BEGINNINGS.
It started with one idea.
Not necessarily a sound idea, but an idea nonetheless. This one idea opened the door to a bunch of other ideas, and before long, sleep was no longer an option.
The idea? Do something downtown. Things had crashed hard, as is the case with many city centers as cities grow. Urban sprawl happens, and the birthplace of communities get left behind. Besides the financial institutions and a smattering of commercial businesses, we were faced with a ghost downtown, especially by late afternoon as Shutters were going up on storefronts, and 5:00 on looked like something out of a post-apocalyptice zombie flick. No disrespect intended, BUT…sad and true.
Alot of us were talking about doing something. Just do something that could grow into a movement – a crazy seed that could be a Piper’s Call to return to the birthplace of our city, where a new community district could be borne. Where friends are made and families are made tighter through the magic of breaking bread and pouring some good wine to go with it all. Something we could all enjoy and be proud of. So, we needed a plan.
WHAT?
What could we offer?
Well, we knew how to treat people right, and we knew how to produce GREAT food. Great Italian food, our first cultural love and birthright, would be our anchor and our platform. A heavy nod to our cultural roots, and the homespun, friendly hospitality we were taught to always extend to friends when they came into our homes…
FOOD?
And then, nuances of rustic cooking and soul food from other lands and countries we’ve traveled and adventured through… the simple, quality soul food borne from the countrysides and taverns of old countries that’s welcome on a checkered tablecloth in a neighbourhood eatery, or on a white tablecloth in a trend-setting urban playground.
COMMUNITY!
Yes, we thought, that would be it. Timeless flavours that speak to everyone – the food and drink of real people – equally at home on the tables of kings or carpenters, of downtown debutantes or down home divas and dolls. And of course for ourselves and our heritage and the old country we love so much. That’s it, no pretense. Soul-food to the core.
We’d build the kind of space, place and food that makes you wonder how just 3 to 4 ingredients, a cool soundtrack, and a space that’s pretty much out of the box could be so satisfying – with flavours that scream sharing and comfort and laughing out loud and really living. And then of course, with the 5th ingredient of PASSION firmly woven into the mix – and everything from scratch – for each guest, every time. A tribute to our families, our friends from near and far, and a catalyst for bringing GOOD people together often, for a great time…IN OUR DOWNTOWN.
TEN YEARS AFTER…
HERE WE ARE – many years down the road – living and growing our dream with many great people, allies, supporters and friends on our side. Loving life every day and serving you with a smile and everything we’ve got. And the story – still - is just beginning!
RESPECT IS BURNING, FRIENDS. ‘NUFF SAID!!
WE'RE ONE-OF-A-KIND, IN DOWNTOWN SUDBURY!!
