That meeting lasted about seven hours and from there a great friendship was born.
The difference in age between Lutyk and retired Laurentian professor Bill Crumplin’s is more than 30 years. Lutyk jokes their birthdays are a day apart and their ideas are the same, which might be why the partnership works.Their joint concept is to have a public house that everyone can call home, from knitters, bookworms, musicians and mountain bikers looking to take part in bike clinics from Sessions Ride Company.
The soulful vibe is very retro and funky with Lutyk’s private collection of old school couches and furniture stored from her film school set design days. It’s a must see that is certain to take you back in time.Knowhere is also committed to trying to eat as local as possible with its small bite-sized appetizer menu. It’s evolving into a very rich vision and mission that ties into Bill Crumplin’s teachings for about 20 years in the School of Environment at Laurentian University.“Currently we are pickling and our pickles have a fan following. I also jar homemade jams and salsa. I also use my family recipes to make beef and rice Finnish meat pies called ‘lihapiirakka’,” Lutyk said.From Salty Dog Bagels, Golden Grain Bakery, Leinala’s, Truly North and Thorneloe they have the meat, cheese and vegetables covered.They support 46 North for their beer selection and local artists for their colourful artwork.
With the goal being to reduce the carbon footprint, they don’t advertise as a takeout joint.
There is no delivery service, no plastic straws. But it is more than that.
“Chickens are fed with the food scraps from people’s plates. We compost and recycle everything we can and if you do ask for takeout, you get real silverware,” she said.
The compost program has evolved quickly with the soil generated being used to grow in house lettuce, herbs behind the scenes in the office space. Lutyk’s office is now becoming a local food growing operation.As for her favourites, Lutyk enjoys the smoked trout from the Little Current area with Finnish rye toast with a herb and lemon cream cheese and topped with green onions. She also enjoys the house dumplings called Crumplings; a nod to her business partner.Lutyk said she no longer feels like she is going to work when she is at the Knowhere Public House because while it is public space, she certainly feels right at home in her living room.Knowhere Public House is located at 130 Elm Street in the downtown core near the courthouse.It is open seven days per week and can be found on Facebook under its name. It is also on Instagram under the name knowhere.p.h.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.