By Sophie Mir
In this edition of “concepts to watch,” we highlight three restaurant concepts that are making an impact on Canadian diners. Here’s a look at the characteristics and menu offerings that make these restaurants unique:
Neo Coffee Bar
Facebook: 2,584 likes | Instagram: 12,880 followers | Twitter: 732 followers
Locations: 2 (Toronto)
Concept characteristics:
- Relaxed cafes offering artisanal beverages and baked goods with Japanese flavour inspirations
- Serene atmosphere achieved through minimalist setting that includes warm wood accents and curvilinear concrete walls
- Operate from morning to early evening hours
- Delivery available through third-party app DoorDash
Menu snapshot:
- Japanese teas—varieties include Matcha, Genmaicha and Hojicha lattes and teas, Betsujyo Sencha and Kabusecha
- Espresso-based options—mochas, vanilla lattes, macchiatos, Americanos and flat whites
- Muffins—spotlight Blackberry and Blueberry, as well as Gluten Free Sugar-Free Vegan
- Roll cakes—highlight Matcha and Azuki, made with matcha sponge cake, as well as Strawberry Shortcake, featuring organic red bean
Calle Mexico
Facebook: 4,3311 likes
| Instagram: 1,901 followers | Twitter: 684 followers
Locations: 3 (Edmonton, Alberta)
Concept characteristics:
- Family-owned eateries specializing in the authentic flavours of Mexican street foods
- Three brick-and-mortar restaurants and two food trucks that roam Edmonton
- Units are in downtown, west and south Edmonton, with one store located at West Edmonton Mall
- Reservations accepted at South and Downtown restaurants
Menu snapshot:
- Appetizers and sides—highlight nachos, charro beans, and guacamole and chips
- Plates—include sopes, featuring a housemade tortilla topped with chicken tinga; chicken enchiladas; tostadas; and meat and veggie quesadillas
- Tacos—spotlight a variety of proteins, including beef, chicken, pork, beef tongue, fish and bacon
- Desserts—churros, flan and 3 Leches Cake
Pacifico Pizzeria & Ristorante
Facebook: 615 likes
| Instagram: 326 followers
Locations: 2 (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Concept characteristics:
- Italian restaurants that combine Pacific Northwest ingredients with traditional Italian recipes
- Open from lunch to late-night hours
- Offer daily specials Sunday-Thursday
- Smithe St. unit currently open for takeout, delivery and dine-in at 50% capacity during pandemic
Menu snapshot:
- Signature pizzas—varieties include Hawaiian, featuring ham and grilled pineapple; Salsicca, made with hot Italian sausage; and Vegetariana, featuring grilled eggplant and artichoke hearts
- Specialty pizzas—spotlight British Columbia salmon, Italian ham, Genoa salami, grilled chicken and scallops
- Appetizers—feature mussels, garlic butter prawns, spicy meatballs and calamari
- Pasta—varieties highlight Butternut Squash Ravioli; Farfalle de Mare, featuring scallops, prawns and British Columbia mushrooms; and Gnocchi Tartufo, made with British Columbia mushrooms and truffle oil sauce
