Mike's Place And The Inner Sanctum

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MIKE'S PLACE - AND THE STILL-FRESH MEMORIES OF GOOD OLD SLOAN'S RESTAURANT

RE-ASSIGNING AN HISTORIC / ORIGINAL RELIC - BACK TO A PLACE OF HONOR

     SO THERE IT WAS! THE SIGN I WROTE ABOUT, A FEW BLOGS BACK. THE ONE I CONNECTED TO HUGH CLAIRMONT, AND WHERE SUZANNE AND I USED TO MEET THE LEGENDARY MUSICIAN, WRITER AND SOCIAL BUTTERFLY. I NOTICED RECENTLY IT HAD A RATHER UNFORTUNATE PLACEMENT, IN THE RENOVATED RESTAURANT, NAILED IN PLACE, JUST ABOVE THE WASHROOMS…..BECAUSE THE OWNER TRULY DIDN'T APPRECIATE ITS SIGNIFICANCE. HE WASN'T QUITE SURE WHAT IT MEANT, SO I SPENT A FEW MOMENTS EXPLAINING WHAT "INNER SANCTUM" REPRESENTED, AND HOW IT HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH BODILY FUNCTIONS. HERE'S THE REST OF THE STORY.

     HONESTLY, IF MIKE CHRISTOFOROU WOULD ALLOW ME, I WOULD NURSE A COFFEE THROUGH MOST OF THE MID-DAY, QUIETLY REMINISCING, OR WRITING, IN THE HISTORIC BUILDING HE OWNS AT 155 MUSKOKA ROAD, SOUTH, HERE IN UPTOWN GRAVENHURST (WHICH WAS ONCE DOWNTOWN BEFORE BUSINESS MEDDLING BEGAN). HIS CONTEMPORARY BUT NOSTALGICALLY APPOINTED RESTAURANT, IS KNOW TODAY AS "MIKE'S PLACE." US OLDTIMERS REMEMBER IT AS SLOAN'S RESTAURANT, ONE OF GRAVENHURST'S ICONIC MAIN STREET BUSINESSES. IT'S IN NO WAY AN ORDINARY RESTAURANT. IT CAN'T POSSIBLY BE. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY CELEBRITIES HAVE CROSSED THAT THRESHOLD, TO SIT AND DINE IN THE BUILDING MIKE OWNS? WELL, BY GOLLY, I COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT IT; THAT'S HOW COMPELLING THE STORY WOULD BE……..AN ACTION-PACKED CHRONICLE OF ITS DECADES OF HOSPITALITY SUCCESSES.

IT'S A PLACE WE SHOULD VISIT MORE OFTEN - AND THE FOOD - IT'S GOOD

     Andrew, Robert and I, often dine at Mike's Place, because we like the food and the host. He is a most congenial chap, and he treats us like royalty. Maybe he knows something about us that we don't. We had breakfast there this morning. Back in the days of Sloan's, we were more "lunch-time" and "dinner" customers. Of course we're a little older now, and it's hardy breakfast that energizes us, so we can endure a long work day, at the music and antique shop just down the road. We like what Mike has done to the place, and that's a deep and wide chasm to bridge, for us roaming band of history lovers. To me, it has enough of its original charm and rich woodwork, minus the huge Frank Johnston paintings of course, to make our regular sojourns wonderfully nostalgic. The ambience is pretty much the same, and if there was a full house, for Mike, I'm pretty sure it would be a more decisive, convincing and appealing turn back, to the halcyon days for the historic restaurant. The benches that our family sat on, way back, when we'd drive from Bracebridge for a lunch treat, are still there……and I never visit without landing in one of those booths…..as if rejoining my ghost, that seemingly never left Sloan's when it officially closed.

     I've been writing quite a bit about Sloan's Restaurant recently, as it was usually the place where Suzanne and I, out for a quiet dinner, would meet up with Hugh Clairmont, who often held court in the bar area of what was then known as the "Inner Sanctum." Mrs. Walker was always the waitress / server in the dining room, and she was so kind and helpful…..and she knew how to tame the lion that was Hugh Clairmont. He often went in after being out for a winter walk or even cross country skiing. It was that kind of place. Small, intimate, and comfortable. And it was in the heart of one of the best known restaurants in Muskoka. Yes, you're absolutely right……it was the freshly baked blueberry pie that made it most memorable.

     In a table-side chat today (Tuesday), with the owner, I asked him about the sign he had nailed, above the entrance to the washrooms, at the back of the restaurant. I commented that I had been reminiscing in my blog (column) recently about the "Inner Sanctum," and was just curious why he had mounted the rare original sign, on a large board, stretching across the restroom entrance. I explained to him that it had originally hung at the entrance to the dining room, on the left side of the building, when you entered the former restaurant; just past the check-out counter, and the bakery where those pies were on display. Mike said he wasn't familiar with the inside decor of Sloan's, as it had been, and just assumed that "Inner Sanctum" had something to do with a needed trip to the washroom. When I explained that it meant a quiet retreat, for thoughtful contemplation, he seemed a little embarrassed. "I didn't know what it meant," he said, with an awkward smile…..but no harm, no foul. Thank goodness it didn't get relegated to the garbage bin, with other materials cast-out from the original renovation.

