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RESTAURANTS

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Muscedere Vineyards' outdoor wood-fired oven pizza on a sunny afternoon

WindsorOntarioNews.com Sept. 17 2026

We showed up just before 12 noon at Muscedere Vineyards (7457 County Rd 18 RR#4, Harrow) on a bright sunny day, and no one was there with the exception of one caretaker. We were there for lunch. But then shortly after 12 the place started to come alive. A person who looked from afar like a kitchen staffer started milling about the outdoor wood-fired oven. That’s what we were there for – the vineyard’s famous patio pizza. Almost 30 years old Muscedere is one of the first wineries in the new iteration of vineyards in Essex County and is still very much a family-run op. But don’t expect a full-service indoor-outdoor restaurant as some local wineries have. There’s a wine tasting bar and sales office at the back of what’s a large suburban style home. Behind that is an open expanse with gazebo and tables. Further afield there’s even a chicken coop! And while no patrons were there at first the space quickly filled up. One table in fact was filled with five people who’d cycled all the way from Detroit, across the Gordie Howe bridge and along the nearby Chrysler Canada Greenway trail, which slices diagonally across the southern part of the county from Windsor. That sure surprised us locals. On tap there’s a choice of seven pizzas including Nutella. (We passed). Instead, we ordered (one per person, they’re big but not too big) the namesake Muscedere with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, some onions and hot peppers. The pies arrived within 10 minutes, so quick service. We also each ordered a glass of Cabernet Franc (not sure the vintage – they have 2022 and 2023) reasoning it’s a signature grape for this part of the world. The pizza had a thin crust artisan flourish and was tasty and well balanced. The wine left a little to be desired, not particularly smooth and having the consistency of what you’d create from a wine-making kit - sorry. At least that was the opinion of one of us. The other, a member of a wine club, didn’t seem to mind.

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Couple puts a popular upscale spin on dock fare in Tilbury's Lighthouse Cove

WindsorOntarioNews.com August 11 2026

The former Cove Landing has been transformed in the hands of Kyle and Stephanie Wagner. The husband-and-wife team have put their culinary skills into revamping the former Lighthouse Cove bar and grill into the Dock & Vine restaurant. Stephanie is a local native and Kyle hales from Calgary but has long resided in Chatham. Both attended culinary arts school at Fanshawe College. When the venue sought a new tenant they jumped “at this beautiful location,” Stephanie said, opening in February. They decided this would be a place “where we could bring our vision to life, we always wanted to take the edge of the culinary fine dining in this region where we’re doing recognizable fare like burgers and pizzas but with an elevated twist.” Kyle has a strong belief in farm-to-table cooking with a particular emphasis on “celebrating” local farms and vineyards. Stephanie takes on a more managerial role. The venue is popular with boaters in summer and has an extensive dining room and patio. But it’s open year-round. “The location was very important to us, we wanted a place where we could show off our culinary talents to people we thought would appreciate and enjoy and understand our vision,” she added. They offer breakfast lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm. Their offerings straddle most pub/resto menus – seafood, pastas, sandwiches and burgers. They also offer a live music schedule with afternoon and evening performances Thursday-Sunday, an added plus for the Tilbury area and wider regional, where live restaurant music is often in short supply.

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RESTO NOTES: Leamington's Hispanic diversity, "hand-cracked" eggs, noise levels and pick-up wait times

WindsorOntaioNews.com July 17 2026

By RON STANG

Dining in Leamington yesterday we were amazed at the diversity of this small town's restaurant scene. Not only are there several Mexican restos but we spotted Guatemalan and Venezuelan ones as well. And when the wildfire smoke closed our first choice, Salsa Caliente, we just moved up the street to Cancunsito. The town has an understated/unacknowledged Hispanic sensibility with many store signs in English and Spanish. Add to this the Mexican farm labour presence which on a Thursday night (payday) gave the town very much a Latin American feel with the workers in town shopping and eating out....But what is it about too many restaurants that they have to have music - and playing it somewhat loud - along with a cacophony when there is a crowd? Makes it hard to carry on a conversation, especially when one is dining out and paying good money for the food....In one recent take out experience, we paid more than $50 for Eggs Benedict that looked warmed over with a paucity of hollandaise sauce - which is the key ingredient - and a small side of hash browns, emphasis on the small. This at a restaurant that seems to sharpen its name/image with menu descriptions like "hand-cracked" eggs. Aren't pretty much all eggs hand- cracked and should I be concerned with the kitchen staff's personal hygiene? In another case, after arriving at the counter to pick up the pizza and the clerk clearly seeing where I was waiting, failed to call me up when the pizza arrived from the kitchen, instead having it set on a shelf with other pick-ups behind him waiting to go cold. Thankfully the restaurant texted me to ask about the service and I responded honestly. They apologized - almost immediately - and said they would speak to counter staff. Now that's customer service.

