Fresh Kutz Market and Grill in Bracebridge is a favourite eating establishment in the area. And for good reason – the food is fresh, the menu has great choices, the service is friendly and efficient, and the kitchen is right there – you can watch your order being prepared as you wait. All this and great prices, too, equals value for your dining dollar. And the locals know it, which sometimes makes it difficult to find a place to sit.

The choices listed on the chalkboard menu, which change daily to reflect the availability of fresh products, are wonderfully eclectic. Try their famous seafood chowder, or other fresh seafood (flown in to Toronto and delivered directly to Fresh Kutz), such as swordfish steak, poached salmon, scallops or shrimp, or fresh pickerel or trout. A variety of salads, and savoury sandwiches, including BBQ chicken on a bun, or a 6 oz. NY steak on a bun, are available for lunch. Or try their hearty breakfasts anytime.

  Fresh Kutz has a take-out menu, too, sells deli meats to take home, and lets you choose the cut of meat for your meal right from their deli counter.

  Head Chef Dave Mann and owner Clarence Boyes then expertly prepare it on the grill, in full view of where you are waiting expectantly. You won’t have to wait long, either – server Linda Boyes and co-owner June McAllister make sure of that. You’ll be tempted to linger over the delicious meal, though, enjoying the casual atmosphere, the bottomless cup of coffee, and perhaps trying their own specialty dessert – Bannofee. Consisting of a graham wafer crust and a toffee filling, with sliced bananas, whip cream and chocolate sauce, it is one of Clarence’s own creations, and simply decadent.

  And you won’t be disappointed once you have finished your respite and move on to pay.  For example, a lunch special of grilled chicken breast on a bun with either soup or fries costs just $6.50.

  Now I understand why we had to circle the plaza to find a place to park.

  Located at the Wellington plaza in on Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Fresh Kutz Market and Grill is open Monday from 8 to 4, Tuesday to Thursday 8 to 7:30, Friday 8 to 8 and Saturday 8 to 7.  Their Thursday night special of fresh halibut and chips is delectable.