Food For Thought: Grill Twenty, 20 University Avenue East, Windsor

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Grill Twenty 20 University Avenue East, Windsor By David Clark THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

With a burgeoning restaurant industry coming back to the core, downtown Windsor has created yet another gem right in the middle of it all.

Since the 1950s, the United Grill — situated at 20 University Avenue East — fed the masses for years, but closed in recent years and has now been recreated into the new place to be!

Since July of 2018, Grill Twenty (no current website) was reinvented in that location with a new modern industrial look featuring great customer service and an incredible menu to start the day with.

At this time, the Grill is one of the best kept secrets around, offering one of the most impressive breakfast menus available with most of the selections served all day. Of course, there is also a stellar lunch menu

The Veggie Breakfast Poutine is a colourful medley of grilled potatoes, wilted spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and mozzarella topped with scrambled egg, pesto hollandaise sauce and green onion. Photo by David Clark.

for your midday eats and the restaurant can accommodate 80 guests.

These comprehensive menus boast the tons of choices, substitutions and dishes

that keep customers craving for more. When you search both menus, expect to find vegetarian, gluten free, vegan and Keto selections — the complete package.

According to Co-Owner/Operator, Nichole Demers: “We are not looking to re-invent the wheel. We are looking to give you the best food at a reasonable price, offering unique ways on the menu to make it your own by substituting items and such.”

Also at the helm, Co-Owner/Operator Mark DeBlock tends to the tables and is hands-on, running things with Demers at the Grill, day in and day out.

Some of the breakfast items are classics, whereas others are unique, and there sure is an abundance of them!

Always a favourite, the Traditional Breakfast has your eggs front and centre,

Get bright-eyed and bushy tailed with the Traditional Breakfast featuring eggs, meat, potatoes, baked beans and toast. Photo courtesy of Nichole Demers.

surrounded by meat, potatoes (cheddar, bacon, and onions or garlic parmesan), baked beans and toast.

An exotic choice for certain, the Veggie Breakfast Poutine is a standout comfort food topped with scrambled eggs and grilled potatoes and loaded with your favourite veggies and Hollandaise sauce.

The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast, a popular sweet tooth item, is more a treat than just your basic breakfast item. It is three pieces of cinnamon French toast, topped with fresh bananas, house-made chocolate ganache, salted caramel sauce, and whipped cream. Dig in!

When you pop in for your morning eats, you will also see the self-serve, all-day coffee bar too.

Moving into your lunch selections, there are just as many quality choices to tease those diners with a discerning palette.

The 8 oz. burgers are packed high with items to make your mouth water, including lettuce, tomato, and pickle, and served on a toasted kaiser. You can have a choice of fries, coleslaw or soup.

Seven signature burgers are available, including the popular Roasted Red Pepper Burger with mozzarella and red pepper ranch. Feel free to add your favourite toppings, the menu probably has them.

For a meal in itself, take a look at the French Onion Soup for a lighter all around dish. For larger appetites, the Chicken Rancher Wrap is chicken fingers in buffalo sauce, crispy bacon, tomato, lettuce, carrots, cheddar and ranch.

“Also, I love when the Chicken Melt goes on special,” Demers expresses. “It needs to hit the menu.”

Up and coming healthy lunch selections are the Keto burgers and for the early starter, the Keto breakfast is now available.

For a more significant offering, Grill Twenty wants everyone to know, that yes, they can cater! They can accommodate 80 for onsite special events or come to your location for larger parties.

Your menu for the event can be customized or you may choose something already prepared to be served.

The Grill is really pushing its charity events too, giving back when they can.

Recently, their “Dine 2 Donate” is a

Rev your engine with the Roasted Red Pepper Burger, fully loaded with all your favourite toppings! Photo courtesy of Nichole Demers.

three course meal for $40 with $10 going to a charity. Other ongoing fundraisers are for groups like TLC Animal Aid and Windsor Residence for Young Men.

Wrapping up, Demers points out, “We are not looking to compete and be the only one (place to eat). One person alone can never survive. We just do our best to be a part of the team downtown and keep putting out the best possible product on your plate every time.”