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Buddy's - the legendary "Detroit-style" pizza - unfortunately was only just meh

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 2 2026

Buddy’s, we’ve all been told, is the be all and end all of pizza. Or Detroit pizza, which Detroiters are almost as fanatical about as Windsorites of their home-grown pizza. Only problem – Windsorites have a point. Buddy’s has been a Detroit tradition since 1946 and there are numerous outlets around the greater Motor City. The brand trades on its “legendary Detroit-style crust—crispy on the edges, light and airy inside.” Unlike most pizzas in most cities (save, say, Chicago’s deep dish) Detroit’s crust is almost a half inch thick. And Buddy’s offers some standard signature pizzas, often with a Detroit theme. There’s the Detroiter and Super 6 Mile (why not the more notorious 8 Mile?) both having pretty much basic toppings. The Detroit Conant (after Conant Ave., and why?) has grilled chicken, red onion, and cilantro with BBQ sauce. The Henry Ford offers a cheese blend, ground beef, bacon, blue cheese and tomato basil sauce. The Greektown, as you might have expected, offers feta, and the Detroit Zoo roasted tomatoes among other toppings, fairly similar to the others. Some of these may indeed offer a richer taste. But our build-your-own, unfortunately, was pretty bland. We ordered black olives, green peppers, sausage and onions. There were just two of us so ordered the smallest size – the “Four Square.” We chose the original crust and sauce. The best thing about it was the crust - light and airy and chewable. The rest was meh. They skimped on the toppings, the tomato sauce was just okay with a bit of unexpected spiciness. The rest was pretty much tasteless. Not quite the be-all experience as advertised. And the price? $34.43 Canadian (incl one pop). We complain about the price of Windsor pizza. But Windsor’s isn’t anywhere as pricey as this for what we got. And is far and away the better tasting style. Having heard Buddy’s drummed into us for years through advertising and local folklore we were really looking forward to sampling it. But this experience won’t have us coming back anytime soon if ever.

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DT Diva’s Delite helms another Jerkfest

WindsorOntarioNews.com June 11 2026

Windsor Jerkfest is coming up for its third year in downtown Windsor, brought to you by one of Windsor’s first genuine Jamaican restaurants, if not the biggest. That would be Diva’s Delite Caribbean and Canadian Cuisine. It’s not only a food adventure but a Caribbean cultural extravaganza. All taking place at Charles Clark Square Saturday June 27th. There will be DJs, special guest artists - headlined by Glen Washington from Jamaica - dancers, food vendors, games, face painting and of course authentic Caribbean cuisine “and pure island energy.” The food will be provided by Diva’s Delite and The Men’s Kitchen, a Nigerian restaurant here. The fest is brainchild of Diva Baker, a registered nurse who came to Windsor from Toronto a few years ago to take ownership of a nursing facility, since sold. She then opened her resto at 110 Chatham St. W. which can accommodate almost 100; she’s currently seeking a patio license. Baker said she created both the resto and fest because of an absence of local Caribbean themed businesses and events. “There wasn’t a restaurant where I could go to sit down and enjoy my Jamaican beer and an island meal,” she said. The eatery’s best sellers are jerk chicken and ox tail, there’s also fried chicken and plantain appetizers. And you can wash it all down with authentic Jamaican Red Stripe beer, in those famed traditional beer bottles. Baker likes the DT location and says she’s increasingly growing business among all ethnicities. “The only drawback is parking” but that's being overcome. The event's admission is $40, students $25 and kids under 10 free.

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"Ultimate" for b'fast, lunch & dinner

