By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
For Vincenza “Vee” and chef Alan Palenchuk, 10 years at the Corner House Bistro in Keswick is about much more than reaching a business milestone. It is about the community that welcomed them, supported them and became part of their story.
They celebrated the anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and recognition from the Town, MP Jacob Mantle and the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the community.
They are known not only for their food, but also for their generosity to local charities and families in need.
One of their first initiatives was ‘Charity Bread’. Every meal begins with complimentary fresh, house-made focaccia; additional bread can be purchased for $3, with all proceeds donated to local charities.
The Palenchuks have supported school breakfast programs, the community fridge, Sandgate Women’s Shelter, the Georgina Food Bank and other local causes.
For Vee, the connection between food and generosity began in childhood. Her Italian parents ran fresh-produce businesses; she remembers her mother giving baskets of food to people in need.
“Growing up in an Italian family,” Vee says, “food brings people together, in good times and bad.”
That philosophy is very much alive at the Bistro, where Vee greets many customers by name and makes newcomers feel like family.
“The community stood behind us when we started,” she said. “Now we want to give back.”
Alan agreed. “Almost everybody who comes here, we know.” And while locals make up much of their following, Vee points out that the Bistro also welcomes visitors from Toronto, Burlington and beyond.
The couple chose Georgina after living in cities, drawn to its slower pace. Alan remembers driving through Keswick and stopping at the restaurant that occupied the location before the Bistro.
Vee recalls with a smile, “I took one look around and exclaimed, Oh my God, it’s our restaurant!”
Corner House Bistro is known for fine dining with a casual feel and both Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Everything is made from scratch and cooked to order, with vegetables purchased from local farmers.
“We’re also blessed with very good, very creative staff,” Alan says. “That’s what allows us to grow.”
With new menu ideas in the works, the couple are looking forward to the next chapter.
After 10 years of good food, good people and good deeds, Corner House Bistro has the perfect recipe for another decade.
The Corner House Bistro. 240 Church Street, Keswick (https://cornerhousebistro.ca/)
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