Oscar's

A long distance tale of culinary adventure awaits, somewhere in a collection of thoughts...

Yes, t'is true that today's entry comes not from the bosom of local fare, but rather a Northerly excursion to the land of Barrie, Ontario. Yes, again, I know, the aim of The Locale is to focus on affairs of a geographically relevant manner, but every so often comes an instance of such worthy reporting outside the borders of our city that it almost demands that I share my experiences; and in the case of Oscar's, I'd be foolish not to pass forth the wisdom, even if only on the slimmest of hopeful chances you may one day find yourselves there.

And herein, perhaps, lays one of the many beauties of the Summer months: most certainly we can enjoy the bounty of downtown patios, local farmer's markets and weekend events just down the street, but just as we have so much at our doorstep, so too do we have the perfect opportunity and weather to pack up our cars, roll down our windows and travel, even if only a couple hours out of our way. So, given the proper circumstances, this past weekend we did precisely that and cast our sails towards my old stomping grounds in Barrie, Ontario. For those who have been, you know the city for what it is, and for those who haven't, well, I'm sure you've heard stories of the 400.

It's a welcoming city, one that took me in during my college years, and one that invites, houses, comforts and celebrates tourism throughout the year, but never so much as during the hottest days of Summer, when Wasaga comes calling to all those in need of a beach. Granted, with so many looking to travel towards the cottage or waterfront, the trek can be a trying one, but if you are willing to stick it out, the pay off can be worth it, especially if you know where to look, and Oscar's is one of those perfect local gems and a defining example of "Things you should do while in the city"

Personally, I've been through the doors at Oscar's restaurant more times than I can count (or remember); on most occasions for some dancing, drinks and entertainment, but more memorably for dinner and satiating conversation. It is, to describe it as best I can, a fine dining restaurant without pretension and with a caring eye for client satisfaction. They have done well to decorate both their walls and their menu with tactful selection, and have clearly taken the time and hands-on care to fully understand what comes out of their kitchen. The chefs are trained, practiced and proud of what they do, and will more often than not go above and beyond to make each dish a shining star of what great food can be.

We had the pleasure of enjoying the Barrie-licious menu while we were there (a four-course tasting menu of local fare, including ceviche, braised pork belly and raspberry pavlova, to name only a few selections) but, be it a specialized menu, or their regular house selections, you couldn't possibly go wrong, or at least not with any of my experiences. Randy, the owner and head chef, takes pride in his work and he is willing to go that extra mile for the guest at all times; the foie gras with curry-oil gnocchi, for example, wasn't on the menu, but thanks to a simple request (and to the company of my great friends Scott and Marn), I was dining on velvety-rich goodness only moments later.

For all the times I've been there, I can recall no negative experience to share. Be it the oysters, the cheese platters, the poutine (frites with triple cream brie and a red wine reduction) or the 10 oz strip loin with beurre cafe de Paris, my money has always been well spent, my pallet has always been exceedingly happy, and my belly always full. Again, they offer food for those in search of something special, but they don't shove it down your throat, they don't make you feel bad for ordering Budweiser with your duck confit, and they don't rush you out so the next table can sit and they can pull in a few extra bucks. Nope, when you go to Oscar's you are there as their guest and are welcome to make yourself feel comfortable while they do the rest.

So, again, it's not a local joint, but, hey, we all like to get away from time to time and it's nice to know where to go when we get wherever it is we decide to venture; and in the case of Barrie I can think of no better place to suggest for a modern affair than Oscar's Restaurant. Of course, if you do happen to head that way during Barrie-licious, I would be more than happy to suggest a few other winning locales to pop into...

Happy eating, happy travelling!

Phil

52 Bayfield Street
Barrie, ON L4M 3A5
(705) 737-0522

PS So, what is to come for Guelph happenings you ask? Well, my friends, Hillside is only two weeks away, so you know that's going to be on here. But, hey, who knows what else could pop up? I have been craving sushi again...