The Works Craft Burgers & Beer
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 per cent Canadian. The Works offers guests eight different patty options as well as gluten-free and vegetarian combinations to choose from.
There are 28 locations in Ontario and as of December 2, one in Cairo, Egypt. So, what about Montreal? In 2017 all the assets of The Works were acquired by the Montreal-based MTY Food Group. Marketing Director Wendy Spence, who “works” out of Oakville, Ontario, notes that when the company embarked upon a recent rebranding process the Stand Montréal marketing firm was hired to lead that process. As for expansion here, Spence believes The Works will likely dip its toes across the bridge from Ottawa, in Gatineau, first. However, if the right franchisee from here surfaces, who knows?
The menu features appetizers, three different poutines (Chez Guy, Tragically Poutine and Brisket Case), chicken sandwiches, salads, the diverse selection of burgers and sides. A calorie account appears next to each item. From 11 am to 3 pm you can take advantage of the lunch menu, with prices ranging from $12.97 to $13.97. There is a kids’ menu as well. For more information log on to www.worksburger.com. Gift cards are available.
Arahova Continues Expansion
Arahova Souvlaki continues to expand. The Kalogrias family has recently opened new locations in Pointe Claire and St. Jerome. MtlRestorap’s Tony Medeiros visited the West Island spot at the Sources Mega Centre near Brunswick Avenue and next to Les 3 Brasseurs. Founder Christos Kalogrias is in semi-retirement. His son George and daughters Tina and Bia work as a strong team in steering the company in the right direction. The restaurant can seat 70 diners and a seasonal terrace will be introduced. For more information log on to www.arahova-souvlaki.ca.
Chalet in Wall Street Journal
The prestigious Wall Street Journal recently profiled the iconic Chalet Bar-B-Q. “We spotlight a cherished restaurant, hotel or landmark that’s changed remarkably little over the years. Even during the late World War II years, Canada, far from European and Pacific combat, had a relatively strong consumer economy. That helped make Chalet Bar-B-Q – the Montreal restaurant focused on rotisserie chicken that Swiss visionary Marcel Mauron conceived in 1944 – an instant success,” writer David Shribman stated. I got so hungry reading that article that I raced over to Chalet on Sherbrooke Street West in NDG where manager David T. prepared my takeout package. I could not resist the smell of the fries, ripping the bag open in my car and feasting upon this meal fit for a king.
