RESTAURANT SHOWCASE
The Huron Club

The historical house at 94 Pine Street has once again reinvented itself. Under the partnership of Ian and Joanne Duff, a dynamic duo of hospitality, one of Collingwood’s oldest heritage buildings has become The Huron Club. The new owners are very clear about their dream: “We want to create a venue where our neighbours can socialize— family, friends, working people, retirees, weekenders.”

Renovating the 130 year old building has drawn on both partners’ strengths—Ian’s business expertise and Joanne’s organizational skills. Remodeling yielded some surprising treasures, like the two original fireplaces that are now gracing the dining room and add to the “old world charm” of the place.

But there is nothing “old” about the new Huron Club, except perhaps its old fashioned hospitality. Ian and Joanne have created bright and spacious eating spaces, separately defined yet all part of one large and warm gathering place. There is the Lounge part of the club with the adjoining Patio and the more formal Dining Room. A Back Sunroom has been restored to accommodate small intimate groups and boasts an exceptional view of the City Hall Tower.

Ian and Joanne are particularly excited about the new menus developed by their Executive Chef, Geoff Kitt. “We’re fortunate to have a Chef who understands the local palate. Geoff has 10 years experience in the area and a reputation for being able to take anything fresh and transform it into a great meal.” As well as the lounge and dinner menus, there are new “Blue Plate Specials”, offered from Sunday to Wednesday. Because these house specials are fixed price and offered on the same day each week, they often create an eating tradition. Every Sunday, for example, they offer the traditional roast beef dinner “like you used to have at home”—with mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and horseradish. To round out the eating experience, there is a kids menu for guests under 12 and for those of us a little older, a very reasonable wine list.

Ian and Joanne want The Huron Club to evolve during the day, catering to the changing needs of the local community as the day progresses—from the lunch crowd to the late-niters. While the emphasis is on creating an atmosphere where you want to come and talk with friends, music will be an important part of that ambiance. As Ian points out, “Collingwood has a large musical talent pool to choose from and a strong jazz population.” There are plans to feature live local music from Wednesday to Saturday evenings and a jazz Sunday brunch.

Friends advised them at the start of their restaurant adventure: “Don’t get too stuffy”. It’s advice they have heeded well.

The Huron Club
94 Pine St. Collingwood, ON

Open 7 days a Week 11am-Midnight

705-293-6677

Visit Web Site - www.thehuronclub.ca