New Openings 2013 [General]

2013 Jan 9
A new thread for a new year.

My husband went to The Zydeco Smokehouse and really liked it. I created a vendor page, but haven't been, so I haven't posted a review yet. It sounds like a nice, new offering in Little Italy for the take-out crowd.

The Zydeco Smokehouse

2013 Jan 9
A short run down of some (possible) highlights for this year:
blogs.ottawacitizen.com

Oh, and on Zydeco, I'm sure they're great, but sweet jeebus am I hoping that 2013 is the end of the restaurant facebook page. Please restauranteurs, give us proper websites!

2013 Jan 9
looks like the new Middle Eastern grocer Silk Road Foods (1618 Merivale) is open - has anyone been yet? interested in their spice selection/prices and butchery offerings...

www.silkroadfoods.org/

2013 Jan 9
new spot run by Richard Nigro on wellington street opening in february

hintonburgkitchen.ca/

2013 Jan 9
A wack of stuff for Ottawa Foodies in 2013.

www.ottawacitizen.com


2013 Jan 9
Great news in that link Captain - a Bernard Callebaut outlet opening at 256 Dalhousie in Ottawa later this month. That will put an end to me putting in orders when my son comes for a visit as he`s near Callebaut`s in Cowtown. Just had a couple pieces of a Callebaut Habanero Sea Salt chocolate bar tonight - a cowgirl`s delight!

2013 Jan 9
A couple of repeats from the Citizen article linked above, but a few different tips too in this Ron Eade blog post from today: blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Jan 10
The 3 Brewers location at 240 Sparks is now open. Menu is the same as in Montreal - and I expect everywhere. Hours are 11:30am-midnight, except Thursday (1am) and Fri-Sat (2am). (I give them two months before those hours are scaled back...)

2013 Jan 10
Anyone have any info on Slice & Co. Like when is the eta?

2013 Jan 10
Ken, you beat me to it. Can't wait for this place to open up. Sicilian, Chicago style, and the rest. Much needed in Ottawa.

2013 Jan 10
Can't wait either. Could this be the beginning of the end of that awful Mid East Ottawa style gruel. Crossing my fingers. Just noticed one of those faux take out Greek places going in at Hunt Club and Uplands. Oh when will it end.

2013 Jan 10
New brewpub opening soon in Gatineau called "Gainsbourg"

2013 Jan 11
I wonder will they serve over-priced ho-hum hamburgers at "Gainsbourg" ?

If so, Will be a case of Gaines*Burgers at "Gainsbourg" ? ... and could appear on the menu as Gains*Bourgers.
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Anybody old enough to remember the TV commercials for this 'human' food for dogs ?

2013 Jan 12
For Slice & Co., I meant Brooklyn style pizza, not Sicilian, not sure where I got that. Anyway, I plan to drive by that stretch of Elgin weekly to keep an eye on stuff.

Noticed a sign up at Supply & Demand, and outdoor lights. Windows papered over still, but I saw a guy working on the other side this morning.

I dropped by François Plaisirs de Provence on Richmond in that condo building where MHK Sushi is. $2.50 croissants and $4.79 too pricey for my blood. Especially when I can get good $1.50 croissants and $2.95 miche or belge at la Balade des Douceurs on the Quebec side (one on Montcalm across from that BdT, another in Gatineau 'burbs) (review pending).

Provence did have other nice stuff like rillettes, foie gras, lobster bisque, pasta sauce, fresh pasta. All kinda pricey though. Art-is-in remains my go-to Ottawa place for baked goods.

2013 Jan 18
More Ottawa Mid East style pizza at Hunt Club and Uplands,a Willy's is opening. Papa Joe's closes Willie's opens up go figure. Another chain to deface pizza in the city. If the quality would only change and maybe a decent starter for the crust NOT!

2013 Jan 18
Dunn's Famous has their sign up where Gerry's Steakhouse was way back on Hwy 31.

2013 Jan 18
Dunn's is now open on Preston St, near Pub Italia.

2013 Jan 19
The Flying Banzini
1242 Wellington Street West
c. June 1.

2013 Jan 19
Nice.

2013 Jan 21
Interesting article about Slice and Co.
blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Jan 21
A Dunn's sign has gone up on the old Chinese place on Bank aways south from Hunt Club, across from the cemetaries and by Adam's Airport Inn

2013 Jan 21
It's a Dunnspocalypse.
Hide your taste buds. Lock down your arteries. Flee to Mtl if you still can (and bring back Schwartz' for the rest of us!).

2013 Jan 21
OsoloMeal the Dunns at the old Gerry's is the same one LadyIlsebe mentioned. It was Gerry's for a long time then the Chinese buffet place now a Dunns. Has Schwartz stayed the same after the takeover? I was thinking on heading to Montreal furniture shopping since Ottawa selection sucks and thought about Smoke Meat Peat for a change. Anyone know if the Celine empire wrecked Shcwartz?

2013 Jan 21
Thanks for the Citizen link, Ken. Does Ron Eade even eat pizza in this city? He seems to think that the city is well-represented when it comes to pizza. I salute Warren Sutherland for offering some much-needed new pizza options in this city. Tennessy Willems was a good start 2 years ago or so when they opened, but we need more.

2013 Jan 22
Guess Ron must be satisfied with poor quality incorrectly cooked pizza Ottawa is known for. Or he just wanted Warren to comment on that fact,sneaky monkey! Hope it won't be hard to get in when it opens.

2013 Jan 25
The Hard Rock in the Byward Market is slated to close by the end of this year and be replaced by a brew pub.

2013 Jan 25
this looks delicious!! I think they opened this past monday.

Has anyone been yet?

supplyanddemandfoods.ca/

2013 Jan 25
I'm happy to say I'm going tonight. I'll be sure to report back, do a review if I'm feeling particularly ambitious.

2013 Jan 25
Review up. In short: great spot.

2013 Jan 31
I'm really excited about Slice & Co.

As someone who lived in NYC for a couple of years I'm interested to see how they can specialize in 3 or 4 different kinds of pies. Having the different ovens they mentioned definitely helps but why not take one or two styles and do it well.

2013 Jan 31
Saw a liquor licence application notice in the window of the old Higgerty Shoe Store on Bank st. (across from Bramasome Diner).

Hope they keep the decorative tin ceilings and the other antique charms of that old building.

Anyone know what's going in there ?


2013 Jan 31
ya it should be a super cool spot called Fauna

www.ottawamagazine.com

2013 Jan 31
"He fell in love with the character of the old Hackett’s Shoes building that dates back to 1895, with its 12-foot ceilings and double brick walls that he personally worked to fully expose. "

Nice ....... Very Nice.


2013 Feb 2
@Ken V:

Skip Schwartz's and go to Smoked Meat Pete's. It is way better and I ate a lot of Schwartz's over the years...

2013 Feb 2
Silk Road Foods is finally open on Merivale Road. The store is larger than I was expecting.

2013 Mar 13
A Ralphs Sports Bar will be opening on Laurier where Goonies used to be.

2013 Mar 13
Hope the wait is going to be worth it.

blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Mar 13
FYI the above link is about a new pizza/sandwich shop opening on Elgin called Slice and Co.

2013 Mar 20
Richards hintonburg kitchen is suppose to be opening this saturday. on wellington west, in the old emerald bakery location...i think, two doors down from absinthe.

www.facebook.com

2013 Mar 21
I'd been waiting for this for months. I wanted to be the first one through the door, but I'm doing the Westboro Easter Food Market that day.

Poop.

I saw his CTV spot and love his idea of the 'ball of the day'. Meat, fish, veg, whatev.

I'll be interested to see what he ends up using as compostable containers.

