Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

touring wine country cheese & ale trail culinary towns northern highlights

ontarioculinary adventureguide 2013

d iscover something delicious

Delectable detours, road trips and tours

Craft beer

BUTTER TARTS WALKING TOURS 10 ARTISANS TO VISIT NOW

farm visits, u-picks & markets

Experience The Taste of

ONTARIO’S SPECIALTY CHEESE Ask For These Ontario Produced Specialty Cheeses Made From 100% Canadian Milk At Your Local Specialty Cheese Shop & Where You Dine.

Niagara Gold St-Albert 7 Year Aged Cheddar Comfort Cream

Evanturel

ST. ALBERT, ONTARIO

St-Albert Cheese Co-operative Inc., enjoys worldwide renown for exceptional quality cheeses, which we have made for over 116 years. Since 1894, five generations of dairy farmers and craftsmen have worked to maintain St-Albert’s long tradition of quality. The products are all naturally aged.

The unique taste of St-Albert cheese is internationally known, whether it be aged or mild cheddars or their famous curds.

Niagara Gold is a semi-soft, washed rind cheese fashioned after recipes developed by the Trappist Monks of the Loire Valley. This is a cheese with nutty, earthy overtones and mellow, buttery flavours. This luscious cheese is delicately mild and sweet when young and gains pungency and piquant qualities with age. The rind may be eaten or JORDAN STATION, ONTARIO trimmed depending on your taste.

THORNLOE, ONTARIO

Evanturel is a supple, bloomy rind cheese with a striking streak of vegetable ash running through it. The ash lends an earthy tone to this beautifully rich, mushroomy flavoured cheese with a fresh milk finish. The ash actually draws some

7 Year Aged Cheddar has a very pleasant stronger aroma and more slightly acidic note than a younger 5 year aged cheddar. This cheese has a drier more crumbly texture, given its low moisture content. When eating, you will get slightly acidic note that will develop into wonderful fruity milk note characteristics as it warms in your mouth. It will be slightly buttery and exhibit crystallized granules.

Comfort Cream is a camembert-style soft, white bloomy rind cheese with a silky, creamy, golden interior. Rich flavours of fresh truffles prevail with an intense, buttery palate and a long, tangy finish. This delicate and luscious artisanal cheese is hand salted, hand turned and hand wrapped.

of the water out of the cheese, making it very creamy.

Evanturel is an artisan cheese - handmade in very small batches.

Enjoy The Great Taste Of Specialty Cheeses Made From 100% Canadian Milk At These Restaurants: Canoe, Toronto 416 364 0054 www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx Nota Bene, Toronto 416 977 6400 www.notabenerestaurant.com Royal York, Toronto 416 368 2511 www.fairmont.com/royalyork One, Toronto 416 961 9600 www.onehazelton.com

Black Hoof, Toronto 416 551 8854 Cava, Toronto 416 979 9918 www.cavarestaurant.ca Bymark, Toronto 416 777 1144 www.bymark.ca Drake, Toronto 416 531 5042 www.thedrakehotel.ca

Inn on the Twenty, Lincoln 905 562 7313 www.innonthetwenty.com Vineland Estates, Vineland 905 562 7088 www.vineland.com Cowbell, Toronto 416 849 1095 www.cowbellrestaurant.ca Harbord Room, Toronto 416 962 8989 www.theharbordroom.com

WELCOME Editor EDitOr Dick Dick Snyder Snyder Art Art Director DirECtOr Craig Craig Sinclair Sinclair

Contributors CONtributOrs Chloe Chloe Brown Brown Rod Rod Charles Charles Davin Davin de de Kergommeaux Kergommeaux Andrew Andrew Dobson Dobson Konrad Konrad Ejbich Ejbich Julia Julia Gilmore Gilmore Valerie Valerie Howes Howes Adam Adam McDowell McDowell Tiffany Tiffany Meyer Meyer Jordan Jordan St. St. John John Photography PhOtOGrAPhy and AND Illustration iLLustrAtiON Anderson Pat Laura Berman Laura RandyBerman Cameron Randy BohdanCameron Chreptak Bohdan Andrew Chreptak Cullen Andrew Cullen Todd Morgan Todd Morgan Rick O’Brien Rick RossO’Brien Spencer Ross Spencer PubLishEr Publisher Paul Alsop Paul Alsop AssOCiAtE PubLishEr Publisher Associate Rebecca LeHeup Rebecca LeHeup ADvErtisiNG Advertising Paul Alsop Alsop Paul Rebecca LeHeup Rebecca LeHeup Wendy Lyall Wendy Lyall Inquires: 647-827-1705 Inquires: 647-827-1705 or 416-644-3601 or 416-644-3601 Printed in Ontario.

Printed in Ontario.

Circulation: 120,000 copies Circulation: 120,000 copies The Ontario Culinary The OntarioGuide Culinary Adventure is a Adventure Guide is a the collaboration between collaboration between the Ontario Culinary Tourism Ontario Tourism AllianceCulinary (OCTA) and City Alliance (OCTA) City Bites Media Inc. and All rights Bites Media Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction reserved.

Reproduction without prior permission is without prior is prohibited.

Allpermission information prohibited. information is current atAllpress time. The is current cannot at pressand time.

The publisher does publisher cannot does not guarantee theand accuracy not guarantee the and accuracy of all information will of notallbeinformation responsibleand forwill errors, not be responsible for errors, changes or omissions. changes or omissions.

OCtA OCTA Executive Director Executive Director Rebecca LeHeup Rebecca LeHeup City bitEs MEDiA iNC. City Bites Media Inc. 26 Dalhousie St., Suite 200 26 Dalhousie St., Suite Toronto, ON M5B 2A5 200 Toronto, ON M5B 2A5 647-827-1705 647-827-1705 citybites.ca citybites.ca ONtAriO CuLiNAry Ontario tOurisM Culinary ALLiANCE Alliance Tourism 25 Adelaide St. E., Suite 1616 25 Adelaide E., 3A1 Suite 1616 Toronto, ON St. M5C Toronto, ON M5C 3A1 416-644-3601 416-644-3601 ontarioculinary.com ontarioculinary.com

Welcome to the 2013 Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide

Rick O’Brien

MANAGING MANAGiNG EDITOR EDitOr Agatha Agatha Podgorski Podgorski

We love, love food! It links us with the land, our heritage and the people around us.

It is a dynamic channel for sharing stories, forming relationships and building communities. It is a way to connect with a “sense of place.”

Ontario is a destination rich with diverse landscapes, tastes and cultures. In a vast province nestled among great lakes and bigger-than-life landscapes, our agriculture, viticulture and aquaculture provide us with a bounty that changes with each season. We are so thrilled to share our third Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide with you and showcase some of the delicious ways you can explore and taste Ontario.

Exciting things are happening here. Craft breweries continue to pop up—there are now more than 100 scattered across Ontario. There’s a cider revolution underway too—an artisan cider revolution that is! The spirit of local grows on with artisan distillers creating gin, vodka and whiskey. There’s a farmers market to be found in almost every town and city, and more and more talented chefs are showcasing the best of each and every ingredient that our fabulous farmers grow.

We hope you discover those stories for yourself, enjoy and share them with your friends—and then please, share them with us @OCTA_Licious and @CityBites.

Cheers!

Rebecca LeHeup Executive Director

Paul Alsop Publisher

Dick Snyder Editor

Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide & CityBites

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide & CityBites

Cover Cover Images Images -- Top Top Left, Left, Middle Middle Left, Left, Bottom Bottom Right: Right: Rick Rick O’Brien; O’Brien; Top Top Right: Right: istockphoto.com; istockphoto.com; Bottom Bottom Left: Left: Laura Laura Berman Berman -- GreenFuse GreenFuse Photos; Photos; Bottom Bottom Middle: Middle: Ross Ross Spencer Spencer

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 3

Thunder Bay

superior 17

Sault St. Marie

2013

Contents UPFRONT

EXPERIENCES

6 TASTE ONTARIO

20 DIY ON THE FARM

Get out there and pick your own

produce

9 ROOTS

A field guide to heritage goodies

10 THE BUTCHERS

23 TOP TARTS

Tracking down the best butter tarts

Local insights from the new kids

24 TEN ARTISANS WORTH A VISIT

on the butcher’s block

Get up close with the best in artisanal

edibles

11 EAT LOCAL, DINE GLOBAL

Toronto’s top local eateries

12 TASTY TRAILS

A few good foodie tours

DRINKS 14 LOCAL LIBATIONS

Five fab wineries, big brewing cities

and crisp ciders

15 GET INTO THE SPIRIT

Ontario’s craft distilleries invite you

for a taste

16 WINE COUNTRY TOUR

Follow these tips and have a great trip

4 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

28 ON THE WATER

Sail, fly, fish or simply float for

your supper

DESTINATIONS 31 THE FLAVOURS OF DURHAM

Head east for a tasty tour

32 GREAT FOOD CITIES

Our foodie insiders pick the best

eateries in their back yards

34 NORTHERN BOUNTY

Tasty surprises await in Ontario’s

wilderness

Illustration: ParisGreenCreative.com

News, events and tasty treats

michigan

index

Algoma 34 Alma 23 Barrie 23 Beamsville 15, 24 Bloomfield 9, 15 Bobcaygeon 9 Bracebridge 14 Bradford 10, 24 Burlington 32 Caledon 14 Cambridge 9, 23, 32 Clinton 9 Collingwood 33