WindsorOntarioNews.com May 13 2026

They call it the “ultimate” breakfast lunch and dinner restaurant. JS Rise & Fry is the one-year-old place to go at Green Valley Plaza in Tecumseh. Owner Janan Mati has been in the restaurant biz 25 years and used to operate 4 K’s Riverside Grill on Wyandotte Street E., a strictly breakfast spot. Then the move. “I found this place as the best place location,” Mati said, taking a break from a busy late weekday morning filling orders. “It was always my dream to come to Tecumseh. It’s my favourite town I love it to be honest. Finally, I found the right place and I just chose it.” At JS you can get breakfast lunch and dinner all day long, or simultaneously if you dare. Janan started doing that at his former business but there wasn’t enough demand. But in Tecumseh there’s more variety of folks. “Over here there’s always different people, different faces,” he says. “Some people come late form work.” Expect a huge variety – and we mean huge - of breakfasts including early bird specials, sandwiches and wraps. There are eight types of pancakes including Nutella and Pecan Caramel, ten types of omelettes and skillets too. Lunches include salads and soups, melts and wraps. Dinners have burgers, poutine, chicken and fish. Love eggs for dinner? There’s the Chicken Egger - grilled or fried breast on a bun topped with egg, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Hey, you can also get ribs, steak, meatloaf. Hamburgs prepared from scratch with fresh cut fries. Don’t forget the homemade pies. "A must try!!" says one enthusiastic online reviewer. “A great extensive menu and all-day breakfast plus great lunch and dinner options,” says another. “Prices are great and portions are large.” Janan can sit 40-50. He’s open every day except Monday.

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The evolution of the Tim Hortons lid

WindsorOntrioNews.com April 30 2026

First there was the flat lid – Polystyrene (PS). That was way back in 2017. Then in 2019 Tim Hortons introduced the PP Lid – a 100% recyclable material made of polypropylene and “accepted in 95% of curbside recycling programs across Canada” a company report says. Then you may have noticed in 2022 the company introduced flimsier white lids. The reason? “Based on industry consultations about the future of recycling in Canada, we believe that white recyclable materials have better potential to be reused and repurposed into more new products, helping us close the loop on recycling more of our packaging.” That same year it piloted an even better recyclable – an rPP lid. That success means lids now are made of 30 per cent “post-consumer” (used) recycled polypropylene. This means less plastic waste, lower energy use and reduced emissions as part of the “circular” recyclable economy. And do you wonder about all those TH’s paper cups that have long been tossed by consumers irresponsibly along streets and sidewalks? Effective Jan. 1 the company joined a province-wide expanded blue bin recycling program that now accepts hot and cold beverage cups – “a milestone made possible by collaboration across the value chain,” the report says. Tims is owned by Miami-based Restaurant Brands International (RBI) which also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. But Tims’s Canadian HQ remains in Oakville Ontario. By the end of 2025 TH’s had 4,586 restaurants in Canada and the U.S. which made $7.573B in sales. Globally – including in, for example, Europe - RBI’s 2024 annual report said the chain had 6,043 outlets and $8.105B in sales.

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Three restos, three bland lunches

By RON STANG

WindsorOntarioNews.com April 16 2026

We’d always wanted to go to Metro Detroit’s famed Stage Deli. It has a history going back to the 1960s and Oak Park, the city’s traditional Jewish neighborhood. But just as many of its clientele moved to Bloomfield Hills so did the Stage up and depart for nearby West Bloomfield. The name? Harkens back to when actors used to come after gigs at the onetime Northland Playhouse. The modern version sells deli food at a separate counter. The restaurant is spacious with high ceilings and silhouettes of famous actors - cool. For some reason I felt I was in LA. For lunch? French onion soup and pastrami and brisket sandwiches - a la carte, so no fries or salad. The taste? Sorry, but bland. And the rye bread, dry. Maybe we’ll choose something different next time…..Next up? Canada’s Stacked breakfast chain. Only for lunch. They serve burgers, wraps and sandwiches. The Stacked Club sounded special and is a “triple decker.” But it’s basically a typical club, and I mean typical. And for some reason salty. As were the accompanying fries – tres salty. Hypertension anyone? And the food rather tasteless and unimaginatively put together. A real disappointment after the considerable breakfasts. Also, the AC was turned up in this LaSalle outlet (the server says it adjusted to exterior temp) and the music was loud enough it was difficult to hear one another – a perennial resto complaint…..Then the new Augusto’s Grill in Leamington. Beautiful, even exquisite decor, in this former art gallery and church. Too bad the food didn’t quite match. The namesake Augusto sandwich (grilled chicken breast, mozzarella, sauteed mushrooms & basil topped with spring mix on ciabatta bun) was thick with a lot of tasteless ingredients, which shouldn’t be the case for this type of mixture. The accompanying soup de jour (beans and pasta) sounded good but, again, no taste and seemingly warmed over. The best were the appetizers – but what can you do wrong with hummus? The Arancini V (Arborio rice balls with tomato sauce, mozzarella and pecorino Romano cheese) were scrumptious and very tasty. We could have ordered a platter.

