Dinner Clubs


Dinner Club A meets the 1st Tuesday of each month

Dinner Club B meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month
Dinner Club C meets the 4th Tuesday of each month
Dinner Club D meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month
Dinner Club E meets the 1st Wednesday of each month
Dinner Clubs F meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month
Dinner Club G meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month
Dinner Club H meets the 4th Wednesday of each month
Dinner Club J meets the 3rd Thursday of each month
Dinner Club k meets the 4th Thursday of each month
This is one of the best attended regular social activities in our club with almost half of our members and their spouses or partners participating. We currently have 11 groups meeting monthly at nearby restaurants. This is a great activity to meet and socialize with other members of Applewood PROBUS as well as to experience new places to eat. In turn, group members host the others at a restaurant they have previously visited. Afterwards, the host sends a note to the Applecore to comment on the experience and advise if he would or would not recommend the restaurant to others. We publish a list of those recommendations annually. It should be noted that joining a group does not require attendance at every monthly outing. Anyone wishing to join a group meeting on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening should contact Roy Hicks.
   
How to submit a report
One email with pictures and reports will make it to both the newsletter and the website.
Please submit them as soon as possible.
Photos and videos from more than one member are OK.
Send to: applepro805@gmail.com
 
J - February  2024

Dinner Group J met on Thursday, February 15 at The Open Cork Restaurant, hosted by Brian and Gladys Howitt.

We all enjoyed our surroundings and delicious meals, while discussing various topics

Present were Bruce and Ester Calder, Ron and Andrea Kawchuk, Barry and Alverna Metcalfe, Eric and Brenda Smith, Bill and Lea Halliwell
Absent were Allison and Reg Perkin and Susanne Bray who had other commitments.

Brian Howitt
H - January  2024

Five members of Group H enjoyed a lunch rather than a dinner at La Scala Ristorante, 2601 Matheson Blvd. We chose to have a lunch rather than a dinner because of the unpredictable winter weather and the difficulty driving in dark evenings.

The attending members were Rod and Sybil McLeod, Denis and Carolyn Bailey, and Craig Tyers. Craig’s wife Shirley was absent hosting a book club. Also unable to join us were Doug and Marilyn Johnston and Bob and Sharon Topping.

The food was delicious and the service was friendly and efficient. We were seated in a quiet corner of the restaurant that made conversation easy. We had a wide-ranging discussion that included international affairs and foreign travel, particularly to Portugal.

Denis Bailey
J - Janurary 2024
Dinner Club J met for lunch on Thursday, January 14 at the Royal Windsor Pub in Oakville. We enjoyed good food, specials, and lots of stimulating conversation in our private room. The price was very reasonable. It was very nice to see Susanne Bray back with us.


Doug Johnston
H - November 2023
The Johnston's had carefully selected The Maharajah Restaurant because, when visited to check it out, it had a quiet warm ambience to savour some Indian cuisine.  Lo and behold when we arrived for the Dinner Club on Nov 22nd, they were providing live music, Indian style.  Nevertheless, the Mcleods, The Toppings, Baileys and Johnstons enjoyed the evening, although the Tyers had to cancel at the last moment.

If Indian cuisine is attractive to you, this restaurant is worth the visit, but if you are not into spices, it is probably advisable to avoid it.  And it may be worthwhile to check in advance to see if live music will be on the menu!

Doug Johnston
A - November 2023
Dinner Group A met on Tuesday, November 7 at Michael's Back Door Restaurant on Lakeshore Road.  As many Applewood Probians will know, this comfortable and classy Italian restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for over 40 years.  We were nine happy diners -- Peter and Joyce Delves, Ken and Linda Foxcroft, Don and Brenda Gibson, Bob Martin, Roy Hicks, and host Bob Weese.  Kathy Baxter, Bob Martin's sister-in-law, was on her way back from South Africa.  A good time was had by all.  Some of us took advantage of the Wild Game menu -- the kangaroo risotto was a big hit!

Bob Weise





B - October 2023

Our October 17th dinner group B was whittled down to 2 couples, the Posnos and the Marks, due to vacations and sicknesses within the group.
Casalinga was our choice and a pleasant time was experienced with food and a wonderfull waitress.
Both couples recommend Casalinga at Southdown and Royal Windsor Drive.

