Are you familiar with SoPa? 

In an effort to generate buzz, local business owners and restaurateurs have come up with a creative name for the region just south of Parliament Hill.

"Triangle Below Canal Street" is what gives Tribeca its name. "South of Houston Street" is what gives SoHo its name. In Ottawa, the area south of Parliament will be known as SoPa

The purpose of SoPa is to make the downtown Ottawa entertainment sector more noticeable.

The name is part of a branding strategy that business owners in the area use to bring people downtown.

And where is SoPa?

Elgin Street to Bronson Avenue and Wellington to Nepean Streets are the boundaries of the area.

Defining and separating the region is one of SoPa's objectives. A map of the new district has been made by the organizers. The region around Lyon Street is to the west, Parliament Hill is directly to the north, Somerset Street is to the south, Elgin Street is to the east, and so on. On the map, you can see popular places to stay and eat, as well as the closest LRT stations. Copies will be sent to nearby hotels so that guests and tourists can share them.

Restaurants support a grassroots campaign to revitalize the city centre by hosting a gastronomic event at Queen Street Fare. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, organizers are having a SoPa launch party with delectable food cooked by some of the city's top chefs and the sounds of live jazz for $75 per ticket.  The special event is taking place from 7 to 10 p.m. inside Queen St. Fare at 170 Queen St.

Organizers are having the naming and launch event on Feb. 8 at Queen Street Fare. Tickets are $75. The event will feature dishes prepared by some of the city’s top chefs. Buy tickets & support local!

Chefs from some of my favourite Ottawa area restaurants: 

Joe Thottungal (Thali), 

Adam Vettorel (North & Navy), Stephen La Salle (Cocotte Bistro), 

Kenton Leier (the National Art Centre's 1 Elgin Restaurant), and Katie Ardington 

will take part in the official launch (Beckta Dining & Wine).

All of them are volunteering their time. 

The companies in Ottawa's "South of Parliament" district are depicted on the map above. 

The launch party's proceeds will aid in raising the initial funds needed by organizers to begin promoting SoPa, a play on Lower Manhattan's SoHo neighbourhood. Social media is being used to advertise the event, especially Instagram.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article, and I hope you can attend the event on February 8th at Queen Street Fare to support these fabulous local businesses.