PTBO Eats: Hanoi House Bringing Vietnamese Cuisine to Peterborough and Its Rapid Success With Two Locations
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Downtown Restaurant Adds A Side of Drag Queens to Sunday Brunch
/Peterborough’s newest restaurant, “The EL[P]” added some glitz and glamour to their weekend service as they hosted two sold-out drag brunch events on Sunday.
The EL [P] had its grand opening on March 2. The da Silvas also rented the former Olde Stone property but unknown to what it will be. Photo by Luke Best.
The event, “Hot As EL,” had an all-ages 11 a.m. show followed by an adults-only version at 1 p.m. Both were hosted by Just Janis and featured three additional drag queens, Banshee Waylon, Sahira Q and Betty Baker.
“We had worked with Betty Baker over in Cobourg and we had three drag brunches there already and it’s always been phenomenal,” said Greg da Silva, The EL [P] co-owner. ”It’s just great energy and we really appreciate it. When Janice reached out to us and asked us if we want to do it, we’re ‘like yeah, of course, we’re down.’”
The drag queens paraded around the venue during the sold-out shows, lip-syncing and dancing to songs. Guests enjoyed their meal and offered up cash tips to the performers. The closing performance was a group number to the song “Time Warp” that had the audience dancing beside the drag queens.
“I have to say they’re kind of the leaders of doing safe shows throughout the pandemic and it’s just so much fun,” says Shawna Blackwood, who brought her mother with her to see the show. ”You come here and there’s just pure joy.”
Drag performances were on-and-off during the pandemic as Peterborough’s queens often cancelled their shows. Performers found it challenging to lip-sync with a mask and preferred not to cover their makeup after spending hours on it.
The EL [P] is located downtown on 378 George St. N., Hot Belly Mama’s former location. Owned by wife and husband Amanda and Greg da Silva, The EL [P] is a sister restaurant of their other location in Cobourg, called “The El.”
“We’re new to Peterborough and the community has seemed to embrace us,” said Greg. We’ve been open for just over 10 days and it’s going great!”
Peterborough has had successful drag shows with a sold-out show at the Gordon Best Theatre last weekend with Icesis Couture — Canada’s Drag Race’s second-season winner — in attendance. PTBO Live Summer Concert Series hosted its first drag show at the Peterborough Memorial Centre parking lot on July 24 last year.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
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
Local Restaurants Planning First Super Bowl Weekend Under COVID-19 Restrictions
/Since the Ontario Government lifted restrictions for in-house dining on Jan. 17 at half capacity, local restaurant owners are excited to be open for Super Bowl Sunday weekend.
This is the first Super Bowl that Ontario will have in-house dining under COVID-19 restrictions. Last year, restaurants were only available for take-out and delivery. In 2019, they operated at full capacity, one month before the province went into lockdown. In spite of the restrictions, restaurants have made more food orders — especially chicken wings and beer — in preparation for the event.
Maple Moose Pub opened last year and will host its first Super Bowl weekend in Peterborough. Angie Poucher, general manager says despite the restrictions, the exciting atmosphere for restaurants will be present.
"It's definitely going to be more exciting. A big difference between watching the Super Bowl at home with your friends and being in a bar is the dynamic," said Poucher. "You almost get that energy like you're at the game. Like you're in the stadium because it's loud. Every TV will be on the Super Bowl and it will be cranked."
Other restaurants that have been in Peterborough for several years are thankful to be open for dine-in regardless of the restrictions.
"It's an amazing feeling (to be open) with what we've been through,” said Franz Roessl, One-Eighty owner. "It's good to see people back and definitely here to celebrate the Super Bowl. It’s nice to see people come through the doors again."
"It's nice to get back to normality, I think that's a huge thing on everyone's radar," said Addison Brown, Dr. J's BBQ & Brews owner. "To be able to have people in here, separated with their friends, having drinks, watching great football and enjoying barbeque, nothing goes better than football, barbeque and beers."
However, the restrictions have created challenges and obstacles for some owners. Staffing, omitted features and short-notice planning were examples some owners had to face.
"With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," said Roessl. “Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out.”
One Eighty is not doing their annual outdoor pig roast as a result of the half-capacity seating.
In their first year, Maple Moose Pub has had a difficult time building its brand due to the quickly-changing restrictions according to Poucher. The pub currently occupies the space that was formerly the nightclub Aria.
"It’s a big space,” she said. “It's hard to build a clientele when people can come and then they can't come. We are starting to build up a nice clientele but it will take a while. The first year is always hard, period, let alone in the middle of COVID but we're definitely getting there."
