Restaurant Review - My New Tradition at the Cozy Stove Restaurant

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At my house, having people over qualifies as an olympic event in juggling. First comes planning the dinner menu. Then, comes tidying up. Then, starting to cook. Then, realizing I forgot a key ingredient. Then, begging my fiancée to babysit the pots while I rush out the door. By the time I get back from shopping to finish cooking, I’m too tired to really relax with my guests.

Having friends or family over for dinner doesn’t have to be a race against the hot stove. Just on the outskirts of Parksville, next to Errington, you’ll find the Cozy Stove.

Island Times found it, and it’s well worth a look.

It’s best not to think of the Cozy Stove as a restaurant, even though it is. The rustic front door makes it feel less like entering a business and more like arriving at a familiar house. While you’re there, it’s your house too.

It sure would be nice if my house had servers like theirs. I’m a big fan of green tea, so during my evening I ordered myself a pot. Over our teas, myself and my fiancée chatted about everything and nothing. Moments after I poured my second cup from my two-cup pot, my server was there offering me more hot water. And she wasn’t around to disturb the pleasant conversation before that. They know the pace of a meal, and they keep an eye on you to make sure yours goes very smoothly.

Then came the appetizer: pickle spears. Deep fried dill pickles. For the many of you who have never had something like this, pickle spears are dill pickles with an egg wash, then flash-fried for a crispy texture around a hot pickle quarter. The chefs at the Cozy Stove adapted the originally British recipe to taste lighter and more refreshing. I’d recommend having a pickle or two on your visit.

But I’d also recommend staying for an actual meal, since this is no backwater diner. The chef’s love of food shines through his exquisite dishes. My steak came with perfectly roasted vegetables and potatoes, as well as a yam chip garnish. I still remember the fork-tender texture days after my meal. That’s saying something too, because I usually can’t remember my breakfast.

My fiancée had the special that night: spinach fettuccine and veal with a white wine and cream demi-glaze reduction, shallots, and garlic, served with seasonal vegetables. No, I didn’t remember all that, like my server did. I had to write it down.

As fun as the 100-yard supermarket dash is, with the race against my own scorched entrées, I’ll be hanging up my olympic apron. Dinner at my house with friends now means dinner at the Cozy Stove.

The Cozy Stove in Parksville is open Wed. through Mon., 11:00am - 9:00pm. On Sat. and Sun., they open at 8:00am for breakfast. Closed on Tuesday. Call (250) 954-2224 to book a reservation or visit thecozystove.ca today.