~ Simpson Bay meets Saskatchewan ~
Few eating establishments around these parts welcome you in with the feel of home, but the new restaurant called Connie’s Cookhouse in Simpson Bay Yacht Club manages that trick quite handily. Like the neighbourhood hang-out that becomes practically an extension of your own living room, Connie’s is a place where you can easily strike up a conversation with a stranger and soon find you have so much to talk about.
The cuisine is all about casual eating and comforting flavours. A look through the menu gives you the feel of a classic diner, and the plates arrive at your table with a cheerful retro-style checked paper flourish that reinforces that impression. It’s a new hot spot that is already attracting a devoted clientele, and a reputation for breakfast that is travelling around the island by word of mouth.
The lunch-dinner listing is focused on the familiar, with a few twists thrown in just to keep most of us guessing. Truly, it’s hard to go wrong with an assortment of six different burgers and seven different sandwiches – each one served with either a generous side of crispy French fries (crisps!) or a gorgeous fresh salad. And for those keeping on the health wagon, there are five different salads and many gluten-free options. It’s visually appealing and so appetizing; what more do you want? The answer to that question, apparently, is poutines.
Our late-lunchtime visit on Tuesday found Connie’s with four folks at the bar discussing how to make your own vodka, and a group of three lounging in a booth, intent on their burgers and salads. The young waitress hit the balance perfectly between friendliness and professionalism with both groups. A quick perusal of the menu took me to a full page of something called “poutines”– no fewer than seven different varieties of “poutines!” I had to try this uniquely Canadian indulgence, so opted for the Classic Poutine. (SIDE NOTE: Spell check insists I am trying to write the word poutiness, but I feel I would only be pouty if denied my poutine order. Apologies to those who abhor word-play).
The poutiness, I mean poutines, turned out to be crispy French fries smothered in cheese and gravy! I’m not sure what to say about that, but it was kind of delicious. I also tried the Clubhouse Sandwich which was full-on gourmet and really huge! Hand carved slices of chicken breast, cheese, lettuce, tomato and bacon on Texas Toast. My friend had the Cuban Reuben: Ingredients of a Rueben, but constructed like a Cubano. That ought to be enough, eh? Well, what about a refreshing beverage? A frozen coffee latte fit the bill nicely, and was so tasty that it alone will be reason enough for many return visits.
Connie’s gets a big thumbs-up from Out ’n About – stop by and get to know the folks at the new hang-out for Canadian style comfort.
Info:
Connie’s Cookhouse & Casual Lounge
Simpson Bay Yacht Club
Welfare Road
Phone: 1 (721) 522-7314
Hours: Daily from 11:00am ’til 10:00pm
Cuisine: Breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, poutine
Good: Great service, atmosphere, yummy food
Price range: $$
Reservations: Not necessary
Credit cards: Visa, MC, Discover
Children’s menu: Available
Vegetarian dishes: Available
| Ratings: | |
| Staff friendliness | ***** |
| Service speed | **** |
| Restaurant cleanliness | **** |
| Food quality | **** |
| Value for money | **** |
| Ambience | **** |
