ottawa foodies

Hintonburg will soon have another new place open- A cafe in the old Habesha space near Giant Tiger.

We are still waiting for the Wood-fired pizza place and Dish to open in their respective spaces.

I also noticed that Natural Pantry is going into the space next to Bushtakah. Makes sense as their is no other store of that nature in Westboro (excluding the section in Superstore).

Sooooo excited about Natural Pantry in the space next to Bushtukah. The cafe in the old Habesha was sampling treats at Taste of Wellington West and they were quite yummy.

Saw that West End Station is gone and as of yesterday looked liked "pacifica" sign was up. The sign wasn't fully completed so we shall see what this means.

As for downtown, I keep passing by the empty "Bowich" front. Anyone know when that's coming? New (and hopefully healthy) fast lunch options are always good.

I also noticed the replacement for West End Station today. At first glance, the restaurant seems to be called "la" but the sign might be misleading:

_______________ la _______________
CUISINE______________PACIFIC RIM

The word "la" is in lowercase and I think it had a circle behind it. The other words were quite far away from the "la." At first, I presumed it to be Los Angeles style cuisine (whatever that is) -- after all, L.A. is part of the Pacific Rim. However, further investigation uncovered an incorporated business having the name of "la cuisine pacific rim" so the "la" is probably just "the" in French.

The associated domain name was reserved in August: www.tastereports.com

And now I've created the vendor here: la Cuisine Pacific Rim

Does anyone know what will be filling the space of Puzzles in Westboro? I have heard rumours that it is going to be a Heart & Crown, but I can't seem to confirm it.

Proulx, I heard that it was going to be a greek restaurant, but also only rumours...

The area desperately needs a good restaurant/pub, NOT another clothing store!!!

I heard that a Clocktower pub was going into the ground floor of one of the new condos in that area.

Puzzles is going to be a Corner Bar and Grill. Which, at the very least, will provide another good breakfast spot.

The lighting shop will be an Irish pub, owned by the folks at Milgaro. (Though, oddly, the building permit is in the name of the guy who owns the Danish Furniture place on Wellington)

Life of Pie just moved to a new, bigger location at Bank and Sunnyside in Old Ottawa South. It's gorgeous and delicious!

What's up with the pizza(?) place next to The Elmdale Tavern ? Long time .. no open yet.

As for the old lighting store in Westboro ... Yes it will be a pub. i know one of the guys involved.

As for Puzzles in Westboro ... I've heard a number of things... A Royal Oak ... A Heart and Crown and now a Corner Bar and Grill

LWB .. can you confirm the Corner Bar and Grill?

Anyone else got any 'inside' info ? I'm 'Puzzled' !

Corner Bar and Grill was reported by Andrea of the blog Peek Inside the Fishbowl, who's on the Westboro BIA.

Also, when the paneling was off over the weekend, you could see a bit of the lobby space, between where the doors will be; it will be very much in the stil of other Corner Bar and Grills.

Thanks LWB !

la Cuisine Pacific Rim will be a fine dining, French/Asian fusion restaurant with a fresh sushi bar and high end wines. The owner's name is La Lim - He was also co-owner with his brother of Thi Fusion in Kanata (which had a write up in Fresh Bites), and this is his 4th area restaurant.
Hope this helps -

Puzzles Space WILL become a Corner Bar & Grill.

Also another little gem that may open in Westboro soon, is a takeout plaqce that specialises in, in-house cold smoked (and maybe hot smoked) meats, (sandwiches, salads, over rice, etc).

Puzzles >>> Corner Bar and Grill...i was in there today surveying the basement/cellar for the building owner.

one thing is for sure in the restaurant biz...things are always changing.

Farm Boy will be opening a store in early 2011 in Britannia Plaza, 1495 Richmond Road, beside Rainbow Foods. Nice.
www.farmboy.ca

spud guy?... details?... what do you mean? It won't be a Corner Bar and Grill?

I think, chopper, that spud guy was just saying that it will be, as in Puzzles -> (is going to be) Corner Bar & Grill. arrow as a directional sign of change?

CC- The sign is now up for the pizza place next to Elmdale Tavern and I can actually see that they've got the counter up etc. Looks like things are getting closer.

They also appear to be doing something in the Levonian space next to Hino.

Not much happening in the space that had a liquor application for "Dish" on the corner of Fairmont and Wellington.

There's 2 new places opening up in my area in the new little while.

1) Tutti Frutti breakfast - a Quebec chain that will be in direct competition with Cora's. Soon opening on Merivale Rd where Grand Central used to be.

2) Resto Bambu - Asian combo of Thai, Chinese and Japanese. Owned by Yangtze restaurant. Opening soon in the T&T supermarket plaza On Hunt Club and Riverside.

Both look interesting!

The old electric scooter shop in Hintonburg is reopening as a fish market

A new Clocktower Brew Pub is slated (unconfirmed) to go into the ground floor of the next phase of Westboror Station Condo's.

From:
forum.skyscraperpage.com

"According to someone in the sales office, tenants for the Phase II and II of Westboro Station include TD Canada Trust, Shoppers Drugmart and Clocktower Pub!"

Anyone else hear this ?

www.westborostation.com

WHA!!!!!!!!!!!

To be honest, I'm more annoyed about the Shoppers than the Clocktower. The Shoppers Drug Mart that went in the Glebe completely destroyed the Pharmasave next to the Metro. Surely the Pharmasave across the street from the condo will have no chance.

Also, moving TD Canada Trust doesn't make a lot of sense, seeing as how there's another location a few blocks west at Lincoln Fields and the current location (Churchill and Richmond) is well established.

/OT

ETA: Oops. Earlier I mentioned that Andrea was on the Westboro BIA....all lies. My bad. *cowers* She's super involved in community politics though!

lwb - curious as to way you say that about glebe pharmasave (glebe apothocary)? from my experience, they seem to be doing well. i am in there regularly. they have expanded and increased the speciality/unique health products they carry - these are much different than shoppers and always have been. twice in the past month the pharmacy at shoppers in the glebe has sent me down to the apothocary to get over the counter specialty stuff.

I don't frequent the Glebe Apothocary as much as you probably do, HFF. But, my experience was that they definitely reworked their stock after SDM moved in - they are still busy, but working now more on the health products, rather than what Shoppers does with more mainstream products.

I suppose my issue here is less with the Pharmasave business being threatened by Shoppers, and more that Shoppers has a pretty bad track record as an employer and their customer service isn't anything to write home about either.

/OT

This is a great topic! Love hearing the ins and outs around town.
Speaking of...please let me know if any of you hear of restaurant spaces coming up for lease. I am looking for one:)
Thanks

MMaF - what area are you looking in...what's your timing? There should be lots of scope in the Lansdowne Park area in a couple of years.

I wouldn't be too worried about Shoppers.
They seem to be more of a food and cosmetics store thesedays,and post office.
The pharmasave that seems more like an actual drugstore.

Shoppers,some of them do have a very big natural supplement section now.
I've seen Rescure remede and A Vogel products I like at a few stores.

Shoppers,some of them on bank street near walkley they used to sell a lot of gourmet seasonings that were really good.
One used to have roasted hazelnut oil,citrus fleur de sel and lots other fancy ingredients.
That store now does not sell those items any more..which is too bad as they were harder to find.

There is the "Alpha Soul Cafe" opening up next to Hino on Wellington. I would love a funky little place for coffee. They have a liquor license app. posted so I'm not sure about the coffee aspect.

... and more info on the pizza place taking the 'ol Melrose place ... next to The Elmdale House Tavern on Wellington St. West.

Also info on Dish and the the Levonian Shirt Maker Shop next to Hino.

www.ottawamagazine.com

Tennessy Willems ? .. I thought they may have mispelled Tennessy Williams.... Anyone know why such a name ?

Captain Caper - I believe it is named after their sons.

I am lucky enough to live in the hintonburg hood and found out that Alpha Soul Cafe will be opening where Levonian is now, the owners is the same (she'll still be tailoring upstairs). They will be doing small plates & wines. Looking forward to their opening, hopefully near the end of October. I also know that Happy Goat Coffee Co will be opening on the opposite side of the street. Their coffee is fantastic (you can order it on line), it's qulity artisan, fair trade, organic coffee roasted fresh! They hope to be opening in Jan 2011.

I am looking for a space to be open (hopefully) by next fall if not earlier. Love that there is so much opening in the Burg:)

We've opened the Manotick Village Butcher here in Manotick (Main St. in the parking lot behind Lasting Impressions). We're focusing on locally raised meats with no hormones and no routine antibiotics - direct from the farm. Website is www.manotickvillagebutcher.com

There is a new coffee and crepe shop (Luna Cafe, I think) on the March Road, Kanata, same strip mall as the Royal Oak. I haven't tried it yet but do look forward to something a little different. Will keep you posted.

Anyone been to the Havana Cafe, a new Cuban snack joint that has opened its doors at 1200 Bank St?

Have never heard of Havana Cafe- sounds interesting.
I will write the address down and make a trip there soon!

hopefully it is affordable and good.

Rumour has it, the new Petro-Canada at the corner of Parkdale and Wellington will house a Tim Hortons! Or at least, the On the Run version. It's about time, I'd say!!

Oh gawd help us all - a Tim Horton's. Sigh.

New Havana Cafe on Bank St. is both delicious and affordable! I was very pleasantly surprised to find sandwiches like the Classic Cuban for only $5 each. I added Yuca fries for an extra couple bucks, which come with a garlic/lime dip- so so so good! I would definitely recommend it!

