Beth Hunt and David McCracken

Fine food and laughter

November 22, 2016 | | Local Heroes

Beth Hunt and David McCracken: Two of our 2016 Local Heroes

Lunch is just wrapping up at The Globe Restaurant on a Monday in early November. Staff in long black aprons bus dishes from the well-worn pine tables as chef Beth Hunt emerges from the kitchen, signs of a busy service all over her black chef coat.

Beth Hunt and David McCracken, fine food and laughter. Photo by Pete Paterson.

Beth Hunt and David McCracken, fine food and laughter. Photo by Pete Paterson.

It could be any other day, but it’s not. On October 1, she and her friend and business partner David McCracken sold the restaurant they’ve owned since 1989, along with the Rosemont Hall which they bought about 15 years ago. Today is Beth’s last day.

Asked to reflect on an adventure that started when they were in their 20s, Beth says, “It’s all we ever wanted to do.” Growing up in the area, the two had worked at the restaurant on Highway 89 in Rosemont as kids, and shared a dream of taking it on.

They’ve never strayed far from the Victorian country ethos they inherited, describing the journey as a “tightrope walk” between maintaining continuity and introducing new ideas. Although Beth embraced brighter, fresher fare over the years, they hung onto menu stalwarts such as rack of lamb and steak and kidney pie – comforting old friends they daren’t ditch.

And for those of us who ate there as kids, some of that simple, carby fare is the stuff of Proustian memory – think fudgy “log cabin” dessert or buttery house-made biscuits.

During the time the two presided over a restaurant, a catering business and, more recently, the Rosemont farmers’ market, The Globe became deeply intertwined with the community. Beth and David have worked with local service clubs, kids’ teams and charity organizers, giving widely of their services. They’ve fed folks at church dinners, showers, weddings and funerals – marking all of life’s passages.

In return, customers and friends came to see the place as an extension of their own homey circle. “Our whole social life came to us,” says Beth.

As the new owners, who also run the Rosemont General Store and Kitchen across the street, take over, Beth and David contemplate the future. Immediate plans include some travel, more than a few glasses of Veuve Clicquot, and reinvesting in parts of their lives that all too often took a backseat to running the restaurant.

“Oh, the freedom to go celebrate a family birthday on a Saturday!” says David.

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  • It’s the end of an era and Beth wells up when asked to reminisce about the best times they had. “It’s all about getting around the table. There’s huge gratification in feeding and nurturing people.”

    But she and David are also quick to share the comedy that has unexpectedly emerged. David is bunking with Beth, her father and her 13-year-old daughter (her 19-year-old is away at school) because his house was part of the sale. Beth’s civilian kitchen isn’t up to snuff – it took them four hours to make a chicken dinner together. “I had to ask Beth, ‘Do you have a wooden spoon?’” laughs David. “And domestic sinks just don’t work.”

    For now, that seems a fine place to leave them, having a laugh.

    About the Author More by Tralee Pearce

    Tralee Pearce is the deputy editor of In The Hills Magazine.

    Comments

    18 Comments

    1. I had the pleasure, the owner, to work 2 amazing, giving, caring, wonderful people you could ever work for. I would actually like to say work with. They treated you with kindness, respect, and much generosity. Everyday I came to work I felt like I was coming in to see my family. I grew to love all of the stuff, and felt guilty taking a paycheck because it felt more like fun times and laughter then work. I gave the globe close to 12 years of my life and do not regret a single second of it. I wish Dave and Beth all the best in what the future has to offer them. Even though I have not worked there full-time for close to five years, I have remained friends with Dave and Beth as well as all of the stuff as you become part of this extended family full of love and laughter and you become connected in ways that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced time at the globe. I will also miss all the wonderful customers that I’ve met over the years, most of them repeat customers, some of them newcomers, and others just passing through 4 a wonderful, Hardy, humongous tasty meal! I wish Dave and Beth lots of luck and love and send positive vibes and much happiness their way xxoo
      ? T

      Tracy Bergermann from Alliston ON on Dec 8, 2016 at 10:59 am | Reply

    2. Dearest Beth and David: Thank you for all the years that you invested in The Globe Restaurant… and the community at large. My family always chose the Globe as our favourite spot to eat–even when my sons were small. Those were the days when David had a pony-tail! We have held several celebrations in the upstairs room. Some of those parties were so loud that the diners below must have had to listen to all of the thumping and laughter. The Primrose School gang loved to celebrate at the Globe. The Primrose teachers enjoyed watching Beth’s daughters grow from little girls into young women. Beth and David also catered many wonderful events for Primrose School–one year, they created Harvest Soup from the vegetables grown in the school garden! The Globe always felt like a home-away-from-home for us. There was never a problem that a bowl of hot soup and a couple of tea-biscuits could not solve. Beth and David, I will miss you both very much but I know that you have many new adventures waiting for you.

