January
30, 2007
Presenting: The Garden Gate Restaurant a.k.a.
"The Goof" – Good Food in the Beach since 1952
It was time for lunch after my extensive interview at the Balmy
Beach Club, and all I had to do was walk up the street and head
into the first restaurant that presented itself to quench my hunger.
The Garden Gate Restaurant, affectionately nick-named "The
Goof", is a true institution in the Beach, and the restaurant’s
sign certainly is one of the most frequently photographed landmarks
in this area.
I sat down in this busy place and looked over the menu which contains
a wide selection of Chinese and Canadian specialties, all on offer
at a very reasonable price. The restaurant was bustling with activity,
and people were just streaming in for lunch. Since I had another
appointment in the afternoon I was looking for speedy service, and
sure enough, the waitress approached me promptly. I ordered the
special of the day: “General Tso Chicken” features hot
chunks of boneless chicken, sautéed with the chef’s
special sauce. I started my meal with a steaming won-ton soup, a
great way to warm up on a freezing winter day. The General Tso Chicken
was very tasty, with a crispy texture and spicy sauce, and the portion
was so generous I actually had to take half of my meal home.
The Garden Gate Restaurant - a landmark in the Beach
All the waiters were very busy, but I just had to find out a bit
more about this culinary institution in the Beach, so my waitress
connected me with the owner: Raymond Lee. I could tell right away
Raymond is a rather shy individual and not one who enjoys the limelight.
In addition he was tied up with some work at the back of the restaurant,
but he graciously took a few minutes and sat down with me to answer
my questions.
Raymond Lee
Raymond has co-owned the Garden Gate Restaurant for about 15 years
now with a partner. Before he became co-owner he used to work here,
so he has a personal long-standing history with this restaurant.
Way back in high school he worked part-time in the restaurant business
already. After graduation he went to Brock University and completed
a degree in business and economics and started to work in accounting
with companies such as Famous Players and Petro Canada. Raymond
describes his situation with the words that “he was a small
clerk in a big corporation”, but he always wanted to be his
own boss.
A won-ton soup to start my lunch
In 2006 Garden Gate underwent a major restoration: everything was
changed, a new kitchen was installed – the main reason for
the renovation. The bar and all the furniture are new. The only
original components left are the floor and the ceiling tiles. Of
course, the treasured street sign has stayed intact, although the
façade of the building has changed and was replaced by big
full-length glass windows.
General Tso Chicken - tasty and plentiful
Raymond describes his restaurant as a “Canadian – Chinese
restaurant” because he features both Canadian and Chinese
fare. The restaurant opens early in the morning, and the Canadian
breakfast is extremely popular. Sandwiches, pork chops and steaks
are also offered along with a long list of Chinese specialties.
The restaurant is fairly large: it can hold 70 people inside and
30 people on the patio.
The team at the Garden Food Restaurant
“The Goof” has about ten staff members today, and one
of them is Hazel, who with 54 years of service, has been here virtually
forever, and has become a treasured neighbourhood institution in
her own right. Hazel usually comes in Wednesday to Saturday from
five to ten pm, so I did not have a chance to meet her, but Raymond
added that she works here because she wants to be here. She has
fun interacting with the clientele, and the patrons love her.
The Goof - an institution since 1952
Prices at the Garden Gate Restaurant are extremely reasonable,
and portions are plentiful. The restaurant also offers takeout and
delivery and is open 7 days a week from 8 am to midnight. Raymond
succinctly summed up the philosophy of “The Goof” for
me: “Friendly service, good prices, good food”.
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