BITS AND BITES

Similar snacks, different vibe

Those outside the Ottawa Street North area may not be aware that Black Sheep Snack Bar is no more. There’s still a bar there, serving similar food, cooked by the same chef, Mark Baker. But Baker is now owner of the renamed Merk Snack Bar, taking over from The Other Bird restaurant group Feb. 1. He says he’s tried to interact more with customers and create a relaxed environment. “Many people say it feels way warmer and more like a place they want to spend time at,” he told The Spec. “People really seem to like the personal aspect of the place.” 189 Ottawa St. N. merksnackbar.com All the hits in one place

Do you wish you could fit visits to Merit, Nique, Pokeh and Cake & Loaf into one meal? On May 28 and 29, you can. To celebrate its first anniversary, Merit is hosting two fivecourse beer dinners, featuring dishes by Merit’s kitchen team in collaboration with the food purveyors listed above, as well as Big Tobacco Kitchen, Saint James, Capital Bar, Cannon Coffee, Toast Wine Bar, 541 Barton and more. “Each night will feature a different set of collaborators and each dish will be paired with Merit beer,” states a release from the brewery. Tickets are $75. 107 James St. N. meritbrewing.ca Live ‘la vie Bohème’

New to the International Village on April 3, Bohemian Palace Cafe features quirky design, comfy seating and plenty of coffee, tea and snacks. Focused on sandwiches and salads, the menu appears to truly have something for everyone: there’s lots of vegetarian options but also something called the “meatball cone.” One Instagram user described the place this way: “It’s kinda like the coffee shop from ‘Friends,’ complete with sofa and sitting chairs! Great coffee.” 202 King St. E facebook.com/bohemianplacecafe