New Openings 2014 (continued) [Events]
2014 Jul 2
It's a 'burger emporium' at O'Connor and Gloucester, was a gas station or garage years ago.
They've been working on the place for a long time (I want to say well over a year?), but I don't think they opened over the weekend. I think the cars were parked there because someone realised no one was watching the lot and parking around Canada Day can be a bit hard to find.
I did see a Pepsi Sudden Service van parked there over the weekend, so they were likely getting set up, so maybe they did open? But it was dark inside when I biked by a couple of times, and I didn't see anyone entering or leaving.
They've been working on the place for a long time (I want to say well over a year?), but I don't think they opened over the weekend. I think the cars were parked there because someone realised no one was watching the lot and parking around Canada Day can be a bit hard to find.
I did see a Pepsi Sudden Service van parked there over the weekend, so they were likely getting set up, so maybe they did open? But it was dark inside when I biked by a couple of times, and I didn't see anyone entering or leaving.
2014 Jul 7
So it's easy to reference one thread instead of 2. Because the other thread is now off the first page yet there might be good info there that's still relevant. Because it's not great organization to have two threads with the same name now possibly with repeat info. Perhaps having two threads with the same name is a glitch that should be avoided, but it's not my site so I'm just asking the question.
I haven't checked the 2012 thread recently no. What does that have to do with anything?
I haven't checked the 2012 thread recently no. What does that have to do with anything?
2014 Jul 15
We walked by Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers
yesterday and saw that they were closed but they reopen tomorrow, July 16, finally adding a patisserie line as had been their intention - am looking forward to that!
www.facebook.com/CylieChocolat
www.facebook.com/CylieChocolat
2014 Jul 20
A bunch of us went out to the Central Bierhaus last night after the roller derby finals. They have 100 different European beers. Interesting, but dangerous for the North American who doesn't have a clue about what he/she is ordering. I had a wonderful Steigl grapefruit radler that was just what I needed. The beers ordered at out table ranged between $6 and $9.25 for a Grimsbergen that is a beer and a half.
We all ordered the sausage plate (each had a different sausage) and declared them delicious. The sausage comes with 3 different mustards: yellow, dijon, '3-crunch' whole seed. They couldn't tell me what the other 2 crunches were. The sauerkraut was a disappointment. Not tangy at all, barely warmed up and just kind of bland. The potato salad was nice, with bits of green bean in it. A nicely roasted bun rounded out the plate. Not a terrible meal. $12.
I got us a warm pretzel to start. It was soft and fluffy and the salt crusting was nice. Not those huge grains you often see on the pretzel you find at a fair or a deli. It was kind of different and really quite nice. Also comes with the 3 mustards. I'm surprised that the beer doesn't come with them. $8.
Some items on the menu were really quite spendy. For what is essentially a sports bar with imported beers, the menu was quite short. Not terribly surprising.
It was very busy and will probably continue to be, based on location.
The earwigs at our patio table were a big turnoff.
I give it 3 Rizaks out of 5.
We all ordered the sausage plate (each had a different sausage) and declared them delicious. The sausage comes with 3 different mustards: yellow, dijon, '3-crunch' whole seed. They couldn't tell me what the other 2 crunches were. The sauerkraut was a disappointment. Not tangy at all, barely warmed up and just kind of bland. The potato salad was nice, with bits of green bean in it. A nicely roasted bun rounded out the plate. Not a terrible meal. $12.
I got us a warm pretzel to start. It was soft and fluffy and the salt crusting was nice. Not those huge grains you often see on the pretzel you find at a fair or a deli. It was kind of different and really quite nice. Also comes with the 3 mustards. I'm surprised that the beer doesn't come with them. $8.
Some items on the menu were really quite spendy. For what is essentially a sports bar with imported beers, the menu was quite short. Not terribly surprising.
It was very busy and will probably continue to be, based on location.
The earwigs at our patio table were a big turnoff.
I give it 3 Rizaks out of 5.
