Meet Your Neighbour

Meet Your Neighbour: Jennifer Bardwell

Who are you? What do you do?

My name is Jennifer Bardwell. I live on Lonsdale with my husband Roland, and daughter Laura. For many years, I was a scientist at the National Research Council. Eventually, I discovered that I enjoyed cooking and entertaining more than I did my scientific work, so I took an early retirement and went to Algonquin College for the Culinary Management Program. Now, I own a business, LucieECooking Inc, where I do private catering and prepare healthy and delicious frozen dinners which come packaged in re-usable or compostable containers. 

Where were you born?

I was born in Saskatoon.

Why did you choose your occupation?  Did you ever consider another occupation?

My father was a university professor, and all three of us kids eventually did PhDs in science. My father used to take us into his chemistry lab, and he really instilled a love of science and logic into our lives. I remember being so excited in Grade 4 when we were supposed to be doing an experiment in the afternoon at school. Finally, I was able to do what I wanted! It was a bit of a letdown; I think it involved measuring the temperature as heat was applied to an ice bath.

Obviously, I also considered a cooking career later in life. 

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Family comes first.

Why do you live in Manor Park?

We bought our first house on Camelia, and we found it a great neighbourhood. Very convenient for me to ride my bike to NRC, quiet, safe, and lovely walks, the RCMP stables, Musical Ride. When we had our first daughter, we needed more space and moved to Lonsdale. I can’t imagine living elsewhere in Ottawa, although during the pandemic, with five people and three dogs in the house, I dreamed of a small apartment just for me!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go and why?

My husband is Italian, and through him, I have Italian citizenship. I would love to live in the centre of Rome, or in a lovely town on a lake called Anguillara Sabazia. I enjoy everything about Italy; the food, the scenery, the climate, and the friendly people.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose?

Bruce Springsteen, Jane Austen, and my paternal grandfather. He was a fun person, and he died before I was an adult, so I would like to get to know him better.

What would you serve?

Prime rib roast, brandy peppercorn sauce, Roman style artichokes, roasted potatoes, green salad with lemon garlic dressing and Pavlova with fruit and whipped cream.

What was the last book you read?

Still Life by Sarah Winman. It takes place over four decades, in Italy and England. It makes you realize that despite living through momentous historical events, it is the personal connections that really matter.

Who would you get to star as you in your memoirs?

Oh, I’m not a movie buff of any kind. Maybe Jamie Lee Curtis? I think she looks a tiny bit like me.

If I won the lottery, I would spend my winnings on…?

A beautifully renovated place in the centre of Rome, and a weekend place in Anguillara Sabazia. But first, I would pay off our daughter Emma’s mortgage and buy Laura a place of her own.

What do you do to stay healthy?

My job is active and involves heavy lifting. I am stronger now than before I started the business. But I also go for walks and do a series of daily exercises to keep the aches and pains away.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

In high school, when our completely amateur and untrained dance group was chosen to perform at the Centennial Auditorium, which is Saskatoon’s equivalent to the NAC.

My favourite thing about Ottawa is…?

Spring, when the winter is finally over, and the trees are just coming out.

My least favourite thing about Ottawa is…?

Shopping at Costco. I must do it for my business.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still in Ottawa, with the business running so smoothly that I can afford to travel more extensively.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

Kindness costs nothing.

What do you hope to teach your children?

They are both adults now, hopefully, my job is done. Although there always seems to be mending coming my way!