2013 Mar 22
Covered Bridge Brewing ... another lad from the Brewers' list starting a brewery. That's at least 3 I can think of now ...

www.canadianbeernews.com

2013 Mar 22
Oh 4 actually ...

2013 Mar 22
Better article on Covered Bridge

www.ottawamagazine.com

2013 Mar 24
Make that 5 ... Turtle Island Brewing is next ...

blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Mar 24
All the new micro-breweries.

How much room left in the marketplace for this specialty product ?

When will there be an over supply and thus one (or more) will be forced to bow out.

Not my concern (but I do like to observe ... and seen Hart Brewery, Ottawa Valley Brewing (in Colonnade Rd bus park) and others come and go).

... But I'm sure they all did the necessary diligence before investing.


2013 Mar 24
Richard's Hintonburg Kitchen is now open as of Sat. Their current opening will be Tues - Sat.

Stopped by after the Easter Market and was pretty happy to find beef cheeks on the menu and tasty althought I still prefer my beef cheeks a la bourguignon.

Everything I had was pretty solid and reviewed under their entry.


2013 Mar 24
COmpletely different landscape today thank it was even 15 years ago Captain Caper. Completely different customer.

2013 Mar 25
On Turtle Island, from the link: "an ale with Ontario cherries, and maybe a cream ale with caramel. Another possibility is an interesting take on an old style like dark honey brown, or maybe a wheat beer with accents of mango." OMFG YES. NAOPLEASE. My taste buds love something weird, and those sound a tasty amalgam. Diversification is what's needed, as I found at the Craft Beer Week last year. I will be on the serious lookout for these.

(also, most sublimely appropriate typo from same article: "Fournier’s partner in the venture is financée Trish Watson." That portmanteau should be officialised.)

2013 Mar 26
@Zym - I agree. I just saw a craft beer map of Vancouver, and the change in landscape in the 6 years since I moved, with dozens of micros starting up (in an already pretty vibrant scene) is incredible. Ottawa now is not even where Vancouver was then, so I think there is lots of room.

Of course, 6 years ago when I moved to Ottawa, if you wanted local beer, you went to the Clocktower. And that was about it (or I guess, you brewed your own)? YOu could get Heritage and I think Beau's at a few places. COmpare that with now. I think there is plenty of room for growth.

2013 Mar 27
Competition may still thin out the crowd somewhat, but i'm all for more micros sell new and interesting bres or even improving on the tried and trues.


2013 Mar 28
There seems to be a lot of construction activity at the old Grace O'Malley's on Merivale, which only closed a few weeks ago. Lots of wood going up on the exterior. Dare I hope that BBQ is on its way?

2013 Mar 28
The Lodge nightclub will be opening next month. Owner of a few nightclubs in Ottawa, Toronto and UMM magazine. Not the BBQ you're hoping for.

2013 Mar 28
Anyone heard anything about oil and chilli in the market? It's where the fruit market used to be.

2013 Mar 28
snoopy loopy I was by there last week and the windows were still covered in paper and no sign of life around the store. That does not mean much though since I was in the area during lunch hour so if any work is being done the workers may have been on their lunch break-;) I am usually in the market area once a week so if I see/hear anything I can keep you posted.

2013 Apr 5
New burger place on the way to former Imperial location...
apt613.ca

2013 Apr 6
Is this Burgers & Fries Forever (BFF) place going into where the old Imperial Arcade used to be? If so, that in itself is exciting. That spot has been an unoccupied eyesore for what, 20 years now? Granted, I don't travel that part of town often and may be wrong.

2013 Apr 6
Not sure if this helps Rizak.If you can do some CSI and figure out the reflection in the window LOL!
instagram.com/p/XwBubBGeHN/#

2013 Apr 6
Anyone know why Lapointe is taking over the Westboro Fish House location?


2013 Apr 6
Ollie - see this article - blogs.ottawacitizen.com

Rizak - the Apt613 article says the BFF place is taking over the space left by Imperial Food and Beverage, which was in the narrow space beside where the arcade used to be.

2013 Apr 6
Looks like there is a food truck opening in Stittsville. Wich's Cauldron, so I'm guessing its a fondue sandwich truck? :) Its in the spot where the previous food truck was on Carp Rd, beside the oil change/car wash.

2013 Apr 6
More on Lapointe's, they are taking over the space in Bell's Corners, in the mall with the Butchery. I don't remember the name of the previous space but was West End Bistro at one point. I'm guessing they will shutter the location down the road.

2013 Apr 7
ya Lapointes is taking over the westboro fishhouse because the food is terrible. I guess the fratelli brothers got what they had coming hiring a retirement house chef.

2013 Apr 7
"The Lodge" is open in the old Grace O'Malley's location at Merivale and Capilano.

2013 Apr 7
How is Lapointes? I recall a short-lived one in Aylmer about 6 years ago and I avoided it cause the menu seemed Long John Silver like, with the breaded shrimp and breaded fish fillets with so-so looking fries and sides. At not so much Long John Silver prices.

Anybody with recent experience? Does the resto or the market sell anything fresh, ie. from local lakes and rivers?

2013 Apr 8
I like the Lapointes in Kanata. Nice selection, and the fresh stuff is very good. Some of the fish & chip variations are just wrong... I mean that in a good way. Iirc they'll bread pretty much anything on request too.

2013 Apr 8
Lapointe's in Kanata also has great small plates available from 4pm to 9pm, but only on the bar side. There are about 20+ items written on a black board behind the bar. The selections change quite regularly, but the favourites remain. Prices are pretty reasonable - dishes range from $4 to $10 and I feel they are priced appropriately. The Lapointe's in Bells Corners will (I was told) still have fish available for sale, however, they will not have room for an actual display case as they have at their location on Robertson Road.

2013 Apr 8
I'm not sure if anyone has already mentioned this (thread is getting too long to read from the beginning :P), but I noticed a new, presumably Chinese restaurant open next to Union 613 on Somerset last time I was there for dinner. I've already forgotten what used to be there. Anyone know what/how it is? There was minimal signage so I don't even remember if there was a name that I could look up!

2013 Apr 9
There is a Pour Boy Pub opening on Somerset where Leroy's/Jean Albert used to be.

2013 Apr 10
...and here I was thinking what Ottawa really needs is more pubs, et voila!

2013 Apr 10
Slice & Co is now open.

2013 Apr 19
I was just in the Byward Market and noticed the paper in the windows of Olive and Chili have finally come down and there is a sign in the window saying "opening soon". The interior walls are now covered in shiny red tile and there are prep stations going around the circumference of the store. It looks like there is a rotisserie oven in the window on the York street side of the store. It looks like there was some prep work going on in the kitchen part so I have a feeling it will be opening REALLY soon.

2013 Apr 20
Thanks for the update Brian, can't wait to try Slice. I have to say, the pic from Ken's visit leaves me a bit underwhelmed, but would still like to give it a shot, maybe after they iron out some kinks.

That said, one of Slice's pizzas is inspired by a Brooklyn joint called Di Fara. Good thing his prices aren't like Di Fara's. $28 calzone, you kidding me? Goes to show you how New Yorkers are suckers to hype.

www.difara.com/menu

2013 Apr 20
Bacon I was being generous with my review. They have just opened, kinks need to be worked out with the food IMO. That pizza in the pic was $28. Maybe I was expecting N.Y quality guess the bar was set a little high. Crust was not very good(bad actually). I checked their website today and it has no info on it anymore just an e-mail address. I so want this place to be great. $7 for a Tankhouse ale in a bottle really. Can't say my first visit was impressive. Hope the Chicago deep dish is better than the N.Y rendition I had. Going to try all their offering before not returning.

2013 Apr 20
$28! I didn't know he was so expensive. I'll give it a shot too, but I'll probably limit it to Brooklyn and Chicago, and maybe a stromboli. Funny how the interview in Ottawa Mag talks about 'good food for the masses'. Yeah, $28 pizza is food for the masses.

