act in, direct, and edit training videos with such notable titles as Cleaning Your Pizza Oven and The Art of Pizza Delivery. While it may seem mundane, the job did allow me to train myself in all aspects of production, which helped my career enormously.

My neighbourhood: Old Ottawa East.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Cold winters.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Officious, boring civil servants who stay at home dreaming of advancing in the civil service.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: Seeing my face on a giant banner hanging off the NAC. It was an ad for my solo show Blood on the Moon, which ran for three summers.

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Dynamic, livable, breathable, friendly, scenic.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: The best city in Canada.

Favourite spot: The path along the Ottawa River behind Parliament. A perfect spot for serenity and peace. I get a lot of inspiration there.

Vinod Rajasekaran
Executive director of HUB Ottawa

Why I came to Ottawa: To become a rocket scientist (seriously, I studied aerospace engineering at Carleton University).

First Ottawa job: Selling floppy drives and PalmPilots at Staples. Yes, it was 10 years ago.

My neighbourhood: South Keys.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Ottawans love the outdoors.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Ottawa is boring and has nothing interesting going on (if you’re in this boat, stop by The Hub).

Five words that describe Ottawa now: A city realizing its creative talent/innovation potential.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: Best G20 capital to kick-start solutions that change the world.

Favourite spot: The O-train. Trains help me problem-solve — I sometimes ride it back and forth many times. Looking forward to an expanded offering.

Lucy van Oldenbarneveld
Anchor, CBC News Ottawa

Why I came to Ottawa: I came here permanently in 2002 to take a job as the field reporter for CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning.

First Ottawa job: Working at Harlow’s bar and restaurant in the Market as a summer job when I was 21.

My neighbourhood: Centretown.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Bad drivers. Holy mackerel, don’t get me started!

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: Having people recognize me as “that woman with the long name.”

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Best-kept secret in Canada.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: Creative, green, livable, affordable, innovative.

Favourite spot: Dundonald Park in my neighbourhood. It’s so vibrant and always filled with a wonderful assortment of characters. People love their area green spot. Centretown movies are there, too, in the summer.

The post ASK A LOCAL: 5 Ottawa notables discuss political junkies, canal spying, bad drivers, and other city stereotypes appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

CHINATOWN REMIXED (FREE!)
The fifth annual arts festival on Somerset Street West, aka Chinatown Remixed, launches this weekend. This unique month-long event includes exhibits of visual and performance art of all kinds located in various establishments from restaurants to hair salons. Take a stroll through Ottawa’s vibrant Chinatown to experience over 40 artists’ works in unconventional locations. One of many displays is Christine Mockett’s The Machine Project, a video installation presented at Tang Coin Laundry. Live music, workshops, and local foods are all part of this one-of-a-kind celebration. Takes place on Somerset Street between Bay and Preston streets. Grand opening and vernissage from 1:30-5:30, May 18. Exhibits continue until June 18th. www.chinatownremixed.ca

Get to know Star Wars on a whole new level at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.

STAR WARS™ IDENTITIES
See the characters of Star Wars like you’ve never seen them before at the traveling exhibition currently at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. This weekend, discover how Luke and Anakin turned out to be such different people, view the vast collection of over 200 iconic props, and engage in a multi-media identity quest to see what you would look like as a Star Wars character. $24, teens and senior $20, children (3-12) $13.25. Friday, May 10 to Monday, September 2. See website for hours of operation. Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Pkwy. www.aviation.technomuses.ca

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUMS DAY (FREE!)
Thanks to the International Council of Museums, we have International Museums Day on Saturday, May 18. In Ottawa, two museums are opening their doors to the public, free of charge – Museum of Nature and Bytown Museum. Educational, fun, and free! The Canadian Museum of Nature is at 240 McLeod St.; find Bytown Museum below the locks at 1 Canal Lane.

