An Evening of Bluegrass at the Justamere Cafe

It’s hard to compete with a setting sun, but Crowdis Bridge did it. With summer creeping around the corner, a 7pm dinner show at the Justamere Cafe still welcomed lots of sunlight into the open dining room. The tables were set, the candles were lit, and the band had already sound checked with the help of a 5 year old dining room guest belting “twinkle, twinkle”, testing the range of the acoustics.

The room filled at 7 on the dot. Few came early when the doors opened… no one needed time to settle, Crowdis Bridge settled us on their own.

Althought the night wasn’t rushed, the music that erupted shortly after seven sent the wait staff into a blue grass state that pushed everyone to tap their feet and fill their glasses. Although the kitchen wasn’t able to hear the amazing music pushing it’s way through the double doors, they nonetheless moved to the beat of the dining room. The bread and appetizers came out shortly after the show began. Fresh baked onion-poppy seed bread, spring rolls and asian salad filled the room.

I must say, there is great music playing in the dining room all day long, everyday. Eileen has created a fantastic play list for the run of the mill dining room listening… but you become listless to the playlist… and I just don’t hear it anymore. But Crowdis Bridge stopped me in my tracks. I tried to wipe the stupid grin off my face a few times, but it’s hard to when you’re proud of the party that you and your friends threw.

After a few more songs came the main course. Glasses were polished and refilled and the kitchen was ready with entrees. Chef Mark Curry, Sous chef Jordan Mahoney and Dwayne Burke sent out a dining room full of Pork tenderloins, Pan Fried Haddocks and Vegetarian options in mere minutes. It went exactly like we thought it would, like we hoped it would, like we put the time into making sure it would…

 During intermission the band mingled with the crowd. They sat with guests, chatted and shared drinks with fans. What more could you want?

The final set was accompanied by fresh coffee and tea and of course our famous coconut cream pie. Thank goodness that’s what we served, or people may have refused it – even though everyone was stuffed, no one could say no to coconut cream pie. Just ask Bernice Macdonald…

Ryan Macmillan and Chelsey Pellerin gave fantastic service and Eileen and I couldn’t be more proud. Because of their hard work we were even able to sit down and enjoy a drink after Mark had packed up the kitchen and sent his team home. Isn’t that the sign of good team work and hard efforts? When those in charge can actually sit down and enjoy the show themselves?

We’re so proud of the evening and can’t wait to put on more events! We’re two for two in the Justamere Dining Room Series and we hope to continue all summer and into the fall with musical guests. Stayed tuned.

Food and music compliment each other so well, and we are extremely proud to be able to bring you both. It takes hard work on all ends, but when you get to experience a successful night like we did on Saturday it makes it all worthwhile. Nothing felt better than sitting down for a beer with friends and listening to those last few songs from Crowdis Bridge. The night wound to a close, guests put their coats on, while we all sat back and appreciated the hum of a happy dining room. How sweet that music was.