Tues Jan 23: Budget Cuts Hit Grey Roots Staff; Military Helicopter Training Coming to Meaford

Plus: Papi's Eatery & Lounge restaurant review just one option in our impressive, diverse independent local food scene

Cold temperatures, Great Lakes snow squalls, and high winds have left the John D. Leitch bulk carrier in winter lay-over in the Owen Sound Harbor. Source: David Strutt

Have you been to Papi’s Eatery & Lounge in the former Nathaniel’s location?

It’s one of several independent local restaurants you might choose to stop at for a warm meal after a frigid walk along the harbour or through the downtown.

“The friendly, attentive service and the comfortable background music generate a calm coziness, especially at this time of year, while you peruse the menu,” our food reviewer writes of her recent experience at the relatively new eatery.

Despite the quality of the menu, there were a few minor quibbles. See what else she had to say:

For a community our size, Owen Sound is incredibly fortunate to have the diversity of authentic world cuisine we do in independent local restaurants and food businesses.

We’ve long enjoyed the best Greek restaurant you could ask for in Europa; real Nepalese meals at Sabitri’s; delicious Indian food at The Curry House, Mexican fare and imported beverages at Casero’s; a world-class selection of cheese at the Milk Maid; Thai and Asian dishes at Hong Thai and Yummy Yummy’s; true Vietnamese fare at Minh’s; creative Indigenous cuisine at Naagan; Mediterranean options at Mr. Khan’s; and Syrian, Ukrainian, and Salvadoran options at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.

We have a mix of North American fare at independent restaurants The Yard, Jazzmyn’s, Harrison Park Inn, The Frog Pond, European Bakery Cafe, the Boot & Blade – and now Papi’s, too.

We’ve enjoyed (and miss) Birgit’s, The Bleeding Carrot, Sizzlin’, the Avalon, The Bean Cellar, and many more who’ve served a stint as Owen Sound staples.

January to March are typically tough months for small businesses, and restaurants in particular. If you can, winter is a great time to have a date night or friends’ night out “just because” – and perhaps stay below the hill and opt for an independent choice this time.

~ Miranda

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