MISS CALEDONIA AT THE NAC
Written and performed by Melody A. Johnson, this 70-minute play set in 1955 tells the true story of a woman desperate to escape her dull life by setting out to win the local beauty pageant in hopes of getting closer to Hollywood fame. The hilarious story of Peggy Ann Douglas’ quest to obtain the tiara at Miss Caledonia is surely to be one entertaining adventure. Tickets starting at $30. Tuesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 25. See website for show times. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-can.ca

KON-TIKI AT THE (NEWLY RENOVATED) BYTOWNE THEATRE
Check out the newly renovated and historic ByTowne Cinema as it re-opens this weekend, May 17. The makeover includes installations of 435 brand new seats that are wider and more comfortable with greater legroom than what was previously in place. (Unlike before, you now have the option to raise the armrest if you want to get extra cozy with that special someone.) Premiering on May 17 for the re-opening are Canadian drama, Still Mine and the Oscar-nominated adventure, Kon-Tiki. See website for ticket information and show times. ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St. www.bytowne.ca

VICTORIA DAY FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Take advantage of the long weekend and head over to this family-fun event right by Dow’s Lake. With plenty to do and see, such as rides, musical and bandshell entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting, concessions, and fireworks, this is a guaranteed good time. With the Canadian Tulip Festival just steps away, the gardens can serve as a getaway from the crowds. Wednesday, May 8 to Friday, May 24. Victoria Day Festival, Queen Juliana Park near Carling and Preston.

The post WEEKENDER: Chinatown Remixed, International Museums Day, Star Wars, and four more ways to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

This story appears in the May edition of Ottawa Magazine. Click here to order the back issue or an online edition. 

By Elisabetta Bianchini

Dress by Park Lane, purchased at Roadtrip; Braided Belt: purchased at Roadtrip; Necklace: Purchased on a recent trip to Grand Cayman; Gold Cuff: Purchased in Paris; Shoes: BCBG; Lipstick: "Vegas Volt" MAC. Photography by Rémi Thériault.

You’re the director of marketing for ModBox, the company you and your husband [architect Andrew Reeves] became partners in when you moved to Ottawa a year and a half ago. What is ModBox?

It’s an urban property development company that specializes in high-end urban developments. It’s an alternative to moving out to the burbs — people can stay in the city where the energy is.

How do you distinguish between your workwear and your weekend wear?
When I started working at TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival], after working on Bay Street, I began to meld both closets. I no longer need two closets for my work suits and my day-to-day wear. I just have one wardrobe now.

What influences your style?
My primary influence is street-style — looking at how people dress in cool cities around the world. Being married to an architect also causes me to look at cut and detail differently. And the music I’m listening to somehow translates to what I wear. I’m listening to Serena Ryder, The Sheepdogs, Dragonette, and Brazilian bands. They make me feel different, and that translates to my clothing.

Neon Tee and camisole - "Wilfred", purchased at Aritzia; Belt: Purchased in Singapore; Skirt: BCBG; Shoes: BCBG; Necklace: Urban Outfitters; Lipstick: "Kinda Sexy" & Gloss: "Floating Lotus," both by MAC. Photography by Rémi Thériault.

How would you describe your personal style?
Like a city hippie. I like things that are on trend, but not too trendy, and I like the eclectic, hippie stuff. I also mix in elements from places I’ve travelled or lived.

How did living in Paris during your year-and-a-half exchange at the Université Paris-Sorbonne and your Brazilian heritage impact your style? When I lived in Paris, it imparted to me the value of day-to-day style. The importance of looking put together — you put on a little blush and lipstick, you brush your hair. It’s not that you’re trying hard or you have anyone to impress — it’s just what you do before leaving the house. Brazil has a huge impact on my style in terms of fun and musicality — movement in clothes and pops of colour.

What are some of your favourite places to shop?
Working the amount that I do and having two kids at home, I do a lot of online shopping from J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Simons. In Ottawa, I like Roadtrip, Magpie Jewellery, and Slaysh.

The post MY LOOK: ModBox’s Melissa Reeves on how music and architecture influence her personal style appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Jim Bryson 
Singer-songwriter

Why I came to Ottawa: I was born into Ottawa.

First Ottawa job: As a youth, I was an Ottawa Citizen paperboy.

My neighbourhood: Stittsville.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: I dare say we still occasionally live with a small chip on our shoulder regarding other, um, larger Canadian cities.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: The town that fun forgot.

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Hopeful, exciting, promising, changing, alive.

Five words you hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: A place we still love.

Favourite spot: My wife would tell me to write the Manx in here, but may I also add Union Local 613, the Wellington Gastropub, and Jon Lomow’s newly renovated house? I don’t get out much, to be honest. My yard at night is pretty special as well.

Bruce White
Owner of ByTowne Cinema

Why I came to Ottawa: It was bigger than my small town, but not too big.

