It's about time the annual Thanksgiving trip to Barrie rolled around. But alas, instead of spending long weekend leisurely going about photographing fall foliage and sipping on cinnamon-laced apple cider, such activities have been replaced by stressful streams of schoolwork, errand-running, and the like.
Reading Week is rough. Sigh.
Seeing as GOT7's < 7 For 7 > Showcase involved me awaking to roaring, rainy gusts in the wee hours of the morning, motivation to embark on CBR- and steel member calculations was in absolute absence. We set out for a brisk trip up north instead.
Reading Week is rough. Sigh.
Seeing as GOT7's < 7 For 7 > Showcase involved me awaking to roaring, rainy gusts in the wee hours of the morning, motivation to embark on CBR- and steel member calculations was in absolute absence. We set out for a brisk trip up north instead.
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Chelsea Chocolates, whom we had the wonderful opportunity to discover earlier in the year, was not only open but offered an astounding range of Thanksgiving- and Halloween-themed treats.
Needless to say, we stocked up on ice wine chocolates, assorted truffles, chocolate-covered pretzel sticks, and more to curb cocoa-infused cravings.
Given the comfortable above-seasonal temperatures, the Downtown Barrie BIA was deemed a suitable destination for lunch. Thus, the hunt began for a brunch/eatery whose doors were open for the statutory holiday.
Two failed attempts later, Pie Wood appeared on our radar. A quick call to the establishment confirmed their operating status, and off we went.
Two failed attempts later, Pie Wood appeared on our radar. A quick call to the establishment confirmed their operating status, and off we went.
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Situated in a spacious private lot, the restaurant provided ample parking spots in addition to both indoor seating and outdoor patio tables. We initially chose a lengthy communal/group table along the perimeter of the seating area; while I appreciated the accessibility of individually-wrapped utensil sets and the standing double-sided menu arranged in advance, its surface was sticky and its crevices lined with crumbs and unidentifiable fragments, presumably remnants from the meals of previous diners. The menus, as I should mention, were also on the sticky side. However, I hadn't expected the most pristine environment for a family-friendly eatery with a finger food-heavy selection.
A similar case lay with the restrooms. With the exception of an air jet hand dryer, the facilities were generally weathered: trickling streams from the faucet rendered hand-washing inefficient, while sliding locks had been relocated to the lower quarter of the plastic door for reasons beyond me. Flushing capabilities were also compromised by aged toilets.
A similar case lay with the restrooms. With the exception of an air jet hand dryer, the facilities were generally weathered: trickling streams from the faucet rendered hand-washing inefficient, while sliding locks had been relocated to the lower quarter of the plastic door for reasons beyond me. Flushing capabilities were also compromised by aged toilets.
Eventually, we requested transferring to the outdoor patio, despite the presence of several substantially-sized bees. Weather conditions were fabulous, as were the beaming rays of blinding sushine. The bees were quite a nuisance to many diners, though many took to returning indoors in fear of stings; I had no issues with stomping on whichever pest remained stationary for sufficiently long periods though.
As the name suggests, Pie Wood's specialty lay with wood-fired pizzas. Prior to stepping foot inside the establishment, I anticipated carb-laden mounds presented in a similar fashion to Goodfellas. The products we received, however, were far more enjoyable that I would have imagined. All dishes were absolutely wonderful and completely deserving of their top rank on Yelp amongst Downtown Barrie restaurants.
As the name suggests, Pie Wood's specialty lay with wood-fired pizzas. Prior to stepping foot inside the establishment, I anticipated carb-laden mounds presented in a similar fashion to Goodfellas. The products we received, however, were far more enjoyable that I would have imagined. All dishes were absolutely wonderful and completely deserving of their top rank on Yelp amongst Downtown Barrie restaurants.
A starter of Wood Fired Chicken Wings commenced the meal. Eight pieces in a small order for $13.75 or a Family size for ten dollars extra, the dish consisted of three individual elements: coleslaw on a bed of arugula, a mini mountain of sticky, flavourful wings, and a creamy Blue Cheese dipping sauce. The wings were scrumptious, which is a difficult statement for me - a being unfond of chicken skin - to make. Each bite-sized pieces sported a viscous veil of honey, fine shreds of rosemary, and a mild hint of spice. Folded within the accompanying container were bits of savoury curds, which acted as a nice contrast to the distinct sweet-and-spicy wing marinade
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Tsunami and Big Quack Pies were selected as mains, without recommendations from the waitress. Both featured a Cheese Sauce base and shredded Parmesan. Roasted garlic cloves lent boldness and superior fragrance to Tsunami, while shredded roasted chicken and spinach made up the remainder the round. A small container of fiery chili sauce and pizza wheel were slipped underneath for easy access. Personally, I found the chicken to be drier than I would have enjoyed. For those capable of handling moderate amounts of spice, it is suggested to consume the pizza in conjunction with provided sauce as it would contribute a burst of tanginess/moisture replenishment.
The Big Quack Pie was my pick and featured smoked duck breast, shredded romaine, and a pale orange drizzle of dill mustard aioli. While creamy, the flavours within the aioli were not particularly distinct. This did not matter significantly, for all other aspects of the pizza exceeded expectations greatly. An impeccably thin, crispy crust caught my attention first, followed by the luscious, smoky strips of duck. One can consider this a "levelled-up" prosciutto with lower sodium content. Romaine added freshness without distracting from the main palette.
The Big Quack Pie was my pick and featured smoked duck breast, shredded romaine, and a pale orange drizzle of dill mustard aioli. While creamy, the flavours within the aioli were not particularly distinct. This did not matter significantly, for all other aspects of the pizza exceeded expectations greatly. An impeccably thin, crispy crust caught my attention first, followed by the luscious, smoky strips of duck. One can consider this a "levelled-up" prosciutto with lower sodium content. Romaine added freshness without distracting from the main palette.
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Service was, overall, very friendly and accomodating, more so than expected for a franchise that operates year-round through holidays.
Draft and non-alcoholic beers were also available for purchase. The latter import variety was on the odd side of the spectrum, but the standard alcohol-containing beers were invigorating and actually quite sweet.
Bees and cleanliness gripes aside, Pie Wood was a fantastic way to conclude a Thanksgiving mid-day meal.
Draft and non-alcoholic beers were also available for purchase. The latter import variety was on the odd side of the spectrum, but the standard alcohol-containing beers were invigorating and actually quite sweet.
Bees and cleanliness gripes aside, Pie Wood was a fantastic way to conclude a Thanksgiving mid-day meal.
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The final course of the day was, of course, a cafe. A sleep-deprived individual can only remain sane for a given period of time without caffeine in his or her system. Instead of Swirleez this time, I suggested Casa Cappuccino.
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Its worn preparation area exhibited signs of being a local favourite, though its on-trend menu of seasonal beverages was indicative of out-of-city visitors. An Iced Latte and Americano were ordered to go.
The Iced Latte set me back $3.99 before tax. This was pricier than anticipated, but its shockingly strong caffeine content was almost enough to justify it. Had I not been subjected to an immediate headache, I wouldn't have minded returning for more.
The Iced Latte set me back $3.99 before tax. This was pricier than anticipated, but its shockingly strong caffeine content was almost enough to justify it. Had I not been subjected to an immediate headache, I wouldn't have minded returning for more.
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