For hours of operation (during COVID-19 restrictions only take-out is offered), menus and food offers, check Facebook under “Grill Twenty.”

A Mov in g Ex p e r ie n ce

Pack It Up, Store It, Purge It, And More

Selling a home your family has lived in for years and looking for something new in a completely different neighbourhood or even city/town, can be a time-consuming, emotional process for everyone involved.

Finding a new school and making new friends, meeting new neighbours, deciding what to keep and what to throw away is all part of the equation for families making a move across Windsor and Essex County.

But, there are ways to help the transition go as smoothly as possible.

At Biz X magazine, we spoke to experts from the real estate industry; movers who have been packing, transporting and unpacking furniture for decades; people who specialize in de-cluttering and downsizing and people who can help you decide what to keep, what to recycle and what to discard.

All of them have one common piece of advice — the more organized you are, the better the move will go.

Seller’s Market Or Buyer’s Market?

It was most definitely a seller’s market in the Windsor Essex region (before the COVID-19 shutdown), according to an experienced Real Estate Agent with

RE/MAX Capital Diamond Realty

(Unit C-2451 Dougall Avenue, Windsor; REMAX519.com and JimBroad.ca).

“It’s 100 percent a seller’s market and it’s difficult for a buyer to get in,” believes

Aleks Moving is ready to move you and your family forward, be it to a new home, transporting your goods to a storage unit, or even giving you a hand with packing tape! All of their movers are properly trained with the latest in equipment and safety. On site, unloading a customer’s boxes for a new home in Belle River, from left are: Joseph Muciqi, Eric B. and owner Aleks Coku. Photo by Rod Denis.

Jim Broad. “Of course, once you sell you become a buyer yourself, unless you’re downsizing or going to an apartment.”

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (WindsorRealEstate.com) released its monthly report showing that listings for March 2020 were up by 10.71 percent to 796, compared to 719 in March of 2019.

At the time of this report there were 934 available listings with 489 properties sold in March 2020 (down 9.44% compared to March 2019 when 540 properties were sold).

The average sales price for March 2020 was $357,874. The average sales price for March 2019 was $333,039.

The most popular style of homes sold this month were: bungalow (104) followed by ranch (79), two-storey (72), 1.5- storey (63) and raised ranch (55).

In such a growing marketplace, by Windsor standards at least, Broad advises his clients to find their new home before completing the sale of their existing property so they know exactly what they are getting into financially.

“They need to get their finances organized before making the leap,” Broad stresses. “They need to be sure they qualify for bridge financing and once all that is in place, it’s time to look for something new.”

And to help that sale move smoothly through the process, Broad offers a number of tips, including leaving enough time to make whatever changes or updates you need to make to your former home.

“I make an initial visit, take some photos, assess the home and then I go away to prepare a report before returning and making suggestions such as painting or updating countertops in the kitchen,” explains Broad.

De-cluttering is also a key element in showing a home to its best advantage as well as moving out furniture that creates an impediment to smooth and easy access.

“If you have to step around an ottoman, move it so that people don’t see it as an obstacle,” he says. “Arrange your closets so they don’t look packed and cluttered because prospective buyers need to think there’s ample room for everything they will be bringing. Perception is so important and you need to

Jim Broad, a Real Estate Sales Representative with RE/MAX Capital Diamond Realty, suggests his clients find their new residence before completing the sale of their current home, to make sure all the financial details are in place before they move. Photo by Dave Hall.

create a perception that your home is a blank canvas just waiting for a new occupant.”

Broad mentions he handles all the paperwork required to sell a home and works with buyers to make sure that transition works smoothly as well.

“It’s a difficult time, especially for children, but if families include good schools among

their reasons for locating in a particular neighbourhood, that can go a long way towards making it easier,” adds Broad.

“I Like To Move It, Move It”

The more organized you are, the faster and more efficiently the move will go, according to Glen Cook, owner of Glen’s MovingLtd.