      Laurie May from Town of Blue Mountains on Dec 3, 2016 at 2:49 pm | Reply

    3. Congratulations David & Beth. We have enjoyed many family meals and events at The Globe and you will be missed by many. Lots of great family memories there! Wishing you all the best with your future endeavors. Enjoy!

      Sally Duval from Niagara on the Lake, ON on Dec 1, 2016 at 12:14 pm | Reply

    4. Rosemont will never be the same!
      So many great memories over many years celebrating life and laughter with friends and family.
      Will so miss my spring and fall lunch with a good friend over more than 2 decades at this great iconic restaurant!
      Best warmest wishes for a happy retirement – you will not be forgotten
      Big shoes to fill, indeed

      Shelley livingston from Mono on Nov 30, 2016 at 12:02 am | Reply

    5. The Globe holds a very special place in my heart as well. Rosemont was my first home in married life and we so enjoyed gathering the family at The Globe for Christmas celebrations. My brother and his wife were married from our home in Rosemont and we held the reception at The Globe. That was some 40 years ago and last year we celebrated their 40th anniversary where it all began…at The Globe. I wish you much happiness in the coming years and hope you enjoy all the things you’ve always wanted to.

      Cheryl Mitchell from Burlington, ON on Nov 29, 2016 at 11:31 am | Reply

    6. Oh the memories! Lived on the town line when the Globe reopened in the 70’s and when Beth and Dave (whose Moms I worked with) bought it. Celebrated many events there including Christmas lunch for Matthews House Hospice Caregiver support group.
      But many, many, thanks to Beth and Dave for giving us scones every Monday afternoon for over two years for the family tea we hold weekly at Matthews House Residential Hospice. You brought a few joyful moments to people going through a difficult time.
      We wish you all the best in the next chapter of your lives.
      Sally Taylor

      Sally Taylor from Alliston on Nov 29, 2016 at 10:43 am | Reply

    7. Good for you guys. You both deserve the celebrations for bday sand to party. You both worked hard for it. Relax, enjoy and be safe. I heard nothing but great news of the Globe. I just wish I had the chance to taste it. Sorry we never got he chance to go.
      Diane And Brian

      Diane and Brian Litster from Alliston on Nov 29, 2016 at 8:33 am | Reply

    8. Everyone deserves to retire! We’ll miss you both so much but we do wish you all the best and will continue to celebrate our special occasions at the Globe!
      Susan and Norm Allen
      Orangeville

      Susan Allen on Nov 29, 2016 at 7:59 am | Reply

    9. So enjoyed the special meals, church dinners! You are going to be so missed! Good luck on any new adventures!

      Judy Jones from Alliston, On. on Nov 29, 2016 at 6:59 am | Reply

    10. I have so many memories of Globe and the wonderful staff. Great meals, fantastic comraderie. All the best in your future endeavours.

      Dayle Nesbitt from Botwood, Newfoundland on Nov 29, 2016 at 6:37 am | Reply

    11. It was always a pleasure to visit the globe as introduced to me by my love we celebrated many occasions and I am sad to see you leave. It is a well deserved rest. Wishing you all the best in the future will miss you both as we continue the tradition of a drive up from Toronto. The new owners have big shoes to fill thanks for all the delicious meals that I enjoyed.

      Angelo stellato on Nov 28, 2016 at 11:47 pm | Reply

    12. Best wishes from the Strawberry Short Cake Gang! Our motorcycle trips will not be the same !!! Always our first destination.
      Thank you for many years of dedication and fulfillment 🙂 Be Happy 🙂

      lee ann swarts from harrow On on Nov 28, 2016 at 10:31 pm | Reply

    13. Best wishes to both Beth and Dave. I miss you already. Hope you are not getting bored. ?

      Barb Evans from Everett. on Nov 28, 2016 at 10:01 pm | Reply

    14. Will so miss them. Spent many special occasions here and most importantly our Christmas girlfriend lunches. Wishing you all the best in your future

      Bonnie Gilpin from Peterborough Ontario on Nov 28, 2016 at 9:18 am | Reply

    15. Great memories of wonderful dinners and New Years’ celebrations.!!!!! Embrace the future!
      Ann and David Purdy, Loretto, Ontario

      Ann Purdy on Nov 28, 2016 at 9:06 am | Reply

    16. Best wishes for the next chapter Beth!! It’s been a long ride. Way to go.

      Karen Kerker from Tara, ON on Nov 26, 2016 at 11:28 pm | Reply

    17. My first teacher, the First Lady that inspired, motivated and taught me what the passion of cooking is all about.. wishing these two all the best in their future endeavours..thanks for giving us kitchen scrubs a safe place to hide, empower us through the hardest work and dedication & show us that it does pay off..but never ever stop, and don’t think for one second you can give up..its the food first, your first love..

      Courtney Coyles from Alliston on Nov 26, 2016 at 7:16 am | Reply

    18. Good Luck to Beth and David an your future endeavors. Wishing you every happiness – you both deserve it.

      Carol McCormack on Nov 25, 2016 at 8:04 am | Reply

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