Monarch's is open in the Courtyards

Mayor Marolyn Morrison was on hand last Wednesday at the grand opening of Monarch's. She was congratulating owner/chef Spiros Doulias, accompanied by Councillors Annette Groves, Richard Paterak, Richard Whitehead and Jason Payne, and local musician Stan Shabason, who plays jazz and Latin standards on weekends.

After almost a year of renovations, a new Bolton restaurant in the Royal Courtyards at the corner of King and Queen Streets officially opened Jan. 9.

Owner/chefs Spiros Doulias and his father Jimmy did all the renovations themselves and appropriately called this labour of love Monarch's.

Town councillors joined Mayor Marolyn Morrison at the opening as they sampled Monarch's New Orleans style Cajun food.

Since its unofficial opening six weeks ago, Monarch's has already attracted some devoted regulars who return for some of the chefs' specialties, which include crab cakes, catfish, alligator and spicy jambalaya. The casually-elegant, 70-seat restaurant is enhanced weekend evenings when local musician Stan Shabason plays jazz and Latin standards on the house baby grand.

With more than 50 years of restaurant experience between the father and son team, this is a dream come true for Spiros.

"I've always wanted to have my own restaurant where I can share the food I love the most in a beautiful, relaxed environment while good music is playing in the background," he commented.

As soon as the weather gets warm enough, they plan to open the large front windows to access a generous outdoor patio that will spill onto the inner courtyard and fountain area.

At present, Monarch's is open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. There is a lovely bar area beside the piano for those who are looking for drinks and appetizers only. Monarch's can also accommodate business meetings and will be glad to help you plan special functions for any day including Sundays.

For reservations, call (905) 857-1378.