| Crystal Beach Strand page seven |
| ARTS AND LEISURE |
| SOUTH COAST COOKHOUSE Opens in Crystal Beach to Rave Reviews |
| Restaurant Review by The Strand's Gastronomical Gasbags - Stash and Stella |
| Located at 423 Derby Rd. (corner of Erie Rd.) Crystal Beach's newest eatery is up and running. Featuring a wonderful and wide ranging menu, from appetizers to home made desserts, and everything in between, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. On Friday, November 21, my wife and I were greeted at the door by our lovely hostess Sue. After a pleasant hello, we were promptly seated at our table and before you knew it, our server Leah, was taking our order. I'm not sure who was more excited about this "unofficial" opening night, Leah or us ? After ordering we were able to take in the beautiful décor of this completely refurbished restaurant. Tastefully decorated and with very comfortable seating, immediately our attention was drawn to the digital picture viewer placed on the window ledge next to our table. Pictures of the amusement park, the beach, images of days gone by, people along with streetscapes, were magically scrolled by the device's viewing program. Our soup and appetizer appeared. Not in the picture frame but on our table. Dubbed "Wicked Thai", the soup de jour was AWESOME ! With just enough spice… to make it mighty nice, it was the perfect choice for a cold Friday night. Now to the Pecan Crusted Shrimp appetizer. Served on a skewer, accompanied with a delicious dipping sauce, we enjoyed this tasty south sea inspiration while again viewing the delightful photo montage. My wife described our appetizer as "a circus on your tongue."Indeed it was. For our entrees, Stella ordered Grilled Sausage & Peppers Linguine while I went for a full rack of BBQ Ribs with Onion Rings. Stella really enjoyed her linguine dish. The wonderfully fresh roasted green & red peppers were complimented by a divine red sauce that made for a great meal. That's coming from a girl born of an Italian mother who rarely orders, much less really enjoys Italian dishes, not made in her own kitchen. The ribs you ask ?..... YEAH BABY !!! Served over those onion rings, smothered with a delightfully sweet & sloppy sauce, and a portion large enough to bust my belly… I was in "hog heaven". (Get it ? Ribs…Hog heaven ?) OK enough bad humor. Do yourself a favor and indulge your taste buds with a visit to "The South Coast Cook house". Hey they even serve up a "take out" menu: Pizza, wings, burgers. Actually the whole menu is available for on the go. Give `em a call at 905.894.7037 See You At THE SOUTH COAST Cook house !!! Editor's Note: The restaurant is located on the corner of Erie Road and Derby. It was previously called "Dagwood's." In September, 2007 it was badly damaged by a kitchen fire. Dagwood's owner's cousin, Phil Smith, has completely renovated and restored the popular eatery and re-opened for business. Our restaurant duo has been waiting anxiously for the relaunch of their favourite restaurant. They have promised more restaurant reviews in the future. Today, I talked with owner Phil Smith and his mother, Trixie. Friday night's opening was a "dry run" for the re-launch and it went very well. Loyal customers were amongst the first to try the new menu and decor. I spoke with other first nighters and they all give the South Coast Cookhouse rave reviews. So great to see a popular business return. Menu is an extensive mix of old favourites and new adventures. Large take-out menu and special children's menu available. Liquor license pending; should be a matter of days. |



| Above Right: Tabletop Video Display; Lower Right: Cozy Dining Area. Crystal Beach has been dubbed Canada's South Coast and visitors to the area see the welcoming sign at the "top of the hill" proclaiming that title. SOUTH COAST COOKHOUSE logo also contains a lighthouse and we have one of most beautiful, unique lighthouses right in our own backyard. Visible only from outside on Erie Road, is a monitor that shows a montage of Crystal Beach pictures. It all ties in beautifully to showcase the past, present and future of Crystal Beach. More Crystal Beach News Here. |
| ART SHOW PRIZE WINNER LAUNCHES WEBSITE |

| Joachim Gmoser with his winning acrylic at last June's Waterfront Art Show in Crystal Beach. |