John Mark
H - October 2023

Although diminished because several of our group were dealing with medical issues, three couples enjoyed the ambience and food at Solstice Restaurant.  We were able to welcome Bob and Susan Topping to our group and catch up with the Tyers and Johnston's exploits. Our waiter was attentive and helpful explaining with patience and humour how to pronounce some items on the menu, and the food met everyone's discerning palates.  While unable to solve the world's problems, we did explore the legacy of laughter and brilliance acquired from a good Scottish ancestry.
J - October 2023

Probus Lunch Group J met on October 25, 2023 at the Brampton Mandarin, hosted by Reg and Alison Perkin.  Present were Bruce and Ester Calder, Ron and Andrea Kawchuk, Barry and Alverna Metcalfe, Bill and Lea Halliwell, Brian and Gladys Howitt.  Brenda Smith was ill so she and Eric were absent. Susanne Bray was busy arranging the Celebration of Life for her recently departed husband John, an event at Glenerin Inn which all of our group will attend on October 26th.

As always the food at the Mandarin was plentiful and delicious, the service excellent and the cost modest.  We had arranged seating at two tables for six in a quiet area at the rear of one of the rooms, so conversation was easy and much enjoyed.  Net result:  we ended up staying for over two hours. Highly recommended. – Reg Perkin
G -  October 18, 2023

Dinner Group G met at at Posticino Restaurant on the Queensway October 18th.
The food and wine was well received. Seafood fans enjoyed both smelt and Arctic Char.

Don
A -  October 3, 2023

Probus Dinner Group A met on Tuesday October 3rd at Simply Thai on Bloor Street, just west of Runnymede. In attendance were Roy Hicks, Peter and Joyce Delves, Ken and Linda

Foxcroft, Bob Martin, and Kathy Baxter, Bob’s sister-in-law. The food was wonderful, and even those who were unfamiliar with Thai food, discovered a new taste sensation.

Good food, and great camaraderie was had by all.

Bob Martin
H -  September 25, 2023

Dinner Club H, although somewhat diminished by illnesses among our roster, had a very enjoyable evening on September 25th at the Clarkson Mediterranean Bistro.  The Johnstons and Mcleods guided by our hosts the Tyers’ caught up after a summer hiatus, thought positive thoughts about the Blue Jays, the opening of the hockey season, added  a few tall tales and had a great time.  The food was excellent as was the service and ambience.

Doug
J -  September 5, 2023

12 of us enjoyed long conversations and a wide variety of well prepared lunch dishes at the Mediteranian Bistro in Clarkson on Sept 21.

We had to wait quite some time for our food as the restaurant was surprisingly very busy including another chatty group of 17 seated nearby and the kitchen was  understaffed for the 1st hour.

Overall a great restaurant, extensive menu, reasonable prices, and good service, lovely presentation, but things may be a tad slow, depending.
A -  September 5, 2023

We gathered at Flame Food + Design in the Bloor West Village where Serhai, the owner,  explained the unique attributes of Anatolian food before we made our choices. We all enjoyed various kabobs, and shareable Bad Apple (eggplant and yogurt)  and salad appetizers.  Definitely, we give the restaurant a thumbs up and would caution diners sensitive to hot food to pay attention to the spicing.
G -  July 19, 2023

On Wednesday,July 19,Group 'G' celebrated Summer by having a BBQ in the back garden of Tom and Cam McAuliffe. Everyone pitched in bringing appetizers,main course and dessert.

In attendance were our leader David  and Louise Litner,our hosts Tom and Cam McAuliffe,Norm and Gail Rutenberg, Don and Barb Taylor,Bill and Gail Jones,Marty and Frances Wanat, Gil and Frances Clay and guests Bruce and Ester Calder.

Judging from the comments after tne event it was a very successful BBQ get together.

"Thanks for a great afternoon in your beautiful backyard.The beef was delicious and the ice cream galore was fabulous.
 
All the tasty contributions from everyone added so much to the meal."

"Thanks so much for hosting the BBQ. It was a super event and everyone had a great time.Your beautiful backyard certainly provides a great atmosphere for enjoyment."

"Another smashing party. We really enjoyed the BBQ.  --  great tenderloin  --  .congrats to the cook."

Tom McAuliffe.
J -  July 20, 2023

Bruce and Ester Calder offered their  garden for our luncheon on July 20th.
We met at  12 noon.
5 couples  were present, and  to our delight, there was no threat of rain.
Barry Metclfe was the BBQ master.
Thanks for the contributions to our luncheon  from our group's members. 
No pictures, but we all enjoyed the afternoon.

Bruce Calde
G -  Jun 21, 2023

We celebrated the longest day of the year and the first day of summer (June 21) by eating at La Scala Restaurant.

Everybody enjoyed the meal and we had a good conversation and great service.
As we left the restaurant, we could see a beautiful sunset on the horizon, ending a great day.


Gil
A -  Jun 6, 2023

The Probus Dinner Club had a wonderful meal at Vibo Restaurant on Bloor Street in the Kingsway on June 6th.  The food, service and company were excellent.  Our next dinner will be in September.