2014 Jul 21
Capital City Smokehouse and Southern BBQ on Woodroffe in Barrhaven is open for limited hours and menu. We stopped in for lunch yesterday. It is going to be very nice inside when they are finished. No bar yet but the limited menu was good. I had the quarter chicken with two sides, opted for coldslaw (very good) an the corn bread (delicious). Husband had chicken fingers with mac and cheese and weg fries. He would have liked a not spicy sauce but enjoyed all. Our server was new but was trying very hard, with some experience he will be good. Looking forward to a full opening.
2014 Jul 22
So I had my first trip to the Bacon factory... Opening day!
First impression was very, very good: a well-oiled machine.
Owners Tony & Robert were there, along with a very friendly & courteous staff.
The food was... in a word: fantastic.
The place is a good hybrid between 5 guys & the Works; nice outdoor patio, and a decent selection of burgers. I had the 'BF', loaded with 3 slices of back bacon, 6 slices of bacon, and shavings of proscuitto. (See pic) Add to that an interesting app (poutine-filled spring rolls), and it will make for an interesting afternoon. ;)
A little bit on the pricy side - you can't eat there for less than $20 for a burger platter, a pop, coleslaw, and Harper's tithe... but it's definitely worth the trip.
First impression was very, very good: a well-oiled machine.
Owners Tony & Robert were there, along with a very friendly & courteous staff.
The food was... in a word: fantastic.
The place is a good hybrid between 5 guys & the Works; nice outdoor patio, and a decent selection of burgers. I had the 'BF', loaded with 3 slices of back bacon, 6 slices of bacon, and shavings of proscuitto. (See pic) Add to that an interesting app (poutine-filled spring rolls), and it will make for an interesting afternoon. ;)
A little bit on the pricy side - you can't eat there for less than $20 for a burger platter, a pop, coleslaw, and Harper's tithe... but it's definitely worth the trip.
2014 Jul 22
"I can get a pint of Rye Guy, fries, and a decent enough burger for less than $15 down the street at the Pump."
Given that the Pump's burgers start at $13.50, I'd love to know how. You can get a burger and a pint at the Atomic Rooster for $13.75 on Wednesdays, though.
But yeah, $20 with a soda is a bit steep.
Given that the Pump's burgers start at $13.50, I'd love to know how. You can get a burger and a pint at the Atomic Rooster for $13.75 on Wednesdays, though.
But yeah, $20 with a soda is a bit steep.
2014 Jul 23
I also checked out Capital City Smokehouse. Had the ribs, potato salad and cornbread - all were delicious. The peanut butter pie was incredible. Had a great chat with both owners - everything there is made in house - fresh ingredients.
I'm looking forward to their breakfasts - chicken and waffles!
On an unrelated note - drove by Grillman's the other day and there was a for lease sign...anyone have info on this?
I'm looking forward to their breakfasts - chicken and waffles!
On an unrelated note - drove by Grillman's the other day and there was a for lease sign...anyone have info on this?
2014 Jul 24
I paid $14 for Burger, Fires, Pop combo at the Bacon Factory today (First Visit),
I preferred their burgers to The Works, BFF, Manhattans or any of the usual downtown Burger Haunts.
Just a point of clarification the Bacon Factory "Burger" doesn't actually come with a beef patty (It's extra), the regular is just a crapload of salty porky goodness. (Peameal + Bacon + Proscuitto)
I'll be back, the place was packed today, but food was pretty prompt.
I preferred their burgers to The Works, BFF, Manhattans or any of the usual downtown Burger Haunts.
Just a point of clarification the Bacon Factory "Burger" doesn't actually come with a beef patty (It's extra), the regular is just a crapload of salty porky goodness. (Peameal + Bacon + Proscuitto)
I'll be back, the place was packed today, but food was pretty prompt.
2014 Jul 24
Ate there yesterday...pretty good fast food burger...8 burgers on the menu. I ordered the Emporium burger. Topping are mushroom, Sautee onions, special sauce on a brioche bun. Decent Beef patty with good flavour.
