Townsman, 1991-11, Page 37i
Little Inn's
brunch
a winner
BY THE LENTZ-McGREGORS
The Sunday Brunch has become an
increasingly popular dining experi-
ence today, complimenting a day that
we can still create and mould to our
own individual preferences.
This month we take you back to
Bayfield for Sunday brunch at the his-
toric Little Inn, where hitching posts
still grace the entrance and crackling
fire places conjure up images of
stormy nights and weary travellers
gathered round the warmth. The inn
has been in continuous operation
since it was built in the 1840s and its
owners keep us in touch with its histo-
ry while providing a superb dining
experience.
We must tell you at the outset that
this is not like the Sunday brunch
smorgasbord that is currently featured
in many dining rooms today. On the
contrary, the Little Inn has devised an
imaginative menu that will accom-
modate every whim of your dining
party, as you will see.
The menu features five appetizers,
seven entrees and a marvelous array
of desserts. Choosing from the menu
was a heady experience on its own,
the choices being intriguing and tanta-
lizing.
Both appetizers were delightful.
One of us chose the Bruschetta which
was served with a fresh salad that fea-
tured a variety of greens and light
dressing. Colours, textures, and tastes
blended nicely into a plate, that could
easily have served as an entree. Our
other choice of appetizer was Smoked
Goose Breast with an accompaniment
of shredded celery root mixed in a
sparkling dressing, with the tang of
capers. It was, I believe, the highlight
of the meal and reflected much of
what good is all about at the Little
Inn: meticulous presentation and care-
ful melding of distinctive flavours.
Between courses there was time to
enjoy the successful blend of new and
old architecture in the dining room,
the work of Blyth artist Ron Walker
on the walls, and of course the Sunday
strollers and browsers beyond the
front windows. Throughout the meal
we were attentively served by a young
waiter who achieved that pleasant bal-
ance of timing that adds so much to a
dining experience.
The entrees were equally delightful.
For those of you who enjoy a tradi-
tional bacon and eggs plate or pan-
cakes with Huron County syrup, we
can assure you that they are available.
Our choices, however, were Eggs
Benedict and the stuffed Manicotti.
Again, careful seasoning and fresh
ingredients gave the Eggs Benedict
top rating. And the manicotti was a
cheese lover's delight, fully bursting
with ricotta inside and mounded with
melted mozzarella on top. All this
nestled on a bed of diced carrots,
tomatoes and egg plant — a neat bonus
to an already substantial serving.
And now, you ask, did we sample
the dessert table? In the interests of
you, our readers, we felt obligated to
indulge in a few calories. From a
tempting array we chose apple pie and
peach pie, both of which proved
refreshingly light. Nowhere, however,
was there a tray of fresh fruits and
cheeses. For us personally this would
have been a much more pleasing com-
pletion to the meal.
But one can't really comment on
this shortcoming when the whole
experience is considered, especially
when one can linger over a pot of tea
brewed from loose tea (and yes, you
get your own strainer!) and the chef
comes round to chat and pass the time
of day
We made an earlier comment on the
imaginative menu. This refers to more
than just the choices of dishes. Each
item on the menu is $4.00, thus creat-
ing a "mix and match" situation to
suit appetite and pocketbook and
whatever othcr vagaries your party
may need to consider. Note that this
brunch obviously welcomes young
diners, as reflected in the pancakes
and the price structure. For us, howev-
er, it was sans enfants and we highly
recommend! (Did we mention the
music?)
Our bill, without wine, was $32.00
for two. Hats off to chef Richard
Fitoussi and his staff for a memorable
Sunday. This brunch (11 a.m. - 3
p.m.) is a winner!
:finking
ChrAstmaa
efts?
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The Olde
hed
II0I31f S11U.1
Located in Holmesville between
the School and the Community Centre
Busy Hands Boutique
• Greenware and supplies
•Isabel's Finished Ceramics
• Local Handcrafts
HOURS DURING DECEMBER
Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Dec. 25 - Jan. 14/92
Call Isabel at 482-1740
Special Effects
-Wedding invitations & supplies
-Silk flowers, plants & trees
•Balloons and decorations for
all occasions
•Watch for in store specials
HOURS DURING DECEMBER
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Dec. 25 - Feb. 4/92
Appointments Anytime
Call Millie at 482-5700
TOWNSMAN/NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1991 35