TP Entertainment and Productions: Pub

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Sociable Pub brings Down East Hospitality & Superb Seafood

Down East Charm @ The Sociable Pub

Sociable Pub - 17380 Yonge St. Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - 905-235-7782

I first caught inklings that the Sociable Pub could be some good when I read a few positive postings online about them. Through research, I discovered the "he" of the husband / wife owner duo, Lenny Ochiogrosso, had been the long time (over 20 years) manager of Archibald's Pub in Richmond Hill before coming out of "retirement" and taking on the Sociable Pub in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, along with his Darmouth, Nova Scotia born wife, Lynne Ochiogrosso-Gallant . Experience and a natural at hospitality, "Lord tunderin' by, this may just work" was my first thought.

This particular location itself has a long local history as firstly a protected heritage building, and secondary for businesses, so any proprietor must respect the heritage conservation regarding any construction or structural changes made and all changes need approval. Operators have had to make work the existing design with minimal changes over the years, since first refurbished, which all adds character in the end. The result is a beautifully kept, old, estate home, set up to be a functional business. It just needed the right keepers.

The first to open in the location after it was restored in the 90's was as a "Just Deserts" franchise. I recall reviewing them on our local Rogers TV show, "Out & About" , I once Co-Produced and Co-Hosted featuring the local dining and entertainment scene. They had had such beautiful wood beams with gorgeous hardwood flooring then, not as shiny today perhaps, but still very much the same two-level design and charm. The upstairs now is mostly for larger groups I believe, and down features a bar and more seating with live ambiance performers on the weekends all wrapped in a down east cuisine that includes lobster rolls and P.E.I. mussels. My recent stop there left me drooling for more, but I'll get back to that...and the seafood!

Just Deserts did not last, in fact around that same time a girl named Vivi Lemonis was shot accidentally while eating at a Toronto Just Deserts location, killing the brand as well at the time - although that certainly wasn't the only reason they didn't survive as the location was always too big for...well... just deserts! Even after their departure, a number of entities have tried their hat over the years with no one really managing to have it running as it should be - functional and successful. Most struggled such as in more recent years Big Chris BBQ and before that Orleans. Orleans came closest but never seemed to master the hospitality side and seemed bent on in-your-face bands, too often, too loud for the location.

Did you know on the East Coast that yelling out Sociable!...Is like calling out Cheers!?

The Centre of the Universe

Problem also is / was the trend of late that some clubs and restaurants - many in the area - follow is this process where they have few regular clients, but instead rely on the acts bringing all the patrons in on their designated nights as the place's main / only crowd. It always has to be a collaborative effort between artists and owners / managers / staff to maximize attendance but far too often now a days the onus would be on the entertainment alone, with no effort to build their own regular clientele or do much in or out house advertising - like we did in the old days.

I recall walking into Orleans at times during non-band hours and it was like a morgue. No house music - live or canned - no people, no greeters during open hours, just no atmosphere or warmth. And then consistency - one week entertainment the next not - or the same rotation of bands alongside unspectacular, inconsistent food. And it just didn't feel welcoming.

The Sociable Pub Experience

Some Good Seafood House

It's best to check out a place without them knowing when you plan a review or blog to really get a taste of how a real patron would feel, so I arrived with no reservation to an almost full restaurant - save one reserved four-top and a couple spots on the bar which I really didn't feel like doing. As I stood puzzling my choices, I was immediately greeted and given my options - bar and eat, or wait for an opening, or if perhaps the now late reservation doesn't show I could wait and see about that. Finally, after standing in idle while watching steaming dishes of food like their garlic shrimps, looking a nice count size and screaming out my name, I chose sitting at the bar, half expecting to get sloughed off but still hopeful. Although dressed with a suit and tie, I was comfy with the casual dressy style most patrons seemed to be wearing.

