MERRICKVILLE - The village's newest eatery is capturing attention with their ice cream and floats, Elvis music, trendy d�cor and now their home-style lunches.
Sidecar Caf� and Ice Cream Parlour, located at 206 Main Street West, opened in May. Owners Joan Spencer and Paul Tonon have been busy ever since making shakes, banana splits and cones stuffed with all kinds of ice cream flavours.
"We opened and ice cream flew out the door," says Joan of the great customer turnout by both locals and tourists over the long, hot summer. "Young people like the root beer floats and the favourites for the older crowd are banana splits and sundaes," says Joan.
"People enjoy how you can come in and sit and enjoy sundaes and shakes in antique glassware. We're bringing back the soda fountain look of the 50s," she says. The porch is a meeting place with 1950's style seating or you can enjoy the patio under the trees. Inside you'll find a cozy seating area and the Elvis statue. "People are always taking selfies with Elvis," she says.
A retired teacher and former village councillor, Joan has wanted to start a business since she was a teenager. "I love to cook and bake for people." She introduced the lunch menu in July with sandwiches served on croissants.
"I want people to feel at home when they come in here. Everything is homemade and we have an open-style kitchen," Joan says. Breakfast is now being served each Saturday and Sunday with various favourites, including the egg and back bacon Sidecar Slider sandwich.
Starting in October, Sidecar will be open Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for both breakfast and lunch. Hours on Saturday and Sunday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Baked goods like lemon pound cake, pie and brownies are sold in the shop. Another favourite is Coutts Coffee from the Perth-based Fair Trade coffee maker and retailer of the same name.
Sidecar is participating in "Christmas in Merrickville" this December and will be hosting an Elvis impersonator. There will be 3 afternoon shows and if you attend, you will receive a sampler bag with cookies, tarts and peppermint bark.
Learn more about this new business by visiting their Facebook page or call them at 613-299-2618. |