First Ottawa job: Getting the Stokes retail store ready to open in the then brand new Bayshore Shopping Centre, then selling things I knew nothing about.

My neighbourhood: New Edinburgh.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Ottawans like to get to bed early on school nights.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Ottawa’s lacking in arts and culture.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: Tourists keep asking me for directions, so I must look as though I know my way around.

Five words that describe Ottawa now: One million potential ByTowne fans.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: One million happy ByTowne fans.

Favourite spot: The theatre, seventh or eighth row from the front, aisle seat, beside my gal Karen.

Measha Brueggergosman
Opera singer

Why I came to Ottawa: My husband is studying at Algonquin College to be a paramedic.

First Ottawa job: Co-hosting the opening of Juno week with the mayor.

My neighbourhood: Prince of Wales and Fisher.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: It’s fricking freezing.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: There’s nothing to do.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: That I’ve stood in line at Service Ontario half a dozen times.

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Understated, paradoxical, homegrown, conscious, livable.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: Livable, unseasonably warm, construction-free, food mecca, and home to 15-time champions the Ottawa Senators.

Favourite spot: Bikram Yoga Ottawa on Bank Street.

Phil Jenkins
Writer

Why I came to Ottawa: I returned from Liverpool, England, in 1978, having left Ottawa for there in 1961. I came on an extended holiday to visit my roots, and I’m still here.

Current neighbourhood: The Gatineau Hills, halfway between Chelsea and Wakefield, in an observation post overlooking Ottawa. I first lived in Elmvale Acres, where I grew up, then Vanier, New Edinburgh, Sandy Hill, Ottawa East, the Glebe, Ottawa South.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Developers run the town.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: That Ottawa is a city of stereotypes.

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Two steps forward, one back.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: Greenest mayor in the country.

Favourite spot: The two blocks of Wellington Street between Holland Avenue and Harmer Avenue that contain the GCTC, a vegetarian restaurant, the best St. Vincent de Paul, and a Bridgehead.

Jeff Hunt
President of OSEG Sports

Why I came to Ottawa: I arrived as a teenager when my RCMP father got transferred here.

First Ottawa job: Carpet cleaner.

My neighbourhood: ByWard Market.

Most accurate Ottawa stereotype: Friendly.

Least accurate Ottawa stereotype: Boring.

Proof I’ve made it in Ottawa: Being profiled in Ottawa Magazine!

Five words that describe Ottawa now: Exciting, beautiful, diverse, growing, home.

Five words I hope will be used to describe the city in 15 years: World-class, more beautiful, more diverse, grown-up, and home.

Favourite spot: Lansdowne Park.

The post ASK A LOCAL: 5 Ottawa personalities gush on favourite spots, biggest beefs, and hopes for the city appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

With Comiccon set for May 10-12 at the Ernst and Young Centre, Roger Collier profiles four hardcore fans (and checks out their superhuman costumes). Here’s the fourth:

The Trekkie

Photography by Luther Caverly

Name: Ryan Rozumniak
Age: 29
Occupation: Seeking employment
Moved to Ottawa from: Edmonton
Affiliation: Crew member of IKV Phoenix, Ottawa’s Klingon/Star Trek Costuming & Role-play Fan Club;

lieutenant in the USS Magellan chapter of Starfleet, an international Star Trek fan association

Series ranking:
1. The Original Series
2. The Next Generation
3. Deep Space Nine
4. Voyager
5. Enterprise
“I had a hate on for Deep Space Nine, actually. But as I watched more and more episodes, I realized it was deep. It had great storylines.”

Favourite Star Trek possession: First-edition (1975) Star Trek Starfleet Technical Manual, purchased last year at Ottawa Comiccon for $10. “I saw it and was like, ‘Wait a minute.’ They were going on eBay for ridiculous prices.”

Wants to get: Dress uniform from Star Trek Insurrection and Star Trek Nemesis. “It’s all white. It’s really nice and fancy.”

Top websites: startrek.com, roddenberry.com, phasers.net, ex-astris-scientia.org

Best movie: The Wrath of Khan 

Worst movie:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture. “This had a poorly thought out storyline and it was slow paced throughout. The acting was not the best either.”

Little-known fake fact: “I’ll let you in on a little secret. In the show Enterprise, they explain what happened between The Original Series, when Klingons didn’t have ridges on their foreheads, and later on, when they got the ridges. It was a genetic defect.”