My understanding is that the only reason why a Tim Hortons wasn't placed there sooner was because they wanted a drive-thru. Originally, it was going to be where The Table is now, but Timmy's insisted on a drive-thru, and there was substantial protest about that.

Where on Bank is the New Havana? Because yuca fries alone would make it worth going, IMO

The change from Sunoco to Petro Canada is certainly amusing from one point of view.

I have been a Petro Can shareholder for a number of years now, and then last year Suncore Energy bought Petro Canada - so now I'm a Suncore shareholder. Sunoco is of course a Suncore brand.

So essentially it is just a rebranding going on - I guess Suncore figures Petro Canada is a more marketable name. I wish they'd do something useful because my shares have been languishing since I bought them - even after the buyout by Suncore.

New Havana is kind of near Sunnyside I think.
The restaurant looks pretty small from the outside.

Havana is located at Bank and Cameron in Old Ottawa South. The Yucca Fries are delicious!

Ugh... I like Tim Hortons but hate anything that adds more congestion to the corner of Parkdale and Wellington.

Horray! No Tim Horton's there! Signs are all up and it says "Neighbours Coffee" on a great big sign

Good to hear. If they want a Tims, put a kiosk in Holland Cross.

I noticed the fishmonger just west of Giant Tiger is open and advertising specials in the window- I saw tilapia, sable fish (yum!)and smoked salmon- not sure if house made listed. The lobsters in the tank looked kinda lonely in the dark.

Good topic this...

'New Havana' is actually HAVANA CAFE. Bank st a few blocks south of Sunnyside. Does Cuban food, take-out and catering and a few tables. And the yucca are highly addictive.

INFUSION BISTRO on Bank in the Glebe is changing into 'PLATES', small plates and wine bar thing. Looks like Taylors and 4th Ave now have some more competition.

SCORES (already in Kanata and Gatineau) just opened at the Trainyards. Similar to Swiss Chalet or St Hubert's but the ayce salad bar is a nice improvement over those chains.

Scores is still a big chain. But they are bigger in Quebec.
I have eaten there in Montreal once, and it was good. Can't really remember my meal-they had bbq chicken,ribs and some salad bar buffet thing with a lot of cold salads.
Taylor's is good, but with the price of the 4 item charcuterie plate at $25 + tax-that is kind of a lot. And the portions are pretty small.
The food is good at Taylors,but not always that budget friendly.

St Huberts I know they used to have all you can eat coleslaw,bread and sauce when you eat it.
Swiss Chalet- they have a lunch special that is usually unadvertised (but i had to go there and review it for my work last year,lol).
You get AYCE salad,breadsticks and soup for $9?
-salad is a garden salad and usually good,soup-there was 2 soups, breadsticks-those were garlic breadsticks and reminded me of the Dempsters ones you get frozen from the store (those are fine,used to get those a lot before).
There was nothing on the menu for this lunch special, you have to ask or maybe call to be sure they still have this.

Walked by the old North Face shop in Westboro and saw the permit approvals request*. The building is owned by Domicile, of course, but the new tenant is one "Naked Fish Sushi". I assume that means Westboro will get its second sushi shop.

I for one am displeased. Diversity makes a neighbourhood flourish, not high end retail and redundancy.

Sigh.

*I used to work for the city in this capacity, so I sort of seek these things out.

Saw this in the window the other day.

Did a search for Royal Thai Restaurant and it gave me: 272 Dalhousie Street. Then did a search for 311 Dalhousie Street re: the sign and it came up with Palais Imperial Chinese Restaurant. Hmm....

(Wasn't sure if this was appropriate for this thread or not but wanted to get the word out.)

TUTTI FRUTTI - on Merivale just south of baseline/heron, in what used to be (the not missed) Grand Central Deli.

Family breakfast/lunch place along the lines of Coras but menu is a tiny bit more creative (omlette sliders!!!!!!!!).

Been open maybe two weeks, servers somewhat finding their way but food was solid. Potentially GREAT addition to that strip mall.

CCJ's Steakhouse in Kanata

It is in the old Local Hero's on Carling near March.

Has anyone been? The website looks "upscale", the menu varies wildly, but I am interested in the brazilian aspect.... just concerned that the prices are high and the menu is unfocused.

Every "good" online review I have been able to find is posted by a user with exactly 1 review and was posted on the same day the user joined the site... which reduces the credibility of the review to nil, IMO.

we found a TUTTI FRUTTI in Quebec city a several years ago and kids loved... a must stop for us when visiting Quebec. Now on Merivale, we will look for it.

I thought Tennessy Willems would be open by now. Anyone hear of a specific date?

A new bakery/cupcake shop, Thimble Cakes, at 369 Bank Street (right beside the Herb & Spice).
Not yet open and the windows are papered-over but there's a sign "Free Cupcakes December 18th".

I will try and mark that down and go on Bank st that afternoon.
The 18th is a Saturday and I'll still be in Ottawa.

There seems to be too many "cupcake" shops in Ottawa lately.
Like how many more times do people just want to eat cupcakes?
I think the stores that sell more than 1 kind of item will do better.

Tennessy Willems is opening today!

(As for cupcake-specific shops, there is only one that I know of, The Flour Shoppe. The other ones who sell cupcakes, such as Isobel's and Buttercream Bakery, do other baked goods as well)

I think Thimble Cakes will be cupcakes only. I wrote bakery but, if I'm recalling correctly, their (temporary) sign says "cupcakery".

I wonder who will be the first to go in and say "I'd like that but larger. Enough to serve 8 to 10 people." :)

Has anyone tried Tennessy Willems yet? I heard that the menu will be available at the Elmdale as well. Not sure if they will deliver over or you have to pick up though?...

Another place that does mostly cupcakes (they have a brownie too and sometimes another thing) is Aunty Loos bakery on Bronson.

When I went there it was 4 kinds of cupcakes and 1 other thing!

Um, actually, when I've been to Auntie Loo's, she's had regular sized cake as well as squares.

My point is that there are few places in the city that do only cupcakes.

Tried Tennesse Willems pizza and it's wood fired thin crust was delicious, hubby had the haliut dish and said it was top notch.
Yes the menu is available at the Elmdale, and yes they deliver here.

Greek Souvlaki Shack, 258 Bank St at Cooper, East side of Bank.

For a place called a 'Shack', it's more like a Bistro. Small, cute but tasteful inside, clean, entirely pleasant owner is also the chef and server.

Haven't been there enough to state this with authority yet, but it may, just maybe, turn out to be the best Greek food in O-town.

Tennessy Willems is really, really good. I've been three times now, food was amazing each time, and the service improves every day.

Naked Fish Sushi just opened up in Westboro and looks like the Corner Bar and Grill is due to open soon (though they wanted to open before Christmas)

Does anyone know if the Greek Souvlaki Shack has any connection to the late Greek Souvlaki House? thx.

"Does anyone know if the Greek Souvlaki Shack has any connection to the late Greek Souvlaki House? thx."

None. I asked. Totally different owner, no staff in common.
Better tasting food tho.

(Of course, the late lamented GSHouse retains the record for sheer massive huge quantity of extraneous carbs per plate).

In new openings, there's a crepe place opening in the new structure opposite the McDonalds/next to the Drummonds gas station, on Bronson just south of the Queensway.

Went to Naked fish Sushi yesterday and quite enjoyed it. I tried only a few sashimi but was delighted to see that they had uni on the menu. It was fresh! Not as fresh as tsukiji LOL, but nice to find a place that can provide a fresher version than some that nearly killed me at another japanese restaurant in town.

Manila's Best on Carling has closed and its place, soon to open, will be Ishina Indian Restaurant. Not certain, but assume its a new branch / locale of this Ishina?

Corner Bar & Grill in Westboro is now open.

Coras on merrivale is no more.
The franchise term has expired and they are now going on there own.
Soft opening tonight and reopening Thursday am
Still have not chosen a name I believe

Spotted a sign indicating a new Malaysian restaurant opening soon in Chinatown...

The location is the basement spot where Vietnam Noodle House (I think that was the name...) used to be.

Keeping my hopes in check but very excited anyways... I could really use a nice nasi lemak...

They even have a proper Malay name: pedas, which means spicy...

pedas.ca/

Not exactly that exciting but there is a Boston pizza now next to the canadian Tire on Carling close to Churchill.

This photo was taken on Dalhousie (where Mon Cadeau used to be).
Murray's Market Charcuterie
Locally Farmed Food
Opening Soon Spring 2011

If anyone knows anything more on this one, people involved etc. please post and/or PM me.

It looks like they are affiliated with Murray Street Kitchen Wine Charcuterie: www.murraystreet.ca/ (Info is on left 1/3 of the way down...)

Here's the citizen article from November on the venture:
www.ottawacitizen.com

saw that there was a "cupcake lounge" opening up between zak's and blue cactus. right across the street from the sausage factory. Not sure what the opening timeline is or if they are affiliated to the one in Kanata. Just walked by it today.

As for the murray street deli. They will have about 15/20 seats. Will be everything from a deli, butchery, smokehouse, and restaurant. Can't wait, sounds awesome!!

Schnitzel Works on Cyrville - I just noticed this place, think it's new.

Anyone tried?

communities.canada.com

Loka Moka micro-roasters :-)

www.lokamoka.ca

We roast for you. Let us know exactly what you want and we can do it. We may not hit the nail on the head the first time but we keep meticulous notes so tell us how to tweak it and we can do that.

Do you get a discount if you don't "hit the nail on the head the first time" ?

