ottawa foodies

Flavours of the Caribbean is open in the old Pixie's spot @ Nelson/York.

BIG RIG KITCHEN & BREWERY is building a 2nd restaurant at Gloucester Center at Blair Road.

I can see some equipment in there now and been told it will be set to tentatively open March 1.

Yay! I go to the Met broadcasts at the Silver City movie theatre sometimes and usually head home after the show so I can have an aperitif before dinner while I think about where I would like to get take-out from. But some shows run late (6 hr. opera anyone?) and have avoided the Gloucester Centre since neither food court food nor Manchu Wok are appealing to me. Hopefully Big Rig will be an attractive alternative...

North & Navy opening up in Bekta's old location: ottawacitizen.com

Big rigs second location is actually the brew house with a restaurant in it in Kanata. I'm pretty sure it's already open.

Yup it has been open for some time now. The homebrewers have been meeting for lunch there every thursday for a good month or two now.

Taqueria Kukulkan opened today at 1730 Montreal Rd near Blair. Authentic Mexican. Tacos al pastor, which I understand means marinated rotisserie pork kind of like shawarma then thinly sliced into tacos with authentic Mexican toppings. They say "We cook, and we cook what we used to eat at grandma's home, what mom still cooks and what we traditionally eat in our festive days." Apparently they have been doing local catering for years and demand led them to open a restaurant.
I am excited to try it!

Wow. That sounds really interesting! I'll have to try it out the next time I'm in that part of town.

Two new Mexican restaurants opening soon in the Glebe.

Encino Taco Shop (right near the Pizza Hut) instagram.com/encinotacoshop/

Burrito Shack (across from Feleena's Mexican restaurant)

The Joint on Preston…rocking junk food. Where the "corner Store" posters are in the window, across from Starbucks and kitty corner to Simply Biscotti. Rumour is creative sandwiches with a junk-y vibe.
thejointonpreston.com

Jack Astor's is opening a location at Landsdowne in March.

FarmTeam Cookhouse (the place in the Glebe that dislikes people from Centretown and food trucks) is opening another location beside Brixtons on Sparks St in the spring.

They're going to lose their shit when rib fest hits.

ROFL that is an understatement!

Forgot the name already, but the place next to Hockey Sushi in Kanata is switching from Chinese food to Ramen. The signage is up and they were working on the interior when I was at Hockey Sushi on Friday night.

The Laff (Chateau Lafayette) is re-expanding to again take over the space now occupied by the Quiznos (which will be closing March 1).

TNT Smokehouse Bar and Grill has opened at 731 Ridgewood Dr. near Mooney's Bay, replacing the old Mooney's Bay Bistro. Tonight is/was the grand opening, apparently free drink and food sample and can order from the full menu. Not much more info than that for now.

More info on the new Sparks FarmTeam... Are you sure Brixton's is staying? Because Pep and Nino's, on the far side of Brixton's, has been purchased by FarmTeam and they are taking over the space. (RIP Pep and Nino's). Maybe Brixton's will remain, it's possible, since FarmTeam apparently will have 3 levels, so there would be ways around the Brixton's space. So yeah, 3 levels, including the "cellar" (formerly Edge nightclub), a rooftop patio, 3 bars total (or more?) and seating for over 300! Say what you will about the Glebe-y whining they've done in the past but this sounds like a nice, and ambitious addition to Sparks.

I'm liking all this action on Sparks.... between Nate's, Biermarket and now Farmteam it's starting to be less of a wasteland. Not that any of these places are much for foodie novelty, but even so, it's an improvement for the lunch and after-work crowd.

Considering Ribfeste is just a long weekend in June and a shorter one in October, i doubt they'll care. Three Brewers didn't seem to suffer and they didn't even do the 'buy a beer and have a seat' thing that Carmellos does.

I go to the Tim's on Sparks everyday, I see the signage announcing that Fteam is opening in March, but I don't see a lot of activity there. Recent Urbanspoon reviews are generally less than favourable about the Glebe operation. I went once, sat on the patio for 15 minutes, and left when no one came to give me a menu or anything.

