NEWS

Peartree Restaurant closing follows demise of its owner

The signs have come down at 507 Parliament St., making it final: the popular Peartree Restaurant is no more.

Chef and owner Asokan Rasiah, 61, reportedly died on Jan. 9 of COVID-19.

The restaurant confirmed on April 15 that without him it was shutting down.

“With the passing of owner and chef Asokan, it is with a heavy heart we announce that The Peartree Restaurant has now officially closed its doors for business,” read the message on Facebook.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting us the last 27 years, we appreciate the kindness showered during these tough times.”

The Facebook page for Peartree will remain active in memory of “what this Restaurant was,” it said.

Streeter staff who patronized the venue, said the venue was well known for its quality of food, quiet pleasant atmosphere and a good taste in art, as a selection of photographic and painted works were rotated on its walls every few months.

One favourite meal was Peartree’s roast beef dinner special with Waterloo Dark beer on tap, said a photographer.

Peartree in October
HAPPIER DAYS: Peartree is shown in October before the pandemic’s third wave hit.

“The food quality was NEVER subpar,”  said one Instagram follower. “Always put together with love.”

Dozens of other patrons have responded on social media with regret for the passing of both Rasiah and his restaurant, saying they are “devastated” and “saddened” and calling the deaths a blow to the community.