There are positives stemming from the restrictions. With only half-capacity allowed for restaurants, Roessl says there is a lot less to manage and plan for the upcoming weekend.
“With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back right now just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out."
Dr. J’s has not had any problems despite the restrictions and Brown is grateful to have his business open.
“They've closed us down five times and we've opened up five times so we've got it down pat,” said Brown. "To have the regulars back and all the other customers, it's special to us and we're just going to keep moving forward.”
One Eighty will hold an NFL squares pool, cooler raffles, merchandise giveaways and beer specials. Dr. J’s will feature four different Super Bowl platters. Maple Moose Pub will have special Super Bowl platters, swag giveaways, prizes, pre-order takeout specials and a television raffle.
This year’s Super Bowl features the Cincinnati Bengals led by second-year quarterback and former number one overall pick Joe Burrow. They will face the Los Angeles Rams with former number one overall pick and former Detroit Lion Matthew Stafford. This is the first Super Bowl appearance for both players.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Foodie Friday: Continuing the Family Legacy of The Loon As It Celebrates Its First-Year Anniversary
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We talk with owner Leanne Russelle of The Loon about how she rebranded the family business to casual fine dining and celebrating the restaurant's first-year anniversary.
Foodie Friday: Restaurant Owners Excited to Return to In-House Dining
/With restaurants permitted to operate at half-capacity starting Monday, several entrepreneurs are eager to open up their businesses to the public.
“I am really excited to open back up and get things rolling properly again. Having the staff back full force will be great for them,” said Addison Brown, Dr J’s BBQ & Brews owner. “Being able to share a beverage or meal with others is a great feeling. I would also like to thank everyone that ordered off of us while we were closed down, we wouldn’t be here without them!”
“We're happy to be able to accommodate the kind folk of this town,” said Om Patel, The Dirty Burger Company owner. “Even though the regulations limit us to having 50 per cent capacity, we love the appreciation this community gives restaurants that they support local. The Dirty Burger Company will be open and happy to see this new year show us new light!”
“‘We are delighted to be opening back up for dine-in,” said Shae Doucet, Sam’s Place manager. “We have worked hard as a community to keep each other safe and we are more than excited to have our friends back inside as it feels like it’s time.”
“At Jesse’s, we are fortunate and want to thank our great customers that supported us while we did takeout,” said Adam Shearer, Jesse’s Tap & Grill owner. “We are looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces in the restaurant again.”
Some restaurants will continue to have only takeout and/or delivery such as The Pizza Factory and Nostimo by the Original Greek when restrictions are lifted.
PTBOCanada with Sysco Central Ontario encourages everyone to support our local restaurants with any option each business has to offer.
Foodie Friday: Supporting Local Restaurants With Take Out, Delivery or Outdoor Dining
/While we cannot dine in restaurants, several restaurants are offering take out, delivery or even outdoor dining. Let us support our local restaurants with any of these options and dine on great food, Peterborough and the Kawarthas has to offer.
PTBOCanada with Sysco Central Ontario wants to highlight the restaurants that have graciously welcomed us into their establishments and show us around for our Foodie Friday segments.
Foodie Friday: Supporting Local Restaurants During Modified Step Two
/With the Ontario Government restricting indoor dining until no sooner than Jan. 26, let us support local restaurants with take out and delivery.
PTBOCanada with Sysco Central Ontario wants to highlight the restaurants that have graciously welcomed us into their establishments and show us around for our Foodie Friday segments.
Order from a great local restaurant and experience the diversity and quality of food Peterborough has to offer.
Inspectors to Ensure Bars Comply to Health Requirements on New Year's Eve
/Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) compliance officials will visit bars and restaurants in Peterborough on New Year’s Eve to ensure compliance with health requirements announced Thursday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
On Dec. 19, 2021, the Government of Ontario introduced public health measures in response to the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
These measures include a 50 per cent capacity limit in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs. Alcohol cannot be sold after 10:00 p.m. and must close by 11:00 p.m.
Violation of the restrictions can include a suspension or revocation of their liquor licence.
“As the countdown to New Year’s Eve approaches, anyone considering heading out to a bar or a restaurant should be aware of all public health measures in place, and not give establishment staff a difficult time for enforcing them,” said Tom Mungham, AGCO registrar and CEO.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Foodie Friday: Champs Ownership Passed Down To a New Family Generation
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This week on Foodie Friday, we talk with Champs Sports Bar owner Meghan Lytle about how she continues the family legacy behind the downtown hotspot and their famous chicken wings.
@ptbo_canada What’s your fave? #WingNight #ptbocanada #ChickenWing ♬ The Chicken Wing Beat - Ricky Desktop
