Plagued by misfortune, Waterdown's Portuguese Grill House owners excited to finally start construction

It was after a vehicle plowed into the Portuguese Grill House's shop front that Susanna Amato and James Nobrega began wondering what they had done to be on the receiving end of such misfortune.

The April incident was the climax in a series of unfortunate events.

We just had put our pictures up and then, literally four days later, it happened," said Amato of the collision at their new restaurant in the Waterdown Shopping Centre at 255 Dundas St. E.

Amato and Nobrega's journey began nearly a year ago when they decided to open a restaurant that would serve as their flagship.

And what a journey it has been.

The couple's dream of opening of the restaurant has faced several delays. From waiting for city permits to issues with building professionals and falling victim to the labour shortage, it's been a long haul.

While Amato and Nobrega are no strangers to the inner workings of a restaurant, Portuguese Grill house is their first venture as restaurateurs, an experience that has opened their eyes to all it takes to create an eating establishment from the ground up.

The renovations, the equipment, basically this was a shell," said Nobrega of the space. We basically built out this restaurant ... right from nothing."

Despite the many challenges and delays, the owners are excited to bring their vision to life.

We are so focused and ambitious," said Nobrega, who has high hopes of making the restaurant one of the best things" to happen to Waterdown's dining scene.

Based on their plans, the collective mouth of the community will salivate.

With a focus on Portuguese cuisine, the Grill House promises to cater to hungry patrons looking to dine in and takeout on dishes including chicken, ribs, seafoods, rice, potatoes and vegetables. While most menu items will be grilled, the restaurant will serve up some fried plates, too. And dessert, including pastel de nata, custard-filled Portuguese tarts.

We want to put our twist to it but still carry the tradition of the Portuguese culture," he said of the menu options. We want it to be exciting; we want different items to be rotated from week to week or day to day.

We want to keep people on their toes."

The main attraction, said Amato, will be the restaurant's hot table and its catering service.

We have an eight-foot hot table that can fit, depending on the size of pans, many items," Amato said, noting the restaurant will also feature a smaller cold table.

After all, variety's the spice of life," she said.

Innovation remains a key factor throughout the planning, including as they continue to whip up their menu selection, including vegan and vegetarian options.

Without that, it'll be the same thing," said Nobrega, stressing, People don't want that."

With the needed permits in hand, construction was set to begin last month. An opening date has yet to be announced; however, the pair is excited to share their passion for food with the community.

Based on the overwhelming support they received from the community, including their landlord who has helped them over the past year, the level of enthusiasm and excitement is mutual.