Simcoe, ON’s Blue Elephant…20 years of Thai cuisine + and new Microbrewery in the works

Microbrewery coming soon. Don’t be suprised, notice that on their signage- pub comes before restaurant. Many great beers available already at “the Blue”.

I am asked time to time “What makes a restaurant successful” What I should do is introduce them to Heather Pond-Manorome (owner/operator) of the Blue Elephant. She is a proud owner with clear views on where she would like the restaurant to go. Over the many years in Simcoe, Ontario, she has changed her place to adapt to the times over and over again.

A few years ago, she remodeled the kitchen from a little spot in the corner to a full hotel line with state of the art equipment and talent. (Knowing that she would like to be serving more catering) Catering has grown and grown, from small and large weddings to serving the Lions & Rotary clubs, Norfolk Fair and the Burning Kin Winery, there is a lot more to mention, but you get the point. But the back bone of the business is the restaurant. As a local, I have eaten there many times.

My favorite dish is the “Lunch in a Bowl”- The Thai soup (as the menu says a meal in itself) with vegetables, noodles, pork or chicken. There are many items on the menu that I really like, so it is hard to pick out one or just two. All I can say is; the food is above the average, priced just right, and their servers are all pro’s. This is a hard chore to maintain with so much going on for Owner Heather.

After being wowed by her personality and dedication, she tells me about the upstairs catering room (seating for 40 persons). This is a great room for corporate catering and meetings for the business person, she echo’s. The tables are all set for full service though out the place, the bar area is a focal point in the Pub room. This is a beautiful bar and deserves mention. The other side of the Pub room is the dining room, holding a more formal setting of three separate rooms. All with fireplaces and old world charm. Needless to say the restaurant offers seasonal vegetables, local meats from VG parkers & fresh chicken from Ontario.

In the Summer, the Blue Elephant emphasize their connection to local Norfolk farm produce.

The newest item starting this spring (are you ready!!!!) the installing of a Microbrewery behind the bar. Yes, that’s true; The Blue Elephant will be making their own beer. You will be able to sit on the outside Patio and enjoy a cold beverage. Always changing with the times and reinventing the restaurant is Heathers quest. I give The Blue Elephant thumbs up! Keep up the great work! Ready to find out for yourself? Call Heather for reservations (519) 428-2886

Silo Direct Link to the Blue Elephant Website
Chef Anthony Stingo is an eating and dining experience writer for The Silo. This is his second feature and we look forward to more from Chef Tony.
Silo Direct Link to Chef Anthony Website

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