2013 Apr 20
" ... $28 pizza is food for the masses."

It is when it's a large Carlo's Special delivered at 3:15am (wink-wink), piping hot and LOADED with toppings.

And the $28 is after taxes and a small tip for the fast delivery guy.

Not quite the masses but certainly a loyal following.

New Online Ordering:

www.clickmyslice.ca


2013 Apr 22
A peek at the new Savoy Brasserie coming Westboro. Thanks to Paula Roy's foodie blog.

It's in the spot where the old Newport Restaurant (and it's Elvis Sighting Society) was.

Elvis has left the building !!

constantlycooking.wordpress.com

2013 Apr 29
Digby's on Bank is gone, now 'Meditteranean Grill'.

Anyone tried it?

2013 Apr 30
There is a new place opening up right next to the Sobey's and LCBO at Trim and Innes in Orleans, where the LMNOP Toy Store used to be. The chairs and tables are set up and it looks very classy.

Anyone have any idea what this will be?

2013 Apr 30
Has anyone tried the new Thai restaurant in Carp? I may try it Friday but am wondering...

2013 May 1
Yep, got takeout there. It was ok, very accommodating to gluten free request. I thought I'd put an entry here for it earlier - its called Chang Thai Kitchen. There are better places, but from what I remember is was decent and close.

I'll add a vendor entry for it today.

2013 May 1
Anyone try out Spice Express the new Indian take-out place off Ogilvie Rd? They proclaim "traditional indian cuisine with 21st century quick service".
www.facebook.com/spicexpres

2013 May 1
Re the Thai place, some friends live in Carp and like it. Teh owners are Thai at least (I think)

2013 May 3
Indulge Kitchen & Cocktails is getting a lot of buzz.
It's located in the new shopping plaza on the corner of Limebank Road and Earl Armstrong Road.

I've added a vendor entry for it today - their website is pretty interesting.
The restaurant also does a good job on keeping their Facebook page updated.

2013 May 9
Olive and Chili is now open and they have a patio in front of the store. I didn't have time to go in but I saw LOTS of people going in and out of the store. I will have to tie in a visit sooner rather than later.

2013 May 9
Not really food but something to go with food-;) There is a Wine Rack going in where Ombrelle Pizzacones/Budapest Deli used to be.

2013 May 15
The place on Trim Rd next to Sobeys that I asked about a couple of weeks ago has opened.

Nino's Italian Restaurant and Lounge

Looks a little intimidating to enter with a group of stereotypical "Jersey Shore"-type employees standing in a group at the bar.

2013 May 18
Northman Chinese Restaurant. "Traditional North Chinese food & spicy hot pot".
323 Somerset Street West. As Qster mentioned above, it is beside Union 613.

2013 May 19
New BBQ place in Orleans, The Lost Canadian in Fallingbrook Plaza.

I'll hold off on a review, would like to give them another shot. I will advise against ordering the brisket though.

2013 May 20
That is pretty bad if you advise against the brisket at a Texas smokehouse...

2013 May 23
I went into the Lost Canadian for take out yesterday. Grabbed a "Meal for Two". It was supposed to be a choice of three meat items and three sides. Turns out, there were no meat choices as all I was allowed to get from the menu was pulled pork, pulled chicken and sliced brisket. Sides were biscuits, dusted fries and mac n cheese.

- Pulled pork was fine. Could have been a bit more saucy. BBQ sauce style, not vinegar style.

- Pulled chicken was just ok. It was in Dijon, maybe too much of it. The first couple bites were interesting, but after that it was too overwhelming.

- Brisket was ok too. Thinly sliced and in a glazy gravy sauce.

- Fries were terrible. Overcooked and had been sitting around for hours. Worst fries I've tried in a long time.

- Mac and Cheese was also quite old. Cut into a square, the sides were dried out.

- Corn bread, same thing as mac and cheese. Cut into pieces hours earlier, the sides were stale. Flavour was bland, no bite at all.

- Biscuit was fine. But there was only one on a "dinner for two".

All in all, we won't be returning. We're big fans of D&S BBQ in Carlsbad Springs and this place is just not up to snuff. Decor is sterile, not warm like a smokehouse should be. The location has been poison for everyone since it first was built 20 years ago.

2013 May 24
Turtle Island's first brew day today - good luck JP!

2013 May 25
Tried the new Nino's Italian Restaurant and Lounge (next to Sobey's on Trim Rd in Orleans) last night on the final night of their previews before officially opening today. We werefour adults and one child. At 6:00pm, no one else was in there, but by 7:00 when we left, the place was mostly full. They had called in extra staff who clearly weren't ready to work (they were in flip flops and shorts...).

They had a small menu for their previews, prices were decent.

Two loaves of bread, cooked to order, arrived on the table. Bread sat on a dish with oil and herbs. The loaves were both quite burned on the top. Even as they were placed in front of us, the smell of toast rose up. Not nearly enough oil and herbs also.

One app was ordered, the mussels in pomodoro sauce. Mussels were cooked well but the sauce was too spicy to be called pomodoro.

One manicotti was ordered, one gnocchi, two seafood pasta and one fettuccine Alfredo.

Manicotti was a very small serving, two quite thin pieces. Flavour was good, but insides were cold.

Gnocchi was in a rose sauce. Again, the sauce was very nice. Normal serving size.

Seafood pasta was in the same spicy pomodoro sauce. Came with about 10 mussels and 4-5 shrimps. One serving was a half serving for my 4-year old daughter. No mention of spiciness was made by the server. My daughter is ok with some heat and seemed ok with the dish. Adult sized was huge.

I had to send back the fettuccine twice. Both times, it arrived under-cooked with still-solid strands clumped together. Third dish was more of the same, though a bit less. Flavour was very nice however. Serving size was very small, about what you expect from an app.

Chose not to try desert.

The five dishes above, with one beer, one pop and one milk came to $105.00 before tip.

We will return once they find their legs. It's clear that they have kinks to work out. The server was very interested in hearing what we didn't like. I'll be honest, I was surprised that my fettuccine wasn't comped.

2013 May 30
The Sparks Street farmers market is open starting today. It will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

2013 May 30
Will the Farner's Market on Sparks street be comprised of the same over-priced farmers who populate the Farmer's Market at Brewer's Park?

2013 May 30
felinefan I took a stroll down Sparks during my lunch hour today just to check things out. There were only a handful of tables set up today all of which were located between Bank and O'Connor. Art-Is-In had a stall set up and it looked like the pastries were all sold out by the time I passed by at 12:30. (There were lots of people crowded around the table so my view was not the best-;) There was lots of bread available for sale though. There is also a honey stall there and it looks like the same one from Brewer's Park. Other than that there was one veggie stand and maybe three or four pastry stands none of which were familiar to me. It is still early in the growing season so hopefully more stands will open up as more produce becomes available.

2013 May 30
Thank you, Pasta Lover. I will be interested to read more about it. Before anyone jumps on me for saying that the Brewer's Park one is overpriced, let me just say that I will happily pay top dollar for good, local produce. BUT! A few weeks ago I was in my hometown of Woodstock, Ontario and went to the very local farmer's market there. One of the things I picked up was a bunch of asparagus for $3.50. That bunch of asparagus had about 50 spears in it as it was served as a vegetable for the two of us 4 times. Other items had similar pricing differences. I really like the Main Street Market and go there a lot.

2013 May 31
Carmichael's El Camino is now open on Elgin. I thought I read their takeout counter was open between 12 and 3:30 for lunch. Can anyone confirm?

2013 May 31
Brian Mc How far down Elgin is it located? I will be heading down Elgin at lunch today but only as far south as City Hall...