     I made a suggestion to Mike, seeing as we were both comfortable with the post-breakfast conversation. I asked him if it was possible, out of respect for all of us, including Hughie, who used to seek solitude and good food in the former dining room, to shift the sign from the back of the restaurant, to the woodwork above the small, beautifully illuminated (by daylight) room, at the front of the building…..where the counter area used to be, adjacent to the showcases full of baked treats. He was most obliging, and in fact, told me over and over that he would do this as soon as possible. And I told him, that if Hugh was around, he would be as pleased as punch, that recognition was given to a Sloan's tradition here in this new era. So I told Mike that I'd actually get him an original "Sloan's Restaurant and Tavern, Wines & Beverages," insert, from the regular menu, with the artwork supplied by Frank Johnston……and as clear as crystal…..the sign above the entrance that reads, "Inner Sanctum." I've included an image of the Frank Johnston print. I haven't found my full menu yet, but I have about five copies somewhere in my archives. Frank did some good work for the Sloan family, that's for sure.

     Fred Schulz was telling me the other day, how he used to take entertainers, who were performing at the Opera House, while he was manager, for dinner at Sloans……and when news of it got around, the restaurant would be full of concert goers, interested in getting up close and personal with the celebrity group, including musicians. It was the central place to go, and in the heyday of the Muskoka Festival, it was entirely fashionable, especially on a summer evening, to dine at Sloans, with some blueberry pie for desert; and then take the short, historic walk south on Muskoka Road, to the iconic Gravenhurst Opera House, to be generously entertained. Fred remembers the great buzz of evenings like this, and how the nightlife seemed to be so exciting and complimentary. Gravenhurst was a happening place in entertainment, and it's looking as if there's a come-back on the way. Hopefully it will spill over to "Mike's Place," where much of Sloan's charm has been preserved……if you're willing to sample the fare, and reacquaint yourself with the history of the building……and the pleasant company of today's host…..a kind gentleman who likes to please his customers.

     I enjoy our morning meetings with Mike, a fascinating man to talk with, who today shared some of his stories about his homeland, Cyprus. He's led an amazing life, of both hardship, satisfaction and reward. I'm not qualified to be a restaurant critic. I'm just a frugal guy who lives a couple of blocks away, and likes good food and plenty of it…..and a nice atmosphere to reside, for that short period of time, we stay for a meal-time visit. We keep coming back. If the Curries make return visits…..well sir, it's got something going for it…….cause we're a fussy bunch. We like to sit there, sip our coffees, and think back to all the times, we visited as a young family…..Andrew being enthralled with those massive Frank Johnston watercolors, hanging above our table. Although they're long gone now, there's still something enthralling about the subtle sensation, of being in the midst of town history, almost at its core, that is just nice to drink in, and savor. I bet if I sat in Mike's Place long enough, I'd be able to hear the resonance of that husky, deep, Hugh Clairmont laugh, that came from the tips of his toes, and feel, for a precious moment, that the life force of the Inner Sanctum had mysteriously re-generated……but then, that's just the historian acting out a fantasy……of having what is old, and departed, brought back for an encore. I feel it is always possible here…..to relive the past….at my pace…..and most of today's blog was written in that comfortable quarters, looking out on the same bit of Muskoka Road, that the Sloan family watched-over for long and long, every morning when they opened their doors to the hungry patrons……and then the last scene they saw, of their town, at closing, in the dim lamplight of the old hometown.

     It was a little quiet today, but Mike told Robert and I, that he was hopeful his new liquor licence, would appeal to those diners, wishing a beverage with their meals. I think he would like it, if some of the old gang visited the restaurant again……even though he admits, all he knows about Sloan's Restaurant, is what patrons have mentioned over the years……and he's been asked about the Johnston paintings as well. He doesn't know what happened to them.

     Truth be known, and the owner will verify this, I asked Mike if he could move the "Inner Sanctum" sign, to the beautiful piece of woodwork, above the cheerful front room, as much, as a tribute to my old friend Hugh Clairmont, who sometimes used it as his office……where he often gathered with some of his entertainment cronies…..and sundry politicians, who wanted to get in on the conversation. As Hugh is getting a few well deserved credits recently, in local entertainment, especially with the newly announced Jazz / Blue Festival, upcoming in June of 2013, I couldn't resist the opportunity, of re-instating something that reminded me of the good old days…….when Hugh Clairmont was the life of the party. So in the near future, why don't you visit Mike's Place, and tell him you approve of the re-located "Inner Sanctum," and share a Christmas beverage….a festive breakfast, lunch or dinner. I think you'll find that it's still, in essence, the place it was……and if you listen carefully…..well, just listen…..

     I'm thrilled you took a few moments out of your busy day, to join me for this blog. I had a blast today reminiscing, and it's the kind of historical immersion I love the most. I hope to have more of these stories in the near future…..as opportunity presents. Please support Uptown Gravenhurst businesses. They're hardworking folks, and they represent much of the heritage of this town. Don't take it for granted that they can get along without your support. Partake in a traditional Christmas holiday in your hometown. Tell them Ted Currie suggested you call in for a visit. The rest is up to you! See you again soon.