General Food, Dining and Nightlife News

[plam]

Longtime Waterloo pub listed for sale
The Duke of Wellington.

Haven't been there for many years now but still have fond memories from the early days of the Duke.

Made the mistake of ordering a poutine from there a few weeks ago. It was not ideal. The beer was fine...

[Acitta]

So you know that time when you and your partner want to go out for dinner, but one of you would like to go for Greek food and one wants Korean food, so you get into an argument and end up staying home and eating a crappy frozen pizza?* Well, the Apex Grill Greek and Asian Fusion restaurant is the place for you. Opening June 1 at the corner of Courtland and Borden. They have both Greek and Korean food.
   
*(I don't know if couples actually argue about such things. I live alone. I am just trying to be dramatic,)

[panamaniac]

Very weird.

[Kodra24]

Hahaha that always happens, except it's usually Thai vs Italian for me and my wife

[nms]

Chuek Kwan wrote, Have You Eaten Yet?: Stories from Chinese Restaurants Around the World, that profiled family-run Chinese restaurants aroundt the world from Cape Town, South Africa, to Norway, and every point in between.  It showcased the wide variety of ways that Chinese restaurants adapted their menues to include local food traditions since in some cases, the Chinese population had been present in that particular locale for many, many generations.

[Acitta]

So you know that time when you and your partner want to go out for dinner, but one of you would like to go for Greek food and one wants Korean food, so you get into an argument and end up staying home and eating a crappy frozen pizza?* Well, the Apex Grill Greek and Asian Fusion restaurant is the place for you. Opening June 1 at the corner of Courtland and Borden. They have both Greek and Korean food.

*(I don't know if couples actually argue about such things. I live alone. I am just trying to be dramatic,)

This place never opened. It was originally going to open in May, I think. Signs in the windows and on the website say that due to unforeseen circumstances, it was going to open June 1. To this day, the signs are still there and the website hasn't changed. Too bad, I was looking forward to it.

[Acitta]

City of Kitchener announces new full-service restaurant at the Aud
The City of Kitchener has selected the Rolleman Restaurant Group, a local owner of several successful restaurants, to operate the new full-service restaurant at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (The Aud), which will open later this summer.

Following a competitive process that emphasized ‘a vibrant dining experience that celebrates local flavour while complementing The Aud’s high-energy, sports-centric atmosphere’, the Rolleman Restaurant Group was selected to operate the new Club 51 Sports Bar.

In honour of the Aud celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the restaurant was named Club 51 to commemorate the year The Aud opened – 1951. With a modern take on the classic sports bar, Club 51 will continue the tradition of bringing community and sport together in one place. The restaurant will open later this summer with a grand opening scheduled for September 18, in time to celebrate the Kitchener Rangers Home Opener.

“We are excited to welcome Club 51 to the Aud and look forward to enjoying the local food, drinks and hospitality they will bring to this incredible new community space,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Whether hosting fans before a Rangers game, friends watching the game on the big screen, families dining out, or a couple on a date, Club 51 will see community members of all ages joining in to create great times and great memories together.”

Club 51 blends the rich history of this iconic venue with elevated pub fare, local craft beer, Ontario-made beverages and warm hospitality. It will offer a modern and inviting space for up to 120 guests.

“We proudly source from local breweries, producers, and suppliers, celebrating the flavours and businesses of Waterloo Region,” said Jackie Rolleman, co-owner/operator of Club 51. “We will offer the classics like wings, burgers, and nachos with a modern touch, along with menu items highlighting current food trends like protein power bowls and plant-based options.”

With 40 years of combined experience, the Rolleman Restaurant Group operates with a focus on the surrounding community and oversees several locations in Waterloo Region, including Thirteen Food & Beverage in downtown Galt, The Galt Club, The Imperial Restaurant in New Hamburg, and previously, EJ’s at Baden.

“We are excited to create a welcoming place for fans, families, and friends to gather before, during, and after every event,” added Matt Rolleman, co-owner/operator of Club 51. “And not just on game days, but every day.”

In May 2025, Council approved $2M to transform the Subscriber’s Lounge into a 2,300 square foot restaurant offering a vibrant dining experience.

Located on the second floor of The Aud in the newly renovated space, the full-service restaurant will support the Aud’s role as a premier multi-purpose venue and will create opportunities for larger events in the future.

For updates and more information, visit TheAud.ca/Club51.