The Robert Simpson mansion at the north end of the village’s main drag has been home to many a beanery, half-remembered names like Robert’s, Diablo and the Mango.
Its last – and most opulent – occupant was Fuzion, a resto-lounge and terrace geared to a more upmarket crowd than the one that shows up for Dirty Bingo at Zelda’s. Why, they even had Oprah’s ex-personal chef and future Top Chef contestant Patrick Wiese in the kitchen when they launched. But after a not unsuccessful five-year run, owner Jimmy Georgoulis has had a change of heart.
“I got tired of fine dining and high food costs,” says Georgoulis. “I’m a pub guy.”
And so the Vic Pub (580 Church, at Dundonald, 416-944-9888), a roadhouse that’s open from lunch till late seven days a week. The stately Victorian looks much the same, though with significantly less froufrou. Gone are supreme of free-range chicken with beet spaetzle, replaced with fish tacos and pulled pork poutine. But what of the zoning notice posted out front a few months back announcing a proposed condo tower that would render the historic building history?
“The developer withdrew his proposal. No condos for now.”
