Stayner's loss is Oro-Medonte's gain when it comes to fine Italian eateries.
Fornetto, which operated on Stayner's main street from 2016 to 2021, has re-opened on Carthew Bay with a view of Lake Simcoe.
The restaurant, owned and run by executive chef Nina Birjovanu serves up fine Italian cuisine under the new name of Nina's Fornetto.
“I make practically everything from scratch, the meatballs, the sauces, the manicotti, lasagna, eggplant, all the features we have every week," said Nina.
On the day OrilliaMatters visited, the specials were lamb shank with gnocci and fresh Atlantic cod with a poached pear salad.
“I’m trying to bring everything that is beautiful. People will understand and enjoy the food,” she said.
Nina bakes her own bread, makes the salads and fresh salad dressings. She makes some of the desserts, while others come from a French pastry chef. She brings in fresh pasta.
Since opening April 13, news has spread quickly.
"We are extremely busy," she said. “We’ve had a lot of good feedback and a lot of repeat customers, which is amazing."
The restaurant has two dinner sittings as it only seats 32 inside. They also built a patio facing the lake which recently opened with seating for 30.
Previously Carthew Bay Pub and Scoops, Nina and her husband Gerard Prada embarked on a major renovation, when they took possession last fall, doing much of the work themselves.
Everything inside is new (except the range hood). There's new flooring, new lighting indoors and out, all new appliances and furniture. Gerard built the bar and a neighbour sourced the granite countertop for it; Nina built the upholstered benches.
"Whatever you see, the design is my vision for what I wanted it to be," said Nina.
She brought in her supply of pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and glassware which she kept from the Stayner location, which they lost due the building being sold.
The menu is traditional Italian, organized by antipastie, insalate, pasta (small plate), secondi (main dish) and dolci (dessert). There is a kids' menu and a great wine list.
Ahead of the LCBO strike, Nina's daughter Ioana, 28, did inventory and stocked up as much as possible.
“We are definitely stressed as our inventory goes down,” said Ioana.
Nina also makes homemade gelato (Italian ice cream), and is planning on offering it on the patio as per request of customers.
Back to the long hours of running a restaurant, Nina loves sharing her food with people.
“Good food brings people happiness,” she said. “You can be sad, upset but when you get a chance to have good food and a glass of wine, everything settles down.”
There are a total of 10 people working at the restaurant including two culinary students from Georgian College. They restaurant needs more servers with SmartServe, bussers and dishwashers.
Nina's Fornetto is located at 2804 Lakeshore Rd. E. in Oro-Medonte. The restaurant is open for dinners Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information, call 705-326-3295. To make online reservations, email [email protected] or visit the website: ninasfornetto.com.
