Below you will find my favorite spots to dine and enjoy in downtown Alliston:
Gušt – Chef Damir Tas previously owned Al Carbon, a Peruvian restaurant in Collingwood two years ago – and was looking to open a second restaurant in the south end region of Alliston. Chef Tas decided on Mediterranean fusion to bring something different to the area and cater to the local clientele. Gušt which is pronounced ‘Gusht’ is a Croatian word that translates to simple pleasures. The menu is inspired by his Croatian roots and extensive travels throughout South America including Peru, Chili, Argentina, and Uruguay where he was intrigued by the peppers and unique flavours. Gušt has been designed to be a clean, modern, and inviting dining space that is perfect for date night or a special occasion.
Chef Damir Tas shares a lifelong passion for hospitality and culinary creation starting from an early age: “I lived and breathed restaurants as long as I can remember. I grew up in Croatia and came to Canada as a teenager. My father was a chef, along with my grandmother. I was in a kitchen my whole life – the wait staff basically raised me. After moving to Canada, I went to culinary school and started working on private golf clubs and hotels. Over coming years, I helped open a couple restaurants.”
www.gustrestaurant.com
Instagram: @gust.alliston
da Grazia Ristorante – Francesco and Graziella DeLeo along with their children, Domenico, Teresa, and Francesca, moved from their southern Italian hometown of Calabria, in the summer of 2014 to bring their love and passion for great Italian food to the New Tecumseth community. In each of daGrazia’s dishes you will find a taste of home and the roots of Italy, as they have stayed true to their Italian heritage, traditions, finest culture, and family recipes to enhance their love for food and unique style of Italian cooking.
www.dagrazia.com
Instagram: @dagrazia.ristorante
Taqueria El Norte – Taqueria El Norte brings vibrant flair, eclectic style, unique craft beer and flavorful dishes to downtown Alliston with a Taqueria experience to savour and enjoy. Being raised in California, Chef Rob Clements was surrounded by delicious Mexican food at a young age which fueled his dream of opening a Taqueria of his own. This Taqueria knocks it out of the park with flavour, unique tacos, and a curated craft beer menu to explore!
www.taqueriaelnorte.com
Instagram: @taqueria_el_norte
Northern Espresso/Northern Blush Floral – A beautiful combination of florals and lattes, this stunning creation by Ash and Cait Bolton brings something fresh and new to the main street of Alliston. Walking into this space you will find yourself immersed in floral and fauna, followed by the sensational aromas of coffee and espresso. Unique coffee blends, fresh grab & go bites, one of a kind gifts, and unique floral arrangements with a flair – this place brings urban luxury to the streets of Alliston!
www.northernblushfloral.ca
Instagram: @northern_espresso_bar @northernblushfloral
William’s – William’s combines a classic century home of Alliston heritage with upscale delicious comfort food, to delight its clienteles’ cravings and nostalgia of rural living. Named after her Grandson, Sandra Lambie took a 100-year-old home in downtown Alliston and truly made it resemble our beautiful community. ‘Alliston’s homegrown casual dining’ is a local spot to enjoy delicious locally sourced food, a stunning outdoor patio and live music to feel exactly at home!
www.williamsalliston.com
Instagram: williamsalliston
Michael is a candidate for the 2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award. This article has been published in its original form.