Thornloe

Concord 15 Crystel Lake 28 Elora 12 Fergus 9 Gananoque 28 Goderich 9 Gormsley 20 Grimsby 15 Guelph 9 Haliburton 23, 28 Hamilton 9, 32 Harrow 14 London 14 Loretto 26 Maynooth 23 Meaford 9 Melborne 21, Merrickville 24 Midland 9 Milford 26 Milton 9, 21, 24

11

Sudbury

Niagara-on-the-Lake 9, 12, 14 Ottawa 9, 12, 14 Picton 9, 14, 24 Port Dover 9 Restoule 9 Sault Ste. Marie 34 Shanty Bay 9 Smithville 9 Sans Souci 28 St. Catharines 14, 23 St. Williams 14 Stratford 12, 23 Sudbury 34 Thornbury 9, 14 Thunder Bay 34 Titchborne 26 Toronto 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 23, 24, 26, 28 Vankleek Hill 15 Vineland 21, 24 Walsingham 9 Wellington 14 Wolfe Island 9 Woodstock 9, 26

North Bay Algonquin Park

69

Vankleek Hill

417

Ottawa Parry Sound

Ottawa Va l l e y

Huntsville

417

401 M u s koka 11

huron

416

Bracebridge Gravenhurst

Owen Sound

Apple Pie Trail Gre y

Br u ce Ripley Neustadt

6

Minto

H u ro n

Goderich

8

Peterborough

Barrie

Elora

Durham

Oshawa Pickering

Guelph

Kitchener/ Waterloo

Milton

Stratford P e r th

6

Toronto

H a s t in g s

Brockville

Plainfield

Kingston

Belleville

115

400

Butter Tart Trail

7

35 K a w a r t h a s

Collingwood S i mco e

Lancaster

401

Bay of Qu int e Bloomfield Picton Wellington P r in c e

new york

Edward C ou n t y

ontario

QEW

Burlington

401 Hamilton Woodstock

402

Sarnia

401 Windsor

Lake Erie North Shore

Paris

403

N ia g a r a

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ox f o r d

London

QEW

Port Dover

St. Thomas

Grimsby Jordan Station Beamsville Jordan

erie

Wi n dsor-Essex

Twenty Valley

Niagara Falls

Ni agar a Welland

Harrow

Pelee Island

St. Catharines

ohio

3

Fort Erie Port Colborne

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 5

UPFRONT

The Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide is designed to provide inspiration and information for touring and exploring the province.

Using Toronto as a hub, each page of the guide gives succinct travel details to get you started. We recommend you gather your own specific directions and information before setting out. Below are some resources for getting around.

Via Rail Operates province-wide. Major connection points include Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, London, Windsor.

1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) viarail.ca Rental Cars Major operators at Pearson International Airport, Union Station, Hamilton International Airport and Toronto Island Airport.

Thrifty Call Rental 1-800-THRIFTY (847-4389) thrifty.com National Car Rental 1-877-222-9058 nationalcar.ca Avis Car Rental 1-800-879-2847 avis.ca Entreprise Car Rental 1-800-261-7331 enterprise.com Public Transit TTC: The Toronto Transit Commission operates subway, bus, streetcar and rail transit.

416-393-4636 ttc.ca Go Transit: A network of GO buses and trains spans the province.

Operates out of various train stations.

1-888-GET ON GO (438-6646) gotransit.com Buses Greyhound 1-800-661-TRIP (8747) greyhound.ca Megabus 1-800-461-7661 ca.megabus.com Coach Canada 1-800-461-7661 coachcanada.com BIXI Bikes BIXI is a short-term bicycle rental operation with stations around the city. Take out a bike as many times as you want for 30 minutes or less with no additional fees; usage fees for longer trips apply.

Toll free: 1-877-412-BIXI (2494) toronto.bixi.com

6 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

A few good apps

Ontario Craft Beer Week June 16–23, 2013 A weeklong, province-wide festival

Go mobile with these helpful guides

celebrating Ontario’s craft beer industry. Events all over the province. ocbweek.ca.

By Agatha Podgorski

Family Fishing Week

Choco-locate

July 6-14, 2013

Whether you want

Try your hand at fishing, no licence

a healthy, modest

needed! Special events across the

chocolate snack or

province include the 1000 Islands

decadent triple-

Big Bass Challenge in Gananoque. ontariofamilyfishing.com

chocolate confection, one click tracks it down. You can also

Toronto Garlic Festival

“like,” review or add comments

Sun., Sept. 22, 2013

for others to enjoy.

More than 50 Ontario-garlic-loving chefs, farmers and artisans under

UnCork Ontario

one roof; plus demos, talks and

With more than

more. Evergreen Brick Works, 550

160 wineries listed

Bayview Ave., Toronto, $5/person,

(fruit wineries

torontogarlicfestival.ca.

included), this app highlights winery promotions

Savour Simcoe

and “featured” routes.

Sun., Aug. 25, 2013

Discover Ontario

Ontario Craft Beer Store

Puts Ontario’s 100 “top

Locator

festivals and events” at

Browse the full roster

your fingertips, whether

of Ontario’s craft beers,

you’re in Timmins

including seasonal

istockphoto.com

User’s guide

Tasty calendar

Celebrating the heritage, agriculture and cuisine of Simcoe County.

Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Hwy 26, Minesing, $49/person, simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/ savoursimcoe.

or Toronto. With turn-by-turn

specialities. View tasting notes,

Taste! Community Grown

directions to guide you to great ribs,

availability, and helpful map-based

Sept. 27–29, 2013

blueberry bonanzas and more.

guidance to help snag that brand.

Not your usual picnic! Sip and

Sta y on course in farm country— ore you go! download a map bef

We love Wine Country Ontario Wine Country Ontario is making

logo at restaurants and bars that serve

it easy to find restaurants that serve

Ontario VQA wines—it’s your assurance

Ontario VQA vintages with its new We

that at least 25 percent of the wine list

Love Wine Country Ontario restaurant-

is made up of wines that meet Vintners

recognition program. Look for this

Quality Assurance criteria, meaning they are made with 100 percent Ontario-

Sh are the loca l love #LCBOgoLOCAL.

grown grapes. Discover a new local-loving restaurant or nominate your favourite today at winecountryontario.ca/ recognition-search.

savour your way across The County (aka, Prince Edward County). Fair Grounds, 375 Main St., Picton, $39/ person, tastecelebration.ca.

Wheel good food

Good food icons Look for these stickers, signs and labels for assurance of good things ahead.

Taste Trail

By the summer of 2013, Ontario

Prince Edward County’s route to culinary pleasure.

will be home to over 60 gourmet food Manual Labour Coffee at the Sew Hungry Rally.

trucks. Here’s a few to watch for on Twitter,

VQA

El Gastronomo Vagabundo

Food Truck Happenings

Showcasing Niagara regional fare with

Sew Hungry Restaurant & Food Truck Rally

gourmet tacos and southeast Asian-style

Fri., Sept. 20, 2013

snacks. @elgastronomo

Taking over Hamilton for one day only!

Pat Anderson

then track them down on the road.

100% Ontario-grown grapes and extra quality control.

Ocean Wise Sustainably managed sea- and lake-food.

In partnership with the Ottawa Street Rome’n Chariot

Farmers’ Market, this mobile eats rally

Local Food Plus

Italian comfort food—including

(sewhungry.com) is the largest in Canada.

Designates consumable products as local, sustainable

unforgettable meatball sliders and pastas. @romenchariot

Food Truck Eats at Peller Estates May 18–19, 2013

Gorilla Cheese

Twenty food trucks and 20 local wineries

Grilled cheese sandwiches made with

converge on one of the most picturesque

Jensen Cheese on wicked Cake & Loaf

properties in Niagara wine country

breads. @gorilla_cheese

(pellerestates.com).

Get mo re foo d truck info at ontari ofoodtruc ks. com .

and humanely produced.

Ontario Craft Brewers Membership organization for 30 artisan beer-makers.

Greenbelt Delineates protected green space, rich in farmland, around the GTA.

Nothing plane about this food Local delights arrive at Pearson airport

By Agatha Podgorski

MyPick Assurance that the food

seasonal menus—soups, salads and sandwiches— comprised of Ontario-sourced edibles.

Chef Mark McEwan’s Nobel Burger Bar lets diners

From gourmet burgers to modern Japanese,

build their own burger before they fly.

International Airport to feed some of the almost 35

and Master Sommelier John Szabo is the touchdown

million palates that make their way through the hub

spot for local cask taps, VQA wines and inventive

every year. Keep an eye out for these new eateries,

cocktails. pastas at Corso.

Massimo Capra’s Boccone is serving up fresh, rustic

Trillium Tapas serves Spanish flare with fusion small

Italian fare with full bar service in Terminal 1.

The Wine Route through Ontario’s five wine regions.

The Apple Pie Trail

Chef Rocco Agostino hits Terminal 3 with pizza and

either ready to serve or opening very soon:

the vendor’s own farm.

