CHHA-NL reveals favourite quiet restaurants
Survey participants have a taste for EVOO, Peaceful Loft and Woodstock, among many others
If you’re looking for a quiet place to eat, the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL) has a few solid suggestions.
After hearing from clients about their frustrating experiences at loud establishments, the organization set up an online survey to find out people’s favourite quiet restaurants in the province. More than 60 people responded, and Thursday the list was published on its website.
The restaurants with the most votes, in no particular order, are: EVOO in the Courtyard in St. John’s, Peaceful Loft in St. John’s and Woodstock Colonial Restaurant in Paradise.
Many others were named from communities around the island, including Harbourview Restaurant in Harbour Grace, Smitty’s in Mount Pearl, Taiwan Restaurant in Grand Falls-windsor and Best Coast Cafe in Corner Brook (see sidebar for complete list).
“It shows that some places are definitely quieter, and it also shows that people from around the province were participating and recognizing the restaurants or the cafés in their own community,” said Alison Butler, who organized the survey.
Butler has dined at many of the restaurants on the list, and likes a lot of them. She pointed out that Tavola is a small restaurant, and Bacalao’s separate rooms help keep it quiet.
She also mentioned two that are not on the list: Raymonds, and The Pantry Café at the Autism Society Newfoundland & Labrador’s headquarters in St. John’s.
“They’ve gone through a whole process to add in acoustical panels to make their restaurant quieter,” Butler said of The Pantry.
CHHA-NL is open to adding more restaurants to the list if diners have a favourite spot they think should be included.
The list will be shared on social media and can be found on CHHA-NL’S website, but with a disclaimer: “All of these things are subjective. A quiet restaurant might not be quiet if you go at a certain time of day, or if there’s a really large group or a loud group next to you,” Butler stated.
A sound dining experience
Food writer Karl Wells has been paying attention to sound levels at establishments around the province for many years. It’s one of the things he rates at the end of his restaurant reviews, along with things like price, service, wheelchair access and ambiance.
“Generally, restaurants are turning up the background music because younger diners like it, or, at least, don’t complain about it,” Wells wrote to The Telegram.
“Sometimes the music is obviously chosen and amplified for the benefit of staff. I was in a restaurant recently where we were the only guests. On arrival the rock music was at top level and was not in keeping with the style of the restaurant. We asked for it to be turned down. They not only turned it down, they switched to another channel.”
Likewise, Leon Mills, CHHANL’S executive director, said he has asked restaurants to turn their music down on several occasions, and they usually oblige.
Wells said he doesn’t mind music at restaurants “if it’s well chosen, suits the space and isn’t ear-splitting.”
“Exile Restaurant at JAG Boutique Hotel is a good example,” Wells said. “Clearly they have put some thought into the music, and understand that it’s an important part of the dining experience. It’s all about knowing your customers and pleasing as many as possible.”
Inclusion at dinner
Grant Fowler, general manager of EVOO in the Courtyard and Gypsy Tea Room, spoke with The Telegram Friday about the restaurants’ efforts to cater to everyone.
“We’re all about inclusion everywhere. One of our biggest charities is CNIB, and we do dining in the dark at both locations,” Fowler said.
“Vegans is another big segment that we sort of go after, because there’s a lot of people out there that aren’t necessarily looked after as well as they can (be), and it only takes a matter of being hospitable.
“So with regards to people with hard of hearing, that would be the same thing, too. The hospitality industry shouldn’t really segment people unnecessarily, and if they’re comfortable in our place and we can accommodate them, I’m really happy to have the business and glad that they feel comfortable here.”
Fowler said when the restaurant is flat out, and there are large groups, it can get a little louder in there, but it typically isn’t. He attributes the low noise level to the fine dining-style layout and décor.
“I think most people, when they come in there and sit down, they realize their surroundings and act accordingly.”
Fowler said he encourages servers to be aware of who they are serving and to be accommodating to their needs. If they know a customer is hard of hearing, for example, they make an effort to speak clearly and take their time at the table.
Rick Young, co-owner of Woodstock Colonial Restaurant, wanted to pass along his thanks for being included as a favourite quiet restaurant.
When The Telegram stopped by Peaceful Loft for comment, the owner was busy serving diners.