Zym, congrats on the new business venture. Hope it does well for you!

saw Habesha moved to Rideau just this side of Charlotte

Hasn't Habesha been there for a year and a half?

The Joey,s on Bank has closed and a new restaurant is opening there as well. Drove by but couldn't catch the name. Will try next pass by.

Ken (Just to close the circle) The Joey's is going to be the Knight and Firkin: just one more in the ever-expanding Noun + Firkin empire.

Momomoto there will be two new Firkin pubs one beside the Loblaws and one on Bank close to rideau bakery? Cool!

I had no idea! Which noun are they using for that one?

As mentioned before, anything to give the Royal Oaks some competition is probably going to be good. Who knows? Maybe the Oak'll start offering Caffrey's on tap again...

So did they just take over all the Joey's locations? Is there a Joey's in Kanata still? or is that going to be Firkenized as well?

The Kanata centrum location changed to Digby's Seafood. Other than the fact that the they kept the "seafood" part of the sign above the entrance, I know nothing of the restaurant.

FYI - the new Firkin on Merivale @ Baseline will be called Firkin & Knight, and opening this spring.

Pretty sure the former Joey's on Bank is becoming a Digby's, not a Firkin pub.
Anyone know the chain? Seem's Red Lobster'esque but i could (hopefully) be wrong.

Anyone know what's become of the Cora's on Merivale?

It's now called The family kitchen and is owned by the same people
They came to the end of there term with coras and decided to go on there own.
Now open till 7 pm offer more options and better priced.
Must mention that they are not over seasoning there food.
So some might find the food a little bland.
Can always add your own salt and pepper.

I saw on the sign that Family Kitchen is not open until 8am. I'm guessing they won't do a lot of breakfast business.

I saw a sign for a new store opening in the glebe - Alex's Bread & Deli. It is right beside the Glebe Meat Market. The sign is out, but I didn't notice an opening date.

re: HFF's post about Alex's Bread & Deli:
Thanks for the heads up. :) According to the old (no longer available) job posting it is a Latin-French fusion Bakery and Deli.

My friend is the chef/baker at Alex's Bread and Deli. It's gonnnnnna be good.

Hey all - anyone have any details about the new AYCE sushi restaurant at Bank/Albert where Cathay used to be? Last week their sign said opening soon, this week it says open but when I tried going over there the door was still locked..??

OK, let's have another kick at this can :-)

Bytown Beanery

Custom micro-roasted coffee. Let us know how you want it roasted, and we're happy to do it for you!

Zym-
I like the name!

Yeah, I'm actually happy I chose a name so similar to another place because we ended up with a much better name.

Looks like AlphaSoul is now open.

See entry: www.wellingtonwest.ca

also see:

Alpha Soul Cafe

Alex's bakery is pretty good.
But they seem to run out of sandwiches very q uickly and do not restock...last week I saw quite a few people wanted a roast beef or chicken? or something sandwich and the girl working there was telling people "sorry we just have a chick pea or tuna left...."

I was eating a slice of their homemade pizza in the store.
It was good and thin crust, a slice was $2.50 and there was one with mixed cheese and vegetable and the other I forget.
I would get their pizza again.

Today also went by Alex's and was hoping to get pizza...did not see any.
they had some nice looking cake slices in the fridge-did not try them..will do that next week.

I ended up getting a slice of banana bread and a chocolate and pistachio biscotti.
Banana bread was $2.50 and a very big slice- had real pieces of banana,some chocolate/dark chocolate bits,walnuts.
I did not know there would be chocolate in it or nuts,but it was still very good.
The biscotti looks like it has a lot of cocoa in it and is very dark, there are whole pistachios in it,there is a dried fruit in it and I can't tell what it is (apricot maybe...it is a chewy fruit).
The biscotti was $1,I think they change the flavors all the time.

Also bought a sourdough loaf when they first opened.
The loaves are round a very heavy, they put them in a heavy paper bag for you to take home.
You need a very good bread knife for that bread-the outside is very crisp.
The bread was very fresh,would get some again....I froze part of my loaf as it is too much for 1 person.

Alex's also had some store-made hamburger buns today I think it was $1.50 for 4 and you can also buy 1/2 a loaf white bread.
I was told they make everything from scratch.

I will probably pop by there every saturday after my 2 hours of dance classes across the street at alana's.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Not 'new" but I was going down Bank st and saw Malak pastry, they are now making ice cream and sorbet again.
A small cup with 2 small scoops is $3 and a larger cup is $4.
Today they had blueberry ice cream/gelato,mint chocolate chip,milk chocolate,banana,berry sorbet, rasberry or a red sorbet,coconut ice cream,mango I think and 2 kinds of Ashta arabic ice creams.

I had the blueberry gelato and the almond Ashta ice cream.
Both were very good!

According to liquor license applications and hearsay, there should be a Clocktower Pub opening on Richmond (just West of Westboro, from what I can tell.. near the Rogers TV buildingish) sometime soon-- anyone have any other details? Opening date, etc?

Maybe just new to me?
A Miele appliance gallery on Bank (at Gladstone). Hello! Where have I been?
They have an active kitchen and a learning techniques & tips evening coming up.

mieleonbank.ca/

I think the Miele store IS new, AMR. I first noticed it last week too. There is a store in Westboro, just west I think of the LCBO on Wellington, same said, that carries Miele among other brands, but the Bank/Gladstone one is exclusively Miele.

I also saw one last week off the 15 north of Mtl (Boisbriand, Ste-Rose, one of those exurbs), which I didn't recall last driving there a few months ago.

Serious Cheese

Serious cheese is moving to Kanata in the fall. It will be nice to have some good sandwiches in the area. Only good sandwiches I'm finding right now are the generous and tasty ones at the Stittsville meat market.

Serious Cheese is moving more to the Bells Corners part of Kanata.

As for Clocktower, it's going into the Westboro Station condos, across from Starbucks at Golden; there will be a patio out front and a Shoppers Drug Mart next to it, like many other condos in the area ;)

Serious Cheese is moving to the current location of the Natural Food Pantry (south side of Hazeldean near Castlefrank) -- the heart of Kanata. Natural Food Pantry is moving to the new strip mall between Terry Fox and Iber/Huntmar.

GIVE IT BACK DAMN YOU KANATA YOU BACON MAC AND CHEESE STEALING SUBURBASTARDS GIVE IT BAAAAACK!!!!

...sorry, sorry, really not taking this well....

FreshFoodie, yes that is what the owner told me this weekend. It will be nice to have a good sandwich place close to work.

Murray Street Deli on Dalhousie is expected to open at the end of next week.

Old Ottawa South getting an artisan gelateria (Italian ice cream parlor) at the old Phase 2 location on Bank just south of Sunnyside.

SO HAPPY!!!!!!

Linky and go to page 9

www.oldottawasouth.ca

re: "cupcake lounge" opening up between zak's and blue cactus...

I've walked past, the paper is still on the windows but the door was open and I saw that there were people inside baking up a storm. No idea about how their stuff tastes but based on this and the website, it looks like The Cupcake Lounge is open: www.thecupcakelounge.net

Hello all! We wanted to introduce ourselves as the owners of a new restaurant - Burnt Butter Italian Kitchen - coming to Hintonburg this summer. In describing us, we like to say "Italian Inspired. Inventive In Spirit."

We will be taking over the space at 1100 Wellington West as of June 1st (with some renos, hope to open mid July). We are a husband and wife team with a passion for food and community - and are so excited to have this opportunity to open in Hintonburg!

Our web site will be up shortly - in the meantime we have a placeholder page @ www.burntbutter.ca

Isn't that where Phnom Penh is? Are they closing? :((

Yes, it is where Phnom Penh is currently located. They are closing. We have a lot of respect for the current owners and have worked closely with them over the last little while as they help us with this new transition.

Wow, I have to say that is a cool name. Very original. Nice spot, too. I recall going there back in 2004 when it was a French resto called Amuse-gueule.

Man, Hintonburg is really happening lately.

All the best with the grand opening!

Noticed that Mexicalie Rosas on Hunt Club Road has closed.
Also what happened to Simply biscotti on Preston Street? Went for a walk on Monday and noticed they had gone.?

cakelady, simply biscotti is still there. right across from starbucks. simply b has put out their patio again too.

Hello to everybody
I am a new in Ottawa.
I make decorative cakes for over 6 years and I continue my home based
business here.
Please visit my site for more details
wix.com/sweetsongcake/irina

I hope you will like my creatures.
Thanks

Irina

The Cupcake Lounge will have a "soft" opening this weekend with a "hard" opening this Tuesday.

Enjoy!

"I hope you will like my creatures." hahah that's just funny.

The Mexicali on hunt club is now Twisted Lizards. Anyone have info on this yet? Sounds Tex Mex as well.

Wonder if this is just the next Willie and Juan's...

@tourist re: Willie and Juan's - how are they? Can anyone offer any reviews?
Reason I am asking is because I saw that SwarmJam has them on offer as a special today: 52% Off a $25 Voucher for Handmade Mexican Food at The Original Willie and Juan's www.swarmjam.com

Tossibilities (formerly Toss it up) on Sparks at Bank just became 'Ned and Pini's Panini Bar'.

Too bad. I liked Toss'. they did really great wraps, albeit pricier than the usual downtown 3.99 fare, but overall better quality.

live4food; i haven't eaten there.. but I just heard that the owner remains the same, he only dropped the Mexicali Rosas franchise and renamed the restaurant. Apparently not much has changed, except that they no longer offer free chips and salsa.

