09/18/2021
Gilly's in http://www.gillyssnugharbour.com/,
In Snug Harbour near Killbear Provincial Park, is a classic fixture on the rocky shore of Georgian Bay area.
We were greeted by one of our hosts who was running back and forth from a hosting station which was an overturned canoe, to the boathouse styled restaurant. We had no reservations and he kindly put us on the guest list, saying "I will feed you."
We later learned his name was Michael and he owned part of the restaurant with his brother. Although they were very busy every waiter and waitress was happy and pleased to be there which shows great teamwork. Everyone had a sparkle in their eye as they rushed from table to table to help patrons enjoy a lakeside meal.
The restaurant itself is Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and runs from 4:30 to 7:30 if you get there by 7:30 Michael said you will get fed and he means it as we sat there as the restaurant started to close up and customers started to file out and it was a little emptier, sure enough everybody in the line was escorted to a table and fed huge portions and every waiter chatted to their guests, and Michael himself even stopped by every table chatting with people like he knew them all his life. This is a very rare occurrence in such a busy society that just wants to eat and go. The warmth of this proud restaurant owner poured out not only to his staff but to the customers.
As soon as we were seated, our orders were promptly taken and shortly after huge portions of food were coming out hot and extremely tasty. Very much like a homestyle cooked meal. Although the restaurant was quite busy we were not hurried or rushed.
Fish options were white fish trout perch and could either be deep fried pan fried or blackened. I opted for the deep fried, at one it came out it was full of fresh cut fries that were crispy two pieces of large fish that were thinly battered and nicely browned. The company on the plate was their own coleslaw mix that had a cajun seasoning in it and complimented the fish in the fries nicely. Gilly's also has salads, fish tacos, and chowder.
We we're treated to a dessert as we were accidentally misplaced in the guest list and we're given the options of fresh Raspberry Cheesecake, made at a bakery in Toronto, Key Lime Pie which is made there or Apple Crisp also a Double Chocolate Fudge cake. The last three options are proudly homemade in Gilly's kitchen.
I chose the raspberry cheesecake and it was a baked version and did not disappoint me. Creamy and fresh with that fresh raspberry coulis on top excellent and to a meal that it already filled me up. Who could resist.
Michael and his brother also own two unique restaurants in Toronto, one called the Dirty Bird and the other Insomnia. Look these up, I'll be visiting them next time I'm in TO.
Thanksgiving Monday is the last day to take advantage of this delightful hidden gem of a restaurant, and you will not be disappointed.
Make reservations if you plan to go to Gilly's and do it two days ahead of time, Tell them 's Sweets and Savories sent you.