Operating for the past 44 years, Glen Cook, owner of Glen’s Moving Ltd., offers residential and commercial moving services throughout Windsor and Essex County. Whether it is a partial move, local or long distance in Ontario, a stress free move is always his goal. Photo by Rod Denis.

Operating from 4080 North Service Road East, Windsor (GlensMoving.ca), they've been in business for more than 40 years.

Cook says the first step for a move is to request an assessment of the amount of furniture and possessions, so the right size van can be reserved and sufficient time set aside on the day of the actual move.

“We can provide packing materials, but we can also do the packing if people prefer that we handle it,” Cook notes. “We suggest people label every box, so when it comes time to unpack, they can just unpack what they need on that particular day.”

Cook recommends using newsprint rather than bubble wrap, because the former conforms to the shape of the item being wrapped and it isn’t as bulky and won’t take up as much space in the packing boxes.

Clients are also urged to keep a set-up box handy for smaller items such as couch casters, screwdrivers, labelling materials, phones, TV remotes or anything else that runs

the risk of being misplaced during the move.

Cook suggests important items such as papers, documents, jewellery and medication be packed away in the client’s trunk before the movers even arrive, so it won’t get mixed up with everything else.

Franko Coku, Manager of Aleks Moving, (966 Lakeview Drive, Windsor; AleksMoving.ca), a franchise which was established in Windsor in 2007, offers customers a flat rate rather than an hourly fee, once the job has been assessed.

“Every move is different and we need to assess the amount of material that needs moving before we can quote a price,” explains Coku. “Downsize first and get rid of what you are not taking to your new home and then we can accurately quote on the job.”

Coku also advises packing valuables and medications separately so that nothing gets misplaced during the move.

“We handle the pickup and delivery and we suggest that our clients provide their own

supplies such as boxes, tape and newsprint from a place like Home Depot,” he says.

Back to advice from Glen Cook of Glen’s Moving, clients should make sure their mover is bonded and fully-insured before signing on for a move.

“We suggest our customers prepare a list of question to ask before they book,” says Cook. “Ask about insurance and whether or not the company is bonded, ask about timelines and book early.”

Cook indicates his company often takes bookings six months ahead of a move and if anything changes in the interim, changes to the schedule can always be made.

Moving can be frustrating and the more organized a client is, the better the move will go.

Of course, if you’re willing to do it yourself there are a number of U-Haul (website: Uhaul.com) locations around the region that can provide packing supplies, storage or moving vans and trailers.

“The best advice I can give is to book ahead because you can always change the date if you’re not ready,” states Sarmad Najim, General Manager of U-Haul’s locations at 2890 Dougall Avenue and 815 Sydney Avenue in Windsor. “And make sure you have enough boxes because it’s easier to bring extras back for a refund than to find yourself scrambling on moving day.”

U-Haul sells boxes designed for items such as dishes, mirrors, clothes, televisions, electronics and household appliances and belongings.

“It’s less expensive and we’re finding that more and more people are interested in doing it themselves,” he notes.

U-Haul also has storage areas at both locations so people can store their belongings if their new home or apartment isn’t ready for occupancy.

Najim says his company also works with local businesses, which are looking for a place to store files and business records.

Both locations are fully insured with locks and alarms to keep stored items safe.

Sometimes, Less Is More

Danielle Carriere, owner of

ONESource Moving Solutions for

Seniors, Professionals and Families feels moving, can be an extremely emotional experience especially if it’s accompanied by down-sizing and de-personalizing.

“Sometimes it’s easier when someone is with you,” says Carriere. “We recommend that people downsize before they move and to make sure they keep items that mean something to them.”

She adds, “And each family member may have a different idea of what’s important to them and it’s important that the loved one’s voice be heard so they are making the decisions.”

ONESource (see: OneSourceForSeniors.ca and OneSourceMoving.ca) provides a host of services for clients, including packing and unpacking, full unpack and set-up service, including hanging art and setting up electronics in a new home, taking care of change of address issues and discarding packing supplies when unpacking.