Marc Lepine has tweated that Atelier will be expanding.

The new Ramen place beside Hockey Sushi in Kanata has opened up recently.
It's called Hokkaido Ramen Express and seems to be part of the Hokkaido Sushi chain in downtown.
plus.google.com

Ok ramen; big bowls of clean, but plain broth (choice of chick, beef, or pork broth). Not as much fixings as I'd like. Plain hard boiled egg. However, it's in Kanata!

Share Freehouse is opening soon at 327 Somerset St W with Danny Mongeon (ex-Hooch) in the kitchen

Sorry to derail the thread but does anyone know when Pep and Nino's is slated to close? I am back in the neighbourhood and would like to tie in one last meatball sandwich before they shut their doors for good...

It appears as though P&N's will remain open, but under the management of Farmteam. There's a big sign advertising longer opening hours and the new regime. Not sure what this will mean to the quality of the above-mentioned meatball sandwich. . . . . . .

Thanks! I guess I will have to go to the Farmteam when it opens and do a taste test -;)

The best meatball sandwich I ever had was at Murray's Kitchen but sadly it closed a few years ago. At least Parma Ravioli is still whipping up a mean meatball sandwich but it would be nice having somewhere within walking distance from work...

Joey Lansdowne is opening in mid April.

Pietro's Corner pasta and espresso bar is open at 300 Richmond in Westboro.

Pho Bo Ga King opening a new location on the corner of Merivale and Central Park.

Big Rig opened in Gloucester center mon Mar 30.

Yawn!

1001 Nights Middle Eastern restaurant & Cafe opening up where the Caribbean Heat Restaurant was before they moved to Lancaster Rd.

... and they are hiring. www.kijiji.ca

Hope they do OK in a place that has little curb appeal. Then again, it looked OK from the outside when it was a laundromat.

Just noticed that Urban Cowboy have expanded, and claim to have a bricks & mortar place as well as the truck. I haven't had chance to go yet, literally just found this on the web.

Unfortunately it's in the back arse of nowhere (down Limebank Road) but it looks nice and they have an expanded menu.

urbancowboyeats.com/menu/

Cheers,
Ratty.

We went to the Urban Cowboy on Saturday night. Good food! We're in barrhaven, so it was an easy trip across the bridge.

Ratty, thanks for posting this. I love their food and it's nice to know they have an indoor place.

Looks awesome, tho i'm sad the shrimp tacos aren't a menu item.

DO YOU HEAR ME URBAN COWBOY PEOPLE?
ARE YOU LISTENING????
SHRIMP.
TACOS.
THOSE AWESOME ONES YOU MADE IN THE TRUCK LAST SUMMER.
I WANT THOSE.
NOW.
IN FACT, I DEMAND THOSE NOW.
DON'T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE!
EXCEPT FOR SHRIMP TACOS I MEAN.
I'LL COME OVER THERE RIGHT NOW FOR THOSE SHRIMP TACOS.
OTHERWISE, SATURDAY FOR BBQ, IS THAT COOL?

...ahem, sorry, sorry... so, Urban Cowboy restaurant yay!!!!!

OSoloMeal, well, now I making Shrimp Tacos to avoid your wrath, and I am in no way involved with the Urban Cowboy people

Citizen had an article about Bridgehead yesterday. They're branching out and opening a new location at Iris and Greenbank in July. I wonder if it's going to be in the spot where Benji's recently closed? They're going to try out offering dinner, alcohol, and order-ahead app and a walk-up window.

James C. - that's fine... is 7pm a good time and what sort of beer do you like?

The Rowan is targeted to replace ZaZaZa in The Glebe this June.

Press release from Ion Aimers' prolific Shallowbrook Group:

April 13, 2015

With a savage winter behind us, somewhat of a sketchy economy still in play, yet summer sunshine on the horizon, Ion Aimers is shuffling the restaurant deck as he partners with Ross and Simon Fraser (again) to replace ZaZaZa in The Glebe with the Frasers' latest concept, The Rowan.