Designates tasty paths

Apropos from Augusta Ale brewer Brock Sheppard

local loving chefs are arriving at Toronto’s Pearson

being sold was grown on

Highlighting purveyors and growers in the Blue Mountains.

plates from Chef Claudio Aprile.

Heirloom by baker Devin Connell is offering light

Words to savour

Tasty titles from home-grown authors Spectacular

Share:

The Stop: How

Consumed:

Delicious

the Fight for Good

Sustainable

Wineries of

Dishes from

Food Transformed

Food for a

Ontario

FoodShare and

a Community and

Finite Planet

LLC Panache

Friends

Inspired a Movement

By Sarah Elton

Partners with

By Adrienne De

By Nick Saul and

Making the

foreword by

Francesco and

Andrea Curtis

meticulously-

John Szabo

Marion Kane

Filled with

Covering the 14 years over

researched

Share showcases the joy of

which a small, urban food bank

case for

cooking and the power of food to

transformed into a thriving

rejecting industrial food and

commentary on more than 60

create communities through local

community food centre with

adopting a locavore lifestyle.

of the province’s most beautiful

stories—and make a difference

kitchens, community gardens and

Sound arguments for the adoption

wineries and vineyards, all

at the same time.

farmers’ markets.

of small-scale, local agriculture.

photographed by Stephen Elphick.

striking color images and detailed

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 7

LUSTFUL LAVA CAKE MY

IS SINFULLY

DELICIOUS

I STAND BEHIND MY CREATION. MY GE CAFÉ™ APPLIANCES STAND BEHIND ME.

Take Food Further

GE Café™ is a registered trademark of the General Electric Company, Mabe Canada and MC Commercial are licensees.

GECafe.ca

UPFRONT

Back to our roots A field guide to some heritage and indigenous goodies By Julia Gilmore

Elderberries

Laura Berman - GreenFuse Photos

Red Fife

Wild Ginger

Paw Paws

Buckwheat/Buckwheat Honey

Saskatoon Berries

Black Walnuts

In the Field

On the Fork

At the Market

Elderberries

Andrews Scenic Acres, Halton, andrewsscenicacres.com, @andrewsscenic

Keriwa Café, Toronto, keriwacafe.ca, @keriwacafe

Cox Creek Winery, Guelph, coxcreekcellars.on.ca, @fruitwines

Wild Ginger

Henderson Farms, Wolfe Island, hendersonfarms.on.ca

Globe Bistro, Toronto, globebistro.com, @globeho

Meredith’s Ginger Syrup, Meaford, meredithsgingersyrup.com, @meredithsginger

Red Fife Wheat

Stoddart Family Farm, Little Britain, stoddart.ca, @stoddartfarm

Bloomfield Carriage House, PEC, bloomfieldcarriagehouse.com, @carriagehse

Grainstorm, Guelph, grainstorm.com, @grainstorm

Paw Paws

Heritage Hill Organics, Shanty Bay, heritagehillorganics.com

Langdon Hall, Cambridge, langdonhall.ca, @langdon_hall

Culinarium, Toronto, culinarium.ca, @culinarium_to

Saskatoon Berries

Bayfield Berry Farm, Clinton, bayfieldberryfarm.on.ca

SixThirtyNine, Woodstock, sixthirtynine.com, @sixthirtynine

Midland Farmers’ Market, Midland, midlandfarmersmarket.ca

Buckwheat/ Buckwheat Honey

Cherryvale Organic Farm, Picton, cherryvale.ca

Breadalbane Inn, Fergus, breadalbaneinn.com, @the_breadalbane

Sorauren Farmers Market, Toronto, westendfood.coop/ farmers-market, @westendfoodcoop

Black Walnuts

Grimo Nut Nursery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, grimonut.com

Murray Street Kitchen, Ottawa, murraystreet.ca, @murraystreetkwc

Stasis Local Foods, Toronto, stasispreserves.com, @stasispreserves

PROMO CODE: OCTAguide Connect with us on

www.DurhamSavourtheSeason.ca Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 9

UPFRONT

Meat masters

Ask your friendly, neighbourhood butcher for Ontario pastured beef!

Follow these Toronto butchers to get the good stuff

Mike Greenberg / Côte de Boeuf

Mike Greenberg | @cdbossington Head butcher at Côte de Boeuf, a meat shop from the owners of Union Restaurant.

Côte de Boeuf, 130 Ossington Ave., Toronto, cdbossington.com INSPIRATION: Some people like working

Peter Sanagan / Sanagan’s Meat Locker

with the farmers, some enjoy dealing with customers. Me, I love the precision

By Adam McDowell

Peter Sanagan | @sanagans

Ryan Donovan | @ryanpdonovan

of using saws and blades and really

Owner of Sanagan’s Meat Locker,

Head butcher at Richmond Station,

honing my skills, working on the art of

purveyor of ethically raised meats

opened last year with executive chef and

actually cutting the meat.

in Kensington Market.

Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich.

FARMERS: Probably our most

Sanagan’s Meat Locker, 206 Baldwin St.,

Richmond Station, 1 Richmond St. W.,

important supplier is Frank Batti at

Toronto, sanagansmeatlocker.com

Toronto, richmondstation.ca

Scotch Mountain Farms in Meaford

INSPIRATION: The last place I worked

INSPIRATION: I was working in a really

fact that the farm is on a really small

as a chef was a small inn up near Owen

good restaurant in Toronto. They had

scale allows him to make sure that all the

Sound. I developed a relationship with

a killer tomato salad: tomato from

cows are being treated properly.

farmers up there and I realized that

Cookstown Greens, a really nice cheese

EAT: When I want a really good burger

there was a lack of representation of

and olive oil. But their meat just came in

I go to Union (union72.ca) and have

their products in Toronto.

a box. I became aware that no one could

the steak haché… made with aged

FARMERS: We’re working with VG Meats

teach me [butchering], so I had to leave

Scotch Mountain beef. It’s rich and

in Simcoe (vgmeats.ca). They raise their

restaurants to do that.

flavourful and it doesn’t get much

own beef. They have their own abattoir

FARMERS: Dingo Farms in Bradford

better than that.

and processing plant. We do a lot of

(dingofarms.com) does beef, pork, lamb

business with them so that we’re able to

for us. We deal with Everspring Farms

buy whole animals, dry-aged there for

in Seaforth (everspringfarms.ca).

four weeks. It’s beautiful Angus beef, all

They’re a family and they raise ducks

hormone- and antibiotic-free.

and they also own the processing facility.

EAT: I eat a lot of my lunches at my

EAT: My favourite restaurants of late are

own lunch counter, where the meat

Campagnolo (campagnolotoronto.com),

all comes from my farmers. Woodlot

Chantecler (restaurantchantecler.ca)

(woodlotrestaurant.com) serves the

and Hopgood’s Foodliner

delicious whey-fed pork we sell here.

(hopgoodsfoodliner.com). I’m a

Bellwoods Brewery (bellwoodsbrewery.

west-end guy.

Ryan Donovan / Richmond Station

com) also uses a lot of our products.

Adam McDowell is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

10 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

Photos: Ross Spencer

[scotchmountainmeats.com]. Just the

UPFRONT

Eat local, dine global World-wise cuisine with a local focus

Tasting menu

Edulis

Nose-to-tail delights in a quiet downtown

Every Sunday, a prix-fixe long lunch is

neighbourhood. The Friday twitter

served up family style. The table is yours

Beastwich special—$10 cash—gives TGIF

for the afternoon—just sit, eat, drink and

new meaning. 96 Tecumseth St.,

enjoy. 169 Niagara, edulisrestaurant.com,

thebeastrestaurant.com, @beastrestaurant

@edulistoronto

Yours Truly

Hawthorne Food & Drink

The signature “carte blanche” menu is

Seasonal specialities, handcrafted cocktails

ever changing, unforgettable and a true

and homemade sodas like pear and

homage to the seasons. 229 Ossington

cardamom have the downtown foodie core

Ave., yours-truly.ca, @yourstruly229

buzzing. 60 Richmond St. E., @hawthorneto

DaishO

Ursa

chalkboard classics and rural

David Chang’s Manhattan import

Delicate dishes with Asian accents are

hospitality—including one of the

serves up large-format meals for group

served as fleeting works of edible art,

city’s best breakfast sandwiches.

indulgence—including the popular pork

reflecting seasonal and foraged flavours.

Brews are local. 1627 Dupont St.,

shoulder bo ssäm. 190 University Ave,

924 Queen St. W., ursa-restaurant.com,

farmhousetavern.tumblr.com,

momofuku.com, @momofuko

@ursarestaurant

@farmhousetavern

Rural meets urban at Farmhouse.

Farmhouse Tavern The farm comes to the city with

Ross Spencer

By Agatha Podgorski Beast

Lazy Sunday

Whether it’s a wine glass, tumbler or mug, raise a toast to Windsor Essex Pelee Island. As the home of southwestern Ontario’s only heritage “Wine, Spirits and Ale Trail”, we have all kinds of ways to quench your thirst for a great time.

YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS

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Learn more at visitwindsoressex.com or 1-800-265-3633 facebook.ca/twepi

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Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 11

UPFRONT

Tasty trails A few great ontario foodie tours

3

C’est Bon Cooking (cestboncooking.ca) hosts a

Visit ontarioculin ary.ca for more tours and special events.

