Top feature photo: Red Seal Chef Dale Donnelly with some of his team - Patricia Powell, second from left, Dianne Mallory and Chef Richard Baumtrog are shown in front of the namesake mural. Not shown are Bonnie Greer, Mindy Field and Larissa Lachapelle.

MALLORYTOWN - Experienced Chef Dale Donnelly is about to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant on the shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Already the owner of Mallorytown's Landing Restaurant and Trattoria in Mallorytown, Dale is happy he will soon be launching Donnelly's on the Ivy Lea village waterfront.

"Donnelly's on the river is going to be a licensed restaurant featuring the best view in the 1000 Islands with a remodelled look and moderately-priced menu options," Dale says of seeing the former Mount Airy Resort (more recently named Smuggler's Run) reopened. It will feature a new trellised waterfront patio and indoor restaurant with combined seating for 300. A soft opening is planned for early May with the full opening set for the Victoria Day May long weekend.

"There is something for all tastes with a selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails all in a Florida Keys-style atmosphere right here in Canada on the river," he says. 

Dale has been working in kitchens since his youth. He earned his Red Seal chef's accreditation by age 19 and has cooked at high-level hotels and smaller local restaurants. Dale was head chef for 10 years at what is now called Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands. For the past 5 years he has been growing Mallorytown's Landing Restaurant into an eatery which consistently receives 5-star ratings from online reviewers. 

"We're a family-style country restaurant," he says of the Landing, which features special menu and theme nights, including karaoke, a games room, a summer patio and regular entertainment. It seats approximately 120 people.

"Our numbers are increasing every year and we're highly rated by tourists and travelers.  We have a lot of talent here with 2 Red Seal chefs and one with 40+ years of experience," says Dale. Food is fresh and of top-notch quality, according to Dale. He plans to offer the same quality fresh foods with affordable options for all at Donnelly's when it opens. He will soon be looking to hire cooks, servers and bartenders.

Learn more about Mallorytown's Landing Restaurant and Trattoria by visiting their Facebook page, email or give them a call at 613-923-2222. Delivery is available. The restaurant is located at 1489 County Road 2 in Mallorytown. 

Look for announcements from Dale on the upcoming opening of Donnelly's. Their number is 613-659-4334.

The Premier`s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence is now open for applications. The program recognizes the dedication, hard work and innovation of local agri-food businesses and individuals adding value to existing products, helping create jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Submit your application before midnight on April 28, 2017, to be eligible for a chance to win one of the following awards: 

Premier`s Award - one prize of $75.000

Minister`s Award - one prize of $50,000

Leaders in Innovation Award - three prizes of $25,000

Provincial Award - 45 prizes of $5,000

Learn more about this award and how to apply by visiting the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website or by contacting your Leeds Grenville representative Katie Nolan at 613-258-8371 or email her.

North Augusta`s V6 Agronomy Inc. co-owners Ryan Brophy and Amy Fogo were recipients of the 2016 Provincial Award along with Westport`s Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery.

The RED Program is now open for applications with the intake period running until March 31st.  The program provides cost-share funding to rural communities, indigenous communities and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations.

Your Leeds Grenville representative is Katie Nolan, Agriculture
and Rural Economic Development Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  She can be reached at 613-258-8371 or email her if you have any questions.

 

Learn more about the RED program's guidelines.