ottawa foodies

Spotted on Montreal road near Granville, a sign in an empty store window for a Haitian restaurant opening soon, it intrigued me a bit simply because I have no idea what Haitian cuisine is. Also spotted on Dalhousie in the little part tucked in behind the Rideau centre...a sign for a new Mexican place going in at the very end of the street.

Anyone else spotted anything interesting?

Bobby's in the Canotek Business Park is shut down. Aparently the rent went up and they decided not to renew their lease.

The windows are covered with brown paper, and I assume it will reopen with new owners. Bobby's was a popular diner-type restaurant in the industrial park for many years, and offered live music on the weekends.

We (the residents of the park) miss it alot, and look forward to see what is next for that location.

Aunt Olive's at 209 Gilmour Street (west/just off Elgin Street) recently opened. This place may (possibly) be quite good albeit a tad...um...unusual. I looked in the window when they were closed. Small - there's just three 60s/70's-style vinyl tables & chairs and a sofa. Very...relaxed. In the window? A dangling assortment of black boots for sale (25% off!). There's also clothes for sale (and a washing machine) at the back. Anyone confused yet?

The menu does, however, hint at something minimal and good. Salads, soups, and six different sandwiches (ex. prosciutto & pear with aioli on dark rye, grilled veggie with goat cheese & tapenade on light rye). My stomach growled reading the selection. Prices are in the 3-9 buck range.

In Hull, in front of where La Station used to be, there's a new "Columbian" restaurant. It's very small, but a Columbian friend of mine said it was very good and authentic. I'll probably be trying it this coming weekend. It's more of a "lunch" place, or takeout. There are maybe 4 tables and it's very small.