The Curly Willow Eatery — Restaurant in Collingwood

Not a place for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

I don't like leaving negative reviews, but I do believe in honesty. We didn't get a chance to try the food because the restaurant's response to our food allergy was abysmal. This may be a great place to eat, but if you have food allergies or sensitivities, I wouldn't risk it.

When I made the reservation, I asked about their ability to handle my wife's soy allergy. They said it wouldn't be a problem.

While we were looking to order, we asked about a particular dish, and were told there wasn't any soy. But then the oddest comment, But you do have your epipen just in case, right? (For those unfamiliar with it, an epipen is a large needle filled with epinephrine, designed as a life saving apparatus to keep one alive long enough to get to the hospital. It's very traumatic to use the device and is definitely a last resort option.)

We were pretty shocked by the question. The server said she had to ask us because of liability issues. We have eaten in dozens of restaurants across Canada and a few other countries over many years, and have never been asked such a question.

The owner came over and asked the same question. We never talked to the chef, which is the typical way of handling such questions. The restaurant affirmed that there wouldn't be any soy in their food made in house, but they couldn't be sure of anything that came from outside. For example, they said their buns came from Sobeys, and they brought us the ingredients sticker from the package to review.

We have certainly encountered restaurants that were unable to handle a soy allergy. In those cases, they simply told us that it was not possible to avoid soy contamination, and we have simply left and found another place to eat. With most restaurants, after a short conversation with the kitchen, we have been able to order from part of the menu. We have never had a restaurant that asked us to keep dreadful lifesaving medical devices on hand just in case. We simply finished our wine, paid for that, and left.

It was too bad. Looks like a charming restaurant. I just wish they knew what they put into their food, and were willing to stand by their own...

Customer service was garbage. We sat down for maybe 10 minutes and the owner was already rushing us out (they also did this the last time we were here but we decided to give them a second chance because the food was so good). The least he could have done was apologized for his attitude and what he said but no. Anyways, our waiter was incredible. Very, very friendly. He tried to mediate the situation as my mother-in-law was very upset about the exchange with the owner. As well, the food was great. Tasted amazing. The chef is incredible with what they do. Overall, if they do takeout, that would be the way to go.

EDIT: Obviously you know where you went wrong since you can exactly pinpoint who we were over your night. Our last member had been ordered for, so?? What’s the issue?? He had an emergency. If he hadn't come at all we would have paid and brought the food to him? As well, why even mention anything if you don’t need our table? You’re tone and attitude, as well actually, implied that you wanted us to hurry up and go. As a “responsible owner” you should be treating your guests more appropriately to the situation. If we went anywhere else, they would’ve just apologized if there was any issue but not talk the way you did. As well, no one yelled at you at all. I’m sure all your guests can attest to that. We respect that you want your guests to have reasonable timing with food but treating other guests rudely isn’t the way to do it. Don’t act like a victim here. The snide remark at the end of your reply is unnecessary.

As well, we arrived before our reservation of 6pm and ordered...

First time visit for a belated-Mothers Day dinner. Nestled on a side street, this location is necessarily gossiped about grubhub. Enjoyed the lobster stuffed mushroom caps for an appetizer. I sipped on a wonderful purple gin-based drink, unfortunately the clever name escapes me. I had notified the attendant of my Celiac Autoimmune Disease. My appetizer came side a warmed gluten free bun with butter. For my main course, the pistachio crusted fresh halibut and carrots with coconut risotto was the star of the show. A buttery Chardonnay paired wonderfully. Once done with my main course, I had passingly mentioned that the meal would be rounded out with a chocolate mousse cake or brownie, the friendly blonde-haired attendant recommended on her next round I try the chocolate caramel cake. Of course I indulged!

My party had been checked on, thanked for coming, and been invited to view the patio for future dining. Fortunately, I wasn’t able to view that evening so I will be forced to enjoy a lunch menu filled with gluten-free options on the patio, with another wonderfully mixed cocktail. ;)

The decor is right up my alley, for the vibe they seem to want to convey. Laid back cottage jazz meets modern Instagram farmhouse. Would invest in bathroom decor/ lighting for geolocation/selfie...