WindsorEast is hosting an Outdoor Food Hall and we’ve got the answers to all the questions you may have about latest dining option in Windsor, Ontario.

Beginning every weekend beginning on Friday, September 4, 2020, WindsorEats is transforming the outdoor rink at Lanspeary Park into the Outdoor Food Hall. Think of it as one very large patio with multiple restaurants and chefs that you can order from at the same time.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of all the rules, guidelines and expectations for the Outdoor Food Hall.

 

HOURS OF OPERATION

The food hall is in operation throughout the month of September:

  • Fridays 5pm – 9pm
  • Saturdays 3pm – 9pm
  • Sundays 3pm – 9pm

 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE?

Good question, but, the way the Outdoor Food Hall is set up the answer varies based on the day you come. We’ll have a rotating selection of chefs, restaurants and food vendors each weekend that will offer a wide variety of must-try dishes.

The full menu can be viewed here. You can even use it to order takeout.

We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on the new foods being made each and every week.

 

WHAT KIND OF DRINKS WILL THERE BE?

In addition to the standard sodas, we’re curating a special list of wines and beers from across Windsor-Essex to serve up with your meals. All drinks will be served in disposable plastic bottles or cans to minimize contact with individuals.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET IN?

It’s free! Yep! There’s absolutely no cost to get in, however, with a maximum of 100 people on site at a time, while not required, we strongly urge you to make reservations or risk being on the outside looking in.

 

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

What about it? The Lanspeary Rink is completely covered protecting you from all the elements. That means unlike other patios, we’ll be rockin’ it rain or shine!

 

Smashed Patty Burger from BZB Test Kitchen in Windsor, Ontario.
Smashed Patty Burger from BZB Test Kitchen in Windsor, Ontario.

 

HOW DO I GET TO ENJOY THIS?

While not mandatory, we very strongly recommend you book reservations, which can only be made online. Reservations are for a maximum 1 hour and 15 minute time slot and a maximum of 6 people per reservation.

 

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH RESERVATIONS?

This is a question we know we’ll get a lot.  As we said above, it’s not mandatory. That being said, this is a space and event that normally draws and accommodates thousands being whittled down to a max capacity of 100 guests at one time. The reservation means you won’t have to wait or, worse yet, not even be able to get in.

Reservations can be made online.

There are some rules to understand about the reservations.

First, while it’s free to make a reservation, your credit card is required to make one. We’ll get into why in a moment. Also remember, each reservation is its own table so book your entire group as one reservation.

Everyone is asked to arrive 5 minutes before their reservation so as not to create situations of crowds gathering. Should you be late and not arrive within a 10 minute time frame of your designated reservation, your time slot will be forfeited.

With such limited time and space, it’s absolutely devastating for the businesses participating if tables are taken up with reservations only for them to not show. If you don’t show up or forfeit your reservation by being late, there will be a $75 service fee charged to your card.

To be seated, all members of your party must be with you when you are seated. Lets repeat this: you all need to be there at the same time in order to be seated. You will not be seated until all members of your party have arrived. No exceptions. If you ask to be seated, anyone else will not be able to be seated with you once you are brought to your table.

All reservations are for a 1 hour 15 minute time slot at your table. You must arrive for your reservation at the designated time. Late arrivals for a reservation does not extend the end time of your reservation.

 

MASK IT UP

Let’s keep each other safe. While moving into, about the space, or on your way to the loo, please wear your mask. Most importantly though, remember that we can’t see your smile so don’t forget to let your eyes sparkle!

 

GIVE EVERYONE THEIR 6 FEET

We have this big space so let’s make sure we’re spread out and give some long distance high fives. Normally the home to our Street Food Fare, the rink at Lanspeary can hold about 1000 people at one time. Obviously that’s not possible right now, but, it means there will be plenty of space between tables to make you safe and comfy.

 

Fresh lumpia from Tropical Hut in Windsor, Ontario.
Fresh lumpia from Tropical Hut in Windsor, Ontario.