Murray's Market is open for business this morning!

Picked up some gorgeous ramps, le Coprin mushrooms, summer sausage and cretons.

It's a nice wood paneled / floored open space. There's a large deli counter, cheese counter, shelves for produce, a fridge / freezer section for prepared foods, a counter for fresh sandwiches, meat cones, lunch foods etc and a coffee bar / table space near the front window to sit and eat.

I think Willie and Juan's is kind of like Mexicali Rosa's,but renamed.
It might be ok,but I have eaten at places that were Mexicali Rosa's and then renamed and food was only ok, didn't make me want to go back.

But if it is a coupon deal, it could be a cheap ok meal out I guess.

I did not know Serious Cheese was moving :(
Was just there today and the guy working never said anything about that.
Their pasta w cheese is very good, guess I will go back to making my own then....

That gelato place opening on Bank st sounds really good.
Can't wait to try the crepes and waffles and other things.
-There already is a gelato/ice cream shop in that area though, but Malak does not have ice cream year round (unless you call and order that is.....my mother always orders 2 liters when she is in town).
Well, I kind of guess Malak is not Gelato since it is made by Middle Eastern people??

MSD...what is a "meat cone"??
never heard of that before!

Visted the Red Apron's new location today. Beautiful space! More retail focused than their previous location across the street. Lucky for us, because they have some really nice locally produced items.
I also visted Murray's Market today. Warm and welcoming and easy to move in even when it was full of people. So much to choose from, I had a really difficult time choosing.
Now it's time for a glass of wine and a sampling of today's finds!

a meat cone is a wax paper filled cone with all different types of good charcuterie, topped with gribiche sauce and gruyere...i think. this is what they served at kelp fest 17 last weekend. was delicious.

For those who are interested, Phenom Penh Noodle House, which is going out of business, is also sold out of their hot sauce... however, I have a special order of 20 jars coming to me next Thursday... and I'm willing to part with some of them at cost... private message me if you are interested.

The meat cone was a highlight of kelp 17. Could use another one right now.

There is a new lunch place on Sparks called Freshii: www.freshii.com/menu.php It looks alot like Toss It Up in concept but with an interesting mix of Asian, Mexican and Southern flair.

Linking to the "Mill Street Brewery coming to Otttawa" thread: Forum - Mill Street Brewery coming to Otttawa as it is another opening. :)

"Mill Street Brewery will open a restaurant and brewery at the Old Mill, located along the Ottawa River, near Lebreton Flats, this fall."

A new restaurant just opened across the street from The Museum of Civilization in Hull. It's in the Sheraton Four Points hotel, it's called L'Ardoise. I ate there last night and the food was fantastic. I had the Osso Bucco and the Apple Crumble. Everything was cooked to perfection and super tasty. The pricing was very reasonable. They just finished renovations, and it has a very chic retro art deco look to it. I highly recommend you check this one out.

New Mucho Burrito location "opening soon" in the Walmart Plaza on Baseline.

New Second Cup location also "opening soon" in the Walmart Plaza on Baseline

The SmoQue Shack
129 York St

communities.canada.com

Put that one on the list of restaurants with weird spelling!

Forum - Weird spellings bad for business?

Just a FYI, the Walmart plaza is called Laurentian Place I believe. I ride the bus by it everyday.

Oh ok... in memory of the school that was demolished in order to build a walmart... so sad!

Something new will be replacing Famous Frenchies/Frenzies.

Shawarma Express will replace Espresso Deli

There is a new Shawarma place opening up next to Pizza Italie in Hull

Meh... nothing really to exciting

@Darren Andrew Thank you for posting this. I am sooooo excited for this!

@live4food I'm pretty excited about it too!

This post made me want BBQ ASAP! I have just picked up the makings for coleslaw and intend to do a low and slow later this weekend. Also started a quick pickle. (The craving can't wait for The SmoQue Shack to open.)

I was sent this. Not sure what the details are or if it is open yet?
www.facebook.com/FatboysOttawa

@KenV I saw another article in the Citizen about Fatboys and SmoQue Shack! Double BBQ Action coming to the Market!

communities.canada.com

Looks like Fatboys will be able to boast this trophy on their wall when they open. Chalk one up for Steph!
communities.canada.com

The Firkin & Knight is now open on Merivale Rd next to Loblaws.

Also noticed on their website that a new location is opening soon at 3987 Riverside Drive.

Hokkaido Sushi on Dalhousie

Looks like Darren Andrew got to it before I did. :) Hokkaido Sushi is where Royal Thai used to be.

Also there is a coming soon sign in the window of where the Budapest Deli used to be in the Byward Market. Looks like its going to be some sort of pizza place - pizzacones?

Absolutely. PizzaCones. They have/had a shop on Bronson, so they're probably moving down there. I don't imagine that this would be an expansion.

Hokkaido sushi is where on Dalhousie?

The Pizza Cones place on Bronson shut down months ago, I think, and they've had a sign out front saying that they're moving to the Byward Market. (Just confirming)

Just to confirm what yessi said pizzacones is in fact moving to where Budapest Deli used to be: Budapest Delicatessen ?comment_id=13690#comment_13690

Francis Hokkaido Sushi will be located where the Royal Thai used to be on Dalhousie at the corner of Murray.

Pizzacones are almost deserving of their own thread, me thinks. I bet the idea would spark some hot debate up in here.

Dunno about hot debate considering the near failure of the Bronson location, altho i think that had more to do with location than product.

disagree osolo. pizzacone product sucks as bad as its location on bronson. i tried a pizza cone and it was awful. the crust is dry and tasted like kraft pizza kit, the toppings were boring and teeny tiny, and the whole thing was dry and dull and it is remarkably small and unsatisfying, so you are left hungry. how can pizza ever be dry?!

I know the topic is new openings around town not closings but I thought I'd share here anyway. I guess in my mind; for every closing there is usually an opening? At any rate, I was in the Byward Market today and the lights are off, the store is closed and there are notices on the doors. The Fresh Fruit Company at York Street & Byward Market Square ( maps.google.ca,-75.69314&spn=0.001662,0.001859&sll=45.428164,-75.693028&sspn=0.001662,0.001859&layer=c&cbp=13,63.4,,0,-4&cbll=45.428153,-75.693193&gl=ca&t=h&z=19&panoid=uxI3Aqm2084AkcPgUR_d8A ), the one with the green awnings) is closed. According to the notices on the doors, its due to non payment of rent.

After coming home I thought I'd look things up: www.cbc.ca

There's a high turnover in the restaurant business . . .

The Fresh Fruit Company used to be on Bank, down by Riverside, near Billings Bridge. Apparently they have a history of unannounced closings with rent due.

I'm surprised the City is the Landlord.

I'm in the Market and what makes it great is the variety of what's there: residential, restaurants, bars, bike shops, professional firms, high tech start ups, tourist spots, cyclists . . . it's very lively - unlike Sparks St., dead after 6:00pm.

Wow that place has been around forever. I'm not really surprised though since I found it a little pricey and never terribly busy. Especially during the summer months when the vegetable stalls are open for business.

Francis I so agree with your comments about Sparks St. I work on Sparks just off Elgin and, in my humble opinion, probably the best spot. I love having the Byward Market and Elgin St. so close.

I know the topic is new openings around town not closings but I thought I'd share here anyway. I guess in my mind; for every closing there is usually an opening? At any rate, I was in the Byward Market today and the lights are off, the store is closed and there are notices on the doors. The Fresh Fruit Company at York Street & Byward Market Square ( maps.google.ca,-75.69314&spn=0.001662,0.001859&sll=45.428164,-75.693028&sspn=0.001662,0.001859&layer=c&cbp=13,63.4,,0,-4&cbll=45.428153,-75.693193&gl=ca&t=h&z=19&panoid=uxI3Aqm2084AkcPgUR_d8A ), the one with the green awnings) is closed. According to the notices on the doors, its due to non payment of rent.

After coming home I thought I'd look things up: www.cbc.ca

@FrancisI live a few blocks from Sparks and one of the things I love most is being able to wander/bike in the core in the evenings and feel like the population has been wiped out. It's not like you can't find some life a few minutes away on Bank or Elgin. Or a place to grab a beer, even with Sparks deserted.

And re: Pizzacones, such garbage. I can't believe they managed to make a business out of a souped-up infomercial gadget. The Market makes sense though, as it's a 'try it once' kind of thing and tourist turnover should guarantee solid traffic.

Ah, Ombrella pizzacones!
they used to be on Bronson until a few months ago.

it is pizza....in a cone shape or Ombrella shape.
I actually have pics and a review of that on my blog I wrote last year.
Glad they are moving to a better location- where they were before was not that good.
It is a little pricey for a snack though as the cones are not huge - the ombrella one is around 6" across but there is a "handle" part filled w sauce and cheese and toppings also.
kind of hard to explain, they also had a dessert pizza cone,but never got around to trying that.

only thing that might not be as good for the dessert one is I was told it is the same dough as the regular pizza. remember being told there was a apple pie filling for it or another option....

prettytastyreviews.blogspot.com

there is also a pic of the cone being made, you can kind of see the oven where it is cooked in the back of one pic,and the finished product...

If I recall the cone w 1 topping was around $7 or you could pay $8 something for unlimited toppings.
The crust part is cooked before and then they fill and cook the whole thing in a special oven that has this wire metal stand...you can kind of see that in one pic.

