The Spicy Pearl has moved just around the corner, but with this small move comes some big changes.
The Spicy Pearl first opened its doors in Cornwall in February 2020, just six weeks before the pandemic hit. Luckily the challenges created by restrictions did not stop this husband-and-wife duo, Roger Caron and Yada McDonald from carrying out their vision.
The pair worked hard to grow their loyal following during the pandemic by reducing the menu and concentrating on doing a few things really well. The couple offered consistently delicious dishes focused around their passion of both Jamaican and Thai flavours. Apparently, the recipe was a huge success as the new restaurant is filled with trinkets and gifts from customers expressing their appreciation for the cultured destination.
The opportunity to relocate came when landlord Rothmar Holdings decided to turn their original space into residential units. “We had to find a new home,” shared Caron “we weren’t sure where we would go, but working with the landlord we were blessed to have this new space come available.”
The new location, literally around the corner, is 105 Pitt Street in the heart of downtown Cornwall, home to previous tenants Crushed Lane and Bar-Q. The move is small but the benefits have the potential to be great.
“It’s only been a few days and we already notice the increased foot traffic in the new location” Caron happily exclaims. “Our new space is bigger, better and I know we will be very happy here until we retire.”
Caron and McDonald have big plans for the new location. In addition to the over $30,000 of renovation investment to create a brand-new kitchen and a bright and open dine-in space, the culinary couple are also expanding the menu and the operating hours. The new menu will be available in a couple of weeks and will include the fan favorites as well as some Thai-Jamaican fusion dishes, more west Indian dishes and eventually making alcoholic beverages available.
“What most people don’t realize is that we offer some of the most expensive meats in town” shares Caron “all our proteins are halal, supplied by a local trusted Muslim. Items like ox tail and goat come at a premium price.”
Although using high quality, whole ingredients the team does it’s best to keep menu prices as reasonable as possible and have made a reputation for themselves for offering large portion sizes well worth the price tag. Customers have also come to love the respectfulness and responsiveness of classically trained Chef Caron, adapting his dishes to meet customers’ needs whether it be dietary restrictions or heat sensitivities.
“We want to appeal to the masses so we make everything fresh and customizable to meet the needs of our customers.” Caron explains “I am always happy to hear our patrons’ feedback, and that is one of the reasons we offer more of a north east Thai flavour, giving the customers something they can’t get anywhere else in town.”
When to visit
The Spicy Pearl is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm for dine in and take-out.
You can call a head at 613-932-6486 or stop by for take-out orders.