Aimers said, "In wishing to take full advantage of the new and exciting stage at TD Place, Ross, Simon and I feel that the new concept has more of what The Glebe and TD Place are looking for. I am ecstatic that Ross and Simon are ready to make this concept happen in The Glebe. I expect the other two ZaZaZa locations will welcome loyal and new ZaZaZa followers and continue to flourish."

The Fraser Brothers' and Aimers have been pleased with the incredible success of Fraser Cafe and Table 40 on Springfield Road in New Edinburgh/Rockcliffe over the past 7 years. They see the latest venture as complementary and filling a niche for casual yet quality dining in The Glebe.

Simon Fraser said, The Rowan is going to be a strong mix of our heritage - contemporary British cuisine and Canadian locally sourced fresh food. We are planning for our new space to be ready in June."

The location, at 915 Bank Street, is well positioned in The Glebe and adjacent to TD Place. Opening is planned for mid-June, after renovations are completed.

Just got confirmation on Twitter that the Wild Wings location on Preston is now closed and a FlapJack's Pancake Shack will be opening there soon!

Simply Biscotti is opening up a location on Colonnade road North, just near Prince of Wales.

I hear that Trattoria Vittoria is going into the old Lapointe's Westboro location.

BOOOOOO

Thai Gardens (the Thai buffet) on Queen near Bank St has recently closed. I thought it was an above average buffet.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen coming soon where the Food Basics is on Heron Road close to Walkley.

I'm SO bummed about the ZaZaZa shift.

I'm sure whatever The Rowan does will be solid, but that was my go to for Za.

ottawacitizen.com

I think Carmichael is making 2 bad decisions here, but he knows the scene better than I.

1. Opening anything on Sparks is a huge risk.
2. Changing El Camino to strict Mexican and moving the Asian-influence next door is crazy. El Camino works because of the mix. Why not have the two distinct bars but keep the same menu? (Or something - that's for them to decide). When I go I get the betel leaves and dumplings (Asian) and the fish and pork tacos ('Mexican'). Now I have to choose which of those I want and lineup for either? Annoying.

I hope they figure out a new seating arrangement once these changes happen. Charge a deposit for a reservation etc. He tweeted an interesting article about it a couple months ago so maybe it's something they are considering.

If stripping the Asian influence from El Camino means no more Japanese eggplant tacos, I will be very sad.

My counterpoints would be:

1) The food at El Camino is so good the owner has earned my trust to make the best decision for his business and for the city's food scene; and
2) The best restos specialize and don't try to be everything to everybody, particularly now when dietary restrictions and preferences make an episode of Portlandia seem totally plausible.

Don't get me wrong, the salt and pepper squid at El Camino is one of the best dishes in the city, but I will happily walk next door for it. Hopefully the line will be half as long!

Not necessarily a new resto but a new location for an already existing one. The Clocktower Pub will be opening a new location on Elgin where Wendy's used to be.

There is going to be another Popeye's Lousianna Kitchen at Montreal and Olgilvie at the strip mall where the McDonald's used to be followed by Arby's.

I like Popeye's from New Orleans and IAH/ Houston airport but the time I had it in Atlanta was not so great.

I thought Matthew Carmicheal was going to open something on Somerset?

He was going to open a Joe Beef inspired place in the former Burgers on Main location on Somerset St West but it didn't happen.

I think we may be seeing Ottawa's restaurant scene hit critical mass. Now we see who survives.

Well I think bloomburg says that 8 out of 10 business fail within the first 18 months. There is some seasonality in the restaurant business where Xmas season is very busy and Jan / Feb might be slow so cash flow is important too.

It appears a Nando's will be opening soon at the corner of Elgin and Albert.

Rumour has it another Bridgehead is going into the Laura Secord place at Bank/Queen.

