OTTAWA — Ottawa’s 18-year establishment, John Taylor at Domus Café, closed suddenly last weekend.
John Taylor, owner and chef, said rising costs and increased competition with other restaurants in the area was part of the decision to close. He considered rebranding the restaurant and expanding it into the space next door, which was occupied by his kitchenware store Domus Housewares, but money was too tight. “I would have gone downscale a bit, made it a little bit funkier to attract that new generation. But I decided last week to close instead. It really came down to money. I’m out of it. I also don’t think it’s fair to keep going if the passion has gone out of it. I need to recharge,” he told the Ottawa Citizen.
Domus Café served Canadian, regional, seasonal cuisine, such as Pan-Roasted Ontario Rainbow Trout Filet with carrot ginger purée, crisp potato pave, green beans, toasted almonds, lemon balsamic and caper marmalade ($28).
While he determines his next step, Taylor plans to work part-time at Taylor’s Genuine Food and Wine Bar on Bank Street in Ottawa, which he owns with his wife.
