32 always more online @ eatdrinkmag.net issue twelve ? september 2008 RESTAURANTS
Walker's is a Tradition to Savour
By Melanie North Five years ago, restaurant manager Rob Pouliot bought a London institution. Walker's Restaurant and fish & chips have been synonymous for over 60 years in London. "I wanted to be self-employed and started looking into Walkers,? recalls Pouliot. "I realized it was fish & chips.? Originally from New Brunswick, Pouliot had spent many years in London managing restaurants and wanted to open something of his own. When former owner Jeff Duncan decided to sell his Wellington St. and Sherwood Forest Mall locations, Pouliot stepped up. He bought the Wellington location and, nine months later, the Sherwood Forest store, which re-opened as Robbie Walkers Fish & Chips. Pouliot says it has been a work in progress these last five years. Trying to make the right changes, yet keep the restaurant the same, has been a challenge. The décor still has the flavour of a diner, but at the Wellington loca- tion where we chatted, he has recently taken out the centre row of booths and replaced them with tables, making it easier for large parties to gather together. Booths remain against the wall and at the front, and by the window is a counter with stools where you can eat and survey the streetscape, while a large Betty Boop doll overlooks the corner tables. Most critical to the ambiance: the place is bustling. The menu, according to Pouliot, was an adventure. While he wanted to keep it the same, for financial reasons he was compelled to add a few items for non-fish lovers. Currently, he has seven different kinds of poutine, and ten different burgers. Pouliot is constantly tinkering with the menu because he wants to "deliver the best.? He tests items, gets feedback from staff and customers, and if it isn't up to scratch it comes off the menu. And everything here is made from scratch. Yes, real Walker's has offered traditional fish and chips for over 60 years.eatdrink savour stratford this september 20th & 21st!6 34 40 45 14 32eatdrink? crunchy carrots & tasty tomatoesthe return to flavourslow foodbenvenuti to authentic italian ...9519 667 0535thebraywick thebraywickthe best products you'll never seegreat food ... fine wine ... good timescopper is cookware for kingsin stockelegance & simplicityvisit our newly designed & expanded showroom onta rio's west coast choco-liciousthe buzzthe sunnivue farmstore schnitzel schnitzel??????????????????????? katana kafémykonosjambalaya is jump-up world cuisine25years 28celebrate the harvest30www.relishelgin.ca walker's is a tradition to savour33foraging now easier in bayfieldwinemaker's dinner serieswhat's up, doc? carrots!chocolate carrot cakechianti culture in casks39screen doors and sweet teacooking blue cheese pecan breadbounty from prince edward countyartevino 2008 wine award winnerswhat's brewing in craft beer culture46what do london women want?"more than a visit... an experience!?