Opening for breakfast to serve our baked goods had been a smart move, it increased traffic to the restaurant and ensured that everything was sold by the end of the day. As our daily revenue increased I was able to hire more staff, something I desperately needed if I were to stay sane! I already had one kitchen assistant and a waitress, but when it came time to offer lunch as well as breakfast I needed more hands on deck. I hired a dishwasher and another waiter and felt ready to advance.
I had learned how to make pita bread, and with the whole wheat and white loaves I was baking daily we were able to offer scrumptious sandwiches. We had fresh fish for fish salad, chicken for chicken salad, cheese, eggs and ham. We had home-made yoghurt with fresh fruit as well as a variety of baked goods, and that’s what our lunch menu consisted of in the pre-pizza days.
The most popular item on the menu was the open-faced cheese and sprout sandwich. We toasted a thick slice of our whole wheat bread in the oven, then melted cheese on it. We served it covered with fresh alfalfa sprouts and it was excellent. It caused confusion one day when a Swedish lady ordered it – she had asked the waiter for a cheese and sprout sandwich on toast. This is a classic example of how differences in language can cause problems in the restaurant industry! The waiter (Montgomery) carefully ordered her sandwich the way she had requested it and she became upset when it was placed in front of her. Monty, who had been trying so hard to please, was perplexed when told he had made a mistake; as far as he was concerned the lady got exactly what she had ordered, a cheese and sprout sandwich untoast. We had to start over again and toast the bread for the lady, with Monty hotly insisting she wanted it untoast!
There was scarcely time to breathe once we started serving two meals, breakfast segued into lunch without a break. We were busy all the time, and it quickly became obvious that the dining room was too small and we needed to expand. Mac knew just what to do, and started to plan and build what became known as “The Extension”
Omg Peter from la bateau and Bob! Great picture judy
And looks like Kelly?
Hi Judy these posts are wonderful! I remember the home made yogurt and the lobster pizza and especially the chickens in the trees! My visit was way way back in 1983/84 probably, visiting from Toronto Island with Doug and my mom Rosemary, brother Jim ,and boyfriend Graeme. Such long ago fond memories.
Thanks, glad you enjoy the stories! I recall visiting friends of Mac’s On Toronto Island, was that by chance you?
Hi Judy – yes probably! I was young but I think Mac and doug worked together at one point – doug Gillis. Thanks for the stories!
Ah yes, Doug!