Tracey Clarke, President and CEO of Bridgehead, speaking to CBC: ""There may be coffee going into Bank & Queen, but it isn't us!"

Chiming in for a moment, this past Feb & March were hard on all small businesses from retail to restaurant to the Canal; April certainly didn't compensate anyone either...

To address AD 2, Carmichael's location for El Camino didn't work for anyone else, he & his idea created a go to spot like nothing seen in this city for years, if anyone can make a go of it on Sparks he can...maybe he can do what Union 613 did to Somerset...

Terry

We drove by the Richmond Bakery location today and saw a liquor licensing notice in the window. The windows are all still papered over, and the Richmond Bakery sign is still on the building. Last I heard it wasn't supposed to be anything food-related, but the liquor licence notice in the window sounds like there is a change of plans. Anyone know anything?

It's going to be a Pub, they own a little place in Munster, they have spent a great deal on the building already...

Richmond is big enough now; it might hurt Duffy's when it first opens & the town is pretty excited about it...

I have no problem going to Sparks to dine! My issue with Sparks was that before Bier Mrkt it had no restaurants worth dining at! Looking forward to having Carmichael there - I think the location will be fine for him.

Capital Shawarma and Pies is opening at Elmvale strip mall pretty soon.

The panini/gelato cafe at the corner of Parkdale and Wellington (Bella Via I think??) has finally opened. Didn't go in but paper is off the windows and it is set up like a cafe with tables & chairs & lights that were on.

Interesting - that place has sat there for years empty. I find it interesting that they finally opened the summer after the Trii Lounge (Hamilton/Wellington) opened as a gelato place.

One of the founders of the Fratelli chain is opening a pizza place on Preston St. (south of the Queensway) in June, called Roberto Pizza.

He was just interviewed on CBC Radio and they have a recipe on the web site. The interview itself will probably be posted later.

www.cbc.ca

So where do you get the truffle paste?

Correction............there is a new "opening soon" sign in un-papered windows of Bella Via.

Oh

My

GAWD!

Bella Via opened this morning!

Further rumour: A Roast and Brew is going into the Laura Secord spot.

What is "the Laura Secord spot"?

The corner of Bank and Queen which used to have a Laura Secord shop.

Suzy Q is no longer moving into the Orange gallery space. The would-be landlord is now applying for a condo building permit, so Suzy Q is staying put and doing what they can to improve their current space. They'll be getting a soft serve machine!

Not sure if grocery stores are of interest but Sobey's on Metcalfe is now open. (It has been for a week actually...) We now have another non-Loblaws grocery store in centretown - woot!

Grocery stores are just as interesting as restaurants around here! :D

Haha! Well they both sell food so why not? -;) I paid my first visit to Sobeys yesterday and I was surprised at how much prepared foods they have. Most grocery stores sell them now but Sobeys seems to have way more than most. They even have a whole section of already prepared vegetables - containers of already peeled onions, garlic, etc. I guess people don't use knives and cutting boards anymore...

Well, let's take a look at the demographics of the area. You've got a lot of condos and apartments within walking distance. To me, at least, that speaks of people who are too busy to spend a lot of time cooking. Maybe it means people have more disposable income, because prepared vegetables have quite a markup. It could be a combination. Regardless, if they didn't sell, they wouldn't be in the store.

All of these pre-made foods at stores makes me sad. Sure, I love the convenience and some nights I just don't feel like cooking so I would love to have a couple of these in the house. I'm not going to pick them up on spec, though, hoping that they'll get eaten. Not at that price.

Having said all that, I have nothing against people who want to buy pre-packaged anything. We're all different. I like a box of PC macaroni and white cheese with cubed SPAM once in a while. That would make some other people gag.

I agree completely. There are lots of young professionals in the area with discretionary income to spend. I guess I am just too cheap to fork out extra money on pre-cut food-;) One of my neighbours walks down Bank st. to get home and I often see her popping into Hartman's or Herb and Spice to pick up a pre-made meal for dinner. I could totally see her benefitting from Sobey's products.