A lot has happened since I last updated this column, a column that’s been traveling with me as I’ve moved from neighborhood to neighborhood. This update narrows in on what’s happened in Hintonburg’s burgeoning business scene over the last few months. For ease of reading and navigating, this updates goes from east to west.
First and probably the most recent opening! SuzyQ has finally decided that it has grown out of its little shack and moved to the old West End Well, which unfortunately closed its doors in the fall. The market just wasn’t there for expensive organic food, but I can imagine doughnut patrons will enjoy not having to wait in line outside in -30 C at the new SuzyQ.
Behind the LCBO on Armstrong, opened Meat Press. The small restaurant, owned by Chef Étienne Cuerrier, former chef at Soif in Gatineau, serves delicious sandwiches and soups and sells home made charcuterie. It’s cheap and delicious and my current favourite lunch spot in the neighborhood.
Across the street from the LCBO a second Escape Manor opened up. Have you tried it?
With The Eddy condo finally completed, many were curious to know what businesses would fill its ground floor. Rumors of a Starbucks never materialized, but last fall, Mostly Danish Furniture made its comeback to the hood as they took over half of The Eddy’s ground floor. The other half remains vacant.
Across the street on Irving, Tooth and Nail Brewery opened its doors in a surprisingly large space. T&N offers delicious beers, small plates and a small retail space to purchase cans. I heard rumblings of an outdoor patio for the summer…
Maker House Co. opened just west of the LCBO. The store – Gareth Davies’ baby – features a curated collection of handmade furniture & homewares, crafted locally from Ottawa and Canada. Meant to be a pop up, it looks like they’ll be sticking around a while longer.
With the success of their first location on Elgin St., The Ministry of Coffee (and Social Affairs) has opened a second location in the former Hino restaurant. This second spot not only serves coffee but also has beers on tap, a decent selection of wines, cocktails and tapas plates in the evening.
In other food news, the Back Lane Café decided to call it quits while Carben Food + Drink has replaced Burnt Butter. I’ve only read good reviews of Carben though I’ve unfortunately never seen the place packed.
Beloved Heaven’s to Betsy called its quits this fall and was replaced by National Access Cannabis – not a cannabis dispensary (yet?) – but a resource for those seeking information on the medical use of cannabis.
AMAnecer fashion boutique and District Apparel have opened on Wellington east of Carruthers. The former features affordable women’s wear while the latter focuses on edgy, vibrant clothing, footwear and accessories.
Further west, World of Maps moved to the forever closing furniture store next to Petro Canada at Parkdale and Wellington. Rumors were a Starbucks would fill the corner location left open by World of Maps though that has not materialized. The short-lived Forum Apparel shop next to Fil’s Diner was replaced by The Original Purple Cow, which specializes in chocolate and candy-making.
Finally, Richard’s Hintonburg Kitchen closed its doors and will soon be replaced by the Pho Shack.
Have we missed anything? Do you want to share any experiences you’ve had with any of these businesses? Leave us a comment. Part 2 – West of Holland will come later this winter.
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