In a bright warm day, which hopefully this fall will provide us with a few more, the sun falls on both patios of RustiK Local Bistro in Orangeville at just the right angle to provide a mix of light and shade, making it the ideal hideaway for any group looking to share a meal together in good company. One of the trickiest things to achieve in a downtown space is a patio that feels equally spacious and at the same time private. However, with well spaced tables, bright umbrellas, and a charming privacy fence adorned with welcoming flowers, both the front patio on Broadway and the larger side patio on First Street provide the exact atmosphere that anyone looking to steal a few more autumn afternoons out of doors could possibly want.
This probably comes as no surprise to anyone already familiar with RustiK, as they’ve been serving fresh flavourful food with plenty of atmosphere for the last ten years. A second home to owner, Brett (at which she claims with a laugh that she spends more time at than her actual home). You can feel the personal touches that are sprinkled throughout the dining room. As much as we’d love to visit the patios all year round, we all know the warmth won’t last forever; when you are forced to take shelter indoors, you may be surprised, as many before you have been, by what welcomes you once you step inside. Although the front of RustiK only takes up a small store front, the building’s length is actually about half a block, providing more space than most guests would assume before entering. It is highlighted by private tables which are elevated above the main dining room on a charming mezzanine style balcony.
The long dining room is accented with those small touches that invite you to make yourself at home. With windows and mirrors along the walls, the dining room is light, full of quiet breathing room and has a mood that changes with the sun, as the light shifts naturally at sunset to create a cozy, intimate space that offers a warm welcome after a long day. Families and groups of all shapes and sizes are welcomed and encouraged to claim one of these seats and enjoy a night out with good company, and even better food.
Since that’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it? While it’s important for a restaurant to look good, at the end of the day, we’re all there for the food – and it only takes one conversation with Brett or any member of her staff to know that the food is where the passion and excitement truly are.
“I’m the person who will bounce up and down in their seat if the food is good,” Brett admitted in an easy tone with another laugh when we chatted, standing on that sunny patio as mouth- watering dish after mouthwatering dish was brought out to be photographed.
RustiK’s priority is to source their food as locally as possible, so that when it’s served to their guests it brings out those bold, fresh flavours that you can only get from quality fresh food made expertly into dishes that best compliment their flavours, and it’s these flavours which will make you bounce in your seat because it’s just that good.
As they try to keep to local and fresh as much as possible, some of their sides and dishes will vary to suit what is in harvest at the time. Their fall menu is full of rich and savoury meats and vegetables that best suit the turn of the weather, offering a slightly heartier plate to induce a warmth with each bite.
From freshly made chorizo paired with shrimp and smooth paella that explodes in your mouth with bold spice, to creamy rich pasta made with fresh mushrooms from Fresh and Tasty Mushrooms in Amaranth and a delectable butternut squash salad that will stop anyone from saying salads are dull ever again, there is something on the menu for every palate and dietary need. If RustiK can make it, with what they have in stock at the moment, then they will accommodate any need. A quick look at their menu will reflect this; the varied selection offers not just something for every taste, but something at every price point, from venison steaks to burgers, ensuring there’s an option for everyone to enjoy themselves. It’s truly a place for the whole family or friend group to meet together.
Sometimes you want or need to get out of the house; you need to treat yourself to something special, but you don’t necessarily want to dress up and deal with the perceived hassle that comes with traditional images of fine dining. RustiK provides you with all of the flavour but none of the fuss. So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just surviving Monday, come to RustiK exactly as you are and they’ll take care of the rest.
WRITTEN BY: JILLIAN KENT | PHOTOGRAPHY: CORY BRUYEA
RESOURCES: RUSTIK LOCAL BISTRO
