Zanadu gives you another reason to get excited about the QWest and Richmond Road condos!

      I recently had the privilege of attending a preview for the newest boutique bistro open at 101 Richmond Road across from the soon to be completed Q West condos. I am just so happy that there is a local owner, not just national chains in the bottom of the condos like usual. As you know, I absolutely love supporting local owners who will take risks to share their dream with others and there is no exception here.

 

      Zanadu is a raw vegan/vegetarian boutique bistro started up by Barb Kerzner who just so happens to be moving in across the street as well. She was born and raised in the area so she knows it well. This is not a chain (yet), it is a collection of amazing, healthy food and drink options she has shared with friends and family over the years who kept asking her for her amazing recipes. I had a chance to try many of the options and I just can’t wait to make this a stop when helping out clients in Westboro.

 

      The beautiful thing about this I am not even a vegetarian, but I do know that this city lacks quick, healthy options for people on the go like myself.  There are no processed foods, no refined sugars as they can naturally sweeten the desserts or use maple syrup/agave nectar if needed. All the dressings and condiments are made in house, I particularly loved the sriracha ketchup to put on the grilled cheeses. They have the only fully vegan grilled cheese sandwich in city so far! Everything is made in house except for the breads which are brought in from Rideau Bakery and a gluten free bread from Strawberry Blonde bakery in Sandy Hill.

 

      Barb hopes to have a liquor licence soon to provide local, great adult beverages and share her love of disco music. I hope you will go visit her and her team and help make another Ottawa success story ala Auntie Loo’s Treats or Susy Q donuts!