New Pig's Ear Tavern Owners Adamant To "Keep What Made It Special" For Summer Reopening

Following Monday’s announcement of Ashley Holmes and Steve Robertson becoming the new owners of the Pig’s Ear Tavern, they were resolved to ‘keep what made it special’ for its summer opening.

Robertson was a patron of the Pig’s Ear during his student tenure at Trent University while Holmes worked in the tavern for seven years. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Popular weekly events included Karaoinke, Pingo, open mic and trivia nights that are being revived as one of many ways to retain the same beloved atmosphere. The logo of a pig’s ear is also retained.

"The spirit of the bar, the look and the feel, bringing back the events that were cherished by the patrons, the community and at the same time, do what we can to improve things that need to be improved,” said Robertson.

While former owner John Punter is in retirement and living in Mexico with his wife Lylie, both Holmes and Robertson say he will remain involved with the tavern’s revival as part of his blessing of its reopening and to see in flourish in the next chapter.

“Having John and Lylie support us is really great to help with the vision and the community wants it to be the same so we're going to try to keep it the same for them,” said Holmes. “We just get to help bring it back to life.”

John will serve as an advisor for the tavern and possible arrangements for him to occasionally run events digitally or if convenient, in person.

While several elements will remain the same, the duo says it’s impossible to fully turn back the clock to its pre-pandemic state. Some changes to be made are mild cosmetic alterations and potentially providing more washroom space.

“We need to work with the city to make sure that everything we have to put in place is within compliance with whatever the standards are today,” explained Robertson. “Once we've done the basic function heating and cooling, fixing up some of the aesthetics, then it's more a matter of tables of chairs because they were all auctioned off. We need to get new signage and all the basic components to opening a tavern from an empty canvas.”

While some of the auctioned items have remained in Peterborough, the tavern is happy to put them back on display. There is no harm if Holmes and Robertson have to start over.

“If people want to keep the stuff that they purchased, we're more than happy to replace the things and create a new generation of memorabilia,” explained Holmes.

Liquor licenses and obtaining various permits from the City are reasons for the tavern projected to be open later rather than sooner.

“We don't want to rush it,” said Holmes. “It's already been closed. We don't want to have to close it again so we want to do everything we can do right now.”

Since the initial announcement, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the tavern’s return but it has set a high standard for the new entrepreneurs to uphold the beloved reputation.

“There's a lot of pressure on us to do it right,” explained Robertson. “There's very high expectations that we've got generations of people who have reached out who are very keen to come back for that opening week and celebrate but we've got some big shoes to fill so let's hope we do it right.”

According to the official Pig’s Ear website, the tavern is projected to open this summer.

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Pig's Ear Tavern To Be Reopened This Summer With New Owners

After being closed since 2017, the historic and iconic Pig’s Ear Tavern is scheduled to reopen this summer by Trent alumni Ashley Holmes and Steve Robertson.

The Pig’s Ear operated for 152 years and oped in 1865 as the St. Maurice Saloon. Photo courtesy of Trent University Alumni Association.

According to the official Pig’s Ear website, the tavern is opening this summer.

Robertson and Holmes with two other investors/friends received keys to the property on Friday according to the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA).

The Pig’s Ear Tavern closed on April 22, 2017 as owners John and Lylie Punter sold the building following their retirement. The couple has endorsed the revival of the tavern as stated in the TUAA publication.

The famed tavern first opened its doors as the St. Maurice Saloon two years before Confederation. It was renowned as a popular University hangout, a local music hub and hosting trademark weekly events. It included Karaoinke, Pingo, open mic and trivia nights.

“The loss of The Pig’s Ear was more than losing a bar,” said Steve. “To so many people, it was a part of their fondest memories. Dating back over 150 years, the city also lost a piece of history. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back this long-cherished establishment, where people can once again meet to talk, laugh, sing and form new memories over a tray of beer!” 

The pair want to offer experiences of the pub prior to the pandemic in Trent and Peterborough. 

“The timing for re-opening the Pig’s Ear feels right,” explained Ashley. “Who knows if the bar would have been able to survive the last three years. Taking trays to go might not have worked out. It’s really exciting that we get to be a part of its history.” 

More to come this week.

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New Restaurant Agave By Imperial Serving Fine Mexican Cuisine In Downtown Peterborough

Margaritas, empanadas, chilaquiles and more are on tap at one of downtown Peterborough’s new restaurants, Agave By Imperial that opened in early December.

