Food & Drink
Stuart Raymond of Simon's has joined the downtown crowd.
Downtown has got its groove back
BY LYDA BARSH
Spring 2010 |
Just a few years ago the lights went out downtown at 5 pm. Not anymore. There is a vibrant pub scene, and with the addition of several new eateries, a few old favourites, and some specialty boutiques, downtown Sudbury has got its groove back. There is lots and lots of free parking in the evenings and on weekends. If you come for lunch, the first two hours are free at the city's Beech St. and Market Square parking lots. (Or put a toonie in a meter.)
If you haven't been downtown lately, check out what you're been missing. Here are some of my favourite eateries.
Alexandria's, at 211 Shaughnessy St., was reviewed favourably in the Winter issue of Sudbury Living. It is one of two Sudbury restaurants listed in the prestigious Where to Eat in Canada. (The other is Pasta e Vino Ristorante on Paris St.) It specializes in French, Greek, Italian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Old Rock Roastery is located at 212 Minto St. Coffee fans drive out of their way to enjoy a cup of freshly roasted java at the original Old Rock, across the VIA station.Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, it is an ideal for people-watching, and thanks to free wireless, a fun place to do some work. There is a second location on Durham St.
Laughing Buddha, at 194 Elgin St., has expanded. This eatery is popular from 11 am to 2 am. It has a great menu with several vegetarian offerings. Everything on the menu is good. In the warmer months, it has best outdoor patio in town.
The Little Montreal Bar, at 182 Elgin St., serves scrumptious deli smoked meat sandwiches, as well as tasty daily specials. It's open seven days a week and features live jazz on the weekends. Watch for information about special entertainment events.
Bertolo's, located in Sudbury's flat iron building at 149 Durham St., is a perfect lunch spot. Natalie Bertolo McAloney operates a small sandwich and salad shop with an Italian flavour.
Frank's Deli, 112 Durham St., has always been a popular downtown lunch spot. New owner Mark Gregorini has kept many of the menu favourites such as the pastami on rye and foot-long hot dogs, and added some healthier choices. Fresh pickerel is often the special of the day. Frank's has also got a liquor licence.
La Boulangerie du Village artisan bakery and deli, at 104 Durham St., serves great coffee and morning nibbles such as muffins, croissant and pastries as well as gourmet sandwiches at lunch time. (My favourite is the meat loaf sandwich). Baker Bob Wygant makes a wide variety of artisan breads daily. I enjoy the 1940s and 1950s music that plays in the background, and the overall Manhattan charm of this place.
Simon's Gallery Grill at 86 Durham St. is located in the old Birk's building. Chef Stuart Raymond has transformed it into an elegant restaurant where customers can watch food being prepared in an open kitchen area. Menu favourites include veal scallopini sautéed in butter with Porcini mushrooms and marsala sauce, and the fillet of fresh Atlantic salmon with tandoori barbecue sauce, lemon pepper spice, and honey lime mousseline. Yum!
Respect is Burning, at 82 Durham St., is owned by Rob and Mini Gregorini. Enjoy great Italian food in an eclectic and hip environment. Get a table in the front and watch the crowd go by, or sit in the back and feel hidden from the world.
Fromagerie Elgin, 5 Cedar St., is tucked away in the former LCBO building, across from Market Square, Hazel Ecclestone surrounds herself with what she calls the near-perfect food: cheese. She also carries Ristorante Verdicchio’s line of fine foods, including their signature olive oil, salsa picante and antipasto. Eccelstone also hosts special events.
There are numerous other tasty and tasteful places to eat downtown, and I hope to review them in future issues. Readers will find my past restaurant reviews on the Sudbury Living website, www.sudburylivingmagazine.com.
