The looming Euro Cup final between England and Italy will give Canadian soccer fans a chance to revive the celebratory spirit so common in the pre-pandemic era, as relaxed public health restrictions across the country have restaurant-owners gearing up for a busy day B次元官网网址� and potentially even busier night.
Owners of Italian restaurants and English pubs said they expect their patios to fill up, at least to the capacity allowed under remaining rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Rocco Mastrangelo, who owns Cafe Diplomatico in Toronto, said the championship series has reminded him of his restaurantB次元官网网址檚 days before the pandemic hit.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 excited, and have butterflies in my stomach. We opened reservations especially for the finalB次元官网网址檚 night and weB次元官网网址檙e completely booked with 160 people, which is a big chunk of our patioB次元官网网址檚 total capacity,B次元官网网址� he said.
Mastrangelo tried to acquire a permit to expand his business to set up more tables for the night, but it was denied due to on-going COVID-19 restrictions.
B次元官网网址淟etB次元官网网址檚 just say, if Italy wins, weB次元官网网址檒l be partying all night,B次元官网网址� he said.
The game, set to get underway at 3 p.m. EDT, will mark EnglandB次元官网网址檚 first time in the final of a major international competition since winning the 1966 World Cup, so supporters are also expected to line up outside British pubs across Canada.
The Queen & Beaver Public House in Toronto is expecting a full house throughout Sunday.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 exciting to think that England could win,B次元官网网址� said Neil Massey, the restaurantB次元官网网址檚 manager. B次元官网网址淐apacities are still capped because of COVID-19, which is why weB次元官网网址檙e not taking reservations, but IB次元官网网址檓 expecting to see very long lines.B次元官网网址�
Pub Bishop & Bagg, meanwhile, is in a somewhat unusual situation. The British-style pub is located near MontrealB次元官网网址檚 Little Italy neighbourhood, so manager Megan Turcotte expects to see supporters of both teams.
B次元官网网址淧eople are super excited, it brings everyone together,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭hey drink a lot and they are loud. Some even sit in the streets and watch from afar on our televisions.B次元官网网址�
Roland Lamote of Montreal said he played soccer when he was younger, but now watching the games keeps him going.
HeB次元官网网址檚 lived in Little Italy his whole life, so rooting for Italy feels like supporting his home team, he said.
B次元官网网址淲ith the Montreal Canadiens, I was so, so so disappointed,B次元官网网址� Lamote said, refering to the National Hockey League teamB次元官网网址檚 recent defeat in the Stanley Cup final. B次元官网网址淏ut at least we have this football game now.B次元官网网址�
Italian Anthony Colaniro, also of Montreal, has never seen Italy win the Euro cup before and doesnB次元官网网址檛 want to miss his chance.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all about Italy, of course!B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 will be watching the game with my family B次元官网网址� 20 people B次元官网网址� and a lot of food!B次元官网网址�
The desire for celebration throughout the Euro cup has driven customers to OttawaB次元官网网址檚 Pub Italia in droves, manager Kirsten Wright said, but as the restaurant gets busier, some new challenges are arising.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been having serious trouble with staffing shortages, and just making sure our patios can fit all our customers,B次元官网网址� Wright said. B次元官网网址淚f we took reservations for Sunday, weB次元官网网址檇 have been booked up in minutes.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址攚ith files from Virginie Ann in Montreal.
Rhythm Sachdeva, The Canadian Press
