Opening 2018! (continued) [Food/Vendor]
2018 Sep 9
A sign just went up for a Japanese place called J•Unique, at 381 Cooper, where Rawlicious used to be. Nothing posted as far as an opening date goes.
Edit: they've got an Instagram account, looks like it'll be a "Vancouver style" sushi joint
www.instagram.com
Edit: they've got an Instagram account, looks like it'll be a "Vancouver style" sushi joint
www.instagram.com
2018 Sep 19
Noticed that the Kaashi food centre (great little Indian place), has vacated the corner of Somerset and Booth. Looked like there is a new hipster joint starting up in its place. Anyone know what it is? I saw a hashtag driving quickly by, but not enough time to register what it actually said - it has #613_____too in it I think...
2018 Sep 20
Currently sitting in the new Sansotei Ramen. There is a line. We made a bunch of people upset because we were seated before them. Note, chances for seating opportunities are better if you show up in groups of 2. I just flashed my Ottawa Foodies badge and they found me a table.
Standard excellent experience. Gyoza wasn't as flavourful as I'd have liked, but still really good. The tonkotsu black and shoyu ramen were delicious and earthy.
The soft-boiled egg was a bit overdone.
They gave me thin noodles instead of the thick noodles I ordered.
None of these qualms are going to diminish the experience very much, and I realize that they haven't even officially opened yet, but that's my report.
Standard excellent experience. Gyoza wasn't as flavourful as I'd have liked, but still really good. The tonkotsu black and shoyu ramen were delicious and earthy.
The soft-boiled egg was a bit overdone.
They gave me thin noodles instead of the thick noodles I ordered.
None of these qualms are going to diminish the experience very much, and I realize that they haven't even officially opened yet, but that's my report.
2018 Oct 2
Looks like a new coffee shop around the corner from the Morning Owl Parkdale, around where the brewery used to be - Jamari Espresso House. (www.jamari.ca/)
2018 Oct 10
There is an obscurely located new spot called Barone, located on Winston Avenue down the street from the Piggy Market on the opposite side of the street at the next corner. (www.cucinabarone.ca/)
2018 Oct 18
There is a new-ish place for pizza, pasta and paninis on Gladstone right beside The Noodle House called Bello e Buono (www.instagram.com).
2018 Oct 21
Coco Fresh Tea & Juice will be opening at Bank St & Somerset St West (where Second Cup used to be). Bubble Tea and fresh juices. en.coco-tea.com/
2018 Oct 27
For those interested, here is the skinny on how the delivery grilled cheese thing works.
gizmodo.com
gizmodo.com
2018 Oct 28
Café My House to close and morph/relocate into Alice next spring (www.instagram.com) (www.instagram.com).
2018 Nov 1
The restaurant which Coconut Lagoon is opening downtown is a called Thali. Opening mid-November
140 O'Connor (corner of Laurier St.)
www.foodserviceandhospitality.com
140 O'Connor (corner of Laurier St.)
www.foodserviceandhospitality.com
2018 Nov 2
Copper Branch, a vegan chain from Quebec, at Constitution Square, with Barrhaven and Trainyards to come (ottawamagazine.com).
2018 Nov 2
That's an awfully reductive take to make with a straight face, OSoloMeal. Thali could have mediocre food and still shut out the little guy just on account of the name recognition and a bit of razzle-dazzle (like communal tables 'ideal for laptops and co-working,' per their website).
2018 Nov 5
Because this isn't a big evil chain restau with monster money cutting out a local momnpop. Coconut Lagoon is a successful local business that expanded to a second location with Thali, so it seems to me it's 'reductive' to slam them for fairly obvious marketing to the downtown crowd because that may draw business away from another local business. At the end of the day the food will count for more, i think.
2018 Nov 5
So it's OK for one mom 'n pop shop to cut out another (smaller) mom 'n pop shop but not OK if the first is a big chain? I'm not sure the owners of Indian Curry House are going to care that Thali is another local business or not if they're out of business either way.
If you're a true believer in competition being good and always results in better food then you shouldn't care if the new place is independent or location #548 of Mega Curry Inc. best food wins, right?
I'm playing devil's advocate here, I don't believe any business has a right to be successful or anything and do think competition is generally good. Still, the concern that a preferred place might go out of business because new competition with a bigger name, and likely deeper pockets, comes around is perfectly valid, even if those pockets aren't Mega Curry Inc. big. I think most Indian restaurants in the city would have a hard time fighting against the reputation and investment that Coconut Lagoon currently has.
If you're a true believer in competition being good and always results in better food then you shouldn't care if the new place is independent or location #548 of Mega Curry Inc. best food wins, right?
I'm playing devil's advocate here, I don't believe any business has a right to be successful or anything and do think competition is generally good. Still, the concern that a preferred place might go out of business because new competition with a bigger name, and likely deeper pockets, comes around is perfectly valid, even if those pockets aren't Mega Curry Inc. big. I think most Indian restaurants in the city would have a hard time fighting against the reputation and investment that Coconut Lagoon currently has.