“We provide our clients with a package of information, including all the phone numbers they will need to help make the changes easy, we will help with this if the client is in need of assistance,” Carriere explains. “We specialize in senior moves,

Sarmad Najim, General Manager of two U-Haul locations in the city, says that even if his customers buy too many boxes and return some for a refund, that’s preferable to scrambling to find extra packing cases on moving day. Photo by Dave Hall.

professional organizing, household downsizing, and estate dispersals and so much more... We take the stress out of changing your address.”

Carriere says that ONESource services clients in Windsor/Essex County, Chatham, Hamilton, Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Brantford and St. Catharines-Niagara, as well as surrounding communities.

Jan Bateman, who, along with husband Danny, owns Batemans Make Your Move in Leamington, also helps clients de-clutter and downsize prior to completing their move. (Learn more on Facebook under “Batemans Make Your Move”).

“When you’re showing your home, prospective buyers want to see size when they enter a room and not see chairs

everywhere,” she says. “We recommend that people start packing early and don’t wait until the last minute.”

Bateman also suggests that people facing a move pack items they aren’t currently using, but still want to keep so the process can begin early.

“Don’t look at the entire job because that can be overwhelming,” she offers as some good advice. “Take it one cupboard or one closet at a time and perhaps start with the high shelves in a kitchen because that’s where most people keep stuff they don’t use very often.”

Store It Until You Need It

Sometimes, storing household goods prior to a move is the best way to handle the uncertainty of relocating.

At Guardian Storage (website: Guardian-Storage.com), the company not only has storage units at its locations in Windsor (5505 Rhodes Drive) and Lakeshore (472 Blanchard Drive), but also can provide a portable container that is delivered to your home or business and then taken away once it has been filled.

“It’s the latest trend in moving and downsizing,” explains Carol Kowalski, Guardian’s Sales Manager. “We can drop the container in your driveway and then take it away to your new location or back to one of our sites for storage until you need it again.”

Kowalski points out that Guardian also has a selection of boxes, containers and bubble wrap in stock, to help the packing run smoothly.

“Our sites have a 24-hour gate access system and 24-7 video surveillance,” says Kowalski. “Our clients include people who are moving from one home to another, as well as businesses that are relocating or need extra space.”

Guardian also offers on-site parking for boats, campers, vehicles and RVs.

Another local company, Portable Storage (3955 County Road 42, Windsor; PortableStorage.ca/moving), offers similar services for people making the move to a new home or business location.

According to Jake Neufeld, Sales and Marketing Associate for the company that also has locations in Chatham and Sarnia: “We offer standard storage units, but our containers are becoming more popular for people who want to pack all their items into one large unit and have it moved to a new residence or business location. It’s a fast-growing part of our business and we recommend that people contact us and make reservations for a container well ahead of moving day. We also suggest that people do as much down-sizing and de-cluttering as possible ahead of the move, so they’re not storing items they are going to end up getting rid of later.”

Carol Kowalski, Sales Manager of Guardian Storage, wants potential customers to know the company’s storage bins, which can be dropped off for filling and then moved to a new location, are becoming more and more popular for people and businesses moving locations. Photo by Dave Hall.

Use It Or Lose It

There are a number of local companies that help people dispose of unwanted items ahead of their move, so they aren’t paying to move something they will later toss out.

Chris Lucier, a Manager at familyowned Countryside Disposal (website: CountrysideDisposal.com), 7013 Smith Industrial Drive in Amherstburg, says that moving and down-sizing can be emotional, especially for seniors. His advice is for people to handle it themselves before circumstances change and family members have to take on the project.

“We suggest our clients take an inventory of what they are disposing of so they can book the right size bin,” explains Lucier. “We recommend they break down any furniture they can to maximize space in the bin.”

Lucier adds that clients should place mattresses on top of the pile at the end because they will take up less space that way.

Clients are also urged to organize their possessions into four categories — recycle, disposal, donate and keep — which will make the process easier to handle in as short a time as possible.

One of the biggest mistakes people make before they move is underestimating the amount of material they are going to throw away, says Ron Monaghan, Owner and Operator of Bin There, Dump That, a nationally-franchised company (WindsorBinRental.com).

