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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016
Rondeau Joe’s back for another summer
Like daffodils and tulip trees, the opening of Rondeau Joe’s Pub is a welcome sign that warm weather is finally on its way. Paul Trudell’s popular waterfront pub and restaurant is celebrating its eighth season. Its growing popularity is built on its beautiful location, great food and an atmosphere where everyone from Jimmy Buffet to Warren Buffett will feel welcome. “It’s a relaxed environment,” Paul said while doing last minute preparations for this week’s full time opening. “If you want to come in from work in a suit that’s fine but if you want to come in from the beach, you’re more than welcome.” That “come-as-you-are” attitude carries over to the pub’s spacious patio where more than 30 people can sit under a new 46-foot long awning installed for this year. “It’s probably the only place in Chatham-Kent where you can sit on the water during a rain storm and not get wet,” he said. Although the patio is full on sunny days, Paul said there are those who love to sit and watch the rain come across Rondeau Bay. “It gets pretty interesting as you watch Shrewsbury or Rondeau Bay Estates getting a downpour while we’re dry on this side.” The patio is pet-friendly and often hikers or others out for a walk will stop in for refreshments. “We always have water bowls out for the dogs.” Along with some kitchen renovations, Paul has added a new menu item for this season. “We’ve got fresh local smelt,” he said. “People have asked for them so we found a local firm that can supply us.” He said the tradition of “smelting” is something he remembers from his childhood. “I remember we’d get the call at 10 at night that the smelt were running. We’d all head out, grab a bucket and bring them in.” That kind of nostalgia has made Rondeau Joe’s location a popular destination since the 1970s. “It started out as a private yacht club, then it was Brownie’s Cove 2 and Lester’s on the Bay,” he said. “It went through a couple of other owners but was vacant for a few years before we started in 2009.” Perch remains the most popular item on the menu, but the rib, chicken and fajita nights are always busy. “Thursday night is rib night and it is an absolute tradition,” he said. “They’ve served ribs here since the 1980s and we still use the same recipe and method that has been handed down. It’s a combination of smoking and cooking.” Friday night perch regularly drew Americans who brought their yachts across from Ohio. “Gas was cheaper and it was a different time, then,” he said. With fajitas on Saturday and rotisserie chicken on Sunday, the weekends are busy, although with seating capacity of 86, there isn’t often a wait. “If you have a large group, you might want to call for a reservation but we can fit in groups of six or less usually without any wait,” he said. With some three-dozen menu items and nine beer varieties on tap, (including local favourite Long Pond) as well as the famous Rondeau Joe’s Caesar, there are plenty of food and refreshment options. “We try to stay as local as possible,” Paul said. “We use local ingredients, hire local staff and be part of the community.” Paul is proud of his regular customers, some of whom are in each week during the summer. “Rondeau is a tradition and we have families that go back four or five generations.” He said the area’s beauty has given Rondeau a reputation of attracting celebrities throughout the years. “Long before we were here, there was an ice cream store on this site where John Lennon showed up one day,” he said. “The Beatles had finished a show in Toronto and one of the record executives had a cottage here so they took a puddle jumper, landed on the lake and stayed here. There are still people around who were here when John walked in.” The notorious bootlegger Al Capone once had a cottage in Rondeau under an alias. “This was the perfect area for rum running and there was lots of it during Prohibition,” he said. “There are still places around that had secret rooms.” Whether it’s tradition, a laid-back atmosphere, a great menu or the love of a beautiful sunset, a trip to Rondeau Joe’s is worth the time.
(519) 674-0006 • www.rondeaujoes.com
11521 Wildwood Line, Rondeau (just outside the gate)