Barry Metcalf
J - May 25, 2023

We met today at the Spoon and Fork.  There were 12 of us divided into two tables for the All You Can Taste lunch.  Here is a photo.



Barry Metcalf
A - May 02, 2023

Dinner Group A met on Tuesday, May 2, at La Vinia, a Spanish restaurant at
2350 Lakeshore Blvd W.  Besides host Bob Weese, the group included Bob
Martin, Bob's sister-in-law Kathy Baxter, Ken and Joyce Foxcroft, Peter
Delves, and Roy Hicks.  Absent were Don and Brenda Gibson, who were in
Saskatoon visiting a daughter, and Joyce Delves, who was in England visiting
a sister.

La Vinia is a fairly small restaurant and the place was full the night we
were there.  Street parking, normally readily available, was more difficult
than usual (perhaps because Cirque de Soleil was just a few blocks to the
east).  The food was great -- a wide variety of tapas (small plates), soups
and salads, several different paellas, and tempting desserts (including a
delicious "fried milk"). Some of us also enjoyed the extensive wine list or
a glass of beer.  The discussion was, as always, stimulating.

Bob Weese
E - April 19, 2023

The name Sorsi e Morsi stands for "sip and bite". Group E thoroughly enjoyed the dinner. The selection was ample, the service excellent and the food very tasty and served hot.
Attending were John and Anne Allan, Victor and Mary Fornasier, Stu and Judy Hutcheson and the hosts Paul and Diane Walters.
The location on Dundas Street near Burnhamthorpe has been occupied by a restaurant for many years. It was formerly known as Oregano and was affiliated with a Cooking School nearby. The current owners are keeping up the excellent tradition.
The seafood pasta was popular with the group. It had a delicious sauce.
The trattoria is recommended for other groups.
Attached is a photograph of the group, courtesy of Victor Fornasier.
H - March 22, 2023

Only a diminished number of our group attended the March 22 meeting at Merlot Restaurant. The food and service were excellent. We were seated a small table near the rear of the restaurant, where the ambience was pleasant and our conversation was audible.

Our appreciation of the dinner was enhanced by our partaking of the restaurant’s Wednesday special on half-priced bottles of wine (hic!).


Denis Bailey
J - March 16, 2023

We decided last year to meet for lunch instead of dinner to avoid driving in the dark

Eleven of us met for lunch at Saucy's Restaurant  in Streetsville and all agreed that it was a great lunch in terms of ambiance and food.

We didn't solve any of the World's problems but everyone appeared to have a good time with lots of chatter.

Saucy's is certainly worth consideration for lunch or dinner.
A - March 7, 2023

We dined at the Astoria Restaurant, where we enjoyed Greek salads and a variety of shishkabobs by an open fireplace.

We talked about English accents, Afgan refugee support activities, ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence research and writing app), travel (in Portugal), and Greek salads (should they contain tomatoes?). 

Our ratings for the meal, on a scale of 10, ranged from 6 to 8 averaging 7.5.
H - March 1, 2023

After weather delays for the second month in a row, Dinner Group H finally got together for their February meeting at The Apricot Tree Restaurant – on March 1st!.  The consensus was the food was good and tasty, the service friendly and efficient, and the desserts something to die for. Assembled around the table, taking a break from setting the world to rights are: Doug and Marilyn Johnston, Carolyn and Denis Bailey, Craig and Shirley Tyers, Sybil and Rod McLeod, Dick Nell and Sylvia Federber.

Doug Johnston
K - February 23, 2023

Ten of us gathered on a messy Thursday last to attend our monthly dinner held at Casalinga Ristorante located at 2057 Royal Windsor Drive (Corner of Southdown Road and Royal Windsor Drive).  The food was generous and delicious with a taste of Italy.  Most delightful was the fact the restaurant set us up with a table for ten with three chairs on each of two sides and two settings on the other two side . . . made for much better conversation versus the long narrow tables we usually find.

Elsa Bedell brought her friend Mary, a friend visiting from Trinidad.

Marion Rogers couldn't join us this month and Bob and Jane Whitehead declined our invitation - they thought vacationing in Costa Rica was a warmer idea. 

Thanks to our dinner companions for waiting while Anne and I shared a dessert.  Very kind and the dessert was very good
A - February 7, 2023

Our group met at Piatto's Bistro on Dundas Street.  We all enjoyed a lovely variety of dinners, good company and spirited conversation. We were disappointed to hear that the long expected closing of this fine restaurant will be in June. The site will be demolished and will be replaced by a condominium. Piatto's has served this community well for over thirty years and has always given fine service with cheerful and willing personnel. They will be missed. If you plan to say farewell to this wonderful Mississauga landmark, do it soon.