(from left to right) Jennifer Guiterrec, chef; Manesh Chowdry, co-owner; Juan Pablo Olvera, chef and Javier Reyes, prep cook. The restaurant’s logo is a yellow outlined pineapple and tequila bottle on a black background. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It is owned by cousins and partners Manesh Chowdry and Jim Grover who also own The Imperial Tandoor on 554 Lansdowne St. W. Agave By Imperial is located at 376 George St. N., at the spot formerly occupied by The Fusion Bowl — that was also owned by Chowdry and Grover — next to The EL[P] in downtown Peterborough.

Chowdry opted for a Mexican restaurant since he already had a successful Indian restaurant, didn’t want to compete with himself and had a personal liking to Mexican food. He added that he met with Mexican chefs and believed they could add a level of authenticity to Mexican cuisine in Peterborough.

“Same as Indian food, Mexican food is full of flavour and it's loved by many,” said Chowdry. “One of my favourite cuisines is Mexican other than Indian. We came across these wonderful chefs and we thought it could be a really good team to work together and bring something special to downtown.”

Chowdry also noted that while Peterborough is already diverse in the restaurant business, it doesn’t hurt to add even more.

“By bringing diverse restaurants, I feel this will give people enough to go out in Peterborough and explore different things,” he explained. “Peterborough has a lot to offer, it's just that people need to go out and see what things are being offered.”

Classic Mexican staples served at Agave are Quesadillas, nachos and tacos but also include upscale items on their menu. Dishes include grilled shrimp, grilled chorizo, watermelon cevhice, basa and more.

The restaurant offers two happy hour times from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close. It offers $8 margaritas, tequila and $5 classic tacos.

“It's all about the experience,” explained Chowdry. “We want them to take the experience and always think about the next time they come back. Of course there is taste, flavour and great drinks but it's all about the moments you enjoy here with our team and we hope we can succeed at the same level as (The Imperial) Tandoor and here as well.”

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Local Mexican Restaurant Celebrating 20 Years In Business in Downtown Peterborough

For two decades, La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant has been serving downtown Peterborough a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine as they are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

Sandra Arciniega, La Hacienda owner streaming her cooking classes as one of the services offered at her business. Photo courtesy of La Hacienda.

“Seems like yesterday when we opened our doors for the first time back in 2002,” reflects Sandra Arciniega, La Hacienda owner. “Those years when our town was not as multicultural as it is today, times when finding tortillas, avocados or any other Mexican ingredient were such a challenge.”

Dubbed as ‘a little corner of Mexico,’ the restaurant serves food that owner Sandra Arciniega grew up eating.

“Those times when I felt homesick, dreaming of tasting those memorable and unique flavours of home, that is when the idea of opening an authentic Mexican restaurant was born,” she explained. “The love for my culture and my passion about its food needed to be shared with family and friends around the table.”

Arciniega when she opened La Hacienda in 2002. Photo courtesy of La Hacienda.

The restaurant carries signature dishes such as enchiladas, Sopa Azteca (tortilla soup), locally-sourced cricket tacos and guacamole.

La Hacienda is a gathering place that celebrates the culture, creativity, and diversity of Mexico according to Arciniega.

The restaurant hosts events to bring Mexico to life in Peterborough such as Mexican folk dance, live mariachi band, Day of the Dead Night Gala and cooking classes on and offsite.

In 2018, Arciniega expanded with a retail store adjacent to the restaurant called Mercado La Hacienda. It sells a variety of Mexican products such as salsa, chips, and even crickets.

As part of its celebration, La Hacienda is re-launching its in-house artisan product line that offers items such as roasted salsa verde, mild salsa, salsa Macha, roasted salsa, salsa para enchiladas, pickled serranos, handmade tortillas and corn chips.

“I feel grateful and proud of what La Hacienda has become,” said Arciniega. “We are not only a restaurant but a destination that conjures up memories.”

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Couple Serving Up Tex-Mex In New Downtown Peterborough Restaurant

It’s the first restaurant founded together by entrepreneurs Minal Burdrani and Sunny Dalia as they have brought the newly opened Poco Burro Mexican Grill to downtown Peterborough.

Burdrani (left) and Dalia (right) lived iN Toronto and Missisauga prior to moving to Peterborough in order to open Poco Burro. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The couple — who are also husband and wife — first opened the Tex-Mex restaurant at the old location of Jimmy Guaco’s on 343 George St. N. on Nov. 7.

They both had a background in business — Burdrani had studied digital marketing while Dalia studied procurement — and each of their families was invested in the food industry. The couple followed their passions which led to the birth of Poco Burro.