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Still a year left to dine atop the RenCen

WindsorOntarioNews.com April 2 2026

It doesn't revolve anymore but the restaurant that tops Detroit's GMRenCen has announced its closure. But not until after next year's NCAA Final Four playoffs set for Detroit in April and the 2027 Grand Prix, usually held in May (next year's date hasn't been set yet). Known as Highlands Detroit (it's had previous names) the resto will close because its biggest market, General Motors, is moving its HQ a few blocks away to the new Hudson's Detroit building on Woodward Ave. Closing will likely be at the end of May next year. GM has been at Detroit's Rencen for the past 30 years. The restaurant sits 72 stories atop the central cylindrical tower hosting the Detroit Marriott hotel. The new Hudson's Detroit tower, which rises like several layers of glass downtown, is the second tallest building in the city. “When we opened Highlands, we set out to build something that was worthy of this view — a restaurant where the food and the experience matched the magic of being 72 stories above the Detroit River,” Shawn McClain, the restaurant’s James Beard Award-winning chef, said in a statement. “Detroit welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve been honored to host thousands of celebrations, proposals, anniversaries and unforgettable evenings in this extraordinary space. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here and grateful to GM and Bedrock for being such tremendous partners throughout this journey.” Both GM and hometown developer Bedrock have announced plans to redevelop the RenCen including the demolition of two smaller towers to make way for a public space, with perhaps a giant ferris wheel, linked to the city's new Riverwalk. The iconic complex, which opened in the late 1970s, contains two other restaurants - Joe Muer Seafood and Andiamo Riverfront, which will continue through the end of this year, then also close. The top restaurant, which used to go by names of Coach Insignia and the Summit, was at one time the place to see and be seen - as well as get a 360 degree rotated view of Detroit and Windsor. Its still trading on that elite image with a concept that "boldly reimagines 'top of the tower' dining with a multi-concept culinary destination."

Photo: Highlands Detroit

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Pedal & Pour expanding routes

WindsorOntarioNews.com March 19 2026

Expect Pedal & Pour to expand its quadracycle business this summer. The three year old business has been operating in Walkerville but owner Alesia Maggio expects to add a second vehicle by the end of summer. As well the company plans to expand routes. The company has been operating under a quadracycle pilot program. Groups book rides to go on pub tours. "We mainly offer two-hour customizable tours through the Walkerville/Windsor area that combine sightseeing and bar-hopping, and we also customize routes depending on what each group is looking for," Maggio said. The tours often see corporate or families/friends (bachelor and bachelorette parties or team building) on the 12 seat vehicles. "Riders choose where they want to go, how many stops they prefer, and how long they stay at each stop," Maggio said. "Most groups typically choose three stops at about 30 minutes each while also incorporating scenic and historical routes along the way." The onboard host acts as the guide and recommends "partner stops" that include drink specials and discounts for tour members. Each tour includes a licensed designated driver along with the certified host. Tours are booked online and typically take place late afternoons through evenings. A weekend tour costs $49.99/person. Pickup and drop-offs are on Chilver Rd. behind Vito’s Pizzeria. "Beginning this May, we also expect to be able to sell coolers and beer onboard (no alcohol on board at present) once our AGCO approval is finalized at extra cost for to riders," Maggio said.

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Three D eateries with pre and post-Covid prices

By Ron Stang

WindsorOntarioNews.com Feb 24 2026

Here’s a review of three suburban Detroit restaurants, necessitated by the fact a family member is partly convalescent in the area but can enjoy limited excursions and where better to lighten the soul than a meal out? The first was the Brunch Factory in Farmington Hills. The decor, mimicking an assembly line, is cute as all get out. But the booths for some reason are raised (not good for someone using crutches), leaving spare and small stainless-steel tables in the centre which of course were the last to be chosen by patrons. The floor was slippery on this wintry day. The service keen but slightly incompetent with forgetting to bring sugar along with the cream for coffee. And we felt imposed upon having to give a rating right at the table (we didn’t). Why don't brunch places simply have a carafe on the table so customers can serve themselves? The food was passable – the “eggs bennies” were as good as anywhere – but the a la carte menu meant extra expenses and we weren’t keen with everything served on smallish dishes. Pricing also wasn’t worth it: $67.41US incl 20% tip. Next up was dinner at Leo’s Coney Island, a Detroit chain since 1972. This outlet was further west on 12 Mile Rd. Clean and spacious with surprisingly many available tables on at weekend dinner time. Leo's has a huge assortment of meals veering to the Greek and Middle Eastern. One of us ordered lamb shank – giant-size but dry. The other ordered stuffed cabbage with tomato sauce – good but meat a bit tasteless. We’re sure other dishes are better and they also have a wide variety of breakfast offerings for which we will go next (skipping the above). Perhaps best was pricing – pre-inflation just above the $10 mark for most entrees. Total: $43.94US incl non-alcoholic beverages and tip. Finally, there was Nikola’s, a sprawling barbecue place on Telegraph just north of 10 Mile in Southfield. This is a very popular resto. We ordered half slab ribs. The service was fast, friendly and prices good. The cole slaw was a perfect scoop in a bowl and tasty. The sweet potatoes came without skins and diced in a bowl of light syrup. The ribs were gigantic. The problem was the meat was tough. Hell, you can buy Swiss Chalet ribs at the grocery and the meat slides off the bone. Pricing was reasonable for what we got: $66US including one cocktail. But we’ll be back – the pulled pork looks terrific.