Buddy had the Jerk chicken burger wHo said it was ok.
Fries are not frozen and hand cut...they were cut a little too big Imo.
I will go back once they get their liquor license. Nice patio and close to home.
So far, World of Burger is my pick for a fast food burger.
Buddy had the Jerk chicken burger wHo said it was ok.
Fries are not frozen and hand cut...they were cut a little too big Imo.
I will go back once they get their liquor license. Nice patio and close to home.
So far, World of Burger is my pick for a fast food burger.
2014 Jul 31
A sandwich joint called Meat in the Middle is coming to the old Quizno's location at Bank and MacLaren. Roasted meats, carved when your sandwich is being made, looking forward to trying it.
www.meatinthemiddle.ca/
www.meatinthemiddle.ca/
2014 Jul 31
Just wondering if anyone has been to this fairly new pizzeria? Looks interesting.www.ottawamagazine.com
2014 Aug 2
Just outside of town along Hwy 7 in Carleton Place, there's a new food truck called "Cravings". Not just another food truck, he offers the regular burgers and fries, but is selling (with good reason!) loads of pork schnitzel, and his newest hit " Caesar fries". The schnitzel has been a weekly treat for me since I found the place, I'm not one to get excited about fries, but lots of people were ordering them so I figured I'd try them, expecting it to be fries with garlic dressing on the side. Happily, I was wrong! Not sure how he does it, but the fries came with garlic and parm on them, I'm not sure how to explain how it was adhered to the fries, but it worked and they were yummy! Finally something unique in fries! Cravings is just as you come into Carleton Place from Ottawa. Tucked in the same parking lot as the Best Western Hotel. Worth the drive on a nice day.
2014 Aug 2
Ken V, I went to Fiazza last Saturday. I had the "Magik Mushroom"; it was very good. There are "create your own" options, as well as their own creations. You can modify any of their pizzas, as well. They have their own aioli and the service was attentive and fast. You order cafeteria style, pay, and then they bring the pizzas to you.
2014 Aug 6
Zanadu opens tomorrow in Westboro - 101 Richmond Road! As a vegan, I'm anxiously awaiting this opening. I'm hoping it's all as good as it looks and promises with the vast menu!
www.zanadu.ca
www.zanadu.ca
2014 Aug 9
We were out Carleton Place way today and stopped in to check Cravings out. I can't say I was as emamoured as sushifan was. The fries while tasty enough, were somewhat limp and I don't much like limp fries. I had the schnitzel on a bun and while the schnitzel was excellent, I did not care for the topping and the bun was a hamburger bun whereas I think it would have been much better on a kaiser or some such bun. By husband had the hamburger and thought the patty was dry and that the meat had a bit of a livery taste, so he did not particularly enjoy it. The food is very reasonably priced. The folks running it are very nice so I hope they do well.
2014 Aug 26
Anne Desbrisay reports that Matthew Carmichael (El Camino) signed a lease on the old CIBC building on Sparks Street for a new restaurant to open mid-to-late 2015
www.capitaldining.ca
www.capitaldining.ca
2014 Sep 4
Asian Stars Restaurant in the same building as Denny's on Clyde.
Haven't tried it yet but I've heard good things so far.
It also has an entire vegan menu.
asianstarsrestaurant.com
Haven't tried it yet but I've heard good things so far.
It also has an entire vegan menu.
asianstarsrestaurant.com
2014 Oct 28
The Belmont in Old Ottawa South... "opening soon."
www.belmontottawa.com/
instagram.com/belmont_snackbar
www.belmontottawa.com/
instagram.com/belmont_snackbar
2014 Nov 3
Your suspicions of Zen Kitchen were indeed correct, it is now closed.
"Dear friends,
In case you are not aware, I am Michaël Gazier, the individual who took ownership of ZenKitchen after its sudden closure this past May.
Some of you have noticed that ZenKitchen has been closed for the past week. It is with sadness that I must report that after a significant deal of consideration, the decision has been taken to cease ZenKitchen's operations permanently.
