Consistent with Home & Away's sports theme, John Fogerty’s “Centerfield” plays over the sound system as chef Mike Pigot discusses the eatery’s origin. “We wanted a place where we would hang out on our days off,” says Mike, who is part of the team that operates Home & Away. Inspired by their own vision of what constitutes a fun hangout, Mike and owners Pete Emes and Mike Grimes (also known as Smalltown DJs) invented this 17th Avenue Southwest spot that both sports lovers and casual socializers can relate to. “It’s cool to relax, have a great meal and enjoy our kinds of drinks.”
Pete Emes and Mike Grimes are also the proprietors of The Hifi, Commonwealth Bar and Stage, as well as CRAFT Beer Market, so it's not surprising that Home & Away is a restaurant with a contemporary esthetic. Their newest eatery is dedicated to the fun of the game and takes inspiration from the classic eras of pro sports. The restaurant's collection of memorabilia plays into that history – bleacher seats from the Blue Horizon boxing arena featured in Rocky V, vintage skateboards from a former Hobie skateboard team coach and a baseball signed by Bo Jackson are fodder for sports trivia buffs to gossip about over their pints of ale. And that’s only a small portion of the restaurant's sports curios.
A sport-themed restaurant located in the old Moxie’s space on 17th Avenue Southwest, Home & Away is undeniably fun. Decked out with vintage memorabilia and ball-toss arcade games, the food is ballpark friendly (mini fried-chicken barrels) yet sophisticated (Wagyu beef tartare). Its tacos have got game. Three cheers for crumbled chorizo, re-fried beans, fried potato, pickled onion, chipotle crema with queso fresco and cilantro!
Tartare in a sports bar? With its cheeky decor and chef-driven menu, Home and Away isn’t your typical sports bar, and its slam dunk of a beef tartare – made with Brant Lake Wagyu and served with deviled egg aioli, mustard greens and pork-butter toast – is not your typical appetizer.
A sports-themed bar and restaurant, Home and Away is an appropriately playful room best described as gymnasium meets cafeteria. Decorative flourishes include a museum-worthy display of vintage skateboard decks and customized ball-toss arcade games. The food is upscale sports-stadium fare the likes of chorizo corn fritters, pulled chicken sandwiches and Brandt Lake Wagyu beef hotdogs. Thursday is taco night, brunch is served on weekends and kids have their own menu.