The post COMICCON WARMUP: Ryan Rozumniak extols the virtues of Star Trek appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

With Comiccon set for May 10-12 at the Ernst and Young Centre, Roger Collier profiles four hardcore fans (and checks out their superhuman costumes). Here’s the third:

I’m dating myself, but I’m one of the very few people in my organization who has been to see every movie at the theatre on original release." Photography by Luther Caverly.

The Jedi

Name: Cindy Harper 
Age: 46
Occupation: Public servant
Moved to Ottawa from: Brockville

Affiliations:

Member of the 501st Legion (bad guys) and the Rebel Legion (good guys), both international Star Wars costuming organizations.

Local group Capital City Garrison is officially part of the 501st, but Rebels are considered “associated” members.

Love at first sight: Watched the first movie with her father in 1977 at the age of 11. “I was awestruck. In a daze. I would have seen it over and over if I could.”

Movie ranking: 1. Revenge of the Sith 2. Attack of the Clones 3. A New Hope 4. Return of the Jedi 5. The Empire Strikes Back 6. The Phantom Menace  

Favourite characters: Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Han Solo

Costume in the works for Ottawa Comiccon: Lego Slave Leia and Ewok

Bucket-list costume: Stormtrooper, Darth Maladi, Shaak Ti, Battle Decoy Sabe. “Making a trooper costume will run you $1,000. Minimum.”

Charities supported by Capital City Garrison: Children’s Wish Foundation, Max Keeping Foundation, Make-A-Wish Canada, Ottawa Food Bank, Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation. “The parents who see us have almost as much fun as the kids do.”

Favourite of her 200 or so Star Wars novels: Tatooine Ghost

Memorabilia collection: Voice-activated R2D2, giant Darth Vader Pez dispenser, Wookie coat, Stormtrooper Commander Sideshow Collectible, Darth Vader toaster (burns Vader’s face into bread)

Best thing about fandom: “The friendships. I really threw myself into this whole thing. My best friends are part of it. We work on new costumes and go out for coffee.”

The post COMICCON WARMUP: Cindy Harper plays dress-up for charity in Star Wars gear appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

With Comiccon set for May 10-12 at the Ernst and Young Centre, Roger Collier profiles four hardcore fans (and checks out their superhuman costumes). Here’s the second:

The Whovian

Photography by Luther Caverly

Name: Morgan Dunbar
Age: 23
Occupation: Graphic designer and owner of Geek Charming (Jewelry and Crafts for the geekily inclined)
Moved to Ottawa from: Blind River, Ontario
Affiliation: Member of The Doctor Who  Society of Canada

Why Who?:  “It has a lot of good characters, a lot of good storylines. It’s a little cheesy sometimes, but it’s fun to get into.”

Favourite characters: River Song, the Doctor, Jack Harkness, Rory, Rose Tyler. “River Song is the greatest female character ever written for TV. She’s funny, she’s sexy, she’s cocky, and she’s a badass.”

Worst character: Mickey Smith. “Mickey Smith is the boyfriend of Rose Tyler. Whenever he came along, he cramped the Doctor’s style and really got in the way of the Doctor/Rose dynamic.” 

Doctor Who swag:
River Song Sonic Screwdriver; T-shirts; mug from Cardiff, Wales, from The Doctor Who Experience; fan art and posters; Doctor Who lunchbox

Cosplay (short for costume play) for Doctor Who: Easier than other fandoms. “A lot of the clothing is everyday wear. Dressing up as a character from Doctor Who often involves a lot of modified shirts, jackets, scarves, and hats. In other fandoms, you might have to make armour or really detailed constructions, but because of the accessibility of the costumes of Doctor Who, pretty much every fan has made one.”

Favourite episodes:
1. “New Earth”
2. “The Girl in the Fireplace”
3. “Silence in the Library”
4. “Vincent and the Doctor”
5. “The Doctor’s Wife”

There are about 800 episodes spanning 50 years. Where’s a newbie to begin?
“‘Blink’ is almost collectively considered the best Doctor Who episode. It’s very dark, and it introduces the Weeping Angels, who I think are the scariest villains in Doctor Who. It’s a great introduction episode for non-fans because it’s so intense. It gives them an idea of the potential of the show.”

 

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