Shortly thereafter I was approached about a beverage and I asked about a Rickards on tap ( Hey man, I'm out of touch on beer ok!) which they did not have but the attentive barkeep knew a similar on-tap alternative which was actually quite suitable. The waitress could see me as she punched orders in, my corner bar seat overlooking her terminal, my face conveying complete patience and understanding and lo and behold shortly into my beer I guess they gave her the okay to give me that table which just happened to be right beside the solo performer entertainer and it could not have been a better spot. No wonder they had reserved it. Cool. Their loss, my gain!

Bill Nadeau plays live ambiance

I'd pretty much assumed correctly, that the hands-on owner was that knowledgeable friendly barkeep, and later was informed that his wife and partner was also working the floor. In other words, these are two hands-on owners who have obviously taught their staff about the most important element in the industry, hospitality! Seems a simple thing I know, but so often it is the missing critical element from staff, particularly in Newmarket I've observed over the years, who have either simply not been trained to do it always, or just don't care to. "What can I get ya?" just doesn't cut it. I suspect with this couple it comes naturally, with the fairer half hailing from Canada's east coast originally where they are renowned world-wide for their hospitable nature...and delectable seafood dishes!

Shortly thereafter, as the evening's live ambient Singer / guitarist, entertainer, Bill Nadeau, began performing his first numbers, some cool jazzy and bluesy instrumentals, as my waitress who was holding up great even though my experience could see a little of that "deer in the headlights look" with a full and busy restaurant, took my order - I'd chosen PEI mussels, knowing the Down Home style theme of the restaurant....and they didn't disappoint. Plump, tender, plucked easily - like snapping daisy heads - from the wide open shells, the now separated mussels, left swimming in a white broth infused with fresh herbs and served with TSB's unique garlic toast, while my discarded shells filled its accompanying extra bowl brought for just that! If I could change anything it would be that I'd personally prefer just plain crusty fresh bread to soak up the delicious broth unimpeded by the crispy garlic toast flavours and worth absorbing all on their own.

It was Some good Mmmmmmmmaritime!

A woman from a larger birthday party at the tables next, approached me about my extra chairs at some point, easily able to still chat, with the guitar player pouring out some Peter Gabriel, Elton John and David Wilcox among tunage. This is why I call it live ambiance, because it's there, but not overpowering - something that experience, from years in the business with Archibald's in Richmond Hill, brings.

With the Sociable Pub, I see a smart, live light entertainment setup that's affordable for the house - with often a solo performer. Duos and Trios would probably work nicely as well but the performers aren't necessarily the evening's main focus, although enjoyed immensely and an integral part of the experience, but it's the hospitality and the food that are the stars.
And that is the key.

I must say it is an absolute pleasure to know that the new operators at now The Sociable Pub, Lenny Ochiogrosso and wife Lynne Gallant bring great down home hospitality, food and experience to the location. They understand the simple formula for success, I feel, and for that reason can likely remain as hosts of that historic location for as long as they wish.

As Lenny informed me, " We hoped to open a place for a certain older age group, so they wouldn't have to leave town to enjoy a night out. A place we'd like to go to"

That my friends is as close to my philosophy on hospitality as I've heard in some time.

Sitting at my perch, I could easily observe how the staff were handling the overflow, always seemingly able to greet before an exasperated, confused, "what next?" expression could envelope them. I look forward to a more detailed in-depth taste and Tom's Top 10 review of The Sociable Pub whose menu is unique, not too complex - from Scot-Irish traditional stews to Nova Scotia Lobster / Seafood, to P.E.I. delectables...Delicious and down-home sounding!

Next on my wish-taste-list will be their crab rolls followed closely by the crab fritters!

I'll see YOU...out there! - Watch Bill Nadeau recorded live from The Sociable Pub Here
TP

Fionn Maccool's a Tom's Top 10 in Newmarket

January is the slowest time of the year in the restaurant business so it's important to stay aggressively vigilant to attract guests during those times. Creative strategies including food and drink deals can work as long as they are communicated enough, and live entertainment can sometimes drag people up off the couches or even an alluring dance floor.