2.5-hour guided tour of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market ($55/person). Meet chefs,

By Andrew Dobson

Rememb er sunscreen and comfy shoes!

Tasty Tours

1

farmers, retailers and other “in the

(tastytourstoronto.com) runs a

know” food lovers. Sample fresh-picked

5

two-hour Sweets Tour ($30/person)

produce, signature dishes and artisanal

Tours (eloraculinarywalkingtour.com).

through the bustling streets of Toronto’s

cheeses while soaking in the history of

Hosts Erik and Nynka show off some

Kensington Market. This group walking

Canada’s oldest farmer’s market.

hidden gems on this easy-going two-

tour visits five independent shops

Get there: 4.5 hours from Toronto

hour experience ($15/person). You’ll sample

for a taste of confections with roots

east on Hwy 401, then north on Hwy 416;

fine olive oils and vinegars, sweet

stretching across the globe.

just off Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa.

crepes, pub classics and flaky pastries.

Get there: TTC to Spadina Subway Station or 506 College streetcar.

2

Explore Ontario’s favorite mill town with Elora Culinary Walking

Wash it down with a taste of craft beer.

4

Taste the Town Tours

Get there: 90 minutes west along

(tastethetown.ca) in Niagara-on-the-

Hwy 401 and north on Hwy 7.

Stratford’s Bacon and Ale Trail

Lake showcases the heart of Ontario’s

(visitstratford.ca) is a self-guided

wine country with a 2.5-hour guided

NEW

tour ($25/person) of Perth County’s

walking tour ($49/person) featuring

celebrated food emporiums and pubs.

regional history, architecture and cuisine.

6

Along with a handy map, the package

Taste local jams, preserves, artisanal

on a 12-stop edible tour of all manner of

includes five tasting tickets redeemable

cheeses and some very serious fudge.

locally sourced maple treats ($25/person).

for bacon- or ale-inspired treats.

Get there: 90 minutes west and south

Get there: 90 minutes west along

Get there: 90 minutes from Toronto

of Toronto on the QEW and up Niagara

Hwy 401, just west of Kitchener.

on Hwy 401, west of Kitchener.

Stone Road to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

12 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

The Savour Stratford Maple Trail (visitstratford.ca) takes visitors

A Cuisine Inspired by Farmers’ Markets & Mennonite Traditions

Discover Where to Eat in Waterloo Region

www.eatwaterloo.ca No matter what you have a taste for, the message is simple. there is a lot to eat and lots going on with food in our region. So come join us and take a bite out of all that’s delicious in Waterloo Region!

From St. Jacobs Country to our urban food districts, a real food experience awaits.

Replenish your spirit and your appetite with our Signature Culinary Packages.

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Restaurants and Inns, Markets and Recipes,

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BOOK YOUR GETAWAY! www.eatwaterloo.ca

Videos, Overnight Stays, Contests and more.

à la carte

www.eatwaterloo.ca

C i t i e s o f : Ca m b r i d g e | K i tC h e n e r | Wat e r lo o

YKF

toWnships of: north dumfries | Wellesley | Wilmot | WoolWiCh

DRINKS

Five fabulous wineries to visit

By Konrad Ejbich

1

Beer city There’s good things brewing

By Jordan St. John

Casa-Dea Estate Winery

Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot

Ottawa

Prince Edward County

Noir and Riesling. 991 Four Mile

Ottawa added more breweries last year

One of the oldest wineries in The County,

Creek Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake,

than any city in Canada. The highlights

it’s known for its all-vinifera line-up of fine

betweenthelines-winery.com,

of this explosion include Broadhead

Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot

@betweenthelines

Brewing Company (broadheadbeer.com, @broadheadbeer), Beyond The Pale

Gris, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines. The of local artists and an on-site restaurant,

4

La Pergola, serves Italian-style lunches

On a plot overlooking Long Point World

@hogsbackbrewing). Ottawa has a

year round. 1186 Greer Rd., Wellington,

Biosphere Reserve on Lake Erie’s North

healthy number of brewpubs. Mill Street

casadeaestates.com, @casadeawinery

Shore, seven wise men pooled their

Brew Pub (ottawa.millstreetbrewpub.ca,

resources to create a new kind of winery.

@millstreetbrewpubot) is a showpiece

Rockway Vineyards

They transformed an ancient tobacco

of limestone heritage, but it faces stiff

Twenty Mile Bench

farm into a cutting-edge production facility

competition from Big Rig (bigrigbrew.com,

At this little-known winery, you can play an

where grapes are partially-dried according

@bigrigbrew) and all five Clocktower

18-hole game of golf, tour a wine museum,

to traditional methods to yield stylish,

(clocktower.ca, @the_clocktower) locations.

and enjoy casual dining in Windows, a

intensely-flavoured wines. 1709 Front Rd.,

restaurant with a grand view of the Niagara

St. Williams, burningkilnwinery.com,

Toronto

Escarpment. Terrific wines are made

@burningkilnwine

Ontario craft beer is at its most diverse

5

Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards

(theloosemoose.ca, @loosemooseto)

Lake Erie North Shore

has the largest number of taps in

wine and gift shop is decorated with works

2

Rockway hosts special events and concerts in 3 the summer.

Burning Kiln Winery

(beyondthepale.ca, @btpbrewing) and

Norfolk County

Hogsback Brewing Co. (hogsback.ca,

in Ontario’s capital. The Loose Moose

under the direction of new winemaker David Stasiuk. 3290 Ninth St., St. Catharines, rockwayglen.com, @rockwayvineyard

Surrounded by a long-established Caro-

downtown core, but the cutting-edge

Between the Lines Winery

linian forest, this is a naturalist’s sanctuary.

is better represented at Bar Hop Bar

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wander the vineyard, visit the barrel

(barhopbar.com, @barhopbar) just a

Upon arrival from the German wine region

cellar and finish up in the tasting room

few blocks down King Street. No visitor

of Wurttemburg, the Wertsch family

with a glass in hand. Tasting is believing.

should miss the outstanding Bellwoods

planted a sizeable new vineyard on one of

1425 Iler Rd., Harrow, coopershawk-

Brewery (bellwoodsbrewery.com,

Niagara’s warmest sites. They now make

vineyards.com, @coopershawkwine

@bellwoodsbeer) in Little Portugal.

affordable red and white wines from Follow Konrad Ejbich @winezone.

Bracebridge Cottage country is home to two of the most solid brewery lineups in

Crack an apple cider

the province: Muskoka Brewery (muskokabrewery.com, @muskokabrewery) and Sawdust City (sawdustcitybrewing. com), each of which feature outstanding

Here’s how to drink your apple a day

India Pale Ales. The best place to

By Agatha Podgorski

Gastropub (thegriffinpub.ca), famous

enjoy these local brews is The Griffin for its live music. Seating is extremely limited, so get there early.

With Canada’s largest apple-growing

The County Cider

region at its core, Ontario is pouring some

Company in

mean ciders these days. The Ontario Craft

Prince Edward

Cider Association (ontariocraftcider.com,

County

@ontcraftcider) says cider can be made from

(countycider.com,

all manner of apples (and a few pears!), making

@countycider)

Brewing (forkedriverbrewing.com,

it crisp, refreshing and sweet. Pair it with a hot

gets brewing with hardy Russet, Ida Red and

@forkedriverbrew) joins Railway City on

summer day and an orchard adventure! Some

Northern Spy apples. Spirit Tree Cidery in

the local scene. You can find both of these

highlights: Thornbury Cider in Thornbury

Caledon (spirittreecider.com, @spirittreecider)

and many other Ontario brews at Milos’

(thornburycider.ca, @thornburycider) can

serves up an artisanal brunch in its farmhouse

Craft Beer Emporium (pubmilos.com,

be found straight off the Apple Pie Trail.

any day of the week.

14 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

London Harvest at Spirit Tree.

London’s brewing scene is heating up this year as Forked River

Getting into the spirit in these Ontario towns

ontario’s craft distilleries invite you for a taste

Taste the growing bounty of Ontario craft beers! 1

3

By Davin de Kergommeaux

Forty Creek Distillery

Unsurpassed quality has taken

66 Gilead Distillery

Canada’s largest craft distillery from hand

An artisanal, grain-to-glass, micro-

selling individual bottles to distribution

distillery set in the quaint, pastoral beauty

across North America.

@pubmilos), widely regarded as the best

of a partly restored 19th-century farm.

MUST TRY: Forty Creek Confederation

beer bar in Southwestern Ontario for its

MUST TRY: Fragrant zephyrs of local

Oak Reserve, a buttery mingling of rye,

selection and locally sourced food.

pine boughs waft from their luxurious

corn and barley. 297 South Service Rd.,

Canadian Pine Vodka. 66 Gilead Rd.,

Grimsby, 1-800-694-6798 ext. 27,

Vankleek Hill

Bloomfield, 613-393-1890,

fortycreekwhisky.com, @fortycreek_john

Home to Beau’s All Natural Brewing

66gileaddistillery.com

Company (beaus.ca, @beausallnatural),

Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers

4

Still Waters Distillery

located an hour east of Ottawa. While

2

This distillery and sipping room offers

aromas of fermenting grain welcome you

brewery tours and tastings run year

grape-skin vodka, gin, and rye-grain spirit—

to Ontario’s first new-style craft distillery.

round, the Beau’s Oktoberfest (Oct. 4-5)

with rose gin, limoncello, plus quirky

MUST TRY: Stalk & Barrel Single Malt

is a can’t-miss event with great food,

bitters made from local fruit and herbs.

