Rusty Wrench Brewing Company
by Martin Withenshaw
When I arrived at the Rusty Wrench I was greeted by a Rainbow flag in the window. I instantly felt comfortable and welcome. Chris Traczuk, the owner, welcomed me and took to the kitchen tomeet Wendy Chrisjohn. While walking to the kitchen I noticed the washroom sign. It was a picture of a Mermaid and Centaur captioned “WHATEVER JUST WASH YOUR HANDS”. I learned the owner Chris had come up with the idea and had the sign painted by a staff member. Wendy and I sat down to have a chat. She has no formal training and is completely self-taught. A couple of years ago she was looking for a part-time job and took the assistant cook position at the Rusty Wrench. Working with the Chef she learned all the basics and more. When the Chef left, she informed Chris she was interested in taking on the position, which she did. Alongside her assistant, Wendy has been running the kitchen ever since. When in doubt, she heads to the internet for answers and is not afraid to ask others for help, even the chef at a neighbouring restaurant. The one thing she informed me that needs work is her food presentation, but she is not too proud to reach out and get help when she needs it. What a wonderful, sincere and humble woman! The menu at the Rusty Wrench is bar friendly. All the meat comes from a local butcher in Strathroy. They use local produce whenever possible and 50% of the hops used in their brewing process are grown in Strathroy- Caradoc. While I was there, I met a young couple from Mulberry Moon Farm who will be supplying the Rusty Wrench with organic salad greens and tomatoes next spring from their greenhouse 10 minutes outside of Strathroy. The Rusty Wrench believes in “Eat Fresh – Buy Local” which promotes and supports local business. The Rusty Wrench and Wendy are very proud of their signature burger. It’s made from 100% ground beef and spices, free of fillers or egg. I asked if I could have the recipe to share, Wendy smiled and said it’s made from ground beef and “special” spices. I never learned what the “special” spices were. We finally decided on a recipe that Wendy would share - the house Caesar Salad Dressing. Yes, I know everyone has a Caesar dressing, but you must try this one. It is superb! 2 Cloves of minced garlic 1 Whole egg 1-1⁄2 tsp Dijon Mustard 2 tbls Oil Pinch Salt 2 tbls Lemon juice 2 tbls Grated Parmesan Cheese 1 cup Canola Oil • Put first 5 the ingredients in a food processor and blend on low speed for about 5 minutes. • Add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese and blend • Leave the food processor on • Slowly add the oil into the mixture until thick and creamy and blend for about 5 minutes. • Best to refrigerate for 24 hours This will make about 2 cups of dressing which is enough dressing for 8 people. The dressing is good for up to 2 weeks if refrigerated. Caesar Salad Dressing
Wendy Chrisjohn
Wendy took the time to make me a Caesar salad. She used romaine lettuce and homemade croutons, mixing them in the dressing. The salad was topped with parmesan cheese and homemade bacon bits.
They smoke their own bacon, and again the meat comes from a local butcher. The Caesar salad can also be topped with grilled chicken, which of course is locally sourced. A new menu featuring heartier items for the upcoming fall and winter is being introduced in October. The Caesar salad is perfect accompaniment to any meal or can be served with grilled chicken as lunch or light dinner. Bon appetite!
9 Front Street W Strathroy, Ontario (226) 448-9081 info@rustywrench.ca
To see our menu and events, check out our social media: Twitter: @rustywrenchbrewingco Facebook: @rustywrenchbrewingco Instagram: rustywrenchbeer Website: www.rustywrench.ca
Brewing Company STRATHROY, ON
PRIDE Villager
Issue 3 • Fall 2019 Page 5 To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
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