“You’re better off having extra space in the bin than having to call us back for another one because then the clock starts all over again,” advises Monaghan. “If all you have are some small items, one of our smaller bins would be enough, but if there’s furniture,

Bin There Dump That serves Windsor and the surrounding area and works with homeowners, contractors or anyone looking for a solution to get rid of unwanted garbage or junk. The bright green bins are available in different sizes and are in great condition and can be placed in your driveway. Photo courtesy of Ronald Robinson.

I’d recommend a larger one so it can all be tossed at once.”

Organization is also the name of the game for Eric Morin, Owner of JunkGone Services(JunkGoneServices.com).

“If you haven’t used something in a year, get rid of it,” suggests Morin. “And if you can have it all sorted out ready for pick up, that would help, but if you’d rather just point to stuff, we can do it that way as well.”

JunkGone will take away everything except chemical waste, which is left as the responsibility of the client.

Morin informs Biz X that one of the company’s 10 cubic yard bin trailers would be plenty for most residential disposal projects.

Kevin Murray is in his seventh year of operating a Just Junk (JustJunk.com)

While you might think you can take everything you have with you when you leave an old home for a brand new one, it’s probably best to leave the past behind. If you are planning a move use this good opportunity to either donate to a local charity or have a junk removal company pick up what you no longer need — before you pack it away in a box. Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo/urfingus.

franchise locally and he recommends home owners leave the bulk of the work to his employees.

“A lot of times, we show up and a lot of the work has been done and we always suggest they leave it to us,” he points out. “What can take a home owner, particularly if they’re elderly, a couple of weeks to sort out, our guys can do in a few hours and it’s all included in our pricing.”

Murray also advises prospective customers book early and be as organized as possible by sorting items for three destinations — landfill, recycle or donate.

“Instead of dropping items off at a charity, we have a massive yard sale at out warehouse every summer and then we donate all the proceeds to a local charity,” says Murray. “Clients we’ve spoken with like the idea and seem happy with that solution.”

As for the future of his business, Murray doesn’t believe Just Junk Windsor will ever run out of customers.

“It’s sustainable because people are always accumulating stuff they will eventually throw out,” he remarks. “It’s human nature.”

As you have just read, not only is clearing out the clutter a necessary task before a move, but even if you are staying put in your current home, it’s a good idea to dump your junk during spring cleaning.

Clean those closets and garage now while you can! Yes that’s right, we're looking at you!

Places accepting items that are no longer needed are, Goodwill Industries and the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul for clothes, whereas Habitat for Humanity can take furniture, appliances and more.

It’s Time To Move Along

Moving can be a difficult, time-consuming and frustrating experience.

However, if you’re organized and ready to make some difficult decisions, it just might run smoothly after all.

But, when moving day finally arrives, don’t forget to bring the family dog along with all your boxes!

We are sure our helpful tips in this cover story, from all the business profiled here, will help you make a move in the right direction.

Now, start packing!

Absolutely Floored By Floor Coverings International By Dave Halliday ask the experts

Choosing a floor that fits your lifestyle, budget and existing issues can be overwhelming. The team at Floor Coverings International, pictured inside their showroom from left — Sales/Design Associates Lorraine Whalen; Danielle Wellings-Carriere; Owners Denise and Bill Wellings Pam Wellings-Kasana (also Interior Design); Terri Malton and Kathy Dresser — can help make the decisions less stressful and even enjoyable. Photo by Rod Denis.

You love your new home. It’s in a great neighbourhood. The layout is exactly what you were looking for during your extensive hunt and you’ve settled in nicely since the move date. However, there are things requiring repair, upgrade, or replacement, but you knew that when you closed the deal.

One of the main items on your agenda from day one was the flooring. There was some cracking in the original flooring for your mudroom that suggested issues. And water intrusion one floor below in the basement required carpet removal and the whole room (plus bathroom) was in need of an upgrade. You knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task and immediately decided against the do-it-yourself option.

In your search for a quality flooring supplier and installer you discovered Floor Coverings International, located at 8 County Road 42, Tecumseh (just east of Manning Road). They have been in business for the past 28 years assisting local residents with all the latest flooring options. Various flooring products include: carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, stone, luxury vinyl, vinyl plank flooring, engineered hardwood, laminate and cork. They also have manufactured stone for fireplaces, window blinds and more.

