On the advice of Marty at Publican, I left The Only and wandered along Hunter St. to St. Veronus which is a classic Belgian style bar. Elegant and clean layout, with a few different rooms, including a small bar room where I sat.
Two super friendly servers (Andrea and Devon) chatted amicably and, after some deliberation on my part, served me a Dieu du Ceil Peche Mortel.
The bottle selection is mainly Belgian, with all three Chimays, all three Rochefortes, both Achel, both Westmalle and Orval. Taps were Stella, Leffe Blonde and Bruine, Hoegaarden, Stiegel, Affligem Blonde, De Koninck, Konings Hoeven Tripel, Delirium Tremens, and Welly RIS on guest tap. WOW! Am I really in Peterborough?
All Belgians are properly poured: rinse, proper glassware, knife for the head, plunge, and skirt on the stem. I’m impressed.
Lunch menu was a good selection of apps, salads, mussels, sandwiches and quiche in the $7-14 range. Dinner menu was heavy on seafood (wish I was here for dinner!) with apps from $7-14 and mains from $14-28. No, I’m definitely not in Toronto.
I got the roasted beet salad in the hopes the beets, chevre, and apricots could keep pace with the Peche Mortel. I wasn’t disappointed.
I got a chance to speak with the owner, Roland, who is a knowledgeable passionate beer guy. I can’t imagine the balls it would take to open this kind of a bar in a town like Peterborough. I have the upmost respect for him. And he seems to be succeding, which is awesome. 8 years and counting, serving spectacular beers and food.
One day, I will come here for dinner, I promise.