Whisky bottled at cask strength.

one-off beers, live music and traditional

MUST TRY: Unfiltered Gin 22 is cloudy

150 Bradwick Dr. #26, Concord, 905-

festival games.

and bursting with the essence of 22

482-2080, stillwatersdistillery.com,

botanicals. 4833 Tufford Road.,

@stillwatersd

Vankleek Hill is a picturesque town

Visit Jordan St. John at saintjohnswort.ca.

Gleaming copper stills and warm sweet

A complimentary tasting room cap s off every tour!

Beamsville, 905-563-3030, dillons.ca, @dillonsdistills

SUMMER DAYS

Follow Davin de Kergommeaux at @davindk.

Follow Davin de Kergommeaux @davindek.

OF FINE CHARDONNAYS, CUISINE AND COMPANY IN THE VINEYARDS OF NIAGARA The Chardonnay will be dazzling, the dining exquisite, the company lively.

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration is three days spent exploring seductive shades of the most planted grape on earth. Taste chardonnays from 60 of the world’s foremost winemakers alongside the exceptional cuisine that pairs with it so well. With intimate vineyard luncheons, culinary showcases and the Cool Chardonnay World Tour signature event featuring all 120 wines, you can custom-blend your own unforgettable chardonnay weekend.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY

COOLCHARDONNAY.ORG 905.309.9487

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 15

DRINKS

Take a Wine Country tour

How many of Ontar io’s

Follow these tips and have a great trip

13 5 wcaninyoeru ievissit?

Get Where You’re Going Find events, detailed maps, route planners and more on the dozens of vineyards scattered across Ontario’s wine regions. Visit winecountryontario.ca.

Lake Erie North Shore & Pelee Island Canada’s southernmost region boasts Ontario’s longest growing season,

The tasting room at Inniskillin in Niagara.

which can produce fuller-bodied wines. GETTING THERE: Take Hwy 401 west for 340km and catch the

By Konrad Ejbich

Call it a picnic, call it a shopping

sit around and snack while you sip their

trip or call it a mental health day. Whatever

wines by the vineyards.

pretext you use, call a friend and get

KICK BACK And take along a couple of

Niagara-on-the-Lake

yourselves to a nearby winery. Call it

lawn chairs or a blanket to spread out by

Cradling one of Ontario’s loveliest

an excuse to chum and to chat, but can

the vineyard.

towns, this region offers relaxing

you think of a more pleasant way? Then,

STAY COZY And speaking of cool

vistas, historic charm and top-notch

call ahead, plan ahead and have a good

things to do, pack a sweater if you hope

wines. GETTING THERE: Head west

time... sipping fine wines among the

to spend any time in a winery’s barrel

along the QEW for about 110km (you’ll

grapes that made them.

cellar. They’re often 15 to 20 degrees

curve around the lake) and then north

cooler than upstairs and outside.

east on Niagara Stone Road.

Here are some tips to make your trip

TWEET THIS For official insider info, news and specials, follow @winecountryont

Scudder ferry in Leamington.

outstanding and memorable:

START RIGHT Have a hearty break-

MAP IT Get a good map of the region

fast. There’s nothing like binging on an

Niagara Escarpment

you want to visit and plan your trip in detail.

empty stomach.

& Twenty Valley

It’s better than aimlessly wandering about

TROPHIES! The best wines of most

This UNESCO site and home to the

and wasting time asking folks for directions.

wine producers are not available at LCBO

Bruce Trail is a microclimate for

INSIDE INFO Visit websites of any

stores, so take this opportunity to grab a

unique, personality-laden wines and

wineries you intend to stop by. They may

few exceptional bottles.

wineries big and small. GETTING

have special events or tastings you can

TAKE NOTE Take a notebook with you.

THERE: Head west along the QEW for

get in on in advance with a phone call.

Half the trick is remembering which

about 65km and watch for exit signs

SAFETY FIRST Designated a driver

wines you liked and which ones not.

to the wineries.

or engage the services of a local tour

ASK QUESTIONS Taste before buying

company. You’ll enjoy yourself more

anything and ask the question, “How long

Prince Edward County

when you don’t need to think about the

can this wine be kept?” before committing

Ontario’s newest wine appellation,

rules of the road.

to a multi-bottle purchase. Place a tag with

The County’s pastoral settings

COOL IT Pack a cooler in the trunk of

that information on the bottle.

provide the perfect backdrop for

the car so you can keep your purchases

STAY FOCUSED Pace yourself.

pairing wines with its many artisanal

from overheating in the summer sun.

Remember, you’re tasting—not drinking.

products. GETTING THERE: Head

SNACK ATTACK Prepare a picnic

Don’t be shy about using the spittoons

east about 200km on Hwy 401

basket, or plan to buy snacks along the

provided. Once you start swallowing, your

and take the Loyalist Parkway

way. Many wineries encourage you to

sense of good judgment quickly declines.

onto the island.

Konrad Ejbich writes and broadcasts about wine. Follow him @winezone.

16 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

STA_OCTA_2013_D 2013-04-08 1:33 PM Page 1

STRATFORD your

culinary getaway Innovative chefs, cool spaces and local farmers make Stratford an award-winning culinary hotspot with an array of culinary adventures offered all year round.

•

Savour Stratford Chocolate Trail, Bacon & Ale Trail and Maple Trail

•

Savour Stratford Tastings and Adventures

•

GE Café Chefs Series Cooking Classes

•

Stratford Garlic Festival, September 14 & 15

•

Ontario’s 2012 Event of the Year – Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, Presented by GE Café Appliances, September 20-22

visitstratford.ca OCBA2621 Culinary Adventure Guide Half Page_Horiz_April 2_v3.ai

1

4/3/13

@StratfordON

StratfordON

2:10 PM

At the Ontarioo Craft Brewers ®, our 30 + members brew prem premium beer tas with a single, noble purpose: to satisfy your every taste.

Why not discover over 250 of our locally crafted premium ales, lagers, stouts, pilsners and more?

Each one is brewed in small batches with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives. u’ll understand when you open one. Look for the OCB ® seal at the LCBO and The Beer Store.

You’ll Discover us at www.ontariocraftbrewers.com PLEASE DISCOVER RESPONSIBLY

Celebrate Ontario Craft Beer Visit www.ocbweek.ca for details © OCB April 2013

The Great Ontario

Cheese and Ale Trail A special feature sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada

Sudbury

THE BEERS

1

Railway City Brewing Co. 168 Curtis St., St. Thomas, 519-631-1881 • railwaycitybrewing.com • @railcity

69

Whether it’s a fruity seasonal pilsner or a full-bodied ale, each Railway City brew has a flavour as unforgettable as its name. Call ahead to book a tour. Signature: Dead Elephant Ale is a full-bodied golden pale.

2

Neustadt Springs Brewery 456 Jacob St., Neustadt, 519-799-5790 • neustadtsprings.com A historic microbrewery in the old-world village of Neustadt. Pop by for a tour of the underground caverns and pure crystal springs. Signature: A traditional dark English Mild, award-winning 10W30 is a smooth and drinkable ale.

3

Parry Sound

Grand River Brewing 295 Ainslie St., Cambridge, 519-620-3233 • grandriverbrewing.com • @grandriverbeer Full-flavoured craft beers with moderate alcohol (5% or less), made in a 1913 knife factory.

Signature: 1913 Traditional, designed to replicate the brew of choice for thirsty farmhands a century ago.

4

Great Lakes Brewery 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., Toronto, 416-255-4510 • greatlakesbeer.com • @greatlakesbeer

6

Small batch brewing and local ingredients keep Ontario beer enthusiasts committed.

Signature: The hoppy Crazy Canuck Pale Ale finishes with a pleasing malty and bready quality.

5

Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery 107 Dunlop St., East Barrie, 705-721-8989 • theflyingmonkeys.ca • @flyingmonkeys Seriously hoppy brews come in psychedelic looking bottles with quotes under each cap. Don’t let the whimsy fool you! Signature: Netherworld Cascadian Dark Ale is an Imperial India Porter

1

with medium-bodied coffee and cocoa goodness.

6

2

Muskoka Brewery 13 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge, 705-646-1266 • muskokabrewery.com • @muskokabrewery Freshness and independence rule at the Muskoka Brewery, where a selection of easy-drinking beers is handcrafted in the heart of Muskoka. Signature: The English pub-style Cream Ale sports rich amber colour and inviting floral tones.

7

Barley Days Brewery 13730 Loyalist Parkway, Picton, 613-476-7468 • barleydaysbrewery.com • @barleydaysbrews

2

Signature: Crisp and clean, Loyalist Lager is a balanced Pilsner-style lager with a slightly bitter finish.

8

10 Terry Fox Dr., Vankleek Hill, 866-585-BEER • beaus.ca • @beausallnatural Beau’s very first batch won best beer at the 2006 Toronto Golden Tap Awards, and an extensive selection has been racking up the accolades ever since.