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Want great Korean food? Try this non-profit

WindsorOntarioNews.com Feb 6 2026

Windsor might have a lot of food traditions, remarkable for a medium size city, but one cuisine we lack is Korean restaurants. And one of the few that do exist also happens to be tied to a neighbourhood development group. It's the Good Hood Community Kitchen, started by the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative, and located at 309 Wyandotte St. W. The resto first started as a way to serve area students who were undernourished. Chef and manager Alex Song, who is of Korean heritage and lived in Korea several years, decided also to begin serving up some well-loved Korean beef and chicken dishes, and sides like avocado rolls, with sauces made in house. The resto morphed into not just a neighbourhood eatery, as per the name, but one for the general public as well. Prices are kept reasonable as per the DWCC's mandate for community outreach: "The Good Hood Community Kitchen provides a place for neighbours to gather together and stretch the food dollar while enjoying each other's company." As such it's run by a volunteer staff where students and adults learn culinary and hospitality skills. And while the restaurant has been under the radar it has started to gain attention on social media. But note: it's open lunchtime only, five days a week. The bonus is that it's one of the few places in Windsor where you can find authentic Korean fare.

Photo: Good Hood Community Kitchen

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Authentic local Mex chain in the offing

WindsorOntarioNews.com Jan 21 2026

Essex now has a Mexican restaurant, and an authentic one to boot, run by the Mexican family whose first restaurant is in Leamington with plans for future locations in Essex County. It's called Cancunsito la taqueria, a reference to owner Israel Morales home town of Cancun. A taqueria is the equivalent of an Italia trattoria, specializing in authentic Mexican street food with an informal atmosphere. It's located in the former Hometown Cookhouse at 51 Talbot St. N. Morales had surveyed Essex and found not much diversity in the restaurant scene. "I saw the opportunity when the space was available," he said. It opened Dec. 8 and so far "people love it we're having very very good comments," he said. "It has been mouth to mouth word" but he's also on social media. Morales admitted he had his "doubts" but "now I'm very happy" given the community support. As per the name the resto specializes in tacos but really a lot more with several appetizers to mains and combos and even Mexican drinks. It can seat 60 people and Morales is applying for a liquor license. His first resto, Cancunsito Mexican Cuisine, opened in Leamington six years ago. "I'm trying to make Cancunsito (Little Cancun) my brand because a lot of people now recognize the name." He also opened a spot in Kingsville but sold it. "I may expand to Windsor and Tecumseh." How does his differentiate from other Mexican eateries? "Most of the restaurants are not owned by Mexican people, I'm successful because I keep the authenticity, we know the taste." Why did Morales come to Canada? Cancun, a tourist hot spot, is also an expensive place to make a living, "That's why I had to is emigrate to Canada."

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Those takeout counter tip requests? They're "kitchen appreciation fees"

WindsorOntarioNews.com Jan 8 2026

They're called "kitchen appreciation fees." That's the term for justifying asking for a tip when a customer simply goes to the counter to pick-up a take out meal. As opposed to dining-in and leaving a traditional tip. A national report on the state of restaurants warns restaurateurs about how alienating this can be to customers even though there may be justification for asking for charges. "More than half of consumers surveyed told us they found fees for credit or debit card usage (59%), kitchen appreciation fees or living wage surcharges (53%), and minimum tip settings when paying (52%) unacceptable on some level," says the report by Square, a payment processing company. "While the recent economic pressures create pricing challenges, the explanation of fees has the potential to turn off diners." Advises the report's authors: "If you have to charge fees (after all, many are mandatory) as opposed to adding your extra costs to your menu prices, giving a clear explanation of why you’re doing it could improve how people feel about your business." The report says 71% of restaurateurs plan to increase prices over 2026, "likely because they can’t afford to handle the increased burden of food and wage costs." Other takeaways from the report: - 63% of consumers said they’ve cut spending on restaurant purchases, including in-person, takeout, or delivery, in the past 12 months. - 63% of consumers said they’ve cut spending on restaurant purchases, including in-person, takeout, or delivery, in the past 12 months such as from loyalty program discounts (43%) to value items and combo deals (38%) to coupon codes (33%). - and while diners plan to cut spending they’re "still standing by the community establishments they know and love."