ZenKitchen has meant a lot to me personally over the years, as a diner, as I know it has many of you. This was not an easy decision to make, nor is it the outcome that I anticipated when we attempted to revive the restaurant in July.
It is always a regretful decision when it affects the livelihood of dedicated staff members. We had a wonderful team, both front-of-house and kitchen. I am appreciative of everyone's efforts and of David Loan's to rebuild ZenKitchen. My intent is that all staff will receive their full pay to-date, and that all who qualify or come close to qualifying will also receive their legal severance pay.
I want to thank all of you for your support and patronage over the years. The restaurant industry is a tough one in which to survive. Please continue to put your support behind the remaining vegan restaurants, as well as those which seek to provide animal-friendly, vegan alternatives.
Sincerely,
Michaël Gazier"
"Dear friends,
In case you are not aware, I am Michaël Gazier, the individual who took ownership of ZenKitchen after its sudden closure this past May.
Some of you have noticed that ZenKitchen has been closed for the past week. It is with sadness that I must report that after a significant deal of consideration, the decision has been taken to cease ZenKitchen's operations permanently.
ZenKitchen has meant a lot to me personally over the years, as a diner, as I know it has many of you. This was not an easy decision to make, nor is it the outcome that I anticipated when we attempted to revive the restaurant in July.
It is always a regretful decision when it affects the livelihood of dedicated staff members. We had a wonderful team, both front-of-house and kitchen. I am appreciative of everyone's efforts and of David Loan's to rebuild ZenKitchen. My intent is that all staff will receive their full pay to-date, and that all who qualify or come close to qualifying will also receive their legal severance pay.
I want to thank all of you for your support and patronage over the years. The restaurant industry is a tough one in which to survive. Please continue to put your support behind the remaining vegan restaurants, as well as those which seek to provide animal-friendly, vegan alternatives.
Sincerely,
Michaël Gazier"
2014 Nov 5
When I go out I like to try new restaurants, rather than spend my money on places I've been too lots. There are exceptions to that rule of course. But there's just so many interesting new places to try. Plus I travel probably 50% of my time so a lot of my eating out budget goes there.
I wonder what will go into the old prime 360 space? Was weird seeing it closed, as I walk right by it every day almost.
I wonder what will go into the old prime 360 space? Was weird seeing it closed, as I walk right by it every day almost.
2014 Nov 11
Norm won on Chopped, he probably threw that 10K right into the bank but when you need to do 100,000 + every month, 10K is a spit in the bucket...
It's tough right now, we just had a provincial election & we voted in the same people that cost this province half a million jobs, adding more & more hurdles to small & medium businesses all across the province. Than we elect a city council & mayor that don't give rats ass about small businesses..
Ottawa has the highest unemployment rate it's had for as long as I can remember (6.9%) considering we were always 3-4 points below the national average it's scary to think whats happening to our city..
My heart goes out to everyone @ Juniper & to everyone else that's going through tough times right now..
We're trying to stay positive but it's not easy, I think you'd all be surprised on how many well known established places are on the brink...
Terry
It's tough right now, we just had a provincial election & we voted in the same people that cost this province half a million jobs, adding more & more hurdles to small & medium businesses all across the province. Than we elect a city council & mayor that don't give rats ass about small businesses..
Ottawa has the highest unemployment rate it's had for as long as I can remember (6.9%) considering we were always 3-4 points below the national average it's scary to think whats happening to our city..
My heart goes out to everyone @ Juniper & to everyone else that's going through tough times right now..
We're trying to stay positive but it's not easy, I think you'd all be surprised on how many well known established places are on the brink...
Terry
2014 Nov 11
Actually Zym, I agree 100% & the ripple effects of those job losses are enormous & I don't only 'sprinkle' I would say that the Federal Gov't is the real culprit here..that doesn't change the fact that the provincial Gov't has created an unfriendly business atmosphere...