2013 May 31
I believe it's across from Slice & Co / Wild Wing, so quite a bit farther down.

2013 May 31
Okay I won't be going that far down Elgin today. But I will be out and about this weekend taking in Doors Open Ottawa so I can keep my eyes peeled for the resto and hours.

2013 May 31
It's at Gladstone and Elgin.

2013 May 31
Thanks!

2013 Jun 1
Went to Matthew Carmichael's El Camino at 3pm and talked to him briefly. They are ar 380 Elgin and have been open for dinner since Tuesday May 28th. Dinner is 5pm or 5:30 till 2am and there is a dining room and a take out window. They might start opening the window for lunch starting sometime next week
Going for a take out later.

2013 Jun 1
I tried El Camino too:) I love the vibe of the place, the food presentation and service were great and I like the music and food.

2013 Jun 1
nice little foodista. I was only there for about 15 mins with a small beer and a bite of the crispy prawn betal leaf while waiting for my takeout order of 5 fish and 4 meat tacos for dinner with my parents.

Really happy I was able to arrange with Chef Carmichael to have the cod pan fried without salt in a little olive oil rather then fried. A big thanks for that since finding nice low fat and low sodium or no sodium food is a tad difficult.

Menu, photos and review is now live for El Camino in a new vendor entry.

Brian Mc, they start doing takeout lunch at the open window beginning next Tuesday. Restaurant is only open for dinner.

Need to go back next week and try more of the menu. If someone wants to join me, let me know. I am thinking of Wednesday evening....

2013 Jun 2
Does anyone know anything about Hooch on Rideau St? Who owns it and do they have anything to do with Union 613. Read that they are doing southern cuisine and calling themselves a bourbon house. Sounds like Union 613 to me.

2013 Jun 2
Mad Mike, Hooch is planning to open on June 12th and Jeff Taylor (twitter.com/mixshakeandstir) will be gracing the bar with his cocktail expertise so it should be pretty amazing.

Website: hoochbourbon.ca/

180 Rideau St.

2013 Jun 2
Sounds great! Jeff makes killer cocktails

2013 Jun 3
Thanks FoodTravel

2013 Jun 4
Hells yeah. Bourbon bar sounds amazing

2013 Jun 5
So, does anybody know anything about Hooch other than it's a bourbon bar? Am I right in assuming it's a southern version of the highlander?

2013 Jun 5
If you click through their website to the facebook page you can get a flavour of it: Hooch Bourbon House

2013 Jun 5
El camino lunch takeout window hours noon to 2:30 cash only.

2013 Jun 6
Stopped El Camino window today, I got fish and lamb and was very pleased with both. There wasn't a queue, but there was always someone ordering or waiting for an order -- people seem to be drawn to that neon TACOS sign.

(photo twins, FoodTravel)

2013 Jun 6
nice flandroid.. Your photo is the right side up lol..

Did they have the beef tongue taco today?

2013 Jun 6
I can't remember what the trigger is for the dreaded sideways photo (size? aspect? FF?), I guess I got lucky.

And no tongue, just the four listed on the window. Did they offer them for takeout that other time you went?

2013 Jun 6
it was special of the day and I would guess evening only since it is grilled. Burberry had some and raved about it but they just ran out as we were about to order some lol

I took the photo and attached it directly to the post and I took it the with phone up and down and I think OF prefers photos sideways.

2013 Jun 6
The sideways photo thing has something to do with metadata that virtually rotates the photo. It has something to do with your camera and/or photo software. It's never happened to me, regardless of aspect ratio (landscape or portrait).

If anyone knows more, I'd appreciate any info!

2013 Jun 6
FF,

If it helps, I have a Samsung S II. When I take a photo sideways, it post properly. Sometimes when I have time I rotate and save the photo..

2013 Jun 8
Heard Annie & Clydea (AKA Mexicali Rosa's) in the Glebe is closing at the end of June, to be replaced by a Big Easy's - They will also get rid of the front parking in favour of a patio.

2013 Jun 8
There is a new Greko on Bank at Bank and Nepean, in the space of the previous diner. Has anyone checked it out? I can't right now due to injury, but that spot has not maintained a restaurant for any length of time...

2013 Jun 10
There is a 3 brewers open(ing?) up in the Kanata Centrum, across from the theatre.

2013 Jun 10
The Food Truck ChowDown is opening on June 12th.

2013 Jun 15
Burgers n Fries Forever (announced in April) has its signs up now in the window of the former Imperial Restaurant on Bank

apt613.ca

2013 Jun 19
Heard a TacoLot is going in at Nepean and Bank, can anyone confirm? They'll have to pick up their game if they want to compete with El Camino... unless El Camino does The Shuffle.

2013 Jun 20
Drove past there last week and a sign was up for TacoLot there. Not sure if they were open yet but not inclined to check them out.

2013 Jun 20
There is a review for the Nepean St. Tacolot location, so I assume that means they are open.

TacoLot


2013 Jun 20
Sounds like it's all bunch-cha Talk-o-lot.

2013 Jun 25
I saw that the old Casa de Churrasco on Dalhousie has been painted and has paper in the window. No idea what is going in

2013 Jun 25
please lord let it be a new churrasco place that's awesome
please lord let it be a new churrasco place that's awesome
pretty please with hot sauce on top lordletitbeanewchurrascoplacethat'sAWESOME

2013 Jul 8
LifT restaurant is the one in the new Delta (formerly Crowne Plaza) and they have a sign up saying starting tomorrow, they have a $9.95 lunch buffet Tues-Fri. Apparently to feature healthy, fresh, local; cited mains were seared flank steak, BBQ chicken, and seared trout. For $10... I will be there! Surely beats the Glue Pot buffet across the street!

2013 Jul 9
The old Casa do Churrasco location now has a sign in the window - DAS LOKAL opening in September. Doesn't sound too churrasco-ey, sorry OSoloMeal. :(

Can't find any info on it other than that though. DALHOUSIE NORTH MYSTERY!


2013 Jul 9
I think rosetta stone is starting to pay off. I think that restaurant will be serving food made from local ingredients!

2013 Jul 21
The Bacon factory "Burger joint" opening soon beside lesplanade laurier downtown.

2013 Jul 22
Ben Baird sold The Urban Pear to focus on his food truck Ottawa Streat Gourmet. From the Streat Gourmet facebook page:

Something crazy happened last week.
I sold the restaurant, officially on friday about noon.
I have a big week of switching all things over to the new owner.
So...This week our Queen and O'Connor schedule might be slim, and we are not sure how we will proceed until our warehouse kitchen is built. We will update daily as we figure it out.

I wish Jeff, the new owner of The Urban Pear all the best, it is a great place and I will miss it dearly.

Cheers

2013 Jul 22
The strip mall on the north west corner at Meadowlands and Prince of Wales (where the alt-Dirienzo used to be) has a sign up that says

'Latin Bistro - churrasco chicken, empanadas, tacos, opening July 22'.

Anyone know anything?

2013 Jul 22
OSM - I saw the same sign. I think a fact finding mission is in order

2013 Jul 22
I may pop by after work then. It's on ym way home anyways.

2013 Jul 22
we'll require a full and detailed report.

2013 Jul 22
Interesting about Urban Pear. Does anyone know who is the Jeff that bought it?

I talked to an owner of a French-German Bistro in Vancouver La Brasserie last Nov who was in the process of closing down their food truck after a nice run of 2 seasons since they could not kept both going without quality suffering. They kept the restaurant for dinner and brunch only and dispensed with the food truck at lunch. Not sure the fact that they partnered with someone else for the food truck was a factor or not.
www.insidevancouver.ca

Whereas Ben sold the restaurant and is focus on the food truck. I know for my nephew's Bday lunch at end of May, the quality was not as high as I hoped for the dinner prices being charged. Wondering anyone tried the restaurant in June/July for dinner and what they thought.


