Good weather screams for a long boozy lunch. Sometimes when nice weather, no bugs, and no traffic align, even on a patio. When Legend Spirits Company opened in Parry Sound this summer, locals and cottage goers rejoiced to find a place that not only made their own alcohol but operated a restaurant where you can sample it with food.

Their cocktails are a bargain at $13, but the reasonable price point also means the bar gets slammed and backs up during the lunch period. Don’t be surprised if your food hits the table before a tipple.

Both the Great North mule and spicy vodkarita were well balanced with enough alcohol to create a kick that reminds you there’s 2oz in the drink. And while the pink raspberry lemonade looks and tastes refreshing, the fake raspberry flavour just didn’t cut it for me.

We all agreed that their fries rock. The parmesan truffle fries ($12) feature cut potatoes that arrive sizzling hot and covered with enough grated parmesan to create a melted crust on top. The truffle oil was a bit muted but I’m fine with it not being so overpowering. Their sweet potato fries ($12) are one of the best I’ve sampled, fluffy and cut thinly so there’s a lovely crunchy crust to encapsulate the sweet soft interior.

The fries going wonderfully with the buffalo chicken dip ($15), a gooey creamy sauce that has quite the cheese pull as well as large chunks of chicken breast. I only wish it was served with the “warm flat bread” noted on the menu instead oily fried pita that was so heavy paired with the dairy. I just stuck with the fries for dipping.

In between a starter and a main lies the seafood chowder ($20), which arrives hot with a few scant slices of toasted baguette. The soup has a wonderful flavour but is more potato than seafood… I tasted some white fish and perhaps a bay scallop but little of the lobster and wild salmon that is touted on the menu.

If you’re looking for something to soak up the booze, their handhelds are the way to go. The turkey burger ($23) features a surprisingly juicy patty (when compared with their beef burger) that gets a bit of extra flavour from the feta and spinach that’s mixed into the pulverized patty. The sweet and savoury tomato preserve was an interesting condiment that lends the burger a hint of cranberry sauce taste.

Legends creates their own whisky, vodka, gin and liqueurs. Whether you’re waiting for a table (they do not accept reservations) or don’t want to leave just yet after your meal, their gift shop allows you to sample the spirits (for free!) and purchasing a beautiful bottle to go. Here’s your chance to get creative with their peanutty Nutski whisky.