AD2, if you're trying to imply that I had anything to do with the removal of the Bike Corral you'd be wrong, it was entirely the BIA's decision, We had no input to when or where it was to be located & we had no input in having it removed..The funny thing was that no one even noticed it was gone until the paper made it into a story, 6 full days after it was removed..
Terry
AD2, if you're trying to imply that I had anything to do with the removal of the Bike Corral you'd be wrong, it was entirely the BIA's decision, We had no input to when or where it was to be located & we had no input in having it removed..The funny thing was that no one even noticed it was gone until the paper made it into a story, 6 full days after it was removed..
Terry
2014 Nov 11
Good riddins to the ugly and unused bike rack.
What did they expect? People are now going to bike to Wellington business' because there's a new unnecessary bike rack? .... taking up prime on-street parking spots?
I'm sure they meant well, but ....
(Sorry, not on topic, but The Captain just had to, now that my dreams of what the snow plows were going to do them have been dashed.)
What did they expect? People are now going to bike to Wellington business' because there's a new unnecessary bike rack? .... taking up prime on-street parking spots?
I'm sure they meant well, but ....
(Sorry, not on topic, but The Captain just had to, now that my dreams of what the snow plows were going to do them have been dashed.)
2014 Nov 12
Our unemployment rate doubled in 4 years, the city's largest employer isn't hiring, doesn't invest in the city it exists in & while the rest of Canada may cheer the frugal current Gov't but it hurts local businesses in a big way.
Westin Hotel has been down as much as 30% in the past 3 years, 3 hotels have closed in the downtown core. the Ritz & Hyatt are coming into Ottawa but are not building they're buying (the Market & The old National)
Part of the issue is that we've had somewhat of a boom in the restaurant industry over the past 6-8 years, every chef in Ottawa it seems wants to open their own restaurant & the pie is only so big & eventually someone is going to suffer.
It's not one single thing that's killing businesses but unfortunately we're in for a rough ride if we have another winter like last year..
Patronize your favorite places folks, they need you..
Westin Hotel has been down as much as 30% in the past 3 years, 3 hotels have closed in the downtown core. the Ritz & Hyatt are coming into Ottawa but are not building they're buying (the Market & The old National)
Part of the issue is that we've had somewhat of a boom in the restaurant industry over the past 6-8 years, every chef in Ottawa it seems wants to open their own restaurant & the pie is only so big & eventually someone is going to suffer.
It's not one single thing that's killing businesses but unfortunately we're in for a rough ride if we have another winter like last year..
Patronize your favorite places folks, they need you..
2014 Nov 12
I agree with Terry and others, there are a multitude of factors contributing to restaurants closing. The federal government cutbacks, the provincial government's ineffectiveness in curbing hydro costs and not giving a sh*t about the manufacturing industry leaving the province, and the municipal government not caring about small businesses. I know that myself and my friends have cut back on going out for dinner and other activities. Instead of going out and trying new and interesting places, we have gone to restaurants where we know we love the food and we spend our money there.
2014 Nov 17
I've posted here before regarding Nino's, the Italian place in the Sobey's plaza, on the corner of Trim and Innes in Orleans. The place has been there over a year, but has only been open for maybe 30 days total in that entire time. Despite the fact it hasn't had lights on for more than six months now, they added new signage back in the summer and looked to be on the road to re-opening.
Last week a big new banner is placed over the signage stating "Restaurant for Lease or Sale".
Last week a big new banner is placed over the signage stating "Restaurant for Lease or Sale".
2014 Nov 21
Re restaurant closings..ron eade had a tweet with a link to The Montreal Gazette and restaurant closures/patterns. Pretty interesting
"An insightful look why even iconic restos are closing in Montreal. Yes, Montreal. Listen up, Ottawa.
montrealgazette.com
"An insightful look why even iconic restos are closing in Montreal. Yes, Montreal. Listen up, Ottawa.
montrealgazette.com
RiceLover
Drove by the Bacon Factory today and there were cars in the parking lot. It looks open for business. Has anyone tried it?