“Food is something that comes naturally to us and we wanted to really do something ourselves, said Dalia. “She (Burdrani) loves cooking food so we both decided for over a year and this is what we came up with. What we like the most is Mexican food, we can do it ourselves and we started learning about it for more than one-and-a-half years.”

“We always loved burritos and we thought we can serve it just because it's so highly customizable,” said Budrani. “If you're not in the mood for beans one day or meat, veg or go vegan, you can completely change according to your needs at that time of the day. That's what we personally like about burritos and we thought, 'Why not start with that?’”

The restaurant’s name translates as ‘little donkey’ in Spanish which also means burrito. Dalia and Burdrani originally wanted to use the English name for the restaurant but was already taken.

“He was so disappointed that I wanted this name and I cannot get it,” explained Budrani. "It (Poco Burro) rhymes so well and luckily we found a place in Peterborough, it rhymes with Peterborough so it was a win-win.

The majority of the food at Poco Burro is Budrani’s recipes including the sauces and salsa. Their signature protein, Spicy Chicken 65 is a homemade recipe that has been the top-selling product since day one according to Burdrani.

“It's basically marinated chicken in curry leaves, ginger, garlic and so many other things,” she said. “We focus on fresh ingredients and fresh small batches of salsa and sauces and hopefully that's what our main recipe is.”

Poco Burrito serves customizable burritos, quesadillas and tacos with nine proteins and vegetarian/vegan options. These options include pulled pork (carnitas), caramelized onion shrimp, Baja fish, chipotle tofu and more. Their sides include chips (with queso or salsa), soups and dessert.

The following are Poco Burro’s business hours:

• Monday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Tuesday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Thursday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Friday - 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

• Saturday - 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

• Sunday - 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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United Way 'Adopt A Crop' to Fund Community Garden Project

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes (UWCKL) will be launching a new fundraiser on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29), allowing community members and organizations to ‘Adopt a Crop’ through their community garden.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

Adopt a Crop will provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to sponsor or “adopt,” a crop at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, UWCKL’s food security and food literacy project. All proceeds will go towards the community garden.

The project was started in 2019 on unused land on the Crayola Canada property. Over 50,000 pounds of produce have been donated to 20 organizations with food programs and 11 food banks in the last four years, according to UWCKL.

“Running a farm as a non-profit is a major investment of time and resources, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have corporate and individual donors to help us with our work in tackling local food insecurity,” says Emily Beall, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes co-executive director. “This season we produced more food than ever before; over $40,000 worth of fresh produce that was donated into our communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Adopt a Crop is an effort to involve the community more, while also ensuring we have the means to maintain the garden, grow nutrient-rich foods and provide educational opportunities.” 

This fundraiser will be ongoing until all sponsorships are claimed for the 2023 growing season. Sponsorships will be available each year, with sponsors from the previous year receiving the right of first refusal to adopt their crop again.  

There are 25 crops available for adoption. To learn more visit the Adopt a Crop website starting Tuesday.

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The EL(P) and Capra Toro Declared Co-Winners of Second Annual Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival

After a month of-long culinary competition, restaurants The EL (P) and Capra Toro have been crowned co-winners of the second annual Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival announced by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) on Thursday.

Nathan Manwell, Capra Toro chef (left) and Danea Humber, The EL (P) head chef (right) sharing in both restaurants’ first Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival title win. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The EL(P) earned their win with a three-cheese chorizo ‘beermac’ while Capra Toro created a baked Birra Formaggio for their winning dish.

“It’s beer and cheese man. What’s better than those two ingredients?” said Eric Beyer, EL(P) sous chef. “Mix in some chorizo and a fantastic cornbread (made in-house) by resident baker Kelsey and the dish just sings.”

“We are just so incredibly blown away at being crowned top mac this year,” said Nathan Manwell, Capra Toro chef.  “Last season we almost won, coming in second place. We are over-the-moon excited to bring home a win this time around.”

As the winners, both restaurants received a cheesy hand-crafted trophy, a sizable donation to Kawartha Food Share in their respective names and bragging rights.

Runner-ups included a spinach and artichoke mac and cheese dip from Champs Sports Bar, followed by The Black Horse Pub’s sweet potato mac.

During all of last month, there were 20 signature mac and cheese dishes featured in downtown restaurants as part of the competition.

Over 1,000 votes were cast to determine the top mac and cheese dish on offer.  

The winning recipe(s) from both years’ competitions are available online.

Sam’s Place won the inaugural Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival with a jalapeño bacon mac & cheesewich last year.

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