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Order out or dine in for Xmas meals

WindsorOntarioNews.com Dec 17 2025

Don’t feel like cooking a huge Christmas dinner – with the hours of prep not to mention the same for clean-up – especially when you might have only a few guests for the big meal? There are several restos in the Windsor area that apparently will specially prepare or cater your food. A post on Windsor’s Finest Food & Eateries facebook page brought these responses: The Flying Tiger, Harbour House Waterfront Eatery's "specially designed" holiday takeout menu Dec 24 & 25. It has servings for one ($26.95) to six ($133.95), add ham for $13/serving and wine for $35/bottle. There’s also Hurricanes, The Lumberjack and Koolini Italian Eastery, LaSalle’s Phat Albert Wok & Grill which offers a traditional turkey dinner for $27.95 with turkey and ham; it also has a takeout Chinese dinner. There’s also Wildwood Grill on Banwell Rd's "Festive Turkey Dinner" for $29.95. Want to dine in though not necessarily for a traditional Christmas dinner? Several people generically mention Chinese restaurants, the Husky Travel Centre “open 24/7”. Marco’s Original Italian Diner has a family meal for up to eight people. There's Souq Lebanese Grill, Red Lobster, Indian restaurants and Caesar Windsor’s dining spots. As per all social media posts the comments should, like Santa’s list, be checked twice. But we have confirmed Marco’s, Wildwood, the Harbour House and Phat Albert’s menus. Also, probably best to order ahead, even this week.

Photo: Harbour House

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Newest winery modernist & event-focussed

WindsorOntarioNews.com Dec 1 2025

Kingscoast Estate Winery is the county’s newest winery – bringing the number to an even 20 - opening in late summer located on the McCain Sideroad just south of County Rd. 20 about four km west of the Kingsville townsite. It’s indeed a stunning piece of architecture in the flat roof, floor to ceiling window, modernist design with interior textured stone walls, marble and chandeliers. And its spacious design continues an event-heavy tradition by the Mastronardi family and their Mastronardi Estate Winery, also in Kingsville. But a late November lunch trip there showed the winery may still need some time to catch on as there were only a few tables full in an otherwise cavernous restaurant which really is a banquet hall. The formal name is the Brix Tasting Lounge which does have a bar and can be cordoned off. But it’s apparent events – wedding and corporate dinners and meetings - are the focus of this entire venue. Says the winery, “Our contemporary facility features two stunning event spaces-one accommodating up to 350 guests for grand celebrations, and a more intimate venue perfect for gatherings of up to 100.” Nice features are that one side overlooks a waterway and a major event can be held on an outdoor patio through bi folded glass doors. Diners can also eat al fresco on a smaller patio during the summer. Our lunch – the special featuring butternut squash pasta ($22) – was tasty but could have been larger. And a side order of soup with two flatbread slices, though good, was more than half the price of the entrée ($14). The Baco Noir was heavy, verging towards Port, but went down well with a thick dish like pasta. One disappointment was that while there was dessert there was no coffee or tea. That’s because a kiosk by a high-end chain is to set up in January. But even some temporary flasks would have been nice.

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The Keg's Windsor locations are offering up US Thanksgiving dinners

