George's Meat Shop / Orleans Rambling [General]
2010 Nov 2
I'm also out in Orleans and noticed the new sign up at George's Meat Shop this week. I'm hoping that it will save me a few trips downtown to get certain ingredients (depending on their selection and prices, obviously).
Also, to supplement your list of stores, there's also Lavergne Western Beef on Navan Rd, and Chilly Chiles in Navan itself. Both are worth a visit.
Also, to supplement your list of stores, there's also Lavergne Western Beef on Navan Rd, and Chilly Chiles in Navan itself. Both are worth a visit.
2010 Nov 5
Yes, Lavergne sells stuff other than beef. I have bought sausage, whole chickens, and pork from them and have been satisfied with all of it. It does get jam packed on weekends (look for the tickets on the left as you walk in and take one right away when you walk in to avoid waiting).
As for George's Meat Shop, it has popped up on the north side of Innes between the BMR and the new movie theatre (or west of Belcourt and east of Orleans Blvd).
As for George's Meat Shop, it has popped up on the north side of Innes between the BMR and the new movie theatre (or west of Belcourt and east of Orleans Blvd).
2011 Jun 17
17th of June now and they've had their shelves stocked for weeks and no sign they are going to open. One has to wonder that if they are this slow to even open their doors, can they possibly run an efficient and quality business?
Continuing the Orleans ramblings, I've eaten at both the new Moxies and East Sides up on Innes during the past week.
Moxies - Food was good, but didn't blow me away. We had the bruschetta to start. I wish they would cut through the bread fully and not the partial cut they do as it's very awkward to cut it yourself with the space they give you, the not-so-sharp knife and the consistency of the bread. Once in your mouth, it was tasty. I had the herbed chicken which was fine, but nothing terribly special. It was a little sloppy on the plate, but tasted fine. The sticky toffee pudding was very tasty, though I initiated a whole production when I asked for no almonds with it. I have a mild allergy and told the server that it wasn't a big deal, but she still had the manager speak to me before she placed the order and again the manager had to deliver my nut-free dessert. This isn't a slight on them for being so careful, I just found it funny. Myself and the wife had a bill of just over $100.00. One drink each, a shared starter, entrees and desserts.
East Side - Everyone's eaten here, but I just wanted to say that despite it busy on the second night of operation yesterday, they managed to stay organized, even if it needed a bit more management intervention that you would usually see. Interesting in that they have a take-out window with a seperate entrance, similar to how St Hubert's does it.
Finally, has anyone heard the rumours of The Keg opening in Orleans? I've heard a few suggestions that they are working on it right now in the same area as East Side's.
Continuing the Orleans ramblings, I've eaten at both the new Moxies and East Sides up on Innes during the past week.
Moxies - Food was good, but didn't blow me away. We had the bruschetta to start. I wish they would cut through the bread fully and not the partial cut they do as it's very awkward to cut it yourself with the space they give you, the not-so-sharp knife and the consistency of the bread. Once in your mouth, it was tasty. I had the herbed chicken which was fine, but nothing terribly special. It was a little sloppy on the plate, but tasted fine. The sticky toffee pudding was very tasty, though I initiated a whole production when I asked for no almonds with it. I have a mild allergy and told the server that it wasn't a big deal, but she still had the manager speak to me before she placed the order and again the manager had to deliver my nut-free dessert. This isn't a slight on them for being so careful, I just found it funny. Myself and the wife had a bill of just over $100.00. One drink each, a shared starter, entrees and desserts.
East Side - Everyone's eaten here, but I just wanted to say that despite it busy on the second night of operation yesterday, they managed to stay organized, even if it needed a bit more management intervention that you would usually see. Interesting in that they have a take-out window with a seperate entrance, similar to how St Hubert's does it.
Finally, has anyone heard the rumours of The Keg opening in Orleans? I've heard a few suggestions that they are working on it right now in the same area as East Side's.
2011 Jun 25
They are open....finally. Still adding stuff to the inventory. Wide selection of some hard to find things. Prices are reasonable for the most part. It is worth a stop by if you're in the area. George and Joe are both very likeable chaps, and will help you out if they can. Still can't find my curry Ketchup, but that's okay :-)
2011 Jun 27
I paid a visit to Georges on Friday evening. No one was in there other than me and a lady running the cash. I realize they are still getting up and running, but frankly, I wasn't impressed.
They have a produce section that featured veggies mostly in poor condition. The meat counter was sparse (didn't see any pork at all), and all of the "grocery" was ethnic middle eastern items. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Lebanese food, but do we really need another middle eastern grocer? Do these grocers not realize they limit their customer base by focusing on ethnic food, especially when there are numerous shops in the area already selling the same things. With all the space they have, why not focus on international food from all over? Or maybe high end specialty foods?
I was speaking to my neighbor about this shop (he's big into BBQ, grilling and smoking) and he visited on Saturday. He later said he won't return as he feels it is geared toward ethic middle eastern tastes and not average Canadian tastes.
They have a produce section that featured veggies mostly in poor condition. The meat counter was sparse (didn't see any pork at all), and all of the "grocery" was ethnic middle eastern items. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Lebanese food, but do we really need another middle eastern grocer? Do these grocers not realize they limit their customer base by focusing on ethnic food, especially when there are numerous shops in the area already selling the same things. With all the space they have, why not focus on international food from all over? Or maybe high end specialty foods?
I was speaking to my neighbor about this shop (he's big into BBQ, grilling and smoking) and he visited on Saturday. He later said he won't return as he feels it is geared toward ethic middle eastern tastes and not average Canadian tastes.
2011 Jul 10
I've gone in as well (about 2 weeks ago) and was not impressed, but I do plan to go back and see if they get things going a little better in a month or two.
The "fresh" veggies were in poor condition, there wasn't a lot of meat available, but quite a few rows of non perishable Lebanese and other similar food.
The bakery area looked like it had promise, but not quite there yet.
The atmosphere and product gave the impression of strapped for cash. I'm not ruling them out yet.
EDIT to comment on previous post
"....as he feels it is geared toward ethic middle eastern tastes and not average Canadian tastes..."
Isn't regional what we need more of in Orleans? I'm as "Canadian white guy" as it gets for some of my tastes, but I do love food from all over the world and always want to try new things, it's slim picking in Orleans. There are tons of "Average Canadian tastes" food available here already, no?
The "fresh" veggies were in poor condition, there wasn't a lot of meat available, but quite a few rows of non perishable Lebanese and other similar food.
The bakery area looked like it had promise, but not quite there yet.
The atmosphere and product gave the impression of strapped for cash. I'm not ruling them out yet.
EDIT to comment on previous post
"....as he feels it is geared toward ethic middle eastern tastes and not average Canadian tastes..."
Isn't regional what we need more of in Orleans? I'm as "Canadian white guy" as it gets for some of my tastes, but I do love food from all over the world and always want to try new things, it's slim picking in Orleans. There are tons of "Average Canadian tastes" food available here already, no?
Spire2000
There are a few nice places to shop for food though. We have a nice Farm Boy of course. There is the Cheddar etc... and Cuisine & Passion, both of which I like, though I do sense a bit of attitude at Cuisine & Passion. That said, I am looking forward to the "George's Meat Shop" that finally appears to be on the verge of opening on Innes Road, three years after the sign went up. I understand there is a location in Vanier. Does anyone have any experience with this place, good or bad?
Anyone want to rant on Orleans with me?