Five Guys Burger and Fries is coming to town. I went to one of the locations recently in Washington DC and the burgers are quite good. According to the website, two locations will be opening soon -- one in the Village Square (1481 Greenbank Road) and the other in Grant's Crossing in Kanata.

Sign up last week in the old Blockbuster location in the Signature Centre in Kanata for a new Zak's Diner location opening soon...

So sad to hear about Fresh Food Company in the Byward Market. Their staff is great, the store is always clean, and for healthy options for lunch (healthy and affordable being polar opposites in that area), it can't be beat.

The ombrella pizza looks good, Prettytasty. Cool that the base is also filled with 'toppings'.

I like the theory of the pizzacone... the whole 'eat pizza like ice cream cone' concept appeals to my inner surrealist foodie... or something... but every review i read and person i spoke with indicated the execution was weak, so that combined with the look and location on Bronson kept me away. I don't necessarily trust word of mouth except when it's near unanimous.

That said, a few positive reviews of the Market location and i would give it a shot.

There is another new restaurant opening in Hintonburg near the Giant Tiger on the north side of Wellington, almost across from the soon to be open "Burnt Butter". According to the sign it will be the "Back Lane Cafe" and they are looking for bar and dining room staff.

Looks like SmoQue Shack is going to be open for dinner starting tonight, and open for normal business hours starting Saturday! Not sure if I'm going to be visiting tonight, but I plan to be there within the next 7 days!

On Slater @ metcalfe

Seems interesting..

@ slater and metcalf where the subway used to be.

The Pizzacone idea is interesting.
I think if they had more choices of sauce and was not as expensive it would do better.

Also for the dessert one it is the same dough....maybe that can be improved upon somehow?

I am going to try them again once I get around to going to the market- just to see if they have changed/improved anything.

The new shawarma prince location is now open, Merivale road where "go for sushi" used to be. I really hate false advertising. Their grand opening special was"buy any sandwich and drink and get the second one free(including drink)". We ordreed two large falafel sandwiches and two pops, only to be told the special only applied to small sandwiches. Finally they gave us a small discount but not even worth a free small sandwich . Also their claim that they serve the healthiest lebanese food in ottawa its pure bs...they are all unhealthy.
That being said, it was a great sandwich.

Oh goodie! Just what Ottawa needs more shawarma!

Whenever we pass that Irish pub near on the canal, the one that has the sign saying "best wings in Ottawa". My kids used to ask me, "can we try that daddy, they have the best wings in Ottawa." :-)

Mediterranean Food is supposed to be healthy for you: some fish, lots of vegetables, olives, etc.. But I agree shawarmas can't be healthy for you.

Ottawa might not need more Shawarama but I really hope the soon to be opened place (Shawarma Palace?) beside the new Sobeys on March Road North opens soon and is great...Will keep you posted.

I am beyond excited to order a pizza cone someday when I am inebriated enough to convince myself that it is a good idea.

Finally had the chance to try Thimble Cakes ice cream!
It was very good.
The spiced chocolate I did not like that much (I usually do not like cinnamon and chocolate,but it was good) the coconut chocolate ice cream was great- really rich.
The orange creamsicle? ice cream was very good.
Normally I hate anything orange and cream,but this one was good!

I would go there for ice cream again,but prob not too soon as it is very hard to get through all the construction of bank st.
if I happen to be at that end of Bank and want ice cream though....

I would think that a pizza cone would be pretty much the same thing as a calzone, which is an extremely popular item in Montreal. Akin to a pizza pocket.

As for schwarma, I don't find it all that "great" to begin with.

Noticed last week that outside lights were up at what is "Back Lane Cafe" (beside Giant Tiger on Wellington), earlier in the week I saw that curtains were hung and tables and chairs were in place. Tonight there are people eating inside so I guess it has opened – there is still no sign out front though!

haven't popped into back lane yet but they do appear to be open as already said. Can't find a website for them :( but this was interesting none the less childfree.wordpress.com

seems they will also be doing wood fired pizza and fresh bread?!

I will try to get in there for lunch next week, so excited for a new place in the Burg!

rabbit pizza! Yummm!

DiRienzo foods on Fisher changing name to Amo Italians Foods.

Lucky Dragon Chinese, a shawarma spot and Pocco Pazzo on March Road in the Sobeys plaza--not to mention a new LCBO opening tomorrow.

there's a Marble Slab Creamery opening up on the corner in the Glebe, across from the Starbucks/Metro

dumpyc - thanks for posting. i meant to yesterday. i had a look in the window and it seemed very franchise-y. i'm always disappointed when a unique place is replaced by a franchise place in the glebe, but things have changed tremdously in the glebe since i lived above that corner 17 years ago.

i looked in the windows of marble slab and the price was around $4.50 for a standard size with mix-ins. i have never eaten there, but assume it would compare to cold stone in ottawa south.

and it is across from Bridgehead & Metro - not Starbucks!

Marble Slab Creamery in the Glebe!?! Is this where the Second Cup used to be? Will there be a Timmy's as well? Dare I say, I hope not ... Glebe sure has changed, my mother has owned her house near Lansdowne Park since 1981 ... I don't even want to think how many years ... there used to be a pet store on the corner of Bank & Fourth where Von's used to be ... Isn't there a Truffle Treasures nearby that serves ice cream/gelato? Also, a while back there was a Purple Cow chocolate and ice cream place, it closed. Please don't say there will be a Tim's!

OOPS! yes, bridgehead, not starbucks

and yes, replaced the Second Cup, and across from Truffle Treasures (with gelato)... the pet store beside Home Hardware is small and cute with nice people... where Glebe Side Kids used to be, is a modern-trendy-luggage/travel accessories place, they have basic Shinzi Katoh (sp?) bags. i have no idea what Glebe *used* to be, but its kinda... Wellington-ish. to me.

i guess ice cream/gelato is the new cupcake in Ottawa? (Stella Luna was delicious every time i've been, btw)

i've had some sort of mix-in ice cream in Halifax which was underwhelming, but i don't have that child-like preference for chocolate chips/butterscotch/candy/etc. mixing so i'm probably not in their target market!

mucho burrito is opening at baseline & clyde, in the new walmart plaza.

Ottawa Magazine just published an article about the newly opened Back Lane Café : www.ottawamagazine.com

Marble Slab creamery is open on Bank st across from the Metro store.
Had to stop and get a ice cream- you also have included one mix-in.
Small cup was $5

A lot of people seemed to be getting gummy candy in their ice cream- I do not get that.
They actually had a green tea flavor ice cream. it was good, but not enough green tea taste.
Will give a small minus as they have no dairy free, I asked about it as usually I eat more sorbet,but the girl there told me they had lactose free chocolate ice cream...it was good, but no dairy free.

so if u r vegan or dairy free,do not eat there...
Still staff was nice and friendly- seems to be run by a family.

You can also buy some cute little 2 serving cakes for $11 or maybe for one hungry person!

Ok, now a "new" place but for Ramadan Malak pastry has some special pastries you can not get at other times of the year.

I bought 2 today- one looks like a pocket and is fried, has whole walnuts in it and sugar syrup on top.
you can get the same pastry but also with the Ashta cream in it, also good.
there is also another pastry, looks like a spring roll the way the dough is rolled and inside is the same Ashta "custard cream".

they also have some kind of thing that is made from a soft white dough (some lady buying that told me it was a kind of cheese?? and it has a white filling).
No idea what that is called, but people were lining up to buy big platters of that today...

Taco place opened up on Dalhousie between George and York!

afinekettle - yum! can't wait to try it.

afinekettle's picture should be submitted to www.unnecessaryquotes.com/

haha yessi, I was going to "comment on that"!

Looking at the sign, i'm not sure if they really are open, if i'm supposed to go inside, or if they serve authentic mexican food.

Maybe it's meant to be sarcastic?

:)

New AYCE sushi place opening up at Murray and Dalhousie (where Royal Thai used to be) called Hokkaido Sushi.

I will be "daring enough" to go try Mauro's Taco's when I am " in the market" next week!

Will try to report back to "Ottawa Foodies".

":)"

@afinekettle, any idea when that AYCE Sushi place will be opening?

Unfortunately, on my way to work a few days ago, I saw signs outside Fairlawn Centre saying "Coming Soon - Harvey's and Swiss Chalet"

I was really hoping we would get something a little more than fast food. Curious (and hoping) to see what else opens up there.

There will be a Dog Cafe opening on the corner of Somerset and Spadina In Hintonburg.

A "Dog Cafe" what's that? Somewhere to bring your pet or where you can eat your pet? Okay just in a silly mood this afternoon!

Les 3 Brasseurs coming to 240 Sparks Street this Winter? Interesting! Look at the bottom of the said menu...

www.apt613.ca

Another Isobel's is opening near the corner of Wellington and Fairmont Oct 1.

There is also something else food related underworks in the same block.

Plenty of good things happening in Hintonburg!

@prolux - Harvey's has one of the best veggie burgers.

I went to Mauro's Tacos (I work a block away) today and hooooooly crap was it good. A+ everyone go because at lunch today nobody else was there and I will be mad at all of you if it closes and I can't get any more tacos.

Los Tacos de Mauro

Does anyone know a good place where I can buy caviar dishes prepared from caviar such as the kinds on www.1caviar.com? You know, some not-too-expensive place but not so cheap that I end up with food poisoning in the end. I'd be so grateful if you could suggest something!

you guys are killing me with all the photos from Los Tacos de Mauro. I won't be able to go until this coming weekend. Stop tormenting me :(

Thi Fusion being built on the SW corner of Hunt Club and Merivale.