Signature: Mutineer Imperial Pilsner packs powerful herbal and grassy aromas… and a lot of hops!

Win Windsor

402

8

3

The brewery uses local ingredients to make a small selection of brews and seasonal ales.

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company

5

London Lon ndon 401

1

3

6

401 1

QEW

403

Hamilton QEW

4

Illustration: ParisGreenCreative.com

THE CHEESES

1

10 2 3 4

North ort rttth h ayy Bay

11

5 6 7

6

8 9

400

11

Barrie

10

400

Toronto

4

Pine River Cheese 635 Hwy 21 S., R.R. #4, Ripley, Huron-Kinloss, 519-395-2638 • pinerivercheese.com • @pinerivercheese Since 1885, local raw milk is used to produce 14 varieties of cheese, including an 8-year aged cheddar and some delicious organic varieties. Signature: Tasty flavoured options like the award-winning Thai Curry Cheese Curds.

Mountainoak Cheese 3165 Huron Rd., New Hamburg, 519-662-4967 • mountainoakcheese.ca The Van Bergeijk family understands that great cheese needs great milk. Signature: Mild and aged Premium Dutch Gouda.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese 445172 Gunns Hill Rd., Woodstock, 519-424-4024 • gunnshillcheese.ca Small-scale artisan cheeses made using traditional Swiss recipes. Signature: The typical Swiss-mountain-style Handeck.

Upper Canada Cheese Co. 4159 Jordan Rd., Jordan Station, 905-562-9730 • uppercanadacheesecompany.com • @uppercanadachse Unique flavours come courtesy of a rare Niagara herd of Guernsey cows, minimal processing and careful aging on site.

Signature: The delicately sweet Niagara Gold, based on recipes developed by Trappist Monks in the Loire Valley.

Ivanhoe Cheese 11301 Hwy 62 N., R.R. #5, Madoc, 1-800-268-0508 • ivanhoecheese.com Dating from 1870 as a dairy co-operative in the hamlet of Ivanhoe. Signature: Horseradish Cheddar—creamy, with a kick!

Black River Cheese 913 County Rd. 13, R.R. #2, Athol, 613-476-2575 • blackrivercheese.com Old-world craftsmanship dating back to its 1901 beginnings as a farmers’ co-op. Signature: The incredibly flavourful 8-year Naturally Aged Cheddar, with its irresistible dry, rough and crumbly texture.

Maple Dale Cheese 2864 Hwy 37 N., R.R. #1, Plainfield, 613-477-2454 • mapledalecheese.ca Cheddars are a specialty, and a crowd-pleasing fresh curd is made daily. The roadside store is packed with gourmet treats.

Signature: “Outrageously Old” 7-year Cheddar—it’s a taste sensation!

Glengarry Fine Cheese 5926 County Rd. #34, R.R. #1, Lancaster, 1-888-816-0903 • glengarryfinecheese.com A passionate family farm making cheese from its own Holstein cows. Signature: Lankaaster, a hard Dutch-style cheese.

St. Albert Cheese Manufacturing 150 St-Paul St., St-Albert, 613-987-2872 • fromage-st-albert.com Five generations of farmers have maintained St. Albert’s trusted recipes, from melt-in-your mouth curds to spiced-up cheddars. Signature: Perfectly textured soft and succulent Cheddar Curds.

Thornloe Cheese 999697 Hwy 11 N., Thornloe, 705-647-7441 • thornloecheese.ca Old-fashioned techniques and fresh local milk from the district of Temiskaming.

Signature: The traditional-styled Temiskaming, a soft cheese with an earthy depth and pungent blue-cheese taste.

5 Belleville

6

Ottawa

9 416

7 401

417

8

8

7

Niagara Falls asourceofpride.ca

EXPERIENCES

DIY day on the farm You can’t beat the fresh taste of pick-your-own produce

By Tiffany Mayer

Most pick-your-own farms recommend bringing your own bags to haul your harvest. Bert Andrews suggests bringing your own knife when visiting his Milton farm.

It’s not to fend off any rabid raspberry hunters or wild creatures lurking in a blueberry bush. Knives are needed because how else does someone harvest their own asparagus?

Andrews, who operates Andrews’ Scenic Acres (see sidebar) kicks off his season in May with asparagus—he does have extra knives, just in case— and rhubarb, passing the rest of the summer with 16 other pick-your-own fruit and vegetable crops. Among them are blueberries, which started it all for Andrews in 1980, and some more unusual offerings, including elderberries, currants and gourds.

“I’ve always had the philosophy that it’s good to have unique products that others don’t have,” says Andrews, who farms with his wife Lauraine.

From Windsor to Ottawa and Niagara to Thunder Bay, those who want an onfarm experience have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, hunker down in a field or scale ladders in an orchard in search of the perfect fruits and vegetables. Andrews’s farm is one of

At Andrews’, you can also pick your own fresh flowers. dozens of pick-your-own operations in Ontario, offering the DIY harvester the best in peas and asparagus in spring; berries, cherries, peaches and plums in summer; and those beacons of fall, apples and pumpkins.

At Farintosh Farms (see sidebar) in Gormley, north of Toronto, Guy Farintosh has seen his vegetable crops change with his customers. Tomatoes were popular 40 years ago when Farintosh catered to a primarily Italian customer

The proprietors at Andrews’ Scenic Acres.

base. These days, it’s his corn crop that

is going to make you happy. “If you look

proves most popular, with more than a

at a bushel of tomatoes you just picked

dozen other options.

versus one oozing from the bottom of a

No matter what one picks, Farintosh is certain that anything fresh from the field

box in a grocery store, I don’t think it’s hard to see what’s better.”

Tips on how to pick Check the forecast. The sun might be shining in your neck of the woods, but the situation could be very different at the farm.

Dress for the conditions.

Muddy fields make a pair of Wellies a smart choice. Wear a hat and bring sunscreen.

Time it right. Head out early to get the best pickings.

Cash is king. Bring cash and your own bags (which can save you money).

Pack a snack. A few nibbles and some water will help keep up your stamina and reduce the temptation to sample as you pick.

No pets. They aren’t welcome in the field, and the car is no place for an animal on a hot day.

Call ahead. Get the scoop from the farmer on conditions, availability and house rules.

Tiffany Mayer runs eatingniagara.com. Follow @tifferooski.

20 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

Where to pick 1

Andrews’ Scenic Acres

Delicious and Gala, and the lesser

From asparagus to apples,

known Tydeman’s, Kerr Minis and

rhubarb to raspberries, and goose-

Creston. Season runs July 1 to

berries to gourds, Andrews’ Scenic

October 31. 8501 Chudleigh Way,

Acres is home to crops ripe for

Milton, chudleighs.com

the picking from May through October, weather permitting.

This PYO farm also boasts a fruit

4

Farintosh Farms Guy and Karen Farintosh have

winery for the thirsty picker.

something to satisfy the DIY

9365 10 Side Rd., Halton Hills,

harvester who doesn’t have a

andrewsscenicacres.com,

sweet tooth: pick-your-own

@andrewsscenic

vegetables. Beans, greens, eggplants, peppers, tomatoes,

2

Cherry Avenue Farms

cabbages, cucumbers, broccoli,

Cherry Avenue Farms offers

squash, pumpkins and sweet corn

what Niagara is known for: cherries,

keep visitors in the fields from mid-

peaches, nectarines, apricots,

July to October 31. 11858 Warden

pears and three kinds of plums.

Ave., Gormley, farintosh.com

This 126-acre farm is one of the oldest in the region, operated by the Moyer family since 1799.

5

Arrowwood Berry Farm Lee and Shirley Talbot have

Season starts in early July and

been growing highbush blue-

runs until the end of September.

berries on their 100-acre farm

4303 Cherry Ave., Vineland,

since 1980. Arrowwood also

cherryavenuefarms.org

features raspberry bushes, wood-

SAY CHEESE!!!!

Hop in your car and visit Canada’s Dairy Capital.

And don’t forget your cooler and your camera…

For a copy of the guide tourism@oxfordcounty.ca www.oxfordfresh.com

lands and manicured gardens for

3

Chudleigh’s

a post-pick picnic. The on-site

Chudleigh’s is a three-gener-

Harvest Table restaurant is

ation family farm dedicated to

available for organized groups

all things apple. It offers more

and catered events. Season

than 20 varieties on low-hanging

runs mid-July to mid-August.

branches, including the usual

6460 Riverside Dr., Melbourne,

suspects such as McIntosh, Red

harvesttablecatering.com

360 Restaurant is one of Toronto’s finest dining destinations, located atop Toronto’s most famous landmark, the CN Tower. Featuring spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and an inventive, locally sourced, seasonal menu, 360 Restaurant is an inspiring gastronomic experience in an unsurpassed setting. 360 Restaurant boasts an extensive array of wines from 14 counties, with over 550 labels from its innovative cellar in the sky.

To book the ultimate dining experience, call 416-362-5411 or visit cntower.ca

Highbush blueberries at Arrowwood.

Complimentary elevation with the purchase of a main course.

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 21 Date: Apr 20, 2012

TASTE offers sweeping views of Lake Muskoka from every vantage point, guests can engage in an intimate fireside chat in the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cozy lounge area or enjoy a nightcap at the bar.

