If you haven't caught an episode of CTV's new series, The Launch yet, it's not too late to catch up on the two episodes you've missed so far. This new, unique show format sees unsigned emerging artists audition for the opportunity to record and perform an original song written by a world famous songwriter/producer and be mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends. Each week, two finalists are selected to record and perform an original song before a winner is decided upon and then the single is is immediately available to buy and stream everywhere, including iHeartRadio, Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.
It's no doubt an exciting experience for all the fortunate winners of each week's auditions.
The latest winner in the weekly series is the Ottawa-based band, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine. Before beating out the other finalists to launch their single, "Ain't Easy", the duo received plenty of praise for their unique musical approach and original sound ((they pull influences from dance, jazz and hip-hop, just to name a few) by guest judges Ryan Tedder of One Republic and country singer, Jennifer Nettles.
Being a two-person musical act, it's not surprising that Woods and Fine also spend plenty of time together enjoying all of the quality food and drink that the country's capital city has to offer.
When it comes to a favourite signature Canadian food, though, (ketchup chips, poutine and the like) Woods is quick to side with a local creation. "I would definitely have to say a BeaverTail," says Woods happily. "The BeaverTail is pretty iconic!"
The cinnamon-sugar sprinkled fried dough, which resembles a beaver tail, was made famous by BeaverTails Canada Inc. The company now has franchises in many parts of Canada, as well as more exotic locations, such as Dubai, South Korea and even inside Dolly Parton's namesake amusement park in Tennessee; but its ByWard Market location in Ottawa is the longest running at 38 years and counting.
Enough about fried dough for now, here's where The Launch winners Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine love to eat, drink and catch some live music when they've got some downtime in Ottawa.
Breakfast
Jamie and Elijah do most of their recording in Perth, a small town that is just a short drive from Ottawa. This charming little cafe is a tasty place to kick off their day.
Elijah: [When we're in Perth], Jamie and I go to Sunflower Bakeshop and have some quiche and a slice of carrot cake.
Lunch
Jamie: Headquarters! They have awesome food there. It is a really cool new spot in Ottawa (on Clarence Street in the ByWard Market) and everyone should go check it out!
Dinner
Jamie: There is a Vietnamese spot called Pho Bo Ga L.A. It is on the Somerset Street in Chinatown in Ottawa, and it is absolutely phenomenal!
Drinks
Elijah: We really like going to Ppl. (pronounced: people). They have a really great music scene and they showcase a lot of artists, which we really enjoy.
Jamie: On Wednesday nights, they bring local artists, and it was a free show for the longest time. Now, it’s just a couple bucks to get in and they have great drinks, great peers and great music. It is definitely a place that brings attention to live music here in Ottawa.
Listen: Elijah Wods x Jamie Fine "Ain't Easy"
The next episode of The Launch airs Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO.
