Zola’s has been family-owned and operated since 1986, offering Italian food made from scratch, friendly service, and a wholesome atmosphere. Owner Antonio Vacchio is proud to have pioneered one of the first open-concept Italian dining experiences in west Ottawa. They cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets and also offer a popular catering service.
Readers know that Duc de Lorraine, a beloved French bistro, bakery, pastry shop, and caterer in Montreal, has thrived under Victoria Sørensen’s ownership over the last 15 years.
I visited the new Moishes Steakhouse at Victoria Square when it opened over a year ago, but waited to enjoy my first meal until the debut of its beautiful terrace.
L’Oeufrier is a breakfast success story that began in 1995 in Laval’s Vimont neighbourhood. Since then it has garnered a loyal following thanks to extraordinary service and high-quality, innovative breakfast fare unlike any other restaurant.
Last fall, Mitchell Rosenthal suggested I try Porto Poulet, his favorite spot for Portuguese chicken at 1612 Fleury East in Ahuntsic. We finally visited in June, enjoying a terrasse table.
Lulu’s Pasta Bar in Griffintown, founded by Jimmy and Anthy Petropoulos, offers a quick, fresh pasta experience with diverse options, thriving since its January opening.
La Pizza Week doesn’t stop at restaurant doors. For the third year in a row, La Pizza Week and DoorDash are joining forces to support local restaurants in growing their business – all while bringing the fun to even more customers.
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca
What do you get when you mix the concept of Whole Foods, the major grocery store chain noted for its organic and healthy products, with a convenience shop format? It is KaleMart24, the brainchild of Oussama (Sam) Saoudi.
The new pioneering natural convenience store chain unveiled its first store at the Berri-UQAM metro station in early March. A second locale followed at the Jarry Metro with a prime location across from the Bell Centre slated for June. I stopped by for a visit upon the invitation of operations director Ryann Goldstein and once inside I was blown away by what I saw at this innovative store concept which promises to redefine convenience shopping while promoting health-conscious lifestyles. “Where Wellness Meets Convenience,” is their slogan.
KaleMart24 is breaking through the mold of convenience stores being associated with junk food by offering healthier choices that cater to a mobile-savvy younger generation. Curating specialty brands and products, KaleMart24 includes all the usual sections of a convenience store, along with a small personal care section, and even a small organic pet section.
Watch my video chat with Saoudi and Goldstein
Saoudi told me he came up with the idea in the winter of 2023 and started to put his plan into action. Goldstein came on board in August. Business is booming at the two locations. Frankly, I have never seen a place like it. “My goal is to have over 200 locations across Canada by 2028 and expand to the US. We are redefining the depanneur.”
The launch of KaleMart24 represents a culmination of extensive research, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to meeting the evolving needs of modern consumers. With a carefully curated selection of products, organic snacks, and eco-friendly household essentials, this pioneering store concept offers a holistic shopping experience tailored to the discerning tastes of health-conscious individuals on the go.
“Our aim is to seamlessly integrate convenience and sustainability, empowering customers to make informed choices that support their well-being and the health of our planet, ” said Saoudi.
There is a wide variety of ready-to-eat and fresh sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups and salads. I sampled a delicious English muffin with bacon, cheese and egg as well as a chocolate and a bag of pistachio nuts. They have a variety of fruit drinks, fresh coffee, danishes and an endless array of snacks which are on the healthier side.
“I actually saw Sam on Linked In and he had a wonderful post of the concept before it was even open,” Goldstein said. “ Since I was practicing to become a health coach I had some background into this as well. I started in late August from scratch, picking products and putting them on the shelves. We have really done it all.
“It is a great place. People today are more educated and what they are putting in their bodies. We really think this is where the world is going. It is super trendy.”
From biodegradable packaging to energy-efficient operations, every aspect of the store is thoughtfully crafted to minimize ecological impact and promote a more sustainable way of living.
My old friend Tony Flanz from Think Retail is working with KaleMart24 to grow the brand and find other locations. For more details, including looking into a franchise, go to www.kalemart24.com
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca
Bonaparte, a fine French cuisine restaurant in Old Montreal, celebrates its 40th anniversary, revered by celebrities and locals alike for its authentic dishes, consistent classics, and charming ambiance.
Mythik found in the Bell Centre boasts a “farm to table” à la carte menu, presents Montreal’s top-quality local ingredients in chic prepared individual dishes.
In 2012, Melrose Resto, founded by Steve D’Alete and Jimmy Scalia, with Chef Alessandro Gangi, became a culinary and comedy hub in Little Italy, offering an array of delectable dishes and regular standup events.
Musician Dimosthenis James Papadimitrios recommended the hidden gem Geez Resto Bar Café, where co-owner Steve Towell enhances the experience with great burgers, lively ambiance, and regular entertainment events.
Every year when the list of culinary participants for Montréal en Lumiere comes out, I scan about the different restaurants and see which new ones I’d like to explore.
Enter Ferreira Café, which on Friday, March 1 will host restaurateur Leandro Mota and his chef Leonardo Costa from Canastra do Fidalgo located in Costa Nova, Portugal, along with winemaker Carlos Campolargo from the same region. They will offer special festive lunch and dinner menus.
There are a lot of interesting storylines for the upcoming 25th edition of Montréal en Lumière (Feb. 22 to March 10), which focuses on dining, outdoor skating and live entertainment, but perhaps none more compelling than a reunion involving two of this country’s most celebrated chefs: Yves Lowe, the executive chef at the Bell Centre and Newfoundland’s Jeremy Charles.