The Tim Horton's at the corner of Bank and Gloucester downtown is now gutted, will be redesigned to add another Stone Cold Creamery. Hopefully with a much saner design, the previous one was built for about 1/10th of the actual people using it.

I had no problems with Les 3 Brasseurs' food, so having two more brewpubs in Ottawa will be good! I was at Mill Street in Toronto yesterday, and their knowledge of when the Ottawa location would open is "a few months".

When I was riding my bike along the Western parkway yesterday morning the new Mill Street Brewery sign has finally been erected and it says "coming this fall". I am also following them on twitter so if I hear any news I can post here...

Apparently Hokkaido Sushi on Dalhousie is being started up by one of the partners in 1000 Island Sushi.

Mill Street is, according to FoodiePrints, set to open the weekend of October 1:

twitter.com/#!/foodiePrints/status/113342786186645504

ETA: That said, Jantine Van Kretgen of Ottawa Tourism says that last she heard it was Late 2011.
In short: It will be open soon!

That Hokkaido sushi sign has been taunting me all summer...they don't seem in any hurry to open.

I did eat at Los Tacos de Mauro last Friday AND Saturday...so all is forgiven re: the copious food porn.

Where there is a Tim Horton's on Bank st near Gloucester they are closed right now and have a sign saying Cold Stone creamery coming soon.
I think the date for opening was the 16th??
not too sure.

Seems like there will be a Cold Store store downtown,or almost downtown!

Prettytastyreviews Yes the sign at that old Timmies said Cold Stone creamery will be opening on the 16th. However I walked by there last night and there were still lots of wires hanging from the ceiling, plaster that needed to be sanded then painted, etc. Given that opening day is supposedly tomorrow they still seem to have alot of work to do. It will be nice having a location downtown though so it will be worth waiting for.

Okay - I think I'm becoming a real Foodie ...I have news about a new estalishment in Hintonburg ... I was browsing the Whalesnone's website to find out details about their retail store and see that they posted on their website news that thier Sous-Chef (Shonze) was leaving (has left). Apparently he will be opeing up the "Hintonburg Public House". I googled it quickly and see that it will be located at 1020 Wellington St W. and that he has placed a few adds indicating he is looking for staff. Should be a good addition to the 'hood!

I was in a hurry so didn't check this morning, but last night the Bank/Gloucester Cold Stone Creamery was nowhere near ready to open today, but definitely by Monday. Though from the noise (I live half a block away) they certainly worked on it all night.

Lady Who Brunches, the "Late 2011" would jibe with what I was told by the Toronto Mill St people. (And it's nice to see where Jantine works now.. we were Fulcrumites together at U of O.)

Mill St is set to open in late November.

blogs.ottawacitizen.com

The Cold Stone Creamery in the making now has a September "20" pasted over the "16"

All new food court at 240 Sparks. Jimmy the Greek, Teriyaki Experience, Subway...

A new AYCE sushi restaurant called Fuji Sushi will be opening up across from the Silvercity where the Great Canadian Steak and Buffet used to be. No specific date on any of the signs posted on the building. Address is 2300 City Park Drive.

I hear that Les 3 Brasseurs will be coming to street level location at 240 Sparks (Bank & Sparks Street).

I was excited to check the 240 Sparks food court after seeing Saurian's post. It seemed like it was under construction forever. Well, it's half done. I couldn't even find the Subway. There is a Jimmy the Greek, Asian Wok, and Marcellos, and 2 or 3 vacant or under construction places (boarded up). I made the mistake of trying the Asian Wok. Gloopy curry, tough pepper beef. Manchu Wok is way better. What happened to "La Salsa" a mexican type place that used to be there. They had amazing taco salad, if you could handle the super greasy taco bowl!

Meanwhile back at home I noticed the Rose Bowl is undergoing a long-awaited refreshening and Mrs Le's is also closed for a reno/expansion.

My hairdresser used to be located on the lower level of 240 Sparks and they had to move nearly a year ago because of the construction. She told me that many of the existing stores/restos had to close because the building owners wanted franchises in the food court. I loved that pasta place. I can't for the life of me remember the name but it had always had a huge line-up so I guess I wasn't the only one who loved their food-;) I'm not sure if any of them moved elsewhere or just closed up shop altogether.

NICO'S..... ahhhh
Amazing lasagna with a salad (garden, ceasar or bean) for $6.50
Came with garlic bread too.
I miss that place for sure.

More happening at the corner of Wellington and Fairmont- They're opening a taven type establishment on the south side of the street next to what will be Isobel's.

Is that what they are calling the "Hintonburg Public House"? I think I heard that name being thrown around recently.

Scrabbies Nico's - that's it! I loved their garlic bread the best although all their pastas were awesome. And you sure can't beat the prices-;)

You got it Zym, from what I've been able to figure our it (Hintonburg Public House) will be a gastropub. Welcome addition to the Burg! They've applied for a liquor license and are now looking for staff.

Hokkaido at Murray and Dalhousie is open, it looks very nice, will try it out sometime this week.

Yes, Hokkaido Sushi is open.

Anybody know if Angelo's pizza is any good? I think it's new. I saw one yesterday, driving on Rideau in Sandy Hill then another one coming back into the city on St. Patrick where the old Lorenzo's was.

Their slogan: 'pizza people talk about'. Nobody's talked to me about it. Anybody?

New dog-friendly coffee shop opening up soon in Hintonburg. 1098 Somerset.

@ Bacon I.V., the Angelo's on Rideau has been there as long as I can remember (about 4 years), and I'm guessing it had been there prior to that as well. I can't speak for the other Angelo's.

Angelo's on Rideau goes back at least 10 years.
Not the bestest pizza ever by a long shot, but good place for a pub pizza/beer night. It never blows me away but i never feel ripped off either.

Mucho Burrito now open on Baseline in front of Walmart.

The "death by johnny" hot sauce really is hot!!

Thanks PB&A and OSoloMeal for the Angelo's info. I might give it a shot sometime.

I just saw Mucho Burrito, I come to this thread to post about it perhaps opening and blam. We have info. Was it any good? Was it similar to a Chipotle? Oh how I'd love a Chipotle. I swear I'd be there weekly.

Mucho Burrito is very similar to Chipotle. Go try it!

I opened a new vendor listing for Hokkaido Sushi. Just had lunch there ($13.99 AYCE) and liked it.

Mucho burrito is good, but I long for corn tortillas.

Hello fellow foodies. Has been a while! Noticed you were talking about The Hintonburg Public House and that is my latest business venture.
I am very excited about how things are progressing. I have hired Kris Kshonze (former sous chef at the Whalesbone) as the chef. He has created a fabulous menu featuring some traditional pub fair and comfort food using local, seasonal ingredients.
We will also be offering local micro brews and a Canadian wine list all at an affordable price point.
It will be the type of place you can come in for a casual snack and some drinks or enjoy a full dinner with wine without breaking the bank.
Once things get up and running smoothly we will be hosting monthly events so like us on Facebok to get the updates. The wine tasting nights will be back too so hope to see some familiar faces!
Still looking for some front of house staff so please pass the word around. Thanks! Summer

Congrats My Mom's a Foodie! Best of luck with your new venture!

My Mom's a Foodie - we have been looking forward to the opening. Btw, I think I was sitting beside you at School Coucil meeting, I'll send you a pm :)

Congratulations Summer! When are you hoping to open?

I love how Wellington is developing into Ottawa's 'Restaurant Row', so much good food, a variety of price ranges, atmospheres, types of foods, food market... it's fantastic!

Congrats!

Congrats, Summer! I guess I know where the Ottawa Foodies wine club can meet now ;)

Congrats on the restaurant, and looking forward to the wine tastings starting again - maybe this time I'll have some time to participate.

Drove by Benitz Bistro's old location on Somerset. Sign for Buddha Restaurant Indian Fusion...anyone know what's happening?

Found out on twitter that a new Mexican place will be opening in Byward Market Square. It will be called "Corazon de Maiz". No date has been announced - the sign just says "opening soon".

Pasta Lover, you beat me too it.

.... and here is a picture of the sign I took at noon today. It was on the spot where the European Farmhouse was. (Good chicken schnitzels and quiches ... gone)

Thanks Captain! Too bad the European Farmhouse is gone. Hopefully we will get awesome Mexican food in it's place.

dammit i LIKED that schnitzel!

Fortunately i ALSO like mexican food...

Yum! Mexican food- hope it is good and affordable.
There is not many "real" good Mexican places downtown to eat at.
I used to really like Azteca and would eat there every week when they were open.

Now I don't really eat Mexican stuff anywhere as there is nothing in my part of town.
So now I can just get Alex's bakery- but that is more south american food or just make stuff myself. Or there is the House of pizza/greek/mexican beside my place that has some good "fake" "mexican" food (the chicken tacos as good).

Fat Boys Southern Smokehouse will be opening on Murray Street in November: fatboys.ca/

Was by Fat Boys on Sunnite - lookin' gooood. Between this and the Smoqueshack we are being spoiled with bbq suddenly.

Two new places opening up in Hintonburg in November - 10fourteen (wine, cocktails, tapas) and The Hintonburg Public House.

Neither seem to have a website but the Public House is on facebook.

Both located in the block occupied by Alpha Soul Cafe and the new location of Isobel's Cupcakes & Cookies.

Hintonburg Public House's website is here: hintonburgpublichouse.ca/

Updated with a wonderful menu and photos. Hopefully she will be open soon!