 

HOW BIG A GROUP CAN I BRING?

No parties larger than 6 will be accepted. Each entire group will be seated at their own picnic table. Also, this is a family event which will allow mom, dad and the kids to enjoy a nice night out together on a patio with enough options for picky eaters and those willing to try anything the ability to cohabitate peacefully during dinner.

Don’t try to be sneaky sneaky either. Tables will not be permitted to be pushed together.

 

YOU JUST CAN’T SANI ENOUGH

Us and our team will be working hard to keep things clean, but don’t forget to hit that hand sani. It never hurts.

 

STAY SEATED

Stay seated, you earned it! Just to keep things safe and to follow all health and safety protocols, we are going old school with table service. This also means no strolling around. All guests on site must remain seated at all times unless they are walking in, heading to the washroom, or leaving.

All this means staying with the party you rolled in with. We know it can be a challenge, but if you see your BFF across the room stay where you are.

 

BE PATIENT

We are so excited to have you back. Give us a shout if you think there is something we can do better. This is a first for all of us and we’re trying our best. We all have varying levels of comfort so let’s respect each other, be responsible, and weather this storm together.

 

UPON ARRIVAL

When you arrive to the Outdoor Food Hall, you will be asked to show ID and your name will be logged and/or matched with your reservation. When your entire party is there, you will be escorted to a table.

In accordance with regulations, all guest names and contact info will be recorded upon arrival should they need to be contacted in the future should an outbreak occur.

We ask that parties please arrive at the entrance 5 minutes prior to reservation start time. Seating of guests will only occur if all guests have arrived. Late arrival for reservation does not extend the end time of your reservation.

 

The JBStrong's No Big Dill sausage from Robbie's Gourmet Sausage Co. in Windsor, Ontario.
The JBStrong’s No Big Dill sausage from Robbie’s Gourmet Sausage Co. in Windsor, Ontario.

 

WHERE DO I ENTER & EXIT?

There is a single entry point within Lanspeary Park itself on the east end of the rink for arrivals and a single exit point on the west end of the facility onto Langlois. This is to help ensure safe distances.

 

CAN I ORDER TAKEOUT?

Not in the mood for dining on the patio but still want to enjoy the food?  You can order your food online and head to a separate area to pick up take out orders. It’ll be located on the south entrance of the rink, off the parking lot on Langlois.

 

HOW DO I ORDER MY FOOD?

This is a cashless event. All orders and payments are done entirely online through your own personal mobile device. You can place the order for your food and drink for yourself or for the entire table. It’s entirely up to you.

As a result of many food vendors being on the same menu, all dishes will be brought to your table when they are individually ready. This means not all orders will arrive to your table at the same time.

 

WHAT WILL SERVICE BE LIKE?

First, let’s talk about when you arrive. As mentioned above, late arrival for reservation does not extend the end time of your reservation. Each customer table accommodates up to 6 people from the same social circle.

No parties larger than 6 and please stay with the party you rolled in with. The ordering system does allow you to order for other peoples table numbers, though. So you can say hello by sending over a nice little treat.

All service will be table service and dishes will be brought to your table when they are individually ready. This means not all orders will arrive to your table at the same time.

Each table will be clearly marked for ordering and service identification. Digital menus are online and can be accessed on personal devices. Orders will be taken and paid for online.

 

PAYMENT

The event is cashless. All orders are placed online and through your mobile device. This means make sure your phone is charged up so you can order and indugle in some amazing food and drink.

 

SAFETY MEASURES

WindsorEats will be following all safety protocols requested by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. Customers will not be permitted to walk around the facility unless to use the washrooms or entering and exiting the facility.

Single direction walkways will be clearly marked for easy passage and distancing. All beverages will be served in bottles/cans to avoid having glassware used by customers.

We will also have a cleaner onsite ensuring a clean environment and washrooms.