‘I want to create a restaurant that we are all proud of that fills a niche in the market,’ says co-owner of bistro in former Mexican cantina
French-inspired dishes are making their way to downtown Orillia.
Picnic, a Mexican cantina, recently closed its doors to make room for Simcoe Tavern, a new bistro opening Tuesday.
Simon Mac Rae and Darcy Mac Donell, who own The Common Stove and The Hog and Penny, have teamed up with Melissa Luth and Joel Bennett to launch this new eatery featuring French-inspired cuisine along with wines, cocktails, and craft beers.
“I want to create a restaurant that we are all proud of that fills a niche in the market,” said Mac Donell.
Mac Rae mentioned that the restaurant will serve as a “stepping stone” between The Common Stove and The Hog and Penny but will maintain the same “elevated” level of hospitality and warmth.
“Hospitality is a huge thing for our restaurants in general. It’s always a big highlight. We have wonderful, wonderful people who work for us,” said Mac Rae.
“If you don’t want your big ribeye at The Common Stove, but you want something that’s more upscale than a burger or fish and chips, you come to the bistro,” he said.
Simcoe Tavern provides the group with an opportunity to broaden their menu selections. Bennett is both chef and owner.
“Chef started out with a blank sheet of paper and listed a pile of dishes that he really wanted to cook that inspired him and us and it turned out to be a bistro, so it’s Simcoe Tavern,” said Mac Rae.
The restaurant will offer appetizers, main courses, desserts, wines, cocktails, mocktails, beer, and cider.
The opening menu features items like beef carpaccio, oysters, croquettes, lobster mac and cheese, beef short rib, and an autumn salad among others.
“Duck confit I think will be very popular. The creme brûlée has been requested by customers so it seems like the right place for it,” Mac Rae said.
Appetizers range from $15 to $20 while main courses typically cost between $20 to $30.
“There are some wicked cocktails available as well as plenty of spirit-free options plus an excellent value wine list,” said Mac Rae.
The beer selection includes Quayle’s from Oro-Medonte, Wood Brothers from eastern Ontario along with award-winning Woodfolk cider from Coldwater.
The Emma Caesar is highlighted as a signature cocktail.
“She’s been working on this for years and has finessed it for this release,” said Mac Rae.
The four owners also run Luca, an Italian restaurant in Barrie. Meanwhile Mac Rae and Mac Donell also manage The Common Stove and The Hog and Penny.
Simcoe Tavern is located at 140 Mississaga St. E., opening at 5 p. m. Monday through Thursday while Friday and Saturday hours start at 11 a. m., offering both lunch and dinner services.
You can make reservations online at simcoetavern. com.
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