The outdoor cascading deck immerses guests among the natural landscape and is perfect for al fresco dining while overlooking the alluring infinity pool.

TASTE cuisine is reflective of Executive Chef Wade Urashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, farm-to-table philosophy; incorporating fresh, locally produced ingredients into menus designed for seasonal signature dining experiences.

705-764-5353 or 1-866-928-1098 FOR RESERVATIONS ONLINE

reservations@touchstoneonlakemuskoka.com

touchstonemuskoka.com

experiences

’ve You love a classic butter tart, but recentlytheyou been fantasizing about wh at else is out re.

Top tarts

There’s a gooey, buttery, maple pastry treat for everyone in Ontario

By Valerie Howes

We bring you the best Butter tarts so you don’t need to try them all— not that anybody’s judging if you do.

Best for Purists Marj’s Village Kitchen

Illustration: ParisGreenCreative.com

1

Just two kinds here: pecan or raisin.

But who needs more when you’ve got melt-in-your-mouth pastry and a justset maple filling? 14 Elora St. N., Alma, marjs.com

2

Best for carnivores Madelyn’s Diner

Made with locally sourced rashers from Yungblut Meats, these bacon butter tarts are perfect for breakfast.

377 Huron St., Stratford, madelynsdiner.ca, @madelynsdiner

3

Best for a buzz Westerly Restaurant

Sweetened with locally produced BeeGrrl honey (beegrrl.com), tempered with creamy mascarpone and spiked with bourbon-maple-raisin compote.

413 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, thewesterlyrestaurant.com, @westerlykitchen

4 Hit the Buttery Road Not sated yet? Follow the Butter Tart Trail through Wellington North—a 100-km route with 18 stops—where you’ll find butter-tart-inspired everything from soaps to candles to sundaes to dog treats (simplyexplore.ca/ buttertart.htm). Or drive through Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland on a 14-bakery butter tart adventure between Port Hope and Woodville (ourfavouriteplace.ca/findthe-perfect-butter-tart).

Best to grab-and-go Whitty Farms

Stop at this farm stand for ripe straw-

make way for chocolate chips. Sweet!

even pineapple added to the mix.

berries and local wine; leave with a sixpack

177 Highland St., Haliburton,

7A Old Hastings Rd., Maynooth,

of made-from-scratch tarts for the

ingoldsbyjunctionbuttertarts.foodpages.ca

algonquingourmetbuttertarts.com

7

9

road. 1655 4th Ave., St. Catharines, whittyfarms.ca

5

Best for special diets Tori’s Bakeshop

Best if size matters Dee’s Bakery

Best in chinatown

In gluten-free pastry cases is a

Made in muffin tins, these beasts weigh

Andrea’s Gerrard St. Bakery

sprinkling of currants and pecans.

in at around 85g (3oz). At the holidays,

Andrea Mutt’s sturdy sweet dough tarts

Topped with a gooey layer of maple

try vodka and cranberry varieties.

hit the perfect middle ground, filled with

brown sugar, coconut milk and

118 St. Andrews St., Cambridge,

an unadulterated butter, Demerara

vanilla. 2188 Queen St. E., Toronto,

buttertartstodiefor.ca

sugar and maple blend. 635 Gerrard St.

torisbakeshop.ca, @torisbakeshop

E., Toronto, andreasbakery635.com, @andreasbakery

6

8

Best mail-order

10

Algonquin Gourmet Butter Tarts

For real flavour-pushers, here you have

Best for the pie-curious The Sweet Oven

Best for chocoholics

Made from a three-generations-old

choices; 20 to be exact. Try the Skor

Ingoldsby Junction Buttertarts

recipe, these classic tarts have long

bits; no wait, the coffee; actually, make

These dainty tarts fall apart at the mere

been a draw for visitors to Algonquin Park.

that the mint. 75 Barrie View Dr., Barrie,

approach of a fork. Traditional raisins

Now with M&Ms, peanut butter and

thesweetoven.com

Valerie Howes is the food editor for Reader’s Digest Canada. Follow her @valhowes.

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 23

EXPERIENCES

10 artisans you need to visit 1

De La Terre Bakery / Sourdough Specializing in organic, artisan sourdoughs: roasted

garlic and rosemary; honey and walnut; caraway rye… and more. Chewy, dense and crusty—find them at farmers’ markets, or take a drive and enjoy a loaf straight from the ovens at their charming shop.

3451 King Street, Vineland, delaterre.ca, @delaterrebakery

Mrs. McGarrigle’s

4

Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods / Mustard

Brimming with a vast and wonderful selection of gourmet foods, including acclaimed homemade course-grained mustards. Try the maple flavour for a sweet addition to your back bacon sandwich. In-store demos and cooking classes are popular.

311 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville,

By Agatha Podgorski

2

mustard.ca, @janetcampbell99 Rosewood Estates / Honey and Mead

with its estate apiary producing liquid

5

gold that they turn into a honey with

For more than 30 years, the team at

delicate floral notes along with an

Springridge Farm have been turning

exceptional, one-of-kind mead. Stop

their famous strawberries into jams.

at The Cellar Door—their Niagara

With seasonal specials—like the new

Rosewood produces wine and honey,

tasting room—for a flight wines,

Royal Baby Jam, a blueberry-strawberry Dingo Farms

mead and some sticky comb.

4352 Mountainview Rd., Beamsville, rosewoodwine.com, @rosewoodsocialbee

Springridge Farm / Jams and Jellies

jam laced with a splash of Champagne— there’s always something to discover.

3

Dingo Farms / Butchery

7256 Bell School Line, Milton,

This family-run, heritage pork,

springridgefarm.com, @springridgefarm

beef and lamb farm has been creating sought-after and savoury charcuterie alongside butchery products for four generations. Keep an eye out for their hands-on cooking events, and be sure to call ahead.

3412 on the 8th line, Bradford, dingofarms.com, @dingofarms

Rosewood Estates

Find Dingo Farms meats at some of the best Ontario restaurants.

Springridge Farms

Agatha Podgorski believes in local food and the health benefits of a good pinot. Follow @agapod.

24 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

2013 Events u Spring Rural Romp - May 25

twitter.com/tastereal facebook.com/tastereal

u Local Food Fest - June 23 u Field Dinner - Sept 22 u Fall Rural Romp - Sept 28

EXPERIENCES

Travel with an insulated cooler bag to keep your good ies fresh!

10 artisans you need to visit continued from pg.24

Seed to Sausage Sheldon Creek Dairy

6

9

Seed to Sausage / Charcuterie

Sheldon Creek Dairy / Milk

This small-scale producer sources

Sheldon Creek Dairy is a third-

locally and ethically to create award-

generation farm nestled in the rolling

winning handmade salami. Only

hills of the Sheldon Valley. They raise

recently available in stores outside their

dairy cows, piping the milk next door

Titchborne shop. The full line—including

to their plant. Fresh, non-homogenized

favourites like artisanal garlic juniper

and (sometimes) chocolate-y!

bacon, smoked hunter salami, and

4316 Concession 5, Loretto,

marjoram cured lomo, are worth a visit.

sheldoncreekdairy.ca, @sheldondairy

12821 Highway 38, Titchborne, seedtosausage.ca, @seed_to_sausage

7

Vicki’s Veggies / Hot Sauce

hundreds of varieties of incredibly

10

delicious heirloom tomatoes every year.

This Oxford County highlight invites

She also grows wickedly hot little peppers.

you to play at cheese making for a day

Naturally, you can see why she started

by getting hands-on with their curd

barrel aging her addictive hot sauce in

at the beautiful Woodstock pasture

Vicki Emlaw is a farmer—she grows

2012 and hasn’t looked back since.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese / Cheese

property. Or, stay clean and book a tour

81 Morrison Pt. Rd., Milford,

SOMA Chocolatemaker

vickisveggies.com, @vickisveggies

with owner Shep Ysselstein and learn the stages of production involved in his three signature cheeses: Oxford’s

8

SOMA / Chocolate

Harvest, Five Brothers and Handeck.

These artisans transform uniquely

445172 Gunns Hill Rd., Woodstock,

Ontario seasonal ingredients like wild

gunnshillcheese.ca

cherries, heartnuts, quince and whisky in their cacao bean lab where beans are ground and delicately moulded while you watch. Try their house-made gelato in flavours like blueberry and basil or red plum.

32 Tank House Lane, Toronto, somachocolate.com, @somachocolate

Vicki’s Veggies

26 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

Pick up the Elixir Box of four incredible flavours of hot chocolate mix.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese

OOEY GOOEY S S E N D O GO

Find happiness in the land of 1000 perfect butter tarts.

The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour features over 30 bakeries selling happiness. Visit us online for a map of all the stops, then start enjoying

- to your tartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content.

at Bu Detailed tour info

tterTartTour.ca

EXPERIENCES

On the waterfront Sail, fly, fish or simply float for your supper

By Valerie Howes

1

Fly By… With Lunch Discover Georgian Bay from a gull’s

perspective as you fly by seaplane to Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island in Sans Souci—accessible only by water or air. There you’ll tuck into freshly-caught local pickerel for lunch or dinner. From the patio, look out onto Georgian Bay as yachts come and go. Details: The Fly & Dine to Henry’s Fish Restaurant excursion is run by Georgian Bay Airways. Two-hour excursions include flights and lunch for $168.95 (plus fuel surcharge) per adult; georgianbayairways.com, @nicoleatgba.