WindsorOntarioNews.com Nov 18 2025

In what might be a first a prominent Windsor restaurant chain is advertising a special American Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 27. “See you for American Thanksgiving,” the social media ad states. The local franchise is owned by Cam Powley of Amherstburg and a western Canadian partner. They bought the business from long-time owner Ray Redekopp of Red Deer, Alta. who partially retired two years ago. While local restaurants may not have offered US Thanksgiving meals the Cottam United Church has had a longstanding tradition of doing this in a nod to Americans who have second or vacation homes in the area. It's a tradition that has caught on generally with hundreds of meals sold that day. The Keg’s US event follows a similar promotion for Canadian Thanksgiving this year for the first time. What was realized is there was a "massive demand for it,” a restaurant source said. Less than half a dozen Kegs at border or destination locations (Windsor, Niagara Falls and a western mountain resort) have now “opted in” for the US follow-up. It’s simply because of “the relationship” between Canadians and Americans in those cities, who work or have family and friends across the border. “We don’t know if there’s any traction behind it at this point, we saw that there certainly was with the Canadian holiday,” he said. Powley was with The Keg corporate in the GTA for a few decades. Both Windsor Kegs were renovated in 2013 (Devonshire) and 2017 (downtown). “We’ve been really lucky that it’s been a successful brand that’s been here and near and dear to the community for so many years.” While this is a one-day event the Canadian Thanksgiving promotion last month ran Sunday and Monday.

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Williams Fresh Cafe on hold for now

WindsorOntarioNews.com Nov 4 2025

Sait Clair College’s Student Representative Council (SRC) has closed it Williams Fresh Café and its immediate future is unknown. According to SRC’s executive director Ryan Peebles this was because the college closed several of its facilities in downtown Windsor due to a major drop in students – 4700. “Unfortunately, we lost our space within that building because the college didn’t feel the need to reopen” it, he said. The SRC had initially engaged Williams owner, Druxy’s Famous Deli - which has long had a series of delicatessens across Canada - to become a franchisee for Druxy’s Williams offshoot, which emphasizes lighter fresh foods in a café environment. Williams opened in 2023 and closed last April. The purpose was to provide a restaurant for both students and the public and staffed largely by part-time students, not necessarily those in the hospitality program. It started at seven days a week but then aligned to “peak” dining downtown. The building is known as “the 333 building” because the address is 333 Riverside Dr. It used to be known as the City Centre and housed offices like the tourism bureau and at one time some shops. The college renovated the building's first and second floors including for classrooms, sinking “a significant amount of money” into it, Peebles said. The SRC is still waiting what the college might do with the building as it still has the lease. “Once we get it in writing from the institution what their goal is we can proceed with what we need to do on our end.” Druxy’s is aware of the closure and has been supportive.

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Gourmet cafe by day & resto by night

WindsorOntarioNews.com Sept 29 2025

This restaurant is actually two in one. First came The Naked Cup, opened by Bobby Todorovic. It has operated several years as an upscale coffee shop – including 12 styles of coffee which it brands – at 14306 Old Tecumseh Rd. just east of the Beach Grove golf club in a plaza at Brighton Rd. Then last spring it doubled as Simply FoodDelicious when executive chef Sergio Petrovic (photo) joined Todorovic as partners. Petrovic, with 30 years’ experience in kitchens around the world, came to Windsor to create his “handcrafted” menu. The two-in-one resto format is one other restaurants might want to copy to maximize resources and sales. “When you’re paying the rent you have a kitchen and you have the facilities sitting empty so I saw the opportunity,” Petrovic said. The Naked Cup operates the first part of the day and Simply FoodDelicious takes over the 50-seat space evenings. Petrovic makes his meals from scratch including marinated and spice blends. “I’m making my owns sauces, there’s Asian and Western fusion combined with sandwiches and crepes,” he says. Given the smaller kitchen “that is the maximum at the moment that I can provide.” One of his specialties is crepes. You’ll find both savory and sweet on the menu. From organic Chicken Mushroom with Béchamel sauce, baked Parmesan, sauce Velouté and Mediterranean herbs and spinach and feta cheese, to sweet Normandie with shredded apples with raisins and cinnamon brandy flambé filling, to Nutella Dream with rich Nutella spread and sliced bananas, paired with The Naked Cup’s home-made chocolate & vanilla gelato and whipped cream. Petrovic’s Asian cooking background lends itself to an entrée like Tonkatsu Pork Chops - double cut aged chops breaded in home-made Nama Panko Bread Flakes. “The Japanese have this talent to take something very simple like a fried pork chop and elevate it,” he says. And save your appetite for Sunday Brunch with Lobster Salmon Brioche, Shakshuka – seared vegetables and four eggs topped up with feta cheese crumbs and crisp bacon, Piquant Shrimp on Eggs, and a Steak and Provolone “Brunwich”. Petrovic said there will be some exciting resto changes coming soon – “there’s plenty more to come.”

