Step One of Ontario’s cautious COVID reopening began Friday – not a minute too soon for local restaurant and bar owners who have been waiting weeks for the relaunch of patios and outdoor dining.
And not a minute too soon for customers like Gary and Sharon Sawyer, who visited the outdoor patio at the Fork & Plate Family Grill in Alcona on Saturday evening.
Before the pandemic they were regulars, but for the past year, said Sharon, “we’ve been sitting at home like everyone else.”
She already knew what she wanted, without looking at the menu: the Fork & Plate’s famous liver and onions.
Saturday was the second day of the reopening. Outdoor dining and Step One actually began a day earlier, although the weather didn’t co-operate with those looking for a relaxing patio experience.
It poured, but not even the rain could discourage customers from coming out and celebrating, said Fork and Plate owner Deb Burton. “Not one person cancelled. They came, and sat, and ate!” - taking shelter under colorful umbrellas, and a new tent canopy.
Patios have been springing up across Innisfil, wherever there is room, and an owner looking for more than take-out or delivery.
At Davidson’s Country Dining on Big Bay Point Road, Terry and Natalia came up from Mississauga to enjoy the sunshine and the cuisine, on the restaurant’s patio.
“It’s great,” said Natalia. “We haven’t been in a restaurant for I think about a year.”
“You forget how good it is,” added Terry, “and the weather is agreeable!”
Some bars and restaurants encourage reservations; others welcome walk-ins, but warn that there could be lengthy wait times, especially in the warmer weather.
There were line-ups for the patios at Avenue Cibi E Vini, and Fishbone Kitchen, restaurants at Friday Harbour Resort that offered patrons fine cuisine and an unparalleled view of the harbour.
“It’s been overwhelming so far,” said the manager at Fishbone. “It’s been booked since Tuesday night.”
Local diners Alicia and Andrew agreed. “It’s a nice change. It feels like we haven’t done this forever,” said Andrew.
“It’s fantastic!” said Alicia.
Above the boardwalk, patio umbrellas also provided shade for patrons of Starbucks, and Zaza’s Espresso Bar, and everywhere, it was the same story: smiling faces, delighted to be able to enjoy patio dining and get back to a sense of normal.
“It feels like I have my freedom back,” said one beaming patron at Lefroy’s A Taste of Europe.
“It feels great,” added a mom at the next table, dining out with family.
Step One includes a return to outdoor dining at restaurants, with up to 4 people at a table (or more to accommodate larger family groups) and normal liquor service (Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.). Non-essential retail stores are also allowed to reopen for in-person shopping, at up to 15 percent capacity, and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 are permitted, as COVID cases continue to drop and vaccination ramps up.
For information on whether a restaurant has a patio, hours of operation, and if reservations are required, check the restaurant or bar website or facebook page for details, or call ahead.