2018 Nov 5
"So it's OK for one mom 'n pop shop to cut out another (smaller) mom 'n pop shop but not OK if the first is a big chain?"
Yes. I am wholly OK with that.
"Still, the concern that a preferred place might go out of business because new competition with a bigger name, and likely deeper pockets, comes around is perfectly valid, even if those pockets aren't Mega Curry Inc. big."
It's a fair opinion and i would fight (or at least argue with semi serious conviction until the beer runs out) for your right to it, but, me, i draw a line between local and mega, but i don't parse out local to the point that one is prevented from expanding because someone else is going to be impacted.
But hey, that's just my opinion.
Yes. I am wholly OK with that.
"Still, the concern that a preferred place might go out of business because new competition with a bigger name, and likely deeper pockets, comes around is perfectly valid, even if those pockets aren't Mega Curry Inc. big."
It's a fair opinion and i would fight (or at least argue with semi serious conviction until the beer runs out) for your right to it, but, me, i draw a line between local and mega, but i don't parse out local to the point that one is prevented from expanding because someone else is going to be impacted.
But hey, that's just my opinion.
2018 Nov 6
Stubbe's Chocolates has been open for a week now at their new digs at Holland and Wellington, and I finally dropped by. The kitchen is done and their refrigerated displays are in place, but they don't have their cabinets set up yet. Folding tables will have to do until then. The same quality chocolate and the best truffles you will find locally are available once again in a much better spot than the market.
2018 Nov 7
To be clear, I'm not about to start some campaign against CL/Thali, business is business. My initial sentiment was just 'shucks, that's gonna suck for Indian Curry House, they're good and also lean heavily on [small-T] thali.' I also think the co-working/laptop-friendly angle is a weird one at a restaurant offering assortments of wet food on a platter, but I never bothered getting an MBA.
TheTrunkDr gets it, devil's advocate or not. If Thali doesn't last, there's still Coconut Lagoon over there, all successful and stuff. If it puts Indian Curry House out of business and then goes bust, well frig, that'll suck.
I wish both of them luck, but I'll always root for the underdog if they're good at what they do. It's a tougher business for some than for others.
[re: the chain, did I accidentally post multiples?]
TheTrunkDr gets it, devil's advocate or not. If Thali doesn't last, there's still Coconut Lagoon over there, all successful and stuff. If it puts Indian Curry House out of business and then goes bust, well frig, that'll suck.
I wish both of them luck, but I'll always root for the underdog if they're good at what they do. It's a tougher business for some than for others.
[re: the chain, did I accidentally post multiples?]
2018 Nov 11
Midnight’s Mac & Cheese Cabin ("Ottawa’s 1st Mac & Grilled Cheese Food Cabin!") (www.instagram.com) (www.reddit.com).
2018 Nov 13
New Ottawa brewer (with an almost unbelievably annoying website!) - Local Lager (www.localbeers.ca/).
2018 Nov 13
While I don't think they identify as such, Blumenstudio on Parkdale has a "cereal bar" (if this can be defined as a selection of cereals behind a bar). So not sure that Jam, above, can lay claim to being first. But Blumenstudio is actually a florist, so maybe yes: www.blumenstudio.ca/ (I'm not affiliated with B, just an occasional happy customer.)
2018 Nov 15
Rosie's is now Bowman's on Bank (the original Bowman's still exists). (rosiesonbank.ca/)
2018 Nov 17
J:unique Kitchen opening this coming Tuesday. "Owner chef is from Vancouver and he and his wife will present Vancouver style sushi."
No address given on their social media. 🙄
Googling shows it at the former Rawlicious site (381 Cooper St).
www.instagram.com
No address given on their social media. 🙄
Googling shows it at the former Rawlicious site (381 Cooper St).
www.instagram.com
2018 Nov 29
For 9 whole hours on December 7, Au Pied de Cochon products (www.reddit.com) (aupieddecochon.ca/en/store) (aupieddecochon.ca). You preorder from the website, and pick it up at 1144 Old Innes Rd. (near Innes and Bantree).
2018 Dec 3
Rabbit Hole, 208 Sparks (not quite open) (www.rabbitholeott.ca/) (www.instagram.com). Edited to note it is now open (www.instagram.com). I guess people will say they are going down the rabbit hole.
2018 Dec 4
Too Beaucoup has changed its name to Corner Peach after backlash on Instagram (2018...). I only just found out, despite mentioning here that I thought the name was in poor taste back in September.
The comment thread in question is here:
www.instagram.com
and their official response here:
www.instagram.com
The comment thread in question is here:
www.instagram.com
and their official response here:
www.instagram.com
2018 Dec 5
House of Mandy (interesting menu), tucked away in the new strip mall close to Bank and Hunt Club (only accessible driving west on Hunt Club). The website is only partly finished (www.houseofmandi.ca/).
