
Piano Piano opens, Mimi's Asian Gourmet closes among changes in Hamilton business scene
While some new spots have opened over the last few weeks, other businesses have shuttered or adjusted operations.
The Spectator has broken down some of those changes around the city.
Piano Piano
This Toronto-based Italian eatery has opened a new location in downtown Hamilton.
Piano Piano
recently expanded
with a seventh location inside the restored King John Buildings across from Gore Park. The new eatery marks the second location opened outside of Toronto for the Italian restaurant group.
The menu features a selection of house-made pasta and sourdough pizza as well as dishes such as rib-eye, lamb, octopus and eggplant Parmesan.
Piano Piano has opened a new location in downtown Hamilton inside the King John Buildings.
Other eats include Nutella tiramisu, lemon cheesecake and cream puffs, plus libations such as cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer.
Piano Piano is located at 62 King St E. The restaurant is open daily, serving lunch and dinner, plus a happy hour menu.
This Barton Street East pottery studio opened in the spring.
Squiggle the Studio
took over the retail spaces
left behind by Rumor's Safety Zone and J. Rumor's Meats and Deli, located at the corner of Smith Avenue and Barton Street East.
The studio offers a variety of classes, ranging from multi-week classes to daylong workshops as well as memberships, kiln rentals and private workshops.
Classes offered at the studio have included making door numbers, trinket trays, miniature figurines, wall ornaments, bud vases and plates.
Squiggle is located at 386-388 Barton St. E. Visits are by appointment only.
This James Street North spot recently opened in the
former home of Lighthouse Fish Market
.
Bonito's Pizzeria and Gelato
serves up Roman-style pizza and handmade gelato, with flavours ranging from apple pie and hazelnut to coffee and strawberry cheesecake.
Bonito's Pizzeria and Gelato recently opened at 219 James St. N. in Hamilton.
The pizza menu features offerings such as the Roasted Garden with toppings such as San Marzano tomatoes and roasted zucchini, as well as the Truffle Time with a confit garlic oil base and a sautéed mushroom mix.
Bonito's Pizzeria and Gelato is located at 219 James St. N.
This Locke Street South vintage shop opened in late spring.
Bluette Studios
hosted its grand opening
on May 31, taking over the space formerly home to Diced Ice. The shop specializes in vintage and Y2K pieces, ranging from denim shorts and slip dresses to shirts and skirts.
Bluette Studios is located at 129 Locke St. S.
This Toronto-based ramen chain has opened its second location in Hamilton.
The chain announced on Instagram earlier this month that it had officially opened its newest location on King William Street in the city's downtown.
The chicken spicy jalapeno ramen from Kinton Ramen is pictured in this August 2015 file photo. The dish remains on the menu of the Toronto-based eatery, which has recently opened its second location in Hamilton.
The menu features bowls such as pork shoyu ramen, beef miso ramen and chicken ramen, as well as sides like edamame, chicken karaage and vegetarian gyoza.
Kinton Ramen is located at 50 King William St.
This Barton Street East eatery has closed after a decade in business.
The Little Grasshopper Café
announced the closure
on Facebook in early June, noting that the restaurant would host its final service July 11 — just months after celebrating 10 years in business.
The business thanked the community for its support over the last decade, noting that thanks to its patronage, the Portuguese restaurant became a 'vibrant gathering place full of love, culture, and community.'
The post noted that the owner of the restaurant, Maria Silva, has decided to 'pass the torch and sell the restaurant,' in hopes of embracing a 'slower pace — spending more time with family and taking care of herself.'
'This isn't goodbye — it's the next chapter,' read the post. 'One full of pride, love, and deep appreciation for everything this journey has brought.'
The Little Grasshopper Café was located at 37 Barton St. E.
This King Street East eatery, known for its Asian fare, has closed after four years in business.
Mimi's Asian Gourmet suddenly
announced on its website
earlier this month that it would be hosting its final week of service July 3 to 7.
Days later, the eatery announced that Vanh's Asian Gourmet would be taking over the space 'sometime in the near future,' with its recipes for dishes such as nasi goreng and pad see ew 'passed on to them.'
It's unclear when the new eatery will open. Mimi's encouraged its regular patrons to visit the restaurant.
Mimi's Asian Gourmet was located at 971 King St. E.
Hammerhead's Seafood Kitchen and Fish Market
has officially moved to 74 Ottawa St. N. The eatery now has dine-in options as well as its usual seafood and fish counter offerings.
Westdale Café
has taken over the space left behind by the Second Cup at 1004 King St. W.
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