Restaurant patio a Chipmunk 401
Simply Delicious bistro’s patio has become an urban oasis where diners and nature mingle
A downtown eatery with an urban oasis is quietly growing in popularity – and not just among those on two legs.
“It’s a natural refuge for both animals and people to co-habitat and enjoy each other,” said Mark Buckley.
The new owner of Simply Delicious transformed the restaurant’s underutilized patio into a “chipmunk 401” with tables for dining to boot.
Buckley, 56, took over the Charlotte St. business in May.
After retiring from a 30-year career in education, Buckley returned to his hometown to pursue a post-retirement endeavour.
He purchased Simply Delicious from Barb Collins and partner, who’d originally started the business in the hospital’s Heart Health clinic.
About three years ago, the duo moved the establishment downtown into Rivulet Court (the former post office building), taking over the former space of Stickling’s Bakery.
They brought their concept of heart-healthy eating with them, serving fresh, healthy food.
Buckley has been building on that idea, adding a deli for personalized sandwiches and salads, for example. He shops for fresh produce every day, sourcing as much as he can locally.
Simply Delicious also has allday breakfast, freshly baked goods and coffee.
And, as of late, it also offers a getaway in the core of the city.
Nearly half the patio is a garden, filled with plants, birdhouses and feeders for a gang of chip-
munks, squirrels and birds.
“It’s just a little spot to get away from the chaos of the day,” Buckley said.
The patio bustles with critters, running along the garden and under tables as people dine.
There’s also a flautist who plays on the patio daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but he’s not alone.
“As soon as he starts with the flute, the birds start chirping.”
Because the patio is located along the King and Charlotte corridor, passersby often stop to take it in, or even dance.
Its location also makes the patio a great spot for peoplewatching.
“The world walks on that corridor.”
Although the restaurant buzzes over the lunch hour, Buckley said the patio is still somewhat of a secret.
They don’t advertise it, so if someone pops in for a quick sandwich, they might not know it’s there. That’s OK, though, Buckley said.
“For many of the people who come here, it’s kind of their best secret. They tell their best friends their secret…and then they tell their friends.”