Burgers on Main (formerly Manotick Prime) is now open and they're using meat from Manotick Village Butcher.

where did you hear about 10fourteen? is there an article written about them? curious...so many new spots coming to hintonburg!!

10fourteen's on Twitter:

twitter.com/10Fourteen

This may have been mentioned elseforum, but Hintonburger's taking over the KFC more or less across the street from them!

This, of course, is excellent because i can have a burger at one location, then walk it off crossing the street for a corn dog.

Not sure if this counts for "new"... The restaurant that was formerly Gooney's is now a Roast 'N Brew. Which I find ironic because it started as a Roast 'N Brew, then Gooney's, then Roast 'N Brew again. Not sure what the menu is like since I just passed by it on my way back to the office after lunch.

@Osolomeal, where would you get the corn dog? Wait are you saying they'll be at both locations?

That'd be useful, though I hope quality doesn't slip.

If they are moving totally to the KFC then that would be a pretty bad move. It's too small, no tables very little lineup space.. etc. But as a 2nd location it would serve well.

Hintonburger is keeping their old location and adding a second one.
Supposed to be open in January, that was in the newspaper earlier this week.

Apparently the lineups at their small location are too long?

Hopefully the KFC location will look nice.
I know there used to be a Harvey's on Walkley rd and the restaurant that took that over they were too cheap to get new signs and just put plastic signs over the Harvey's signage- it does not look that good,lol.

The Harvey's at Walkley and St Laurent has changed names twice and is now called Popeye The Chef. Hummm can't see any copyright or trademark infringement there. Surprised they haven't started selling Indian and Mexican food yet to try and drum up business LOL! Jack of all master of none! Maybe they should team up with twisted Lizard for a menu change not just lip service.
popeyethechef.com/

Buddha Restaurant is now open. Anyone tried it? I'm not sure about Indian Fusion as I like Indian food as it is.

Pressed ~ a new gourmet sandwich bar at 750 Gladstone Avenue (near Bronson) with local organic ingredients, salads, desserts, vegan options, and fair trade coffee.
www.apt613.ca

@Ravi - i'm certain they will have their full menu at both locations. The second location just facilitates me working off the awesome burger inspired meatsleepies to free up some space for the highly decadent hand-dipped corn dog!

"From chicken to french fries: Hintonburger unveils plans for old KFC bucket" - ottawa.openfile.ca

I drove by 490 Beech Street and saw a place called Nutty Greek Bake Shop. The sign says what they all say, "Coming Soon". This store is just beside Greco. It is between Rochester and Preston. Anybody know the scoop?

The following blog post by Childfree says that Postini Panini & Espresso is now open on Wellington beside Duss Brothers.

childfree.wordpress.com

The former pawn shop here in hintonburg 2 doors down from Absinthe has the windows all covered up for renovations, and a liquor license application in the window.

@food is fun, yup www.nuttygreek.com They're opening soon. doing renos. Friends of mine, they have a facebook page also. I'd post it but I'm on my phone and the mobile url is odd. The pictures on facebook are very yummy.

Zym - that place will be called Anthony's.

also:
- Hintonburger will just have the new location. they posted this on the twitter feed.
- Hintonburg public house will be open early december
- the Cake Shop is going in by emerald bakery (near Holland)

The Hintonburg Public House posted this status on their wall on Facebook:

"Fire inspection passed,! Final approvals have been sent to the liquor control board so new goal is to be open December 7th. Can't wait!!!"

Mill St are brewing some specific ales for the new Ottawa venue.

ottawa.openfile.ca

Man, this city is really happening lately, isn't it? Hintonburg in particular is fast becoming foodie central. Really looking forward to Postino, those are solid, no-nonsense prices and a good, uncluttered menu.

Looking forward to trying some of the Greek bake shop's fare.

Au Vieux Duluth opening a store this month I think, in the Glenwood mall in Aylmer, next to the Scotiabank. This mall burned down summer 2006, and has never been full vacancy nor as busy since it was (nicely) rebuilt. (I specifically lament the passing of the Marché Frais and Lapointe at that location).

Back on topic, never a big fan of the big Mtl Greek chains, but will give this store a shot. Casa Grecque down the street is pretty ordinary.

Thank you Johnny. January 20 for the Mill St Brewpub opening. I'll likely just walk across from work on that Friday and barely stumble home. :) I am so-so on their regular offerings, but never fail to sample the seasonals when in Toronto, and I'm really looking forward to these!

Zym and Hipfun:

Just spoke with Tony Balestra (family owns Fil's, O'Connell's and attched bowling alley). He will be openning a pizza restaurant in the old pawn shop (Wellington between Parkdale and Holland). Since Hitonburg ends at Parkdale it is in Wellington Village.

Tony (Anthony) is targeting mid Jan. as an opening date.

Will ask him more about his plans for food next time I see him.

Regina 's opening a second location in the space previously occupied by The Cake Shop,
It is called Delightful Taste.
I believe it is now under new ownership, one Guil Fernandez who was a lecturer at Algonquin college in the hospitality dept.
Hopefully the products are better than we got from Regina's the past few years.
Still miss my Cake Shop fix and hope they open soon at there new location

The sign said it was "To be known as Anthony's" but the real name made it sound like a chinese restaurant. Wonder what's up with that.

I'll have to go take a pic and post it to see if anyone knows what that means.

I took another look and remember it now.

It says :

Sun Kwong Restaurant
( To be known as Anthony's )

Wonder what he heck is up with that?

I know a wood burning pizza oven is gping in, so presume its a pizza, pasta place.
About time that block had a face change.

The former Mexi's at Bank and Clarey is changing format - I believe (from what I hear) southern bbq/smokehouse. They were painting the new name when I walked by today. Tomorrow I will see what it is renamed.

Suzy'Q donuts is opening a store in Hintonburg in January at the old Hintonburger location. Saw the info on their twitter feed.

twitter.com/suzyqdoughnuts

I confirm that the sign at the old Glebe Mexi's now reads "Southern BBQ"

I find this curiously exciting.

Corazon de Maiz NOW OPEN

Where European Farmhouse was in the Byward Market building.

See my review here:

goo.gl/neYDi

ugh. I guess Hintonburger isn't going to run two locations.. the KFC spot as a sole location is a poor move. Small interior, no seating, poor parking, it is like a step backwards.. doesn't make sense.

Super excited about the southern bbq place. Hopefully it's real bbq.

The Popeye's food place- that has changed names and food styles at least 6 times- I live beside there!

Was a fried chicken place (part of a chain)
Then was some kind of place that made a lot of fish w grocery store attached (might be there..I never stop in).

Then middle eastern w one name, then Al BaBa...now Popeye's?

prob forget something.
Ate there twice, did not eat much as I was ill when I went there already..so tried falafel balls- they are ok (I think they microwave them to heat?
tabouleh was ok, my mom said it was good the 1st time she went and kind of old the second time.
She eats tons of middle eastern food, so is very picky.

I want to try the fried chicken sometime,have to remember that.

From looking at the Greek Bakehsop,
someone is saying it will be a restaurant?
I thought a BAKEshop was where you sell pastries,breads,packaged items sometimes? and not meals?
maybe there will be a sandwich on the menu!

Fatboys Southern Smokehouse opens today: blogs.ottawacitizen.com

Clocktower in Westboro is now open!

richmond.clocktower.ca

Clocktower. Couple of my buddies dropped in foe a pint. Pretty swank after work crowd. They looked at each other and said "Better take off out ball caps in here".

People behind Fratelli will open Westboro Fish in May.

blogs.ottawacitizen.com

Mill St have pushed the opening for the Old Mill back to the 27th of January.

There is a new HUGE sign outside the old Glebe Mexi.
"Ann & Clyde's Southern BBQ. Coming Soon"
Saw it Jan 07, 2012.

Good god. Is Southern BBQ the new mini cupcake?

Well, actually ... I wish. More flavourful, I hope.

" Is Southern BBQ the new mini cupcake? "

We should be so lucky... Mini-ribs and pulled pork sliders everywhere! Yes, YES make it happen!!! I demand it!!!!

This thread gives me the desire to open up a shop that sells only Southern BBQ flavoured cupcakes. It'd be a sure win, no?

I'D eat there.
Daily.

Smoque Shack...Check
D & S....check
Fatboys...check
Ann & Clyde's...next!!! i assume they will also smoke the meat...

"There is a new HUGE sign outside the old Glebe Mexi.
"Ann & Clyde's Southern BBQ. Coming Soon"
Saw it Jan 07, 2012."

Ooopss..the sign says "Annie & clyde's Southern BBQ. Coming Soon."

Gotta say, the trend (or fad - depends on how long it will last) of these "Southern" places is pretty boring. Of course, these places will all be the rage for a while, until the next "trend" comes around.....Of course, more people are eating out.

For smoked meat Bank st sausage co makes their own too.
I have never tried the beef (assuming they have it), but usually buy the smoked chicken, smoked salmon (hot and cold smoked) and the flavored bacons (garlic, paprika and others).

not really a "restaurant" but at lunch during the week you can buy hot foods (not sure of weekends...have not been in a while).

The "southern cupcake" joke- that reminded me- I tried a muffin that was cornmeal and had hot pepper and cheddar in it at Alex's bakery a few months ago.
Seemed like a very souther thing, or South American anyways.

I have also made at home some cornmeal muffins with hot pepper and bacon in them- they were quite good.

Bai Du Pan Asian Grill: Sign just went up in the walmart plaza on baseline next door to mucho burrito. Not sure if it's a chain and can't find any info online.

