If lattes be the fruit of love, play on: Au Cafe serves up coffee with some drama

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 11 October 2012 16:42

When travellers first order a cappuccino or latte from Au Cafe in Gatineau, they may be surprised to get a serving of theatre with their steaming mug. Not only is this spot the perfect venue for impromptu performances, but its charming decor and comfortable couches add a bit of class to every show. Owners Geneviève Shaw and Frédéric Jobin came up with the idea when they noticed a lack of theatre venues in the area. They already loved the coffee shop mentality, so they decided to merge the two with their new establishment, which opened in the spring of this year.

Since Au Cafe opened, Shaw and Jobin have compiled a schedule for performances every Thursday night, showcasing local acts who are trying to get their foot in the door of the entertainment industry.

Future performers and shows
Later this month, visitors who travel to the Ottawa region for this unique cafe experience can watch films as they sip a warm cup of coffee or steaming apple cider.

On October 25, patrons will have the chance to watch Tim Burton's animated film, "Corpse Bride," which is the perfect movie to watch with the upcoming Halloween holiday on October 31. Other film screenings this month will include "Coraline" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," so visitors should be prepared to get a little spooked!

For the entire month of October and into November, Ottawa photographer Sheila Martineau will have her stunning work, "Automnia: la passion totale de l'automne," on display, which will certainly enhance every theatrical performance that takes place this season.

Au Cafe will also present "Le Monte-plats," which is a strange and complex comedy that will leave viewers in stitches and baffled by the time the curtain closes.

Eat up
Au Cafe serves up locally sourced bites as well as fair trade coffee. The milk comes from Laiterie de l'Outaouais, while Eddy Street's Maison de thé Cha Yi provides the café with an impressive tea menu. Even the pastries are nothing short of decadent, and hail from the sweet shop Fidélices.

"We come from the region, and it's important to contribute to the local economy," Jobin told Apt613 in a recent interview. "We want to create a circle to support each other."

If guests staying at Ottawa accommodations want a little more oomph in their meal, they can just as easily order a satisfying meal of vegetarian sandwiches or housemade soup. Add a sweet chai latte to the mix and they've got a serious meal on their hands.