Eatdrink #39 January/February 2013

№ 39 | January/February 2013 www.eatdrink.ca 33
Photos this page courtesy Andrew Dobson www.dobbernationloves.com
Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad: Ovenroasted beets
and fresh strawberry, tossed with local arugula, crisp
pancetta, chevre cheese and house vinaigrette
genuinely curious about how everything
comes together, repeating what he is told
to be sure he understands, and twining
bacon around more than a few dill pickles
till he’s mastered the technique. (He’s
cheerful with it though, and despite the
early hour, he’s prone to bursts of random,
falsetto scatting in between takes!) From
the pickles, he progresses to massaging a
turkey breast, and it’s clear
he’s up for any culinary
challenge. It’s equally clear
that he has seen a lot of food
in this quest across Canada,
but he has only good things
to say about The Early Bird.
“First of all, it’s the
honesty Justin and Gregg
bring,” Catucci explains
between takes. “It shines
through and it’s real. You
can taste the difference with
this kind of care, and people
appreciate that. Customers
are made to feel like family.
Plus, Justin’s bringing the
‘cool factor’ to London.”
He also notes that people are, on the
whole, much more discriminating now
— they don’t want to eat greasy, reheated
food, and they know the difference.
The Early Bird is offering quality, local
ingredients, king-sized portions, and a
particularly distinct menu for extremely
reasonable prices. If Facebook is anything
to go by, the film shoot was a huge success,
and there’s a definite zip of excitement.
John shrugs. “When you wake up smelling
bacon, it’s hopeful. It’s gonna be a good
day. A great day even. Maybe some people
feel like that if they wake up to boiling kale,
but really? I don’t think so.”
The Early Bird
355 Talbot St., London
519-439-6483
www.facebook.com/EarlyBirdLondon
hours of operation (subject to change)
monday: 11am-3pm
tuesday & wednesday: 11am-midnight
thursday: 11am-2am
friday and saturday: 11am – 3am
sunday: 11am-9pm
Sue Sutherland Wood is a freelance writer who also
works in the London Public Library system. She lives in London with
her teenage sons and a floating population of dogs and cats.Read
more of Sue’s work at www.womenspost.ca
The TurduckKen Style Club: Smoked turkey, panko fried chicken, duck
bacon, hot house tomato, mixed greens and maple syrup