Mike and Tina Rutledge are the current purveyors of the Bayview – the convenience store of choice for all cottagers. The store has everything from milk to fresh baking, pantry staples to ice cream cones and souvenirs. Bike rentals are also available. There is also an LCBO outlet inside which sure comes in handy when you arrive at the lake on a Friday afternoon! The Bayview has a sausage/hotdog BBQ stand during the summer months and don’t forget the awesome Open Mic entertainment hosted by Dan “Sweet Corn” Davidson on Sunday evenings. Most of the staff here are cottage youth so drop by and say hello as often as you can!
Summer Hours: Daily 9am-9pm.
Rondeau Joes
Paul Trudell opened up Rondeau Joe’s in 2009 and since has made significant upgrades in the kitchen, building and the adjacent marina. It is hard to find a seat most summer weekends because the pub is so popular with campers, hikers, birders and, well, pretty much anyone who likes a good time with a side of waffle-cut fries. But don’t worry, because Rondeau Joes also has a large patio by the water’s edge offering some of the best sunsets over Rondeau Bay. Thursdays are Rib Nights and their fresh Lake Erie perch and pickerel are always on the menu, with local craft brews on tap. Call ahead to reserve a table on busy weekends. Opens on the first Friday of May until after Labour Day. Hours vary.
Morpeth Pie Lady
Yes, there is such a thing. And boy, is she busy. When Darlene Workman isn’t selling vintage knick-knacks with her other business – Talbot Trail Antiques, she is baking pies. She sources out local ingredients when they are in season and makes the best pies this side of the Windsor border. (I’d do anything for her Dutch Apple). Put your order in by Thursday for Saturday pick up. Check out the Morpeth Pie Lady’s Facebook page to see what is available each week. Pies range $15-$18.
John and Grace Price
John is known affectionately to the cottage community as our watch dog, local historian and steward of all things Rondeau. But he pays his bills by doing yard maintenance (spring and fall clean up) and grass cutting. He also does painting, general repairs, junk removal, off season cottage checks, and he and his wife Grace excel in superb cottage cleaning. Best of all, he does all this with a smile. We love John and Grace to bits and are happy to feature them on this page.
Coco Craft Kitchen
Lise Cote has been coming to Rondeau for close to 40 years and purchased her Lakeshore Road cottage 12 years ago. She loves to create homemade (or should we say cottage made!) and unique jellies, chutneys, pickles and mustards that you can’t normally find on grocery store shelves. Dress up your snack trays with Pepper Mango Jelly, Pineapple Relish, Tomato Chutney, Pear Date Chutney, and more! She also has a soup of the week club during the busier summer months. Check out her Coco Craft Kitchen Facebook page for her current creations.