Lorraine Whalen, Sales/Design Associate, has 20 years of personal experience and is more than happy to sort through the options available for their clients.

The team at Floor Coverings International is diverse and engaged in all aspects of pleasing their clientele. Owners Bill and Denise Wellings are very much involved in day-to-day operations. Their daughters Danielle Wellings-Carriere and Pam WellingsKasana, are part of the Design Team, along with Terri Malton and Kathy Dresser, plus our respondent, Lorraine Whalen.

How can Floor Coverings International assist the consumer in

choosing the most appropriate floor coverings? “We take many things into consideration including, lifestyle, budget, personal likes and dislikes, existing issues and more,” states Whalen noting, “It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the variety of products available. We like to help narrow down the products that will serve your needs and still fulfill your vision.”

Besides the functionality of a new floor system, how can new

flooring enhance the appearance of a home? “Updating the floors goes a long way in the overall appearance and feel of the home,” indicates Whalen. “It’s amazing what a change it can make

to just refresh the colours, whether it is to simply freshen up the living space or to prepare the home for resale.”

What considerations are there when it comes to the existing substrate as it relates to the installation techniques and type

of flooring that can be considered? “To put it simply, the proper

preparation of a subfloor is going to determine how well and for how long your investment will perform and look its best,” replies Whalen. “Our home visits help determine what needs to be done to prepare for your new floor as many products have specific subfloor requirements.”

What is the first step in the process? “It starts with a home visit. During this visit we can fully understand the existing conditions and what is required of the installation crew,” explains Whalen adding, “The client is advised what to expect from the installation crew and what is needed to be prepared before they can begin. One of the most repeated compliments we receive is how professional and capable our installation crews are.”

How many suppliers do you have access to? “There are so many it is hard to list them all,” Whalen responds. “We carry all the major companies such as Armstrong, Mohawk, Shaw, Godfrey Hurst, Beaulieu, Fuzion, EZLAY, Midgley West, DalTile, Sarana, Olympia, Centura, Mannington, Richmond, Traffix, Ceretec, Husky, AND our own private label Floor Coverings International (FCI) brands.”

BEFORE

Water damage occurred in the basement and the existing carpet and tile was removed.

AFTER

Brad and Jay from FCI took the time to give the floor in the basement the proper preparations necessary for the finished project to look and perform its absolute best for years to come.

BEFORE AFTER

Cracking in the original ceramic tile in the mudroom suggested major issues. Then after. . . WOW! Engineered stone tile was the perfect product for this “wet” area. It’s also groutable and looks very realistic.

BEFORE AFTER

Previously the bathroom in the basement had a section of ceramic tile as did the hallway. And now the new Saddle Brook Walnut porcelain tile looks amazing in the bathroom and throughout the entire basement.

Your floors are amazing and exactly as you envisioned them! As you take in the rich look of Saddle Brook Walnut porcelain tile in the basement, you recall that it had to overcome obstacles to become reality.

The uneven concrete subfloor required quite a bit of levelling to ensure your tile will perform without problems in the future.

Engineered Stone Plank Conestoga Wagon was the tile of choice for your mudroom, once some underlying issues were identified with the existing floor and subfloor.

FCI advised that sometimes you need a product that has a little flexibility. Engineered stone is a great product to give the look of real tile and plank and is waterproof and warm.

They explained it was the perfect solution to this area as the subfloor could not be built up to the needed strength for ordinary tile or stone. A weak subfloor was the cause of cracks in your previously existing tile. Engineered stone provides some flexibility, which has provided you with flooring that is both functional and beautiful.

We have to admit the floor installations couldn’t have gone any better and fortunately for our Biz X readers, who find themselves in a similar flooring conundrum, the Floor Coverings International team is ready to help you.

Just stop by their showroom or utilize their mobile showroom services. View flooring products right in your own home!

Log on to the website: Windsor.FloorCoveringsInternational.com for complete details and see a product gallery as well.