Tom's Top 10 Dining and Entertainment Guide includes local locations within a 10k radius to help you achieve that, but what will keep you returning - aside from being served a good product at a good value - is being given an experience that made you feel good. Good old fashioned hospitality.

I remember writing years ago, in Local Flavour, how I felt that element was a lacking one in Newmarket. One busy establishment for example would not greet me with a "Hello', a "How are you", or a "Hi Tom" even, as some try to do to impress...No..this complacent barkeep used to simply say to me, ' What can I get you?" followed by a smiless blank stare..then bring it and leave to chat with her better guests one would suppose...Not the hospitality I was ever taught through my years in the industry, nor would have tolerated as a manager, although, I must say, bad habits die hard when surrounded by it.

So it was a such pleasant contrast, when on my first visit to the Prime Pubs establishment, Fionn Maccool's, 17315 Leslie st Newmarket, the server was absolutely superb. Nothing fancy or phony - although her, er, kilt, sure got my attention - just pure enthusiasm and a zest for loving the place she worked for and her job. The pretty berny-brunette who served me, Amy, not only bubbled over with genuineness, but knew her menu as well and gushed about the care in the preparation of the food compared to places she'd worked before and the pride the kitchen took - including her chef brother who also works as a lead prep cook in the back of the house.

After choosing a fish chowder to start with on a bitterly cold day, the approving Amy suggested I try the lamb pie with its delicious home made crust which I did. The steamy chowder was fabulous, with chunks of fish and whole clams bathing in a thick gruel, stocked with potato chunks, carrots, and vegetables, served with HOT cheddar cheese scone - again made in-house!

The lamb pie, served on a bed of spinach and sauteed mushrooms, had an incredible flaky but moist crust that my fork flowed through like butter, without having to snap off that final fork-full because of over cooking or microwave use. And what a refreshing dish / menu choice! Perhaps a tad safe on the seasoning and salt side for my absolute tastes as seems the healthy trend these days, but nevertheless delectable, and stocked sparingly with bite sized tender morsels of lamb. MMM-must bring my mom! Amy came back several times to check in and continued to impress with her personality and genuine love of having pleased me...It was like a breathe of fresh air in outer space.

For only $5 more I got a home made cinnamon-infused bread pudding to end it with. Cubed and slathered in Devonshire cream with a side bowl of caramel dip to boot...drool...drip.....er..sorry.

Newmarket location 905-898-7899

What originally brought me into the Irish theme rooted Fionn Maccools, was having heard about how much they made fresh, in-house, unlike most chains who pre-make and use mostly frozen products which makes all the difference. And having experienced just that at F.M.'s , alongside seeing their imported beer selection, Thursday, Fri, Sat live entertainment, and in-house promotions such as Robbie Burns Days they are surely a Tom's Top 10 for Dining / Entertainment.

Ironically, Fionn Maccool's corporate, Prime Pubs, also owns Casey's Restaurants. Spelt backwards is Yesac (corporation) the original company that also owned the Mother's Pizza franchise and Pat & Mario's Restaurants where I was the Kitchen Manager at the first store in Toronto, and went on to assist in the openings of the new restaurants at Front & Church, Airport Road and Yonge & Eglinton. Pat & Mario's were the first chain style restaurants in Canada to offer a deejay with dance floor and dining under one roof... and always emphasized hospitality.

As I told Amy on the way out,

" You know even if the food had been lousy, I'd have come back for your hospitality alone. Not even so much the service, although it was good too, but more for transferring that genuine love of what you're doing to me, the guest. Great job."

If it was me I'd be grooming her for management or for training the staff for new stores.
And so, as Schwarzeneger says, " I'll be back!"

