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Family-Owned Downtown Restaurant "Rare" Is Up For Sale
/After three years of owning Rare, owners Kassy and Tyler Scott have put the business up for sale announced on their social media on Tuesday.
Two couple rebranded the restaurant to “Rare” in less than one year after purchasing the business. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The husband and wife are selling the business since taking over from previous owner Brad Watt — who owns Publican House Brewery — in the summer of 2019. Tyler was hired as a sous chef by Watt in 2013 at the previously named “Rare Grill House” before becoming the executive chef.
Two couple rebranded the restaurant to “Rare” in January 2020.
They are selling Rare to spend more family time with their two daughters and take care of their mental health. The pandemic was an influence on the decision but ‘not in ways most people would think’ according to the couple. It gave them time to reflect and meditate to recognize what means the most to them.
The two work tirelessly in the restaurant. Kassy works social media, marketing and in-house duties for the restaurant. Tyler worked roughly 80-hour weeks in a six-day span which barely affords him any time to see his children.
“Being able to have evenings, for now, to be able to spend with them as they grow is going to be really refreshing and really important,” said Tyler.
"Our kids are so involved in what we do here," said Kassy. "We look around this space and there's a memory that somebody can't see. Our kids have never known a relationship with their dad outside of their dad being a chef and working super hard in this industry doing super cool things."
The couple wanted to shift their professional focus and rekindle their love for nature in their new “outdoor guided culinary experience” venture called Rare Escape.
They started this endeavour to help tell stories of local food systems including how nature plays a role in getting what you eat to a table.
"A restaurant is a great place to experience each other and experience company and intimacy," said Tyler. "It's a bit of a different setting where you can go and experience your own thoughts and own connections to nature. It's about experiencing nothing else but your own feelings."
The two have stressed that they are not leaving the community since the restaurant’s mandate and philosophy is to support local as much as possible. Their new venture gives them a new outlet to support the surrounding area while leaving behind an outlet for someone to continue that motto.
"We are engraved in this community,” said Kassy. ‘We are going to continue supporting local and to find special ways to implement our community and in our next step and adventures.”
The couple has received inquiries about the business’s sale however they will provide updates on if and when it gets sold.
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Food Handler Courses Return at Peterborough Public Health
/After two years of suspension, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is resuming registration for food handler training courses and certification exams will resume announced Wednesday.
The first food handler course takes place at the Venue on April 5 at 9 a.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Courses and exams will be limited over the next several months according to PPH. They encourage anyone interested to review the course schedule and register as soon as possible.
To register for one of the courses listed below, or for more information, contact the PPH office weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (705) 743-1000.
April 5, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 11, North Kawartha Community Centre Banquet Hall – 340 McFadden Rd. Apsley, ON K0L 1A0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 19, Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre Millennium Room – 88 Alma St. Norwood, ON K0L 2V0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
May 17, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 – 4 p.m.
May 31, Cavan Monaghan Community Centre Community Hall – 986 County Rd 10 Millbrook, ON. L0A 1G0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
June 7, Douro Community Centre Wellington Room – 2893 Highway 28, Douro, ON K9J 6Y2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July 6, Buckhorn Community Centre – 1782 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0, West entrance. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“Based on past experience, we know that this service is heavily used by people who live and work within the region and we are excited to begin resuming food handler courses and exams steadily and safely,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “We hope to increase the number of course and exam sessions once we reach the summer and fall months, depending on our COVID-19 redeployment and other demands for inspection services.”
PPH has increased accessibility to the limited courses for people living and working within the region, priority for registration will be provided to anyone who lives or works within the areas served by them including the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.
All public health measures are followed for courses and exams such as wearing masks and physical distancing.
Anyone uncomfortable attending in-person or unable to wear a covering is encouraged to explore other course delivery options including online options from an approved independent provider.
A list of courses and exams deemed to be equivalent to the PPH’s certification is available from the Ministry of Health.
The fees for PPH courses and exams remain unchanged. Courses, which include the certification exam are $20 for individuals living or working within the region served by PPH and $40 for individuals living and working outside of the region. Anyone wishing to study at their own pace may take the certification exam for $10.
For more information about food handler training and certification and for the full schedule, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/food-handler-course/ or call 705-743-1000, ext. 240.
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Grand Opening of Downtown Restaurant At Former Hot Belly Mama's Location
/Downtown Peterborough has a new upscale gastropub as The EL[P] held its grand opening on Wednesday.
El[P] owners Greg (left) and Amanda Da Silva (left) enjoying one of their several sandwiches on the menu. Amanda formerly ran a talent agency called Blake Talent Management in Toronto. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Owned by husband and wife Amanda and Greg Da Silva, the restaurant occupies the former Hot Belly Mama’s location at 378 George St. N.