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Bacchus's remix upped business

WindsorOntarioNews.com Sept 17 2025

Erie Street may not be quite what it was but the restaurants along it seem to be holding their own. And one, Bacchus Ristorante, is thriving after tweaking its business model. Current owners Ryan and Maran Mykal took over the resto in late 2021 still in the throws of Covid. They’d had plenty of experience and Ryan was the chef under previous management. “I was trained under 14 different chefs, I’ve been doing this since I was 13 years old," the Iraqi native but Windsor raised owner said. The model was to swap formality but keep the “fine dining” feel. Quality, quantity, good presentation and price are paramount. “I always believed in just giving the customer more at an affordable rate,” he says. But recovery from Covid was slow. People were either “scared” to resume dining or they “got used to being at home for so many years.” So the brothers turned to food delivery apps. But, lately, “we’re starting to see American customers coming back” and “an increase in people wanting to dine in,” says Mykal. The 40-chair resto features mostly Italian but has gotten into vegetarian like Stuffed Magda Zucchini and “American style” cuisine (seafood & steaks). Besides 10 pastas there are 11 entrees ranging from Seared Cajun Lamb and Grilled Salmon to Ossobuco (beef shank served on a bed of cacio e pepe risotto, house made pomodoro & mirepoix). There are eight steak dishes from 30 Day Dry aged T-bone to Grilled New York, even Wagyu. Diner faves include Rice Balls stuffed with peas and cheese and topped with shredded beef, crispy onion in tomato sauce. Also, Grilled Mushroom and Onion Flatbread is a hit. The pastas come from The Pasta House. A favourite is Linguine Seafood Tuscan with jumbo shrimp, bay scallops, grape tomatoes and spinach in garlic & herb cream sauce. Reviews on Open Table have been excellent with numerous five-star ratings.

Photo: Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island

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Devonshire Mall Subway closed due to non-payments to corporate office

WindsorOntarioNews.com August 5 2025

Subway corporate has closed the Subway franchise at Devonshire Mall. Calgary-based Subway Franchise Systems of Canada posted “Notice of Termination” at the kiosk, located near the northwest mall entrance between the Canadian Brew House and Old Navy, stating “Notice of Termination of Franchise Agreement without Opportunity to Cure” and dated June 24. “Opportunity to Cure" allows a party to correct or remedy a contract (franchise agreement) issue before penalties or legal action. The franchise agreement began in 2018. It states the owner had agreed to certain payments to Subway Franchise Systems of Canada such as “record and report all sales,” pay a royalty fee equal to 8% of gross sales and pay advertising contributions of 4.5% of sales. But a corporate review found that the franchise owner, Pinjo Kakkassery, “failed to accurately and fully fulfill your obligations” and that “you have been underreporting” sales “by more than 2%” of gross sales “for a number of months.” As of the notice’s date the company found the franchisee had “underreported gross sales…..by approximately $119,635.80 since June 2023. This suggests that you owe Subway $9,570.86 CAD in unpaid royalties, $5,383.62 in unpaid advertising and $2,749.60 in interest for a total of $17,704.08. WON has requested comment from Kakkassery.

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Ray's moving to higher profile L'ton loc

WindsorOntarioNews.com July 22 2025

From Windsor Business newsmagazine

Leamington favourite Ray’s Ribhouse is moving to a much more prominent location. The 30-year-old eatery, long at Robson Rd. near the waterfront, is moving to Talbot Rd., Leamington’s main east-west thoroughfare. Owner Ray Youssef bought the Pizza Hut property there for $1.2 million. “We’re just moving from this location to that location,” he said. There’s no immediate deadline for the move; Youssef said that will happen with Pizza Hut finds a new location in town. Not only is Youssef eventually moving but he plans to demolish his present building and construct a 10-unit condo on the property. “The plans are all done” and he’s waiting for final town approval and then will hire a contractor. Since the Covid-19 pandemic Pizza Hut had eliminated its dine-in service and has been offering just take-out. Attempts to get a comment from the chain's New Brunswick-based owner, Franchise Management Inc. (FMI), were unsuccessful. “Right now, they’re still looking for a new spot here in town,” Youssef said, with a September deadline. Youssef said the new restaurant needs some renovations. “The dining room is kind of sad. We’re going to have to change the carpet up, and the roof has to be done,” he said. There’s a low ceiling that will be extended for more ambience and acoustics, because “the music sounds better with higher ceilings.” While the kitchen is larger, the restaurant will actually lose 10 seats, but the business will open for both lunch and dinner rather than just dinner. Talbot Street should bring in much more business, Youssef said. “People passing by our (current) business, you’re either going to a boat because the marina’s here or you’re going golfing, or you’re going home,” he said. “There’s really no business near us.” Youssef said he had “daydreamed a lot” about moving and now’s the opportunity.

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