North America Boutique Tradition Nottawasaga Inn Resort Alliston Canada Ontario Coffee Restaurants Food Heritage Neighborhood
From a young age, I have been surrounded by those who have dedicated themselves to the hospitality industry. With family owning and operating their own resort just north of Toronto, I was exposed to countless hospitality roles and operations which helped grow my passion for the field of hospitality and tourism. My childhood experiences brought me many learning opportunities working in all areas of the resort ranging from construction development, the golf course, food and beverage, concierge, and the front office. To develop my knowledge and experience further, I chose to enrol in Fanshawe College’s esteemed hospitality program. In 2010, I graduated from Fanshawe Colleges Hospitality – Hotel Management Program with Honors and in 2011 Fanshawe Colleges Concierge Services/Guest Relations Specialist Post Graduate Program. To expand my hospitality horizons and broaden my abilities within the hospitality industry, I was given the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience working for a luxury brand hotel. I made the move to Banff to work at the Castle in the Rockies, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. There I embarked on my role as Fairmont Gold Supervisor & Concierge, where I was fortunate to be mentored by renowned and respected, Mr. Don Mooney. On my first day, I remember being curious and inquiring what the golden keys on his lapel represented, and from that day forward my training began to attain the coveted Les Clefs d’Or Canada membership. In November 2013, I received my very own pair of golden keys being accepted into the Les Clefs d’Or Canada association, a night I will always cherish and reflect on with great pride. My growth and development in the association continued and in 2014, I was honoured to be elected Vice Director of the Alberta Region. In 2015, a difficult decision was made to move back Ontario to spearhead a new concierge project at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort, where I have been met with both successes and challenges. These successes and challenges have been fueled by my passion for service excellence. As the hotel’s first Guest Relations and Concierge Supervisor, I had been tasked with creating a new level of service excellence within the entire hotel. I have broadened the scope of my concierge work, moving from the Alberta tourist region of Banff, into a resort setting outside of Toronto. In doing so, I have utilized my knowledge and skills learned from a luxury resort to expand the knowledge and services of a family owned establishment. This shift has been a challenging learning experience, but one I have not shied away from. With constant determination, the drive to uphold professionalism and service excellence has helped me instill necessary hospitality and Les Clefs d’Or values into the resort. Through perseverance, dedication to hospitality, and professional growth, 2019 became an incredible year of personal growth and accomplishments, including a promotion to Guest Service Manager & Chef Concierge at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort as well as being elected Vice Director of the Ontario Region within Les Clefs d’Or Canada. In 2021, during the unforeseen global pandemic, I became the Director of the Ontario Region. When faced with the adversities of restrictions and closures I ensured our members were supported and their voices heard. Despite the difficult circumstances the pandemic years caused, we are continuously there for our guests and continue to do so no matter the odds. I am looking forward to my second term as Director in our breathtaking region. Every day brings on a new request and a chance to make a moment into a memory!
The Nottawasaga Resort is an all-season resort hotel nestled within the quiet countryside of the Nottawasaga Valley. The Resort offer a relaxing place for families and vacation travelers to getaway as well as extensive meeting and reception rooms which are perfect for conference groups as well those celebrating a wedding or social event. Stay within your choice of 269 spacious hotel accommodations. Guestrooms offer a warm and inviting private hideaway which is perfect for a short getaway or a resort vacation. Treat yourself to the ultimate in luxury and spend your vacation within one of our thirty-four luxurious suites which are furnished with a Jacuzzi and gas fireplace. Whether you're looking for an ultimate golf getaway, a resort destination or a weekend retreat The Nottawasaga Resort have a line-up of vacation packages that will fit all budgets. Play a round of golf on one of the two golf courses offering 45 regulation holes of golf or participate in the non-stop recreational activities available within the 70,000 sq.ft. health and fitness centre. Take an exhilarating ride down the 3 storey 100 ft waterslide, splash in the indoor Tropical Rainforest themed 25 m swimming pool, perfect your shot on our indoor mini-golf adventure, enjoy a relaxing massage or workout in our fully equipped gym featuring indoor squash and tennis courts. Throughout the fall enjoy the refreshing crisp air and colourful autumn foliage as you explore the natural beauty of the hiking trails. Meet with us for your next group meeting or conference and discover the endless choices that will make your meeting extraordinary. The full-service conference facility is perfect for small groups or large conferences offering an unprecedented line-up of meeting spaces within 36 meeting rooms including an onsite trade centre. Dining within one of the three restaurants ranges from causal food to fine dining or unwind after a day of meetings within the bar and lounge. The restaurants and elegantly appointed banquet rooms also provide a perfect location to host a social event. Whether you're planning your wedding, celebrating a milestone party, throwing a birthday bash, or hosting a family reunion your event with The Nottawasaga Resort will be a memorable occasion. 6015 Hwy. 89, Alliston, Ontario L9R 1A4
+1 705 435 5501
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