2013 Jul 22
Apparently the person is Jeffrey Frost but a search on www.chefdb.com and www.linkedin.com turned up nothing. There is a little more information on Ron Eade's blog: blogs.ottawacitizen.com Even Ron put out an appeal if anyone has information on the new owner.

2013 Jul 22
uhmm I wonder if Ben's ex-wife Summer still had a stake in Urban Pear and was involved with the sale decision.

2013 Jul 22
Guess I read that wrong. I thought you said Prince of Wales and Baseline, where Marianne Direnzos is. On the plus side, their mortadella sandwhich was pretty decent.

2013 Jul 22
Yeah, it's actually at FISHER and MEADOWLANDS.

Also, I saw that Dick's Drive-Thru and Dairy Dip is all torn up and under construction. Weird time to do it, I'd think. This seems like prime burger and ice cream season.

2013 Jul 23
James - Alt-Dirienzo's used to be at the other location, tho per Rizak i may have screwed up Fisher vs PoWales, sorry about that. Tho' those sandwiches rock so i'm not that sorry for your inconvenience :)

2013 Jul 23
Since I was going by there, I stopped in al Latin Bistro. They don't have a lot of stuff there yet but they did have beef empanadas and chicken empanadas, Beef were $4.20 each while the chicken ones were $3.99. They also had, if memory serves, a ricotta and spinanch one for $3.99. This may or may not be useful info to those of you who are curious about the place. My general feeling was that it is a bt overpriced for what you get.

2013 Jul 26
More info on the sale of the Urban Pear and an interview with Jeffrey Frost: blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Jul 26
Urban Pear was down to 4 dinners/week. Not sure if it was open for Sunday brunch but you cannot make reservation for anything other then Wed-Sat dinners.

Jeff Frost is only talking about scaling back up to pre-food truck schedule since brunch Sat? and Sun and lunches Wed-Fri and Tues dinners were on previous schedule.

Sound from the interview Ben Baird wanted to sell Urban Pear soon after he got the food truck started.

2013 Jul 30
New East Indian Restaurant called Haldi is opening on Preston St (where Il Piccolino used to be).

Tweet with picture:
twitter.com

2013 Jul 30
The Toronto chain Bier Markt is going into the old Zellers location on Sparks Street.

2013 Jul 30
X-13D, my day, you made it.

2013 Jul 30
Former gas station / mechanic at O'Connor and Gloucester has a sign up saying "Coming soon - The Bacon Factory"

I hope they do a thorough cleanup of the site though, don't think you can have a clean food service operation at a former gas station. Lots of $$ to clean up the mess.

2013 Jul 30
ohhhh, Bier Markt has a great selection of bottled bears in Toronto.

2013 Jul 30
Nobody puts bears in a bottle. That's just silly.

2013 Jul 30
lol good picture rizak.. I meant beer.

2013 Aug 1
Sorry kitty, the old churrasco place will not be a new churrasco place. It will be serving "local food".

2013 Aug 1
Hey guys, did you now there's now Joe's Coffee and Deli somewhere in Ottawa? Complete with stock photos!

But seriously, the Bier Market looks awesome. I really like how we are getting new craft beer based bars in Ottawa. Also good for a litttle extra flavour.

2013 Aug 2
Someone told me there's been a change in the beer laws in Ontario and suddenly - selection!

AD_2: I live right by the Bacon Factory location, and trust me, cleanup has happened. I have the sleepless nights (from some time ago) to prove it.

Joe's Coffee will never listen to us because we're not dressed properly. As per last sentence of this: joescoffeeanddeli.com

I went yesterday to the Gainsbourg brewery pub in Hull, am working on a review and making the page for it; may need another visit first. One mention: a dozen draught taps, all Québec microbreweries products (three of them their own). About time this area of the province had something like this.

2013 Aug 2
Thanks, Niall. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Improper capitalization, spelling, punctuation, grammar ... this one page is just full of bad examples.

Let an 8 year old loose in the code to clean it up, maybe.

I don't really want to make this into a dog pile, but it just never seems to get any better.

2013 Aug 4
Express Asian Food at 202 Bank St. (Bank and Gloucester)

I was walking by the other day and this place just showed up out of nowhere. They seem to have an all you can eat sushi menu, bubble tea, and various other Asian food.

They have no website though. Does anyone have any information on this place or has been there yet?

2013 Aug 7
Ottawa will be getting the US chain Panera Bread. Not sure of location yet.
I've never been to one but from what I've heard they are sort of like an upscale Tim Hortons/Subway etc with soups, salads and sandwiches.

2013 Aug 7
Panera is good - very decent baked goodies and sandwiches. Higher end pricing, but superior quality. It will be interesting to see how it translates into the Canadian market wrt quality and pricing.

2013 Aug 7
I am actually excited about this. I love hitting Panera when I go to the states.

2013 Aug 7
My guess is if there's a Panera-Bread-shaped vacancy at Lansdowne that'd be a good fit, especially since it's already getting a Whole Foods. Anytown, USA here we come.

2013 Aug 7
Place du Centre in downtown Hull will get a Starbucks on Sep 23. People at work are already counting down the days. It's sad to see more chains going to that food court, as I like what used to be almost all local, independent restos. (I may not like Papy's Burgers, but I am glad they've succeeded in their niche. Even if I vastly preferred the delicious indian place there before.)

2013 Aug 7
I like Panera bread and sometimes have lunch there maybe once a week if I have one close to the client's office.

2013 Aug 8
In regards to the Panera Bread, according to this:

www.trinity-group.com

It will be opening up at the Lowe's plaza on Hunt Club.

2013 Aug 8
New taco joint called The Taco Shop in Hull.


2013 Aug 9
I eat at Panera frequently when I'm in the states. Not the best and not the worst, but like Starbuck's or McDonald's, the strong point is consistency. You should get exactly the same experience at any Panera, so the Hunt Club location should not disappoint.

2013 Aug 9
Noticed a Sbarro beside the Harvey's at the T&T plaza on Hunt Club.

2013 Aug 12
Anyone hear anything about what will be taking the place of the Hard Rock Cafe? I have heard it would be a brew pub type place. Originally I was told the Big Rig group looked into opening another location there, but I have been told they are no longer interested, but that it may be a similar place.

Someone else hear something?

2013 Aug 12
I've heard rumours of a Moxie's in the Hard Rock Cafe space.

2013 Aug 12
Rumour has it that it will be a brew pub operated by York Entertainment.

2013 Aug 12
Thank God Ottawa will have another pub.

2013 Aug 13
I'm all for more brew pubs doing innovative and new tasty beers,, but does anyone else think Ot-town is treading on the edge of moving from 'yay brewpubs!' to 'yawn... brewpubs'?

From a foodie perspective the food in most of these places is hardly earthshattering.

Mill Street, 3 Brewers and Big Rig are fine, but i find little novelty in the menu dept... that's ok, they're not trying to be the Wellington Gastropub, but on some level i want great food with great beer. I put BDT slightly higher, and Beer Bros is doing some fun and creative stuff. The BeerMarket coming to Sparks St is, if it resembles its TO parent, more in line with the former than the latter.

So we're getting more pubs. Better beer, great!... but... more pubs. This dissapoints.

2013 Aug 13
Well said OSM - the food aspect at most of these micro brew places is mediocre. For over 20 years, when I went to brew pubs/micro brew places in California, most had really awesome food to go along with the beer. Some places are less awesome now, as they grow (looking at you Gordon Biersch), but most are still awesome. Yes California has everything local - however they just cook good stuff from scratch instead of reheated/fried sysco stuff.