New Bridgehead, on Wellington at Fairmont, has opened. Because, y'know, the distance between two coffee shops was getting otherwise excessive ;)

@ Prettytasty re "The "southern cupcake" joke- that reminded me- I tried a muffin that was cornmeal and had hot pepper and cheddar in it at Alex's bakery a few months ago.
Seemed like a very souther thing, or South American anyways.

I have also made at home some cornmeal muffins with hot pepper and bacon in them- they were quite good."

WANT!
Where is this Alex's Bakery of which you speak?

I assume it is Alex's Bread and Deli on Bank Street between Fifth and Holmwood (right by the Glebe Meat Market) run by a Venezualan couple.

Bom Burger opening on Somerset close to Bank...if i recall correctly, there is one in Manotick. Not sure if its good or not.

That's in the former Friday's iirc. At least that would explain the 'On Main' thing. Maybe.

Mill St Brew Pub is opening today at 4pm.

The Brew Table has opened in place of D'arcy McGees in Bell's Corners.

Yup...the full name of the store is Alex's Bread and Deli.
don't think they are much of a "deli" though (don't deli shops have smoked meats or sumthin?).

New sign up at old Hintonburger location

Suzy Q Doughnuts - Coming Soon

Can anyone substantiate this rumor

New Brew Pub & Restaurant called "Big Rig Brew Pub & Restaurant", 2750 Iris
Street

This is not a rumor, it is a fact. They are hoping to open by May.

Ah, down in that little strip mall near the IKEA.

They are building on the same spot as the old - Le Bifteque.

Cassel Brewing in Casselman is finally starting to take shape - yeah!

picasaweb.google.com

Zoan Tea House and Restaurant on Prince of Wales near Meadowlands has been open now for 4 days. Hidden behind the gas station between the Quickie and the Bank of Montreal.

blubarry - Thanks for posting the review! I've driven past the sign before, but assumed it wasn't worth stopping. Now I'll try to make a point to try it out.

Yeah, it's close enough that the Dragonlady and I might try it out this weekend. Thanks!

Zazaza openning in the Glebe, near Holmwood Ave.

a second location..or moving?

Drove by Zazaza in the Glebe today. They have a sign out front that says "Saving the Glebe from Bland Pizza", two doors down from the Pizza Pizza. Love it!

More action at Cassel Brewing

picasaweb.google.com

Soft opening of Suzie Q's donuts in the old Hintonburger location on Wellington this Sunday. Their Twitter notice said 'come hell or high water'.

Them's some pretty strong words.

Does anyone know anything about the brand new Farm Table Cookhouse on Bank St. at Clemow?

I also saw something about an Experimental Farm Boy opening on the corner of Baseline and Merivale.

No, not really.

"Does anyone know anything about the brand new Farm Table Cookhouse on Bank St. at Clemow?"

Is that at the old MVP Lounge? That place has been home to a series of dire, soulless bars, so not sure. Don't want to prejudge but....

I don't know anything about Zazaza, but I'm automatically suspicious about any place that offers a pizza topped with Kraft Dinner and hot dogs.

Today they built the cold room at Cassel Brewery - they are saving tonnes of money doing the build themselves - Mario one of the owners is skilled in several trades

picasaweb.google.com

I've been to Zazaza, may as well call it blablabla. But that's to me. It's very much akin to the owners last creation.. The Works. It's The Works of Pizza. Now I've been a couple times to the one on Beechwood.. If I recall correctly, the thing I enjoyed most was the coke out of the glass bottle..

But, I don't care for the Works.. and enjoy Hintonburger.. if that helps at all.

But Pizza is a very relative and personal thing.. I remember Zazaza being ok pizza. Just nothing to make me drive across town for, nor was it good enough to justify the prices..

www.zazazapizza.com
They're ultra personal sized..

Drove by the FARM TEAM COOKHOUSE and BAR.... emphasize Farm TEAM not Farm TABLE. Looks like the same sort of sports bar that the MVP Lounge was (I could see TVs etc.)

Karara Indian Takeout on Merivale Rd, probably the best Indian food I've had outside of England and my Indian friend's home - very highly recommended.

Sadly my delicious 1/2 price fajita place in the Glebe(Clydes, formally Mexi's)has become a Southern BBQ place. Has anyone ventured there since the renos?

"Does anyone know anything about the brand new Farm Table Cookhouse on Bank St. at Clemow?"

"Is that at the old MVP Lounge? That place has been home to a series of dire, soulless bars, so not sure. Don't want to prejudge but.... "

That's the one.
That location just keeps changing hands ever since the 'original' Indian restau closed.

What blows my mind is that every new opening is basically the same as the one before and... shocker... fails. Here's a thought, how about something that's NOT a sports pub...

MVP lounge also was selling tons of coupon deals last year for 1/2 price food.
I did not buy any,but hopefully the people who did used them or can get their money back?

I also posted earlier asking if anyone know anything about Alex's Bread and Deli?
I guess I should be somewhat more informed as I used to get bread there every week and talk to the lady who owned the place...but have not gone that was since Dec at least (too much snow and sick to go out...).

*Also wondering is Zazaza any better than Forno Antico?
-I only tried Forno Antico once and it was good though.

Rumours heard: Beckta has found a location to open up a wood oven pizzeria, and Wellington Gastropub is looking for a location to open up a BBQ shack.

the wellington gastropub is not opening up a bbq shack or any other restaurant, for that matter.

And Beckta is not opening a pizzeria :-)

2 strikes on that one :-)

LOL... I did mention that these were rumours, didn't I?

Also, I hear on the grapevine that the reason that Petit Bill's is closing for a couple of weeks isn't because they're having new floors installed, but because they're opening a techno club in the basement, and apparently John Taylor will be the resident DJ.

You heard it here first.

A techno club? Great fit with Cube next door!

FWIW I'm just a lurker on this site but I too heard (from someone working at a Beckta restaurant) that they were opening a wood oven pizza place but regardless I hope it's not too long before whatever new place is opened as I'm a big fan of both Play and Beckta.

I am steadfast in my certainty that they are not opening a pizzeria

"they're opening a techno club in the basement, and apparently John Taylor will be the resident DJ"

Hmmm... sounds like another child-unfriendly venture by John Taylor... cue the human rights activists! ;o)

Not really related but i heard that the Mill St people planned to expand the new digs and open a beer-based scandinavian style spa next to the brewery within two years.

A beer-based scandinavian spa? I've never heard of that concept... is that one where they make you drink beer until you think it's a good idea to go take a swim in the ice cold river? ;-)

Hey guys:

I hate to disrupt all of the fun rumors, but I promise that we are not opening a wood-fired pizzeria. We are looking for a third spot, but no pizzas. There's too many good ones around. Have you all tried the Lamb Pizza at Back Lane? Incredible! And it's been a while, but I also loved Tennessy Willems too. And I promise to keep you all posted when we do find a spot and flush out the concept a little more.

Cheers,

Steve

Steve, I've got a terrific concept for you. You could call the place Hammond & Leslie, serving offal to live jazz or prog rock :) Beef heart here we go.

If you don't get the reference:
en.wikipedia.org

What do you think - make my dreams come true?

Hi Sourdough:

I love the idea (and would probably eat there myself!), but I can't say that is what we had in mind. :-)

I rest my case :-)

Rockin Johnny Rockets (or whatever it was) at Cyrville and St Laurent finally gave up the ghost. Place has become 'Pipers'... not sure if it's a pub or family restau. I think they've soft opened, but also not sure if the sign is up.

The owners are related to Ceylonta somehow, so i can't speak to the rest of the food, but the shrimp curry should be awesome.

Does anyone know are they any new southern bbq places opening up soon?

The place that went into the pawn shop on Wellington is a new wood-fired pizza place. It opened Friday. I haven't seen it yet. Rick (the owner of the Foolish Chicken) told me about it.

The pizza place in the old pawn shop on Wellington

I think it is called Anthony's after the (co-?)owner Anthony (Tony) Balestra. The Balestra family own a number of resto's in Ottawa. These include Daniel O'Connell's across the street from the old pawn shop on Wellington. Daniel O'Connell's shares a kitchen with Fil's Diner and the Bowling Alley outback.

Also in the Balestra family is Bramasole Diner and few other places.

Here is a pic of one of the 'practice pizzas':

goo.gl/gXuWd

Chez Edgar peeps are opening up another new establishment in Hull, Chez Odile. What a success story! Congrats to them.

I'd still like to know why the official name is "Sun Kwong" but it is only "To be known as Anthony's"

re:Sun Kwong vs Anthony's - holding company vs proposed name of new restro.

Bt 'practice pizza' I hope he means they ran out of basil. If the pizza is anything like the fare at Daniel O'Connell's, I'll stick to TW thank you very much!

Hey Bacon I.V. ... I'm a bit scared that they will use the same food supplier as they do at O'Connell's/Fil's/WestPark Bowling .... Summit or Sysco (I get both mixed up because the trucks look alike). That would mean cheese-product and not real cheese .

Yuccck ... no matter how much fresh basil.

Gotta wait and see though.

Fake modified cheese LOL! I'm not in Kansas anymore:(

Captain Caper, when I asked what kind of cheese they serve on their steak sandwich, the trashy waitress looked at me like I was an alien, and answered 'cheese slices' as in Kraft singles. Bush league. They shouldn't be allowed to use an Irish name with food like that. This is not a pub by any stretch.

As far as pizza cheese product, pretty sure Little Caesar's uses that.