Michelle Ramsay-Borg
After a summer of big changes, the past month brought a lull to the ins and outs of the ByWard Market,but there were a few moves of note.
Date nights can go back to normal because Memories re-opened, finally! The new location is 136 St. Patrick Street, in the Beaux-Arts courtyard across from the cathedral.
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, because chestnut roaster Luciano Pradal is back fronting La Bottega Nicastro at 64 George Street. Speaking of Christmas, Luciano’s memoir, Chronicles of an Ottawa Chestnut Lover, would make a great gift for a Lowertown foodie. ($14.95 on amazon.ca)
The owner of the late Justin Justine on Sussex is re-opening as just Justine on York. Lovely sign across the window says Fall 2014, so watch 17 York Street for signs of life.
Just what the Market needs, another pub. The King Eddy is under construction in the gutted premises on Clarence that used to house Adventure Travel and Timothy’s. The new pub is a holding of the Byward Boys, who also own the next-door neighbour, Empire Grill.
Lastly, sad to see that Kelly Ray has closed her boutique of cute clothes (especially loved the sundresses) at 207 Dalhousie. It’s for a good reason; her hubby was appointed to a great position abroad. Congratulations Mr and Ms Ray!
Lots of buzz from people in the neighbourhood about a new charcoal grilled chicken restaurant at 205 Dalhousie called Pili Pili (where Wedges used to be located). Spotted happy looking police officers having lunch, so it must be pretty good, right?