Category: Ottawa

The iconic Zak’s Diner opens its fifth location in the trendy  Westboro Village area of Ottawa

Tone

Readers of my stories on Ottawa will be very familiar with the fact Zak’s Diner has become a true “go-to” stop in the Nation’s capital. Established in 1986 by John Borsten and some partners, one of whom had a son named Zak, there are now five separate locations for this ’50s-themed eatery: the happening Byward Market, Elgin Street, Carleton Place, Kanata and now the Westboro Village area at the spot that previously housed the once popular Savoy Brasserie.

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For some of the best Japanese cuisine in Ottawa, Shinka Sushi Bar fits the bill

Mike Cohen

Shinka Sushi Bar (previously known as New Generation Sushi) is located on Laurier Avenue West near Elgin. It has been around since 2004. When the COVID-19 pandemic, it pivoted exclusively to take-out and delivery. Their clientele responded in strong numbers so they have stuck to this format. A second location will open later this year at a location to be determined.

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Suffering from Red Lobster withdrawal? A trip to Ottawa will do the trick

Mike Cohen

Red Lobster still operates in four Canadian provinces – Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. There are two locations in Ottawa. The one at 1499 St. Laurent Blvd., just as you enter the city, has always been our “go-to” spot. Twenty years ago, I did a few reviews for my newspapers and connected with General Manager Ian Forrester. When I went there for a curbside pickup back in December, Ian was still on the job. It turns out he has been there for an incredible 36 years.

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Montreal-owned chain The Works serves up some of the best burgers in Ontario

Tone

As a foodie, I love the Ottawa restaurant scene. High on my list is The Works Craft Burgers & Beer (www.worksburger.com). Open since 2001, this wildly popular and award winning full-service neighbourhood bistro is known for its more than 30 different, hand-prepared gourmet burgers, bottomless fresh hand-cut fries, cool classic shakes and ice-cold beer, which are all 100 percent Canadian. The Works offers guests eight different patty options as well as gluten-free and vegetarian combinations to choose from.

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Kettlemans Bagel set to open its first Montreal location across from the Bell Centre

Mike Cohen

Kettlemans hand-rolled Montreal style bagels, unique spreads, fresh salads, and sandwiches make the perfect breakfast-to-go, boardroom power lunch or late-night indulgence. Founder and Montreal native Craig Buckley opened the first store in August of 1993. When he started the business, he simply wanted to make the best bagels you could find. By rolling, “kettling,” and baking traditional Montreal Bagel in a wood burning-oven using handpicked hardwood, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the traditional quality of the food, Kettlemans has become a food institution — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year — for 28 years. 

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Appetite for Ottawa: With Milestones Grill + Bar headed to Quebec, Mike Cohen provides a sneak peek

Mike Cohen

When Montreal-based Foodtastic purchased the Milestones Grill + Bar restaurant chain (https://www.milestonesrestaurants.com) last summer, with plans to finally debut franchises in Quebec, I got pretty excited.

Foodtastic, a highly successful multi-brand restaurant company, is owned by brothers Lawrence and Peter Mammas.

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