2

Oar the Lake Paddle from busy downtown to the

Toronto Islands via an equally lively, yet infinitely more relaxing bird sanctuary.

Paddling the 1000 Islands.

Take in the beaches, parks and trails before a picnic feast of locally produced foods (cheeses, charcuterie, breads, salads, pickles and desserts) with your canoe mates, guides and chefs. The return trip after sunset offers unforgettable views of the illuminated city. Details: The Escape the City... Canoe and Beach Dining Adventure is $135/adult, $100/ youth; culinaryadventureco.com, @culinaryadvco.

A great way to experience one or more of Ontario’s 250,000 lakes!

Float planes docked at Henry’s.

4

Henry’s lakefish and chips.

Net Worth

5

Crystal Lake in Northwestern

out onto Eagle Lake by night. By day you’ll

Feast and Relaxation At Sir Sam’s Inn near Haliburton, look

Ontario is jumping with trout, pike,

either be outdoors on the lake (kayaking,

smallmouth bass and walleye. Observe

sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, pedal

Paddle for Your Picnic

herons nesting along the water and

boating or cruising) or you’ll be letting

This beginner-friendly tour has

listen to loons sing their plaintive song

your worries float away indoors at the

groups exploring the Frontenac Arch

as you head out across the clear, spring-

Waterspa. Dinner options include a roast

Biosphere and area around the 1000

fed waters. Your guide will share fishing

rack of Ontario pork loin, oven-roasted

Islands. Along with your guide, paddle

tips and clean your catch. Cook up tasty

pickerel or maple-glazed lake trout.

your way among unforgettable inlets,

fish suppers in a self-catering cabin back

Details: An all-inclusive package

stopping for a seasonal, organic

at the lodge. Details: The Atikokan

includes two nights lodging, two dinners,

100-mile sourced lunch. Details:

Fishing Lodge runs a Fully Guided Deluxe

two breakfasts and one spa treatment

A full-day excursion includes all gear,

Package that includes five nights lodging

each, as well as full use of waterfront

lessons and lunch for $135/person;

and four days guided fishing for $775/

facilities, for $930 per couple;

1000islandskayaking.com, @1000ikc.

person for a group of two; fishcrystal.com.

sirsamsinn.com, @sirsamsinn.

3

Valerie Howes is food editor for Reader’s Digest Canada.

28 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

Grey Bruce, We Grow Delicious!

Plan your next culinary adventure with FoodlinkGreyBruce.com and the Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary map.

Together we make it easy for you to find great local food year round.

Great Wineries Visit Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting new wine region in Prince Edward County. Tour award-winning wineries, and sample local fare in this food loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise.

www.thegreatwaterway.com

DESTINATIONS

The flavours of Durham A vast region east of Toronto invites you for a taste

By Rod Charles

Imagine enjoying brunch on a

growing apples since 1967 and offers

patio on the shores of Lake Ontario, or

delicious fruit wines, as well as a round of

tipping back a fine glass of wine next to

golf if you’re so inclined. Located in Port

a golf course.

These are just some of the outstanding

Perry, Ocala Winery (ocalawinery.com) is housed on more than 100 acres of land

culinary experiences that await visitors

with an orchard that has 3,000-plus fruit

to Durham Region and all the pretty cities

trees. Their vineyard includes grapes

and towns within, loaded with succulent

that produce Riesling, Pinot Gris and

dining choices for palates of all tastes

Chardonnay. Be sure to sample the

just waiting to be discovered.

Apple/Pear and Rhubarb wines ($10.95).

Port Restaurant in Pickering.

One of the best reasons to visit the

(corradorestaurant.com) in Brooklin,

of the Greater Toronto Area. Home to a

region is the Savour the Season Festival

as well as Urban Pantry Restaurant

population of 608,124, as well as General

(durhamsavourtheseason.ca), which

(urbanpantry.ca) and Tin Mill (tinmill.ca)

Motors of Canada and Ontario Power

showcases the local harvest and takes

in Uxbridge.

Generation. Durham encompasses a

place September 11 – 22. Participating

gigantic area approximately 2,590 square

restaurants include Butler’s Pub & Grill

names are here, including Residence

kilometres and includes the cities of

(royalashburngolfclub.com/dining)

Inn by Marriott in Whitby, Travelodge

Whitby, Oshawa and Bowmanville along

in Ashburn with Executive Chef Lucas

Oshawa, Comfort Inn in Pickering and

Lake Ontario, all the way north past

Smith, Corrado’s Restaurant and Bar

Hilton Garden Inn in Ajax.

Durham Region lies on the east side

Need lodging? No problem. All the big

Beaverton on Lake Simcoe.

From downtown Toronto, make the 40-km drive east to Pickering. There, Executive Chef Thomas Heitz will take you on a delicious journey at Port Restaurant (portrestaurant.ca,

gara

Experience Nia

@portrestaurant) on Wharf Street.

You’ll love the brunch menu, including Fried Chicken and Waffles ($14.50) or Sausage, Bacon & Eggs ($10.50).

Check out durh amfarmfresh.ca for more great tip s.

Check out Pickering Farmers’ Market (pickeringtowncentrefarmersmarket.ca), where you can enjoy fresh fruit and food from several vendors. The whole family will enjoy face painting and live entertainment.

In Oshawa, stop by Avanti Trattoria

GETTING THERE A 40-km trip from downtown Toronto, travel north on the Don Valley Parkway and head east on Highway 401 toward Pickering. You’ll hit the border at Whites Road.

(avantifood.com) for a stone-fired pizza ($10.50 – $13.95) or come tomato season, a fresh insalate caprese ($10.75).

Two exceptional wineries are just

Spring into Summer in Wine Country!

Niagara New ViNtage FestiVal June 15-23 • Discovery Pass June 15, 16, 22 & 23 • TD Tailgate Party June 22

waiting to be discovered. Located 12 kilometres north of the 401 in Bowmanville is Archibald’s Estate Winery (archibaldswinery.com), which has been

thisiswinecountry

mywinecountry

thisiswinecountry.ca

Wine Weekends from

199

$

.99

†

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Includes your Discovery Passes & a Love Niagara wine bag.

Book today!

1-888-558-8820

Based on double occupancy, plus all applicable taxes and service fees.

Subject to availability, at participating hotels. Based on standard room.

†

Follow Rod Charles @rodalcharles.

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 31

GTA & BEYOND

4 Great Food Towns We asked food insiders to pick the best eateries in their own back yards

2

CAMBRIDGE >> with COOKBOOK AUTHOR ROSE MURRAY

A popular spot is Cambridge Mill (cambridgemill.ca, @cambridge_mill)— a historic property, with patios overlooking the Grand River. It’s in such demand for weddings that they even have their own flower shop. The kitchen works with local ingredients, and there are a couple dozen Ontario bottles on the wine list.

On Saturday mornings I go to the Cambridge Farmer’s Market (cambridge.ca) in Old Galt. You can get

Andrew Cullen

all kinds of Ontario cheeses and organic,

Wes Lesco / Hamilton

antibiotic-free meats there—I love the sausages on a bun. Mennonite ladies sell baked goods and preserves made with local fruits.

A funky place along the Grand

By Valerie Howes

Ch eck out “W hat ’ s in Sea son ” at bre adb ar.c a for menu hig hlig hts .

1

HAMILTON >> with SARCOA

River, is L.A. Franks (519-623-6733).

RESTAURANT CHEF WES LESCO

It’s in a little house, but you take your

Murray Lloyd / Burlington

I like Bread Bar (breadbar.ca, @earth_

order away to a picnic table. Everyone

to_table)—they change up their menu

stops there for ice cream or malted

daily and have a take-out option for

milkshakes. The “holey hamburgers” are

3

made-from-scratch sandwiches, baked

really good—a bit fancier than what you’d

The most field-to-table place in town is

goods and salads that would be great

find at a trailer—they poke a hole through

Spencer’s at the Waterfront (spencers.ca,

for picnics. Their artisanal, rustic-style

the middle for even cooking.

@_spencers_). They offer great views

pizzas are made to order and they do

GET THERE: Head north to Hwy 401,

BURLINGTON >> with Qscene BBQ TV HOST MURRAY LLOYD

across Lake Ontario and serve up

Fried Organic Chicken Fridays—very

then west for 100km. Exit south to

everything from field green salads to

popular with locals.

Cambridge.

stone-baked pizzas to Lake Erie perch.

There’s a friendly bar and micro-

You see a lot of families there, because

brewery called The Ship (theship.ca,

they’re right beside our biggest park.

@shiptwits), on Augusta Street, that

We have Canada’s Largest Ribfest

always has great Ontario beers on tap.

(canadaslargestribfest.com, @ribfest) in

I’ll often have a Beau’s beer there—they

Spencer Smith Park here every Labour

offer seasonal ones like the Bogfather,

Day weekend. Ribbers come and compete

which is done in a mediaeval style

from all over North America, and you can

with herbs, spices and bog myrtle.

try the most delicious ribs, grilled chicken,

At Sarcoa (sarcoa.ca, @sarcoahamilton),

french fries, pulled