Mile End’s Sel Gras is Out of Action — And Other Restaurant Closures

MILE END — Upscale St-Laurent restaurant Sel Gras is on an ominous hiatus: the restaurant took a break sometime earlier this summer, posting signs stating it would be closed until the end of July. Nearly a full month after that implied reopening, there’s no action at the restaurant — the temporary closure signs are still up in the window (albeit a little yellowed now), and the tables inside are all set, but nobody’s home. Eater has reached out to see what’s going on.

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PLATEAU — A month ago, it came to light that grilled cheese spot MLT DWN had filed for bankruptcy and closed two of its locations (Ottawa and Laval). Now the Mont Royal Avenue location appears to have gone under — Eater received anonymous messages from staff saying its final day would be Sunday August 27. Another anonymous note purporting to be from one of their Montreal staff stated that an initial plan to move the restaurant downtown wouldn’t be happening, either. Interestingly, the Kingston, Ontario location of MLT DWN is still alive and kicking.

NDG — Less than a year after opening, hearty Somerled Avenue barbecue spot Prime BBQ Cie. is closed. No explanation is available, but it’s a disappointing loss for what was a promising option on the city’s rather small barbecue scene.

GRIFFINTOWN — Notre-Dame wine bar Code Ambiance has closed its doors, and an Eater tipster observes that For Lease signs are up in its windows. Chef Bastien Gérard has moved on to his own wine importing company, named Sommelier Sur Mesure.

MILE END — Higher-end Laurier Avenue Thai restaurant Phayathai closed its doors in recent weeks, however, the downtown (Guy Street) Phayathai is still very much open.

PLATEAU — St-Laurent Boulevard bakehouse Patisserie Solignac has closed.

Seen any bankruptcy notices or papered-over windows in your neighbourhood? Tell us about it.

• Grilled Cheese Store MLT DWN Could Be Melting Down — and Other Closures [EMTL]