2013 Aug 13
Hopefully it will be a place that sells tacos and pulled pork sandwiches with maybe a cupcake dessert cart!

2013 Aug 14
There's a new Trini (i.e. Trinidadian) restaurant in Bells Corners called Trini Caribbean Delights. The BEST tasting West Indian food I've ever had in Ottawa, by far. If you've never had doubles or aloo pie 'Delights' is definitely among he best restaurants to try it at outside of Trinidad and Tobago (TnT, not to be confused with the Asian supermarket chain). My BF, originally from TnT, has become one of the biggest fans of the restaurant and has visited almost weekly since they opened this summer.

My favourite dishes are the goat roti and doubles. Their goat meat is well seasoned, their roti skins are fresh and tender.

The doubles bread (known as bara) is light, fluffy and not too oily. The chana (chickpea curry) is a well balanced and has a deep flavour profile. And of course, they have all the condiments including pickle, pepper (known up here as hot sauce) and shado benni ( similar to cilantro). If you're interested in having doubles I would suggest calling ahead to place an order because they often sell out Friday's and weekends.

They service at this family owned business is friendly and welcoming.

Thanks!
:D


2013 Aug 14
Miss.Ricenpeas, that's sounds interesting, I think I may try it out sometime next week. Always wanted to try good Caribbean food.

2013 Aug 14
What are "doubles"?

2013 Aug 14
"The doubles bread (known as bara) is light, fluffy and not too oily"

I assume it's bread?

2013 Aug 14
I can see where the confusion lies. The menu lists "doulbles" at $2 each. But Miss.Ricenpeas clarified it in her review-;)

2013 Aug 14
@ lovetoeat and James C.
The closet equivalent to a 'doubles' is the Quizno's Sammy. Although this is only the equivalent in size, not flavour.

A doubles (plural spelling for one sandwich) consists of two pieces of fried dough /bread filled with a chickpea curry and other condiments. They're pretty small so it's easy to eat multiples in one sitting.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubles_(food)

2013 Aug 14
Thank you, Those look delih. I'll have to check it out

2013 Aug 14
stoked on the doubles. thanks for sharing this little gem!

2013 Aug 15
This strikes me as a very poor decision from an intellectual property point of view.

(it's where The Druid used to be near Murray + Dalhousie)

2013 Aug 15
Pho Van Van is reopened in the new condo building South of Holland and Wellington. Their debit wasn't working and they don't have their liquor license yet, so I went back the way I came to the OTHER new Vietnamese restaurant that just opened where Pho Van Van used to be: Asian Gardens Vietnamese Restaurant (I think). Not the best food I've eaten, but not the worst. The giant pieces of barely cooked cauliflower were a bit tough, as was the enormous quantity of sliced carrots in my Pad Thai. The spring rolls were very nice and very hot though.

2013 Aug 18
If you like burgers, and you like fries....

Seriously, run to Burgers and Fries Forever.

Hard launch was on Saturday night, they sold out of everything on Sunday and they don't even have enough product to open tomorrow, as they had planned to.

It's that good.

2013 Aug 19
gastropub opening a new spot in stittsville.

blogs.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Aug 20
Stuart S, I wish I could agree. Just added my experience to their vendor page:

Burgers n' Fries Forever

I had other issues not covered there, but mostly inefficiencies, not related to the end product.

2013 Aug 21
"New taco joint called The Taco Shop in Hull."

Has anyone tried this place? It's called Le Taco Shop and is located within the Oaks Boardshop on St. Joseph Blvd. across from Les Galeries de Hull. I popped by on Monday and was told that tacos were only sold Tuesday to Friday. Popped by again yesterday and was told to check back next week.

Quite frustrating given the lack of quality lunch options in the area but I will try to be patient.


2013 Aug 21
Wait... "It's called Le Taco Shop ... tacos were only sold Tuesday to Friday."
...what???

2013 Aug 21
You can only rent the tacos on the weekend.

2013 Aug 21
"You can only rent the tacos on the weekend."

So it's like bad fast food? You only rent the food for a short amount of time?

2013 Aug 21
Reminds me of Gus's Grill in HLX, where on a Sunday (In the not-so-good-old days) you had to order food to get a beer-they'd rent you a grilled cheese sandwich, which would just be put on the table in case the authorities wandered in.

2013 Aug 22
Been to le taco shop...very good tacos. Had guiness marinated pulled pork. The tortillas are made fresh from a local Spanish bakery. Had a chat with the young chef and he mentioned that he had originaly applied for a truck permit but was not selected. He only opens for lunch on weekdays and closes when he runs out (3pm) 2 tacos with side and dessert for 10,50$ .

2013 Aug 22
Tnx Wheresda'... that makes sense.

2013 Aug 25
Signs are up in the windows FiveGuys opening soon. Hunt Club at the Low's plaza .

2013 Aug 26
We are opening on Saturday at 1242 Wellington. How did I take six months and Pho Van Van take six weeks. If I do this again, I am going to figure out how to be faster.

2013 Aug 27
for what it's worth Fly, your exterior looks nicer than theirs.

2013 Aug 27
FlyingBanzini, if your product is half as tasty as I expect it to be, I'm predicting a booming start for the Flying Banzini! Menu sneak peek: flyingbanzini.com

2013 Aug 27
Congrats FlyingBanzini! I will try your food very soon!!

2013 Aug 28
Le Taco Shop is back! I talked with the owner and he said they were busy last week setting up a bbq/smokehouse place on Fournier but they are back to regular hours now: open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday.

I ordered the combo for $10.50: 2 tacos (smoked beef this week), quinoa salad, cookie and soft drink. Tacos à la carte are $3.50 per, 2 for $6. In retrospect I should have just ordered 3 tacos for a dollar less as I didn't care much for the sides. Decent but unnecessary.

Anyway, the tacos were pretty good. A little dry but the filling was tasty and the toppings fresh. By comparison to the only other taco I've had recently in Ottawa at The Piggy Market, these lacked the juicy flavour punch I was hoping for.

Glad to have this place around though. I'll probably hit it up once a week.


2013 Aug 28
@Ollie, thanks for the update. Fresh Foodie, can you add the information above to Le Taco Shop page? thanks.

2013 Aug 28
I've been invited to the "test flight" on Friday night at Flying Banzini. They've invited a flock of interested people (this is invite only, sorry) for this event in order to train staff in a live environment and tweak everything before they officially open the doors.

That sounds like an awesome idea to me. Plus, you know, free dinner!

I'll be reporting back here with my findings and a few photos. I'm expecting the food to be great. I guess we'll see about the rest.

2013 Aug 28
Congrats FlyingBanzini! I can't wait to try your new resto!

2013 Aug 28
Yeah we got an invite to the test flight on Thursday ... but unfortunately could not find a baby sitter so refashionista gets to go with a friend and I get to stay home with the kids :-(

2013 Aug 29
Popped my head in last thurs after errand at heart institute and flyingbanzini invited me in for a tour and sampled half a sandwich. good job with the renovation and a lot of work seemed to have gone into it.

2013 Aug 29
Ottawa Foodies are a lot of pressure... heh. I was very happy with the food coming from the kitchen yesterday. I didn't see anything I was not proud to serve. Kitchen will get a little quicker. And, the front of house needs some polish, to be sure.

2013 Aug 29
As Zym said, I was there tonight with a friend (always nice to get out without the kids! ;) ) and I've no complaints!

The service was fast and pleasant. The food was delicious, and I had a lot of difficulty choosing which cheesecakes (yes, multiple) I was going to sample. The price point is fantastic for people wanting to get out with kids (always a consideration for us) and there were lots of kid-friendly and vegetarian-friendly options on the board. I like that they are offering local beers along with their other choices.

I will definitely be heading out with a group of friends in the next few weeks -- I think it's a great fit for the 'hood.. :)

All the best on the opening, Dave!

2013 Aug 29
Thank you so much. This evening was much better than lunch. We are heading in the right direction. Food just keeps getting better... and the front of house is getting closer to where we need to be. We have another full day of practice before going live on Saturday.

