By Michelle Ramsay-Borg
It’s been a busy couple of months with moveins and moveouts in the ByWard Market, with both Dalhousie and Clarence seeing the most activity.
Victoire, the award winning boutique that proclaims it is “Smitten with Canadian Design”, has moved northwards from 246 to 209 Dalhousie, the storefront recently vacated by Argosy Books.
Goods, which built up a loyal following in its incarnation as a boutique-within-a-boutique at Victoire, has moved into its own beautiful retail space, at 201 Dalhousie, the former site of Super Clippers barber shop.
Meanwhile, the customers of Super Clippers have followed their favourite barbers to their new location at 264 Dalhousie Street, where they are operating under the name The Market’s Barber Shop.
Lenus Beads, the former tenant at 264 Dalhousie, closed quietly earlier this year. Lucaca Posh Boutique at 278 Dalhousie may be next to shut down, if the Closing Sale sign in the window is an indication. We weren’t able to confirm the latter before going to press.
Hokkaido, the popular all-you-can eat sushi resto at 272 Dalhousie Street, is looking good after a complete renovation and update, with stylish amenities and an open kitchen.
Across the street at 271 Dalhousie, Kochin Kitchen is drawing raves including a glowing review by the Ottawa Citizen for its fresh take on South Indian cuisine. Locals who miss Spiga, which held court at that location for over 20 years, might want to give the newcomer a try.
Meanwhile, Clarence Street is looking a little forlorn over the loss of three restaurants: Rasam at 97 Clarence, Wonton Mama at 109 and Spoon Yogurt at 111.
Spoon’s former storefront, at 111 Clarence, is being fitted up by new TC United Group, which describes itself as “360º real estate investments”.
At 47 Clarence Street, the Empire Grill’s renovation project seems to be going on forever, but will no doubt see crowds returning to the popular bistro when it reopens.
There’s a glamorous new boutique opened at 107 Murray Street called Rent Frock Repeat. The enterprise was funded by Ottawa business women who are sold on its unusual concept: “Why buy a designer dress when you can rent one?” If you visit the shop or website rentfrockrepeat.com, prepare to be wowed.
Sadly, its neighbour at 111 Murray Street, Structube, is leaving the ByWard Market and moving to Marché Way at Lansdowne Park.
We’re happy to close this edition of ByWard Moves with great news: the venerable Chateau Lafayette, fondly known as The Laff, is growing. Construction is underway to expand into the space next door at 42 York Street, formerly occupied by Quiznos Subs.
Michelle RamsayBorg is a brand name creator and storyteller who fell in love at first sight with Lowertown in 2012