Les Enfants Terrible Founder Shutters Downtown Dumpling Operation — and Other Closures

DOWNTOWN — Francine Brûlé, founder of successful bistro chain Les Enfants Terribles seems to have killed off part of her Chinese dumpling operation. Chinoiseries et Dumplings opened up downtown on Sherbrooke in late 2017 with a menu focused on xiao long bao — but in late August, a Facebook post deemed it “closed for now”, however, although it’s listed as permanently closed on the site. But it’s not the end for Brûlé’s foray into Chinese food — the original Chinoiseries, a smaller dépanneur-like operation on Chabot Street in the Plateau (just off Mont-Royal), is still open. That one is operated by Brûlé’s brother Claude, who has spent substantial time in Hong Kong.

LITTLE ITALY — After top Italian restaurant Hostaria shut its doors a few weeks ago, another long-time Little Italy spot is following. Caffè Epoca on St-Laurent will close for good this weekend after 24 years in business. Métro reports that owner Paolo Musto wants out of the restaurant world, but that he and his family will retain ownership of the building housing Epoca, likely for somebody else to start a business. Epoca will throw a farewell party on Saturday night, and its final services will take place Sunday. Despite a couple of notable closures in recent times, Little Italy’s merchants association reports that the number of businesses in the area has actually increased so far this year.

MILE END — Parc Avenue ramen and donburi spot Cocoro closed in August, citing circumstances beyond its control — it took over the former Café Thomas in 2017, lasting almost exactly one year.

PETITE-PATRIE — Also after about a year in business, shiny St-Hubert Street 5 à 7 spot and bistro Coton has closed its doors to the public, at least in terms of regular service. Posting on Facebook, its owners said the space will “take a new approach” — Coton’s website indicates that the business is now more or less focused on events, from private brunches and dinners to corporate events and so forth.

NDG — Baked goods and coffee spot Café Zéphyr is no longer — after four years, its location on Sherbrooke at Melrose has been converted to Persian tea, breakfast, and dessert spot Café Toranj.

PLATEAU — In case you were wondering, French resto Laloux is still closed — but an Eater tipster says that signs of life and renovations have been sighted, but no word about a possible reopening yet.

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

• Le Caffè Epoca dit adieu à ses clients [Metro]
• Little Italy Favourite Hostaria to Close This Week — and Other Shutters [EMTL]
• Mile End Gets Two New Japanese Restaurants in One Week [EMTL]
• Café Zéphyr Opens With Baker Marc-André Cyr [EMTL]