Tom Pearson

Newmarket's Famous Main St - Shopping, Services and Diverse Dining

Newmarket's Main St - Shopping, Services and Movie Star Good looks!

Main St Newmarket - Yours To Enjoy!

Admittedly I've neglected Main St Newmarket somewhat of late until nearing the Jazz + Festival when I returned again to the prodigal son, or daughter as it were. As I scoped out Main for good photo shot locations, I began to notice a few empty units from where Scotia Bank stood for many a year.

Main St's Good Vibes exclusive "Life is good" clothing

I'd already captured a number of beautiful shots - at least I like them - and was about to wrap things up and maybe head across the street to Cafe Hesed for a fast coffee before checking out the Fest, when I was stopped on the street by a gentleman seemingly unloading a wack of stuff into a store.

"Hey you're Tom right?", he said to me.

Ken Sparks'd seen me from my various video, F.B. & blog postings and wanted to introduce himself. Turns out he and his wife own the Good Vibes franchise store there and had been commissioned to sell T-shirts for the Festival,

Good Vibes also has Jazz Festival shirts!

as well as have a booth at the 4 day event! Sweet! Good to see that kind of cooperative business going on between Main St. businesses and events, and both seem like good down to earth - Main St type people!

I recall having popped into the location when they first opened but wasn't clear on what they offered, which is an exclusive line of kids / teens/family clothes sold by "Good Vibes", featuring the "Life Is Good" line of shirts and clothing wear with their cool distinctive message logoing. I still want to have a closer look see to see why it is people travel from all hells acres to buy this line as the areas only consumer distributor for miles. The Boston based Good Vibes parent company also donates 10% to children's and youth causes which is an interesting business model. I'll be back!

Speaking of T-shirts, across the street, CanadaT.com has just expanded their printed T- Shirt selection by eliminating the sales of retro records from the store which they'd added for a spell, but which proved hard to manage - however the new array of wacky message shirts got me chuckling and thinking as well about some ideas of my own for T-shirt designs. As a visually creative and word guy, it fits me to a "T". Ha.

Glenn Wilson, spousal co-owner of CanadaT's, along with Olga, informed me that they had done some business on the Saturday during the Jazz + Festival, and, most notably, when pressed, he agreed that indeed he'd had a busier Saturday than usual and those days in general during it, so that is good. I'm sure he would still would liked to have the T-shirt printing contract for the event but I'm confident he'll be in the mix for next year now that they are a little more exited now about it's potential growth and it's longevity as an event.

Design a T Shirt for Canadat.com

T-Shirt Design Contest

Recently I watched a documentary on the origins of the printed message T-shirt. It was a fascinating history and one that inspired an idea to create a contest for designing T-shirts, and perhaps putting them for sale for the winners in a store and online as well. The good people at Custom T.com liked the idea too having thought about it before and as we talked I got excited. Hey, it doesn't take much these days! Lol. And judging by some of the outrageously talented artists in the area as witnessed at the Jazz+ Fest, there should be no shortage of entries. Stay Tuned for future Announcements and links here on this!

Other newish stores on Main, in addition to the new Comic store location, Goulash House, Hops Brew Pub and yogurt house already, include a green scooter distributor and one place that seems to have everything including a kitchen sink! Lol. A new Tea House featuring specialty unique teas adorns the n.w. corner of Main & Eagle beside a now available former bank location, meantime further north on Main S a new Fish & Chips restaurant is being added to the growing mix of fantastic downtown diners!


Relocated Econo Pizza has Backdoor Patio behind Main

Main St. Newmarket now offers shopping diversity wrapped in a charm that any town would envy. And, with the addition of some more new and interesting businesses to fill up the few vacant spots with the right tenants, have all the elements for a working, productive Main St to continue attracting business from tourists and area residents to movie productions & events while also providing meaningful services and products to her patrons! I look forward to returning and spending time in some of the unique shops and maybe let you know some more. Cheers!

TP out..enjoy the pics and info!