There is something special, perhaps even distinctly Canadian, about sitting on a patio in cottage country overlooking a waterway and sipping on a delicious, made-to-taste Caesar.
Make that patio part of a restored historic building, and you have something truly magical.
Partners Carmela Lummis and general manager Jason Rowsell wanted to fill a void in the area’s food and beverage offerings. So, the mom and son team brought an 1858 Caesar Bar franchise to Huntsville, taking Canada’s national cocktail to an elevated level.
Having purchased a heritage-designated building overlooking the Muskoka River in downtown Huntsville, they wanted a business that matched the ambiance and sophistication of the building itself.
“I visited the original 1858 Caesar Bar many times since they opened in 2017 and I always loved my experiences there,” says Jason. “Then I saw they were starting to franchise. It was the perfect fit for this building.”
1858 Caesar Bar first opened in Collingwood in 2017. The original owners opened a second corporate location in Sauble Beach a few years later. The Huntsville location will be the first franchisee-owned-and-operated establishment.
Carmela and Jason recently restored the 127-year-old Wilgress Building and added a stunning stone patio of Muskoka granite (including an accessible ramp), which nicely accents the classically styled red brick building.
“It fills a need for a great atmosphere, signature drinks and a unique experience,” says Carmela. “A wonderful setting overlooking the river where you can have amazing drinks and meet up with friends and family.”
Caesars galore
While traditional Caesar enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the flavourful beverage in its classic form (with different levels of spiciness), there are over 50 Caesar options, some of which could substitute for a meal.
Each of these drinks is garnished – or perhaps more appropriately, dressed – with a substantial serving of protein or veggies.
Forget the celery garnish: try a Bacon Bomb with five slices of bacon. Or go for a more filling option with a Surf ‘N Turf featuring mouthfuls of shrimp, beef, and lobster. The Breakie comes with a slice of bacon, a sausage, and a pickled egg. Or check out the Tennessee Holla, with a slice of bacon and half-skewer of hot beef.
“You can also customize your Caesar to taste, mix and match the flavours, and dress it as you prefer,” says Jason.
1858 Caesar Bar also has take-home options including several just-add-garnish cocktails, and elixirs bottled in Collingwood that turn making perfect (alcohol-optional) Caesars into a one-step process.
While that’s a great option when you’re hosting the party, nothing beats the social setting at the establishment itself.
“The first thing you notice is the great vibes: the friendliness, the music, and the ambiance,” says Jason. “The 1858 Caesar Bar takes things to the next level.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL
