SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Just two months after opening a new lounge and outdoor patio, the owner of Fuego International Restaurant has bought downtown family restaurant Our Place Family Dining Room.

Peter Lau, former chef at Our Place Family Dining Room, confirmed the restaurant has been sold to Kaven Paradis, owner of Fuego International Restaurant and Twist Lounge. Paradis' ownership of the long-established restaurant took effect yesterday. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

Kaven Paradis, proprietor and head chef of one-year-old Fuego, took ownership of Our Place - located in the heart of downtown Yellowknife, at the corner of Franklin Avenue and 50 Street - yesterday.

The restaurant was co-owned by Carlos Gonzalez and Kitty Li since 1997, though they have bought out former partners since then. Li's husband, Peter Lau, served as chef on a permanent basis for the last three years.

"It's a little awkward feeling," said Lau. "I've been here for so long and all of a sudden, you seem to be hand-in-hanky."

But Lau said he's confident the restaurant is being left in good hands, saying of Paradis, "I think (he's) a strong candidate."

Paradis himself - who is currently on vacation, according to Lau – did not return calls.

Paradis, who traditionally keeps his plans, including his menus, under tight wraps, has offered no details.

"I don't really know what (he) wants to do with it," said Lau of Paradis' plans.

However, Fuego will be accepting outstanding Our Place gift certificates until September 15.

Former chef of the now long-closed Old Town Landing, Paradis opened Fuego one year ago down the block from Our Place.

This summer, virtually overnight, he debuted Twist Lounge, complete with outdoor patio.

Trevor Kasteel, whose construction company, Kasteel Konstruction, built the deck, was hardly surprised by the speed of Paradis expansions in downtown Yellowknife. Kasteel said his crew worked tirelessly to get the classy lounge ready for its grand opening.

"We just kind of created (the interior) as we went along," said Kasteel. "We were givin' her, that's for sure."

Of Paradis' purchase of Our Place, Kasteel said, "Kaven's just not letting up. He's ready to go on another venture right away.

"I think it's a good thing."