Celebrating 40 years in 2020
Our Tradition
Celebrating 40 wonderful years in 2020, The Cook’s Shop Restaurant of Windsor opened its doors in 1980 with a little note on the door to say, “We start cooking Tuesday, October 7th,” and since then we have been consistently focused on celebrating your most special occasions.
OUR TIMELINE
A Brief History
VMY Hotel
1908
The Cook’s Shop is located in the historic building at 683 Ouellette Avenue, which has been a Windsor landmark for over 110 years. Built in 1908, this remarkable building was originally named the VMY Hotel and was said to be one of the most desirable condominiums in the area. Most people thought the name was Vimy, after the World War I battle of Vimy Ridge, however it was really the initials of V.M Yaksich, a prominent lawyer in the Windsor area, who passed in 1959.
Growing Our Reputation
1980-1984
From 1980-1984, The Cook’s Shop proved to be one of the most authentic and reputable restaurants of its era. Offering a unique and intimate atmosphere, flawless service, and mouth-watering menu, The Cook’s Shop caught the attention of various newspapers and food critics, causing people to visit from all over the province, and many even from the United States. From the very beginning, acquiring a reservation at The Cook’s Shop proved to be difficult, as we were fully booked months in advance. Recognizing the popularity of this Windsor landmark, Lino then decided to expand the restaurant to the second floor of the building, and opted to give it a different name, ‘The Pasta Shop’.
Awards and Recognition
2012-2018
Over the years both The Cook’s Shop and The Pasta Shop have been recognized by several newspapers, online travel companies such a TripAdvisor and Yelp, and local food critics. Trip Advisor has been handing out Certificate of Excellence Awards since 2011, and every year since 2012 we have been awarded TripAdvisors’ Certificate of Excellence. Some of the more recent awards were given in 2018 by the Windsor Star, naming The Cook’s Shop ‘Best Kept Dining Secret’, as well as ‘Best Romantic Restaurant’ in the City.
A New Beginning
2019
In July 2019, I, Spencer; became the new proprietor of The Cook’s Shop and fulsomely embraced the challenge of carrying forward the great name, reputation, and traditions. With the full support from Lino, as well as my family and friends, we hit the ground running. In August we carefully renovated the main dining area for a more modern feel, while still retaining the old-world charm of the original building. We also updated the open kitchen with new equipment where our team can be seen preparing your mouth-watering meals. Later in 2019, we were awarded TripAdvisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence,’ and Travel Top 6 rated us one of the ‘Top 6 Restaurants in south-western Ontario! The most recent accomplishment was Trip Advisors’ Travellers’ Choice award in 2020. This of course would have not been possible if it wasn’t for our incredible team!
Executive Chef, Anthony Maniscalco
2021
In 2021, Executive Chef, Anthony Maniscalco joined the Cook’s Shop Team, bringing extensive insight and experience into our kitchen. With his guidance and leadership, we have continued to stay true to the original recipes, maintaining the depth of flavour that everyone continues to rave about.
Sole Proprietor and Your Host
1960-1980
Lino Catroppa, the original proprietor and Rome native, worked in restaurants his entire life. He eventually moved from Rome to England building his knowledge and reputation in the hospitality industry. However, like many other Europeans during the 1960s and 70s, Lino looked to Canada to begin a new chapter in his life. Landing in Windsor, Ontario, Lino spent 10 years working in the hospitality industry before acquiring the VMY Hotel in the late 70’s. From 1978-1980 a total restoration project was underway, bringing The Cook’s Shop to life!
The Pasta Shop
1985-2010
The Pasta Shop opened in 1985 and operated as a separate and independent restaurant on the weekends, however, during the week, The Pasta Shop and The Cook’s Shop’s kitchens merged and became one. The Pasta Shop offered a similar intimate experience to The Cook’s Shop; however, a reduced menu was created with the same fresh ingredients. From 1985-2010 both restaurants continued to operate in a harmonious fashion, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients, pasta made fresh in-house, and an intimate experience like no other.
Passing the Torch
2018-2019
Early in 2019, Lino quietly started to plan his retirement, and began looking for someone who was able and willing to take on the challenge of carrying on The Cook’s Shop traditions. A number of my family members, including my mom and dad who got engaged here in 1987, have been loyal customers for years and heard the news. Knowing my passion for food, and the service industry, they connected Lino and me. After meeting with Lino for the first time, he was ecstatic to hear my vision for The Cook’s Shop and saw that I would be a perfect fit to carry on the traditions.
A Place to Celebrate
2020
Over the last 40 years The Cook’s Shop has been that special place for intimate gatherings where the focus is you! We have a longstanding tradition of being a part of many anniversaries, birthdays, romantic Valentine’s Day dates, New Year’s Eve celebrations and intimate engagements! We will consistently satisfy and embrace our long-standing customers—you have been a part of The Cook’s Shop’s family from the beginning, thank you for keeping us booked and busy, and we are truly excited to welcome our new customers —we look forward to enticing your palette!
Growing our Team
2021
Sempre Item—Never Change, Always Forever
2019
The Cook’s Shop team has always continued to fiercely honor our motto, “Semper Item” which translates to “Never Change” or “Always Forever.” Our team has continued to grow over the years bringing in new talent allowing us to stay current, while preserving those attributes that make The Cook’s Shop so special.
