Anyone else still trying to comprehend and recover from 2020? Well, 2021 said hold my beer and bulldozed its way into our lives whether you were ready for it or not.
There was some good, bad, and ugly in the Windsor-Essex hospitality and tourism scenes 2021. Here’s our look back at some of the happenings that stood out to us.
JANUARY
Downtown Windsor Restaurant Closes After 30 Years In Business
After 30 years in business, downtown restaurant restaurant Mandarin House calls it quits.
New Restaurant Serving Fried Hot Chicken Opens in Tecumseh, Ontario
When the pandemic hit and severely affected indoor dining, Vine + Ash owners transformed the restaurant into a fried chicken joint, Georgia Rae’s, and immediately became a must try.
Local Winery Is First To Be Ocean Wise Designated In Southern Ontario
Local winery, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, shows leadership in becoming the first restaurant in southern Ontario to be the Ocean Wise Designated.
FEBRUARY
Letter to Council: Let Us Help By Further Developing Whiskytown Canada
With the release of the Windsor Works report, WindsorEats reaches out to Windsor city council encouraging a focus on whisky and prohibition developments and support in showcasing Windsor as Whiskytown Canada.
Windsor City Council Approves Parklets, Outdoor Food Hall For 2021
With the pandemic still going strong, Windsor city council once again approves on-street parklets and the Outdoor Food Hall for 2021.
Windsor whiskies were the big winners at the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards, once again underlining the city as Whiskytown Canada.
MARCH
Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park Cancelled for 2021
More bad news as the pandemic strikes again and leads to the cancellation of the Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park.
APRIL
No Indoor Or Outdoor Dining In Ontario For All Of April 2021
The Province of Ontario officially reimplements lockdown measures, eliminating indoor dining at restaurants across the province.
There’s A Map of Windsor Restaurants Using Cardboard Takeout Boxes
A local Windsorite created a helpful guide for those wanting to support local restaurants by ordering takeout but also reduce their impact on landfills.
The owners of F&B Hospitality Group open up their latest venture in the former location of their very first restaurant in Walkerville.
MAY
Opening Day For 2021 Downtown Windsor Farmers Market Announced
The pandemic in 2021 wasn’t all bad news as the Downtown Windsor Farmers Market launches what will become their most successful season yet.
We released our annual list of Must-Try Burgers in Windsor for 2021. This time it came with fancy video!
JUNE
With lockdowns and working from home regular occurrences, 2021 was a great year for pets as they got to spend so much more time with their human besties. As a result, pet-friendly patios were all the rage once beautiful weather arrived.
Electric Scooter Tour Points The Way To Windsor’s Coolest Graffiti
WindsorEats officially partnered with Bird Canada to launch what would become extremely popular tours of Windsor’s urban art and graffiti scene with their Windsor Graffiti Scooter Tour.
JULY
Long Time Via Italia Restaurant in Windsor Closes Permanently
Enzo Mancuso closes the door to his restaurant to take advantage of a new opportunity as the head chef at The Windsor Club.
After tallying feedback from hundreds of voters, WindsorEats announces Windsor’s Most Iconic Foods list and launches a special print for purchase by a local artist.
AUGUST
Watch the Trailer for Documentary, “The Pizza City You’ve Never Heard Of”
A trailer is released, giving folks a first look at the documentary, “The Pizza City You’ve Never Heard Of”, which is all about Windsor being a hotbed for amazing pizza.
SEPTEMBER
Here’s A Look at What To Eat At Tacos & Tequila This Weekend
Not even last minute vandalism and vendor cancellations could stop the first Tacos & Tequila event from being a huge success.
Windsor, Ontario Brewery Seeing Gold at 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards
Walkerville Brewery continues to showcase the great beers they and other local breweries are creating by taking home gold at the 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Complete Guide To Dining At Restaurants With Ontario’s Vaccine Passport
Vaccine Passports become a real thing and a requirement for indoor dining at restaurants across Ontario.
OCTOBER
Rico Taco Mexican Street Eats, who achieved cult status attending the Outdoor Food Hall, announce the closure of their popup brick and mortar location in Windsor.
Booyah! WindsorEats Celebrates Winning 3 Ontario Tourism Awards
WindsorEats does it again, bringing home three Ontario Tourism Awards for our efforts showcasing Windsor-Essex in 2021. Phog Lounge and Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast were also winners.
NOVEMBER
Ontario Announces It Is Going To Pay You To Go On A Staycation
The Province of Ontario announces that come 2022, they’ll pay residents to go on a staycation within the province.
The Ultimate Interactive Map To Find Wings Specials In & Around Windsor
With so many people always asking about wings specials throughout the region, WindsorEats creates an interactive map to find specials for each day of the week.
The Grove Brewing Company Is Expanding And Making A Big Move
Award winning Kingsville, Ontario, brewery, The Grove Brewing Company, announces they’re expanding and moving to a new location in the town.
2021’s Ultimate Gift Guide For Windsor-Essex Food & Drink Lovers
WindsorEats releases their first Ultimate Food & Drink Gift Guide, which is a great inspiration for local gift giving even beyond the holidays.
Ready To Get Lit? Friday Night Lights Bike Ride To Return in May 2022
Maybe there’s a little hope after all? After a pandemic induced hiatus of two years, WindsorEats announces they’ll be bringing the popular Friday Night Lights bike rides in 2022.
Learn To Make Sausages From One Of Canada’s Best Sausage Makers
Bike rides weren’t the only things making a return for 2022. January and February dates for the Be A: Sausage Maker classes, featuring Robbie’s Gourmet Sausage Company, were also announced with tickets available for purchase.
DECEMBER
Walkerville Publishing releases another book showcasing Windsor’s past, this time focusing in on the city and regions brewing history.
Two Local Breweries Win Gold At The 2021 Ontario Brewing Awards
More awards for local breweries as two Windsor-Essex craft breweries take home gold medals at the 2021 Ontario Brewing Awards.
Motor Burger Is Closing Their Doors, Nooch To Take Over Space
After many years serving up what Reader’s Digest selected as one of Canada’s best burgers, Motor Burger calls it quits for their Windsor location making way for the return of another loved restaurant.
Two Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries were included in Vine Routes Top 20 Wineries in Ontario list.