2013 Aug 30
Top notch meal and service at the Flying Banzini last night,

The Habenero and caper savoury cheesecake was a pleasant surprise.

Porchetta was superb and the Caesar salad was one of the best I have had in a long time (with Crackling + bacon and homemade dressing.)

For dessert the lemon meringue cheesecake was my favourite.

Its a must visit...

Good work Dave!

2013 Aug 30
Oh, yes! I had the lemon meringue cheesecake, too -- absolutely delicious! ;) I opted for the Beef Outside Round sandwich, though, for my meal. The beef was perfectly done and practically melted in my mouth. If I could consistently make it that way at home, I would a happy lady. ;)

2013 Aug 30
I saw the roast beef, it's frustrating when you enjoy your meal so much but other options are still giving you food envy.

It will be sampled very soon.


2013 Aug 30
I ordered and went to wait with my friend. And then saw all the pizzas coming out.. ;) I hear you! The upside is that pizza is super kid-friendly, so ordering a selection when going with the family will mean trying several. ;)

2013 Aug 30
You guys are making me jealous. I have my eye on porchetta.
Really glad you moved into the neighborhood FB

2013 Aug 30
I was honoured to be one of the "chosen few" to sample the delicious eats last night at the Flying Banzini.

I had the Little Less Conversation pizza and it was incredible!! Lunchtime can't come sooner since I saved a few pieces.

The cheesecakes were amazing - especially the espresso chocolate!

The service was great - very attentive. Will absolutely be going back - I've already spread the word to my Tunney's pasture co-workers and have a planned visit for my bday in a few weeks.

2013 Sep 3
There's an ouvert bientot sign up for a 'Rotisserie Portugais' called 'Piri Piri' on Prom du Portage, corner Eddy.


2013 Sep 4
Will someone post some damned photos please? I was invited to the soft opening but couldn't make it. Might need to walk up at lunch later this week to check it out...

2013 Sep 6
Anyone got any idea when the Bacon Factory is opening? Sounds kinda cool.

2013 Sep 8
The ZaZaZa has opened on Wellington (almost directly across from Tennessy Willems). They tweeted that they are serving free pizza yesterday and today 11-2 & 5-8 in exchange for a donation to the Parkdale Food Centre.

2013 Sep 10
The Mayflower Pub is closing:

www.ottawacitizen.com

2013 Sep 10
Slightly off topic ...

2013 Sep 10
Hunt Club West between Price of Wales and Merivale (Lowe's), new quick serve opening soon: Starbucks, Five Guys, Booster Juice, sign just went up for Panda Express and I hear there will be a Panera Bread.

2013 Sep 10
Sorry, Rizak. I posted it here because IIRC the "New Openings" always used to be "Comings and Goings" and this seemed like the most appropriate place to put that. I didn't feel it deserved its own thread..

2013 Sep 10
Harrysmom:

There will be a Panera bread at the Hunt Club Plaza, first one in Ottawa, a few more should follow shortly.

2013 Sep 10
i don't think the wellington gastropub will be opening their 2nd spot in stittsville anymore. there was a big fire in the building they were renovating. not sure what is happening.

2013 Sep 11
Oh and they are building a St. Hubert on Prince of Wales just south of Hunt Club as well.

2013 Sep 13
I heard there was a new Mexican opening @ Trainyards. Googling I found Mucho Burrito opening there soon near the WalMart. I haven't tried this before, and I will, but is that what people are talking about?

ottawa.kijiji.ca

I noticed a Think Kitchen there too . . . never been.

2013 Sep 19
My buddies at Totally Squared have started a shop of their own. They're only open on weekends now (as far as I know).

In Bells Corners at 111-14 Bexley Place.
It's well hidden, way in the back in an industrial park behind where the IKEA used to be. Sorry, that's the only thing I know about Bells Corners.

www.totallysquared.com/

2013 Sep 25
DeRienzo's sandwich shop on Fisher at Meadowlands changed their name to something else for a little while, but that is done now too. It has switched gears and become a south-of-the-border quick meal place. Tacos. Pupusas. Other things I can only pretend to pronounce properly. I haven't tried it yet, but intend to do so some night soon when I can't be bothered to cook.

Big Daddy's Crab Shack on Fisher at Baseline is in the throes of becoming a new burger joint. I guess burgers are the new cupcake/cronut/taco.

2013 Sep 26
That Dirienzo moved to the small strip mall Prince of Wales and Heron.

The new latino place looks promising but i'm a little worried at the 'over-diversity' of the food list. haven't tried it yet but will.

Re Big Daddy's, hey, at least it's not another Irish/Scottish/Atlanticish pub.

2013 Sep 26
Actually, that Dirienzo's you mention is owned by his ex-wife after she left with all the signs and forced him to rename.

Here is a pic of the new burger joint.

2013 Sep 27
She was the owner of the Fisher one that relocated to Prince and Heron if i'm not mistaken.

2013 Sep 27
I stopped into the Latin Bistro today just as they were closing and had a chat with the owner, John, and his lovely wife. They have a really interesting idea here that might just fill a niche. They have lots of food from different countries, like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Salvador, Peru, and Guatemala. The difference is that they actually have people FROM those countries come in and make their signature dishes. They have a commercial kitchen with all of the equipment necessary. Empanadas, churrasco sandwich, papas rellenas, tamales, burritos, tacos, enchaladas and much more. There were a few things on the board that I'd never heard of before. I asked about pupusas and was told that they will make them with advance ordering. I love me some pupusas.

I asked him and he said that if there is someone else who wants to do the same with them that they should call and see.

They have a website at latinbistro.ca/

So ... I still haven't eaten here yet. Soon.

It occurs to me that they might even rent out their space to someone should they have need of a commercial kitchen. I haven't asked, but it seems like a possibility. They're pretty much doing that every day already.

2013 Oct 11
"Burger World" to open in place of Pet Valu next to 168 Sushi on Meadowlands.

That's all i got.

2013 Oct 16
Leaving Preston:
Dunn's - windows are all papered over and closed
Broadways - completely gone, including signs
Nakhon Thai Express - never reopened after flood. Windows papered over

Coming to Preston:
The Rex (Adeline St, where Lorenzo's Pizza used to be) - sign went up, not open yet
Atelier - expanding to 2 floors
La Verona - near Gladstone. Construction underway

2013 Oct 16
hff re Nakhon Thai Express: their other restaurant (also Nakhon Thai Express) in Kemptville opened a few years ago then moved this summer to a better location - we've been there a couple times this month and seems to be doing well. They are also putting the finishing touches on another resto (will it also be called Nakhon Thai Express?) that will open next month in Brockville - they live in Brockville now.

2013 Oct 16
Andy- I was only referring to the Preston location. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear.

2013 Oct 18
hff - I was just saying - you were clear.

2013 Oct 18
It is too bad they left Preston, they were a good spot for lunch/take-out. I find the current Preston offers too similar.

2013 Oct 26
This actually be in New Opening 2014 but the thread is not there yet.

Apparently Matthew Carmichael has taken over a space at Bank and Somerset and is renovating it. I heard the planned opening date is around Feb.

2013 Oct 27
Yeah, heard that the restaurant will be similar to Joe Beef in MTL.

2013 Oct 28
Skirt Steak, opening in Kanata. Looking for help...

skirtsteak.ca/

ABOUT US

Skirt Steak is a steakhouse redefined. The sleek, contemporary atmosphere combined with unique menu selections and cuts of meat, leave guests with little to desire. Backed by a strong hospitality organization, The Rooney Group, puts this new comer in the front running for being a leader in the industry. The bar and lounge area boasts ample room for large groups, discrete side line booths for taking in all the action, and an up front and center lounge area to see and be seen in. The diverse atmosphere and culinary delights make for an unexpected adventure every time. Our diverse draft line up and vast cocktail selections made from our in house infused liquors complement our extensive wine list to suite every taste. This same energy makes its way into the dining room where the service staff will take care of your every need. Skirt Steak’s private dining provides an opportunity to host worry free. This sexy and edgy take on today’s steakhouse will keep you wanting more.