2018 Dec 5
I'm not sure if this really qualifies as an actual opening but Tamis Café will be moving to 374 Bank Street near Glimour and their soft opening is this Saturday December 8th. More info is on their facebook page: www.facebook.com/tamisottawa/
2018 Dec 5
Tamis Café is going into the space previously occupied by The Buzz
. I wish them the best in this new location. I still dream of their Ube cake!
The Somerset restaurant "Too Beaucoup"—previously discussed in this forum—has been rebranded as "Corner Peach" after public backlash. It seems the owners misjudged the racism and misogynism of the Full Metal Jacket hooker scene that many associate with that phrase.
The generous side of me wants to congratulate them on the name change but my inner cynic immediately considered that "Corner Peach" sounds like slang for a street prostitute. Names are hard!
The Somerset restaurant "Too Beaucoup"—previously discussed in this forum—has been rebranded as "Corner Peach" after public backlash. It seems the owners misjudged the racism and misogynism of the Full Metal Jacket hooker scene that many associate with that phrase.
The generous side of me wants to congratulate them on the name change but my inner cynic immediately considered that "Corner Peach" sounds like slang for a street prostitute. Names are hard!
2018 Dec 10
Robbie's Corner - Italian dishes, sandwiches, soups and desserts - inside the gas station convenience store (!) at 1034 Pleasant Park Rd (Corner of St. Laurent).(www.ottawamatters.com). I didn't know this area is called Urbandale.
2018 Dec 22
They closed the old food place at the train station, and replaced it with vending machines, but things are looking up - Ministry of Coffee! (www.instagram.com).
2018 Dec 30
The soft opening for JAM - that delicate period when they perfect the pouring of milk over cereal - is today, tomorrow and Tuesday (www.instagram.com).
2019 Jan 20
Has anyone eaten at Mermaid's Seafood restaurant at 1729 Walkley, across from Rexall drugstore?
I asked my sister to get me a menu, and she said they just have a menu for eating in, no paper version yet.
Also, my sister said the restaurant smelled overly of fish and that she would not want to wear her winter jacket or stuff there as she would smell like fish all day.
I might try a dish for take-out, but am just getting over being severely sick with stomach issues and should probably only eat from the places I have already been to...
The menu has some lebanese dishes, pasta and seafood.
I asked my sister to get me a menu, and she said they just have a menu for eating in, no paper version yet.
Also, my sister said the restaurant smelled overly of fish and that she would not want to wear her winter jacket or stuff there as she would smell like fish all day.
I might try a dish for take-out, but am just getting over being severely sick with stomach issues and should probably only eat from the places I have already been to...
The menu has some lebanese dishes, pasta and seafood.
2019 Mar 25
Finally ate at Mermaid's last week.
Had 1/2 pound scallops, 1/2 pound fried shrimp .
I did not know the shrimp would also be breaded, as I have seen some places just deep-fry shrimp with no batter before.
The scallops were well cooked, but they left on that tough bit that most places take off.
I remember working at a place that was having me clean seafood and had to take the tough bit off the scallop (forget the name of it).
The shrimp were well cooked, everything was served with a huge bunch of raw onions under the seafood-no seasoning on the onions....just tons of raw onion.
The dipping sauces we got were "ranch" and a tartar sauce.
Waitress never came back to ask if food was ok and I wanted a seafood sauce but guess they were busy until we paid.
I'm pretty good at knowing the weight of seafood and what we got does not even look close to 1/2 pound scallops, even if you counted a ton of water.
I also often order 400 grams breaded or pan cooked shrimp from another store and I know for sure that it is more than a dozen shrimp.
*I meant that I order a 400 gram bag of shrimp and that half or 200 grams is way more than a dozen shrimp.
-this pic was taken before we ate anything, there was 6 scallops-one was slightly larger, but the rest kind of average size and the plate was a small bread plate...so nothing big.
I might go back to try some appetizers, but not too sure.
Had 1/2 pound scallops, 1/2 pound fried shrimp .
I did not know the shrimp would also be breaded, as I have seen some places just deep-fry shrimp with no batter before.
The scallops were well cooked, but they left on that tough bit that most places take off.
I remember working at a place that was having me clean seafood and had to take the tough bit off the scallop (forget the name of it).
The shrimp were well cooked, everything was served with a huge bunch of raw onions under the seafood-no seasoning on the onions....just tons of raw onion.
The dipping sauces we got were "ranch" and a tartar sauce.
Waitress never came back to ask if food was ok and I wanted a seafood sauce but guess they were busy until we paid.
I'm pretty good at knowing the weight of seafood and what we got does not even look close to 1/2 pound scallops, even if you counted a ton of water.
I also often order 400 grams breaded or pan cooked shrimp from another store and I know for sure that it is more than a dozen shrimp.
*I meant that I order a 400 gram bag of shrimp and that half or 200 grams is way more than a dozen shrimp.
-this pic was taken before we ate anything, there was 6 scallops-one was slightly larger, but the rest kind of average size and the plate was a small bread plate...so nothing big.
I might go back to try some appetizers, but not too sure.
schnicken
I am off to Big Daddy's on Elgin this evening for happy hour.