Patio dining can be delightful, and warm
It's winter in Canada. Surely we are no strangers to sitting outside with hot chocolate?
For the second winter season, the COVID-19 pandemic and the prudence of fresh air dining are extending our winter experience to dining on heated patios - with some changes. A year ago, indoor dining was capped at 10 people and fully enclosed outdoor shelters were considered to be indoors" therefore limiting a restaurant's use of their investment in outdoor accommodations. This year, both indoor and fully enclosed outdoor spaces are open with the proviso that users must be vaccinated. Heated patio seating that is not enclosed does not require proof of vaccination.
Here are two eateries with creative approaches to their use of outdoor spaces.
Electric Diner
Erika Puckering and Jamie Ewing, owners of this whimsical eatery, love the 1980s and crafted Electric Diner as a tribute to that decade that was central to their youth. Ewing's extensive experience as a chef delivers top-notch made-in-house food - some of which evokes memories of their moms' and grandmas' cooking repertoire.
Despite menu updates, the fabulous Reuben Sandwich, Revenge of the Birds (fried chicken sandwich), and the Electric Burger are still on the menu, as well as fun desserts. The satisfying and creative Breakfast Club menu is on every day until 4 p.m. and a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal can be had at any time.
Their new fall/winter menu has added the Bette McGriddler." Inside a maple pancake bun, are thick bacon or a sausage patty, American cheese, folded egg, arugula, and chipotle ketchup, with (terrific) home fries and/or greens. Also popular are the Gingerbread Pancakes with molasses ginger syrup and whipped cream.
Electric Diner is known for its creative (boozy or non) beverages. The Chocolate Candy Cane milkshake with peppermint whipped cream is a great treat, fighting for attention with the Pumpkin Spice Shake and Gingerbread Milkshake.
Added to their takeout options and indoor seating is their heated patio and heated holiday tent - all available for regular dining as well as weekly events such as Tuesday Trivia Night. Puckering says that the holiday tent is even more cheerful than last year; toasty warm with better lighting. The decor in the spacious marquee is gorgeous, seasonal and glittery with festive fairy lights, all paired with their iconic pink Tolix chairs. Puckering reports that people request the patio as often as indoor seating. The upbeat space is enjoyed by groups and business/company parties.
Proof that families are welcomed at Electric Diner is their Brunch with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. Book online for the event which will offer special menu treats and beverages. Reservations are advised
The Collins Brewhouse
Established in 1841, the Collins Brewhouse in Dundas has made it through more than one war and the Spanish Flu. Jamie Leder and Art Soloman, owners since 2000, are doing all they can to escort the lady through these challenging times. The classic pub-style menu has something to please all diners, and the eatery has been a much-loved gathering place in the community.
Despite the chill in the air, some diners still have a preference for patio dining. As you wish," said Collins Brewhouse creating a Winter Village with a heated patio, fire tables" and enchanting snow globes." The clear plastic geodesic domes have two side vents and a door. While they do warm up a bit on sunny days, each has an electrical outlet into which is plugged a decorative heater. Diners are advised to dress in layers and are invited to bring blankets. What ensues for the up to six people occupying each snow globe is delicious food combined with ski lodge sensibilities.
Dome diners are invited to conclude their visit with warm beverages while roasting marshmallows by the fire table. Lighting makes the snow globes feel dreamy as twilight heralds the evening and light snow creates an effect that's magical.
Leder, who has family members working in health services, is especially keen on ensuring optimal safety measures for both guests and staff. Servers never enter the dome, delivering orders using the dome window. After each set of diners, the dome vents and door are left open to thoroughly ventilate and refresh the air which is further optimized by a disinfectant spray treatment. All surfaces are sanitized.
The Collins has partnered with nearby Detour Cafe to create some coffee-based cocktails, and diners are enjoying their seasonal cocktails - the Mar-tea-ni" (Earl Grey infused gin, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice), and the cute Looks Like Rain, Dear" (vodka, cranberry juice, clove and anise syrup, lemon juice, garnished with star anise antlers and a cherry nose).
Collins features live music on Mondays and Prime Rib specials on weekends in December. This is the last weekend to enjoy the Dundas BIA's Dickens of a Christmas." The street vibe is festive with carolers and Father Christmas who drops by The Collins along with visitors to enjoy cider.
Diane Galambos is a food writer who shares stories and recipes at her blog kitchenbliss.ca. Follow her on Instagram instagram.com/kitchenblissca
Electric Diner
96 George St, Hamilton
905-526-9512
instagram.com/electricdinerhamont/
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday 9 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Christmas Eve 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
The Collins Brewhouse
33 King St W, Dundas
905-628-9995
instagram.com/collinsbrewhouse/
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.to 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1.
Dickens of a Christmas
downtowndundas.ca/dickens-of-a-christmas-2/dickens-of-a-christmas/
Hours: Saturday Dec.18 - 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday Dec. 19 - noon to 3 p.m.