VMY Hotel
1908
The Cook’s Shop is located in the historic building at 683 Ouellette Avenue, which has been a Windsor landmark for over 110 years. Built in 1908, this remarkable building was originally named the VMY Hotel and was said to be one of the most desirable condominiums in the area. Most people thought the name was Vimy, after the World War I battle of Vimy Ridge, however it was really the initials of V.M Yaksich, a prominent lawyer in the Windsor area, who passed in 1959.
Sole Proprietor and Your Host
1960-1980
Lino Catroppa, the original proprietor and Rome native, worked in restaurants his entire life. He eventually moved from Rome to England building his knowledge and reputation in the hospitality industry. However, like many other Europeans during the 1960s and 70s, Lino looked to Canada to begin a new chapter in his life. Landing in Windsor, Ontario, Lino spent 10 years working in the hospitality industry before acquiring the VMY Hotel in the late 70’s. From 1978-1980 a total restoration project was underway, bringing The Cook’s Shop to life!
Growing Our Reputation
1980-1984
From 1980-1984, The Cook’s Shop proved to be one of the most authentic and reputable restaurants of its era. Offering a unique and intimate atmosphere, flawless service, and mouth-watering menu, The Cook’s Shop caught the attention of various newspapers and food critics, causing people to visit from all over the province, and many even from the United States. From the very beginning, acquiring a reservation at The Cook’s Shop proved to be difficult, as we were fully booked months in advance. Recognizing the popularity of this Windsor landmark, Lino then decided to expand the restaurant to the second floor of the building, and opted to give it a different name, ‘The Pasta Shop’.
The Pasta Shop
1985-2010
The Pasta Shop opened in 1985 and operated as a separate and independent restaurant on the weekends, however, during the week, The Pasta Shop and The Cook’s Shop’s kitchens merged and became one. The Pasta Shop offered a similar intimate experience to The Cook’s Shop; however, a reduced menu was created with the same fresh ingredients. From 1985-2010 both restaurants continued to operate in a harmonious fashion, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients, pasta made fresh in-house, and an intimate experience like no other.
Awards and Recognition
2012-2018
Over the years both The Cook’s Shop and The Pasta Shop have been recognized by several newspapers, online travel companies such a TripAdvisor and Yelp, and local food critics. Trip Advisor has been handing out Certificate of Excellence Awards since 2011, and every year since 2012 we have been awarded TripAdvisors’ Certificate of Excellence. Some of the more recent awards were given in 2018 by the Windsor Star, naming The Cook’s Shop ‘Best Kept Dining Secret’, as well as ‘Best Romantic Restaurant’ in the City.
Executive Chef, Lee Beneteau
2015
In 2015, Executive Chef, Lee Beneteau joined the Cook’s Shop Team, bringing extensive insight and experience into our kitchen. With his guidance and leadership, we have continued to stay true to the original recipes, maintaining the depth of flavour that everyone continues to rave about.
Passing the Torch
2018-2019
Early in 2019, Lino quietly started to plan his retirement, and began looking for someone who was able and willing to take on the challenge of carrying on The Cook’s Shop traditions. A number of my family members, including my mom and dad who got engaged here in 1987, have been loyal customers for years and heard the news. Knowing my passion for food, and the service industry, they connected Lino and me. After meeting with Lino for the first time, he was ecstatic to hear my vision for The Cook’s Shop and saw that I would be a perfect fit to carry on the traditions.
A New Beginning
2019
In July 2019, I became the new proprietor of The Cook’s Shop and fulsomely embraced the challenge of carrying forward the great name, reputation, and traditions. With the full support from Lino, as well as my family and friends, we hit the ground running. In August we carefully renovated the main dining area for a more modern feel, while still retaining the old-world charm of the original building. We also updated the open kitchen with new equipment where our team can be seen preparing your mouth-watering meals. Later in 2019, we were awarded TripAdvisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence,’ and Travel Top 6 rated us one of the ‘Top 6 Restaurants in south-western Ontario! The most recent accomplishment was Trip Advisors’ Travellers’ Choice award in 2020. This of course would have not been possible if it wasn’t for our incredible team!
Sempre Item—Never Change, Always Forever
2019
The Cook’s Shop team has always continued to fiercely honor our motto, “Semper Item” which translates to “Never Change” or “Always Forever.” Our team has continued to grow over the years bringing in new talent allowing us to stay current, while preserving those attributes that make The Cook’s Shop so special.
Growing our Team
2019
Most recently, we have brought on Sous Chef Sonyta Yik, who graduated from the Culinary Management program at St. Clair College. With great passion and knowledge for food and the food service industry, Sonyta brings a willingness to learn, a dedication to quality, and extensive skills specializing in a variety of baked goods and pastries. Together, both Chef Lee and Sous Chef Sonyta continue to uphold our original recipes and continue to push the envelope by offering new exciting dishes on a daily and weekly basis!
A Place to Celebrate
2020
Over the last 40 years The Cook’s Shop has been that special place for intimate gatherings where the focus is you! We have a longstanding tradition of being a part of many anniversaries, birthdays, romantic Valentine’s Day dates, New Year’s Eve celebrations and intimate engagements! We will consistently satisfy and embrace our long-standing customers—you have been a part of The Cook’s Shop’s family from the beginning, thank you for keeping us booked and busy, and we are truly excited to welcome our new customers —we look forward to enticing your palette!
Our Mission
As we continue to write our story, our goal will forever remain the same, that is, to offer our customers the best culinary experience, made from the best ingredients, and paired with exceptional service. Our tradition will continue to thrive in downtown Windsor celebrating all your milestones—sempre item!
We look forward to seeing you during your next visit at The Cook’s Shop!
Please call and reserve today! Bon appétit.