By Michael Lowe
For the hospitality industry, it’s been one hell of a year-and-a-half. Capacity restrictions, complete shutdowns, a few false starts, we’ve seen it all.
So harsh criticism of the current provincial government is, in many ways, expected, especially when it comes to re-opening food and beverage service. Giving only a couple of days notice is short sighted and totally ridiculous. The issues facing an industry on a holding pattern, just to name a few, include ramping up staffing, replenishing inventory, and planning for sufficient outdoor spaces.
Nonetheless, we are on the verge of the Stage One re-opening. For us patrons it’s a welcome sign that we might eventually return to normal, whatever that will look like. Having dined out only a couple of times during previous false starts, I look forward to visiting some of my favourite restaurants again. But it’s not just dining out we have missed out on. We’ve missed, perhaps even craved, that social interaction that is part of the overall experience.
Let’s hope we’ve turned the corner and this opening is not another flash-in-the-pan.
Here is just a partial list of restaurants and wineries along with start-up dates. Please follow the links for further information and ordering/reservations.
Treadwell Cuisine
Patios at both Treadwell and The Gate House open beginning June 12. Treadwell will initially offer dinner only Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch on Saturday and Sunday beginning June 19. Reservations can be made online here or by phone (905) 934- 9797. Takeout service will continue.
The Gate House offers all day dining, 11:30 am-8 pm. No reservations, walk-in service on first come, first serve basis. Takeout continues with online ordering also at the link above.
Dispatch Restaurant
Service here starts up on the patio June 11 from 12 pm- 8 pm. Walk-up counter service only, no reservations.
Bolete Restaurant
Bolete, in heart of downtown St. Catharines, opens Friday and will continue to be open from Friday to Saturday from 4 pm – 9 pm. Call (905-641-9559) or click here to make your reservation for this weekend.
BarrelHead at Pillitteri Estates Winery
Service on the patio starts up Friday with these hours:
Thursday 11:30 am – 9 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 9 pm
Saturday 11:30 am – 9 pm
Sunday 11:30 am – 6 pm
Taste traditional Italian classic pizzas and some new twists. Try the signature Icewine cocktails, from the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine. The wine by the glass program will offer only premium VQA Canadian made wines from Pillitteri Estates Winery. Gourmet pizza and salads made with fresh local ingredients.
For more information, go here. For takeout, call 905-468-3147 x333
Colaneri Estate Winery
The piazza patio opens up again on June 19. Wine only on the piazza will be available on Thursday and Friday, 11 am-5 pm. Pizza and wine will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm. Service is on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservations.
Westcott Vineyards
Chefs Ricky and Olivia (above) will return to tempt your palate. Reservations to dine on the patio resume on June 14.
The Restaurant at Redstone
Take-out remains in effect. Patio re-opening is slated for June 16. Online reservations begin June 13 at noon.
13th Street Winery
An expanded patio of approximately 2,900 square feet will welcome visitors as the re-opening begins. Outdoor wine by the glass offerings begin June 11. The ever-popular Avella’s Wood Fired Pizza will be back on Mondays and Fridays starting June 14. Bistro meals to-go, that can also be enjoyed on the patio, will be available starting June 15. Wine Down Evenings returns Thursdays and Fridays beginning June 17.
Peller Estate Winery and Restaurant
The Barrel House Grill resumes dining on the patio June 11. Open Monday to Thursday 11am – 8 pm and Friday to Sunday 11 am- 9 pm.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Outdoor dining is available for groups of up to 4 people (up to 6 if all parties are of the same household). Reservations are required. Masks must be worn until seated at your table and any time a guest leaves their table thereafter.
Dates:
June 11 – 13: 11:30am – 8:00pm
June 14 – 15: CLOSED
Starting June 16
Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30am – 8:00pm
To book a reservation, go here.
Strewn Winery
Patio dining is back starting June 11. The expansive patio on the back lawn is close to Four Mile Creek with a view of the vineyard. It’s a perfect spot for a 45-minute personalized wine experience. Most tables are for two people, with a limited number of tables for four people in each time slot. Bookings/groups cannot be combined into larger tables. Offered Mon-Fri on the hour between 12-4 pm. Sat-Sun 11 am – 4 pm. $20 Sunday to Friday and $30 Saturday.
Book here.
Vineland Estates
As of this Friday, the patio will be open for lunch and dinner service, 5 days a week (closed Monday & Tuesday)!
Reservations can be made by clicking the ‘make a reservation’ tab here or by calling the restaurant at (905) 562-7088. Note: very top photo is a dish from Vineland.
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