Prime 360, Farbs Kitchen & Wine Bar, Carmen’s Veranda, Milagro Grill.
Taste makers At press time, Adam Vettorel and Chris Schlesak were remodelling the former Beckta space for their new restaurant North & Navy Comings and Goings Restaurants close all the time, but many of us wondered whether the closure of fine-dining restaurant Domus Café last year was significant. It felt symbolic, like the end of an era. Some have speculated that it signalled a significant shift in the city’s restaurant scene. Perhaps a point of no return?
One thing is certain: change is in the air. After Domus, we said goodbye to which was resuscitated for a short while and then closed permanently because of “financial challenges.” Others followed, including
and A wave of shock accompanied the closure of another fine-dining fixture,
in early November, a decision described by owners Norm Aitken and Peter Robblee as having been “driven solely by economics.” The questions linger: Has the need for special-occasion restaurants disappeared? Has our appetite for new kinds of dining experiences altered where we choose to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays and nights on the town?
What we are seeing so far verifies the old saying that “when one door closes, another one opens.” Far from being a city of vacant restaurants, we’re witnessing an ongoing boom in restaurants led by young, energetic chefs wading into the business with gusto. The list of ambitious entrepreneurs includes: • The former owner of Arturo’s, who three years ago bought the nearly 30-year-old El Meson, has transformed the old Farbs location into the
The menu at this casual neighbourhood spot focuses on trendy bites, including burgers, Brussels sprouts, pork belly, and pogos. • who was inspired by the small-plates drinking-den vibe at Erling’s Variety and is hoping to capitalize on the area’s new nightlife. Along with two partners, Vezina transformed the former Carmen’s Veranda location in Old Ottawa South into a “late-night snack and liquor bar” called named for its location at Bank and Belmont streets. • is striking out on his own after working in one of the city’s hottest kitchens, Supply & Demand. He took over the original Beckta location when it vacated in November, partnering with his pal Chris Schlesak. Vettorel says he wants to create a special Sunday tradition at the new place, named
that will recreate the experience of dinner at Grandma’s. The menu will be northernItalian-inspired. He also hopes to re-educate eaters who equate Italian food with red sauce. The restaurant Gastro guys Beechwood Gastropub owner Andre Cloutier, who also owns El Meson, with chef Colin Lockett