Restaurant review: The Bruce Peninsula
Amici's of Sauble Beach; The Lion's Head Inn at Lion's Head
Aug 5, 2009
If you find yourself on the Bruce Peninsula this summer, or any other summer, you will want to visit some good restaurants. Amici's at Sauble Beach, while not strictly a restaurant, is one of the most welcoming and delightful places to patronize.
Family Owned
Owned by the Van den Daele family who also own the mini golf course and a clothing store, The Patch, Amici's has that personal touch about it, as if everyone really cares about how you are enjoying your food. The staff is always cheery and efficient and they seem to be enjoying the work they do. That alone is refreshing!
Panini Sandwiches
Amici's has a large assortment of panini sandwiches, and the grilled vegetable panini ($4.98), is the best this reviewer has ever tasted. They also offer Strawberry Fields (their specialty) and chicken club, to mention only a few.
Specialty Coffees
And of course, there are the special coffees at without which a bistro would be just another restaurant. Espresso, Lattes and Cappucinos ($2.25 to $3.75) compete with Iced Mochas and blended specials.The regular coffees include Caramel Crunch and French Vanilla . As Amici's opens at 8 AM there are breakfast sandwiches, bagels and wraps just perfect for the morning meal.
Bakery
There are the most delicious baked goods...brownies, cakes, cookies, rocky road squares and whatever manager Glenn McMillan can find when he takes his weekly trip to Toronto to Dufflet's Bakery. He is always sure to come back with yummy treasures. There is also a great selection of gelato, such as Devil's Chocolate, Sicilian Lemon and Alfonso Mango ($3.25 a cup) . Amici's is the place to go to people watch and they also have wireless internet access for their patrons. For one of the best bistros on the Bruce Peninsula, go to Amici's. You won't want to leave.
The Lion's Head Inn
Up farther, in Lion's head, there is a lovely inn with a porch where diners can enjoy the summer fresh air and the beauty of the surrounding lawns. While this is a true restaurant, the Guinness stew was disappointing, while the fish and chips ($12.99), were done perfectly and tasted divine.The Guinness Stew ($11.99) came with salad, two tea biscuits but the stew turned out to be a bowl of luke-warm soup. They were asked to heat it properly, a request that was not received very happily. The waitresses, while not completely unpleasant, were certainly not enjoying their job...and please...if another server anywhere asks "Do you need change?" there will not be a tip.
Perhaps the Lion's Head Inn was just having a bad day, but it wasn't fun trying to eat a stew that was the consistency of a soup. The dinner entrees at the inn range from Stuffed Filet of Sole at $16.99 to Jack Daniels BBQ Ribs at $22.99.
Source
Personal visits to Amici's and The Lion Head's Inn, summer, 2009
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