Canuck cuisine featured at Orillia’s Era 67
Era 67 likes to keep it local.
“Our motto is a taste of Canadian history,” said Devon Spence, who owns and operates the upscale casual Orillia restaurant.
With that in mind, its culinary philosophy is to use fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.
“We believe in playing with the seasons, and building strong relationships with our local farmers and producers,” said the restaurateur, whose business partners include her sister, and brother-in-law Pam and Brian Patterson.
The menu serves up gourmet and casual cuisine inspired by our Canadian heritage, including Alberta steaks, lobster, P.E.I. mussels, smoked salmon, poutine and local duck — to name a few.
“We’re particularly well known for our steaks, rack of lamb, short ribs and duck,” she said. Everything is made from scratch, and made to order.
While Era 67 has been a fixture on the Orillia dining scene for years, Spence took over the helm about three years ago.
“I’ve worked in the industry for about 25 years, and I was ready to run my own place,” she said.
Born and raised in Collingwood, Spence started busing tables when she was 13 and worked her way up. Before taking over Era 67, she managed Kaytoo in Collingwood and Hudson (now closed) in Barrie.
Primarily looking after the front of the house, she’s also handy in the kitchen, and can prepare any dish on the menu.
“I just put on my chef’s hat, change my heels for flats and away I go,” she says with a smile.
The popular 80-seat venue features a 12-seat private room, a lounge and a patio. “People can come in and have drinks with sharing plates or charcuterie boards or enjoy a three course dining experience,” she said. The decor is casual and features the artwork of local artists, oak booths, a fireplace and plenty of comfy cushions.
Specialty nights include No Corkage Tuesdays (you can bring in a bottle of wine and there is no corkage fee), Half-Priced Appetizer Wednesdays (half-priced appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), All You Can Eat Mussels Thursdays, Fish Feature Fridays, Surf and Turf Saturdays, and Prime Rib Dinner Sundays.
The restaurant is also planning an upcoming wild game night.
Along with local wines and beers, Era 67 showcases a craft cocktail menu. “Our big sellers are freshly muddled raspberry mojitos and margaritas,” she said.
Local entertainment is showcased Thursdays through Saturdays.
While there are many dining establishments in and around Orillia to choose from, the restaurateur encourages diners to support local independent businesses.
“The summer is the perfect time to check us out because we have a wonderful patio with a historical fountain.”
“It’s a very peaceful setting and you can hear the water trickling when you are enjoying your meal.”
Era 67 is located at , Orillia.
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