Ottawa restaurant seeks to evolve diner scene

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 20 September 2012 17:20

Mellos Supper Club, once known simply as Mellos Diner, recently underwent a major change when new owners decided to dress up the casual dining vibe and make it a nighttime hot spot. As one of Ottawa's oldest restaurants, according to Ottawa Magazine, Mellos Diner is a staple among residents who have been living in the city for generations. Despite its new owners, however, the establishment hasn't strayed far from its roots, instead opening new avenues for a younger crowd.

"A large part of buying a diner is you are buying the history," Martin Fremeth, the new owner, told the news source.

It's diners like Mellos that make a city more home like, particularly because they establish a rapport of having friendly employees and delicious comfort foods like poutine and all-day breakfast.

New digs
The restaurant's interior is only slightly different, as Fremeth decided to build a bar so that diners could enjoy their poutine fries with an ice-cold pint of beer or a fruity cocktail. He also kept the wide-open kitchen, which allows diners to observe the action as chefs concoct their savory meals. Finally, he stripped the wall to reveal a layer of red brick, bringing the diner back to its original charm and rustic appeal.

New chef
Chef Michael Frank, who originally worked at a hotel in Toronto, totally revamped Mellos' menu with fascinating dishes influenced by international cuisines. Instead of the traditional fried chicken platter, Frank serves up Korean fried chicken with pineapple puree and spicy chili. Other global food influences are drawn from Jamaican, Thai and Greek flavours. Many of the new menu items feature sustainable food like scallops, green onion, fresh parsley and arugula.

New vibes
Perhaps the best thing about the new Mellos Supper Club is that Fremeth has transformed the diner culture into a chic new atmosphere that people of all ages can enjoy. Visitors who travel to Ontario looking for a unique dining experience along with the opportunity to mingle with sophisticated locals should definitely head over to this niche establishment the first chance they get.