The couple rented the property from Ashburnham Realty in late August then began renovations the following October last year.
The food is described as accessible yet elevated pub food according to the owners. Their slogan, “Food is Our Common Ground” is engraved on their front sign and placed on their back wall. The motto fosters a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for anyone who wants to kick back and relax after a long day.
"It's a positive space. Leave your cr*p at the door,” said Amanda. “In here in this space, let's enjoy some good conversation, good food, good drinks and have a good time."
@ptbo_canada Hitting the grand opening of @theelp2022! An upscale gastropub in the heart of downtown PTBO! #theelp #downtownptbo #ptbocanada #ptbo #food #drink ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada
The couple’s passion for art, music and entertainment — as both owners previously worked in the hospitality and entertainment industry — was incorporated into the restaurant’s atmosphere. The restaurant is covered in colourful art, graffiti and murals from local artists.
Originally from Toronto, the two moved to Port Hope in 2016. The small town acts as an in-between spot for all the family and friends they have in Peterborough, Toronto, Cobourg and Port Hope.
They currently operate a sister restaurant called “The EL” in Cobourg that opened in 2016. They wanted to replicate the same success they had in Cobourg for their Peterborough gastropub.
"We didn't want to pass up an opportunity to become part of the downtown core and that community with that feeling and vibe," said Amanda. "We've really thrived in Cobourg and I think Peterborough is similar to that. Everybody supports everybody, there's no bad blood between different restaurants and that competition so that's what we wanted to do here."
Despite opening during a pandemic, the couple is optimistic about the restaurant’s success being located in Peterborough.
“In the past couple of months, we've hit the road running,” said Greg. “There's a shutdown and all that but I think we're opening at the perfect timing."
"We're risk-takers and we didn't want to look back in a few years and say, 'we wish we would have done that,'" said Amanda. "As being so resilient through Covid at that location (The EL) and pivoting the way we had to succeed, I think that also gave us the confidence to be able to do this now that we're coming out the other side."
The Da Silva’s have rented the adjacent property of the former Olde Stone Brewing Company. The space is closed off and is unknown what it will be used for.
Electric Ale Beer Brewed From Partnership With Electric City Football Club and Bobcaygeon Brewery
/Beer and sports have gone hand in hand and the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) and Bobcaygeon Brewing Company (BBC) have teamed to create “Electric Ale” announced on Wednesday.
Bobcaygeon Brewing Company has partnered with other local sports teams such as the Peterborough Petes and their lager, released on March 11 last year. Photo courtesy of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company.
“Community is incredibly important to us at the brewery and the support from the community for ECFC before they’ve played their first game made us even more excited to partner with the team,” said Richard Wood, BBC president. “We’re looking forward to cracking a cold Electric Ale while cheering on the team this summer.”
Electric Ale is a Belgian-style blonde ale with a 4.2 percent alcohol content. It is available at the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company store at 649 The Parkway and on their website beginning Friday with pre-orders available Wednesday.
“Electric Ale is locally brewed Belgian Style Blonde Ale that will quench your thirst while you’re cheering the team on,” explained Wood. “A touch of lemon and coriander on your first sip slowly fades away as into a clean, refreshing finish.”
There will be a joint launch event at Bobcaygeon Brewery to promote and sell the ale on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ECFC staff will be on hand with merchandise and season ticket vouchers. ECFC players Zach Ellis-Hayden and Angelika Mihalopulous will be present from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a meet-and-greet with fans.
“We are excited to continue with our commitment to involving the local community in every way possible,” said Rob Jenkins, ECFC president, “Bobcaygeon was a natural fit for our ECFC beer with its local ties to the community and the fact that Richard and his team have been involved in the project from day one.”
The beer will also be available at the Y-Drive Beer Gardens and VIP tents at all ECFC home games.
“Beer gardens are an important part of the gameday experience that we are trying to create here in Peterborough,” said Jenkins, “Having our own ECFC locally brewed beer available at our matches just adds to the experience.”
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Foodie Friday: The Pastry Peddler Incorporating Bicycles and Going From the Farmer's Market to a Bakery and Café
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We talk with co-owners Deanna Bell and Colin Hall of the Pastry Peddler about starting from the Farmer's Market into a Millbrook café, being a cyclist hotspot and how bicycles became the icon for the bakery.
@ptbo_canada Check out The Pastry Peddler in Millbrook Ontario #foodie #PTBOCanada #FoodTok #PastryTok ♬ France - Paris Cafe Society
