They’ve hired staff and the patio deck is almost finished. Opening soon, ACE Mercado at 121 Clarence Street is a tequila bar with a Mexican menu created by Top Chef Canada winner René Rodriguez. Sure to create a buzz.
One of several restos opened in August, Asian Alley at 8 ByWard Market Square is an all-out sensory experience. From the floor tiled with pennies, to the neon graphics, to the Asian Fusion menu, there’s lots of enticement to check it out.
Bang-On used to be located next door to Roots on William Street. The t-shirt and accessories retailer has moved to a cozy second-storey spot at 31 York Street, next door to Zaphod Beetlebrox.
Cacao 70, a Montreal company, has opened a new chocolate bistro at 51 William Street. The Citizen reports, “While the menu does include some sandwiches and salads, mostly it is all about chocolate.” Sounds yummy.
A “pet boutique” that sells everything from food to home accessories opened recently at 21 Murray Street. Cricket and Company will also be hosting lots of fun events, including a Wiener Waddle and Westie Walk.
A little birdie told us that the Expedition Shoppe at 43 York Street – established in 1982 – has to move because it cannot afford to renew its lease at the new rates quoted by the landlord. We’ll be sad to see them go.
‘North Dal’ is becoming a hot fashion destination. The newest shop on the strip, at 238 Dalhousie Street, is Isabelle, an upscale European-style fashion boutique and mini art gallery in one.
The Lowertown Brewery, site of the new Sens House, is now open for business at 73 York Street. It has a huge year-round patio with a heated floor and a retractable roof to keep you warm and dry on inclement days.
After a months-long moving-out sale, Manhattan Marque on York is no more. Luckily, its sister store Manhattan West is still open, so trek out there if you’re hooked on their fashion picks. (322 Richmond Road)
It feels like Lowertown’s favourite dessert spot, Memories Restaurant, has been closed forever. Long after it was ousted from the NCC’s doomed heritage building at Clarence and Sussex, the popular café is set to re-open at 136 St. Patrick Street.
After more than a century in business with the name Pharmacie Desjardins, the Lowertown icon at 298 Dalhousie Street is now a Shoppers Drug Mart. The wrought-iron frame is all that remains of the lovely vintage sign, replaced by temporary Shoppers banners. Happily, the Desjardins staff was not replaced.