2013 Oct 28
HFF - Looks good! Where in Kanata? it is a pretty big place these days...

2013 Oct 28
I can't figure out the location and the website doesn't even say. I did try your trick with Google, but "misogyny and steak kanata" didn't turn up anything? ;P

2013 Oct 28
Holy crap that's a pretty sexist website over there at skirtsteak.ca

2013 Oct 28
I should apply there. I hope they give me the red skirt.

2013 Oct 28
Zy I'm glad I'm not the only one that finds that website unbelievable. I can only imagine that food is not their highest priority.

2013 Oct 28
It's like Moxie's and Kinki, but even more blatant. I'm guessing they think it will be popular with the boorish contingent of the high tech crowd. And the "About Us" blurb just oozes sleaze. :(

Seriously, this is 2013. Not cool.

On a related note, I got this fortune cookie today.

2013 Oct 29
Fresh Foodie I was about to take umbrage with your comment about the "boorish contingent" of the high tech crowd until I remembered working for a large Kanata based company whose CEO was permanently banned from the strip club on the next block. I guess he'll have a new hangout.

2013 Oct 29
I don't know - I thought perhaps the stip steak place would have been better off having the model chewing on the raw steak, with a collar, and the music pumped up to 11. (Don't flame me - obscure spinal tap reference meant to show how ludicrous this ad is).

2013 Oct 29
This Skirt Steak place is either associated with or borrowing heavily from the STK restaurants: togrp.com/togrp-stk/

In any case, the best thing those of us who care about food can do, is to keep giving our business to chef-owned establishments and small businesses. :-)

2013 Oct 29
Also ... Dear god, not another "modern steak house redefined".

2013 Oct 30
Looks like Annie and Clyde the old Mexicali's in the Glebe is under construction. Local Hero's on Bank Street is a new Bar&Grill, I think it was GoodTime Grill will have to check again not sure on the name.

2013 Oct 30
There is a sign for St Louis Bar & Grill at the corner of baseline and clyde... no sign of construction yet though.

2013 Oct 30
The old Mexicali's/Annie and Clyde's will be opened by the owner of the Big Easy's on Preston.

2013 Nov 5
Veronique Rivest from Gatineau who finished 2nd in Tokyo this year for Sommelier du Monde is opening a Bar a Vin in Old Hull on Montcalm. This is very good news for Gatineau and the region.

2013 Nov 9
The Five Guys on Hunt Club Road near the Lowes is now open.

2013 Nov 10
The old Mexi's on Bank will be Rosa's Southern Kitchen and Raw Bar (owned by Ross from Big Easy's on Preston Street, I believe).

They have taken out all the parking out front to make a big patio, complete with fireplace, and classed the joint up a notch.

2013 Nov 11
The Rex on Adeline (off Preston, where Lorenzo's used to be) is ready to open. There is a screen cap of their menu on their twitter stream.
twitter.com/therexottawa

Dunn's on Preston is now gone and there is going to be EVOO - Greek Kitchen opening up. They are hiring.

2013 Nov 11
the rex menu looks awesome

2013 Nov 11
Agreed, Eastcoast.chef - looks very awesome.

2013 Nov 12
Kitchen Hut now open on Merivale Rd. next door to Nicastro. Asian housewares, non perishable food items, and bulk items like takeout containers, fancy toothpicks etc. Their opening special is 15% off all purchases.

2013 Nov 19
Ron Eade just tweeted that Seed to Sausage is going to be opening a store in Ottawa in mind-January at Bronson and Gladstone.

2013 Nov 19
What used to be there?

2013 Nov 20
A friend of mine is involved in the shop and it will feature a wide selection of cheeses as well as the Seed to Sausage products.

2013 Nov 20
Dantessa has re-located to Tenth Line Rd in Orleans.

2013 Nov 20
World Burger now open on Meadowlands next to 168 Sushi... offering "premium burgers".

www.yourworldburger.com

2013 Nov 23
Moose McGuire's Pub And Grill signs are up where the Wild Wing used to be at McCarthy and Paul Anka.

2013 Nov 27
Lunch review of the Rex (from Anne Desbrisay). Chef/owner used to be at Urban Pear.

www.capitaldining.ca

2013 Dec 2
The owners of Must Wine Bar are opening a new place in the old Sweetwaters space on Murray. No intel yet on the menu.

2013 Dec 2
arugula,

The old owners or the new owners of MUST Wine Bar.

2013 Dec 3
Not sure FoodTravel.

2013 Dec 5
Rumour has it that the old owners of Must are going into the old Sweetgrass location and that burgers will be a dominant feature.

2013 Dec 7
Walked by the old New Dubrovnik location today. While they've been doing construction for weeks now, I've yet to see a sign as to what's actually going in there. The renovation seems to be complete and there were 3-4 people inside , but no signage as to what's there now aside from a generic "NOW OPEN" sign hanging above the window.

Seems to me like they could do with a little marketing savvy or at least a twitter or facebook page, or lighted entrance.

2013 Dec 8
MHK on Merivale is sporting a new name. "Oyster Bay" Steaks Sushi and Seafood. Does not look like much has changed inside and don't know if it is the same owner.

2013 Dec 8
UncleK it just opened on Friday - Bowman's Bar & Grill. We went on Saturday night. A varied menu with non-standard pub food. I had vegetarian meatloaf with garlic mashed & brussel sprouts, husband had porkbelly club, others had fried chicken and hamburger. Excellent fries, and I was really pleased with my food.

New restaurants do need to embrace social media to get the word out and start building momentum though.

www.bowmansbarandgrill.ca/

2013 Dec 9
Vegetarian Meatloaf? Isn't that a oxymoron? Shouldn't it just be loaf then?

2013 Dec 10
Rosies Southern Kitchen on Bank opens December 15. They had a soft opening of sorts last night. This is the old Mexicali Rosa's/Annie and Clyde's/ No menu up yet, but they are doing lots of wine by the glass. (I saw the sign board up) with 5 and 9 ounce glasses

2013 Dec 10
James C - my husband made the same comment. I love restaurants that tackle vegetarian dishes in a more interesting way.

Note the menu has been updated, but my vegetarian dish is not on there now:
www.bowmansbarandgrill.ca

Added vendor:
Bowman's Bar & Grill

2013 Dec 19
Ghana House Cuisine on Merivale next to Bulk Barn. African, Caribbean and Canadian dishes. This could be good!!

found the menu here: www.urbanspoon.com

2013 Dec 19
I went to Ghana house last week! The rice and beans were delicious and plentiful. The jerk chicken was pretty darn good too.

2013 Dec 20
Anyone try Srawberry blonde bakery stuff yet ?

They are in the original location of Art-Is-In ... tucked under Ottawa Bagel Shoppe in Wellington Village.

www.strawberryblondebakery.com


2013 Dec 21
Omnivore's Ottawa Omnivore's Ottawa reports that the Cheshire Cat pub in Carp is to reopen within days, after the devastating fire last December. There is a post Dec. 17th showing before and after pictures. Good luck!

2013 Dec 23
The Cat is open - soft opening was Friday and apparently they were off and pulling beers after that. Did not get a chance to go in yet, but hopefully shortly. Amazing story is that they have almost all the original staff back after almost a year closed. A couple migrated over to Alice's and a few have found other careers. That is a testament to both the ownership (well done Dustin!) and the group as a whole.

2013 Dec 26
Oyster Bay (old MHK) on Merivale has a sign up that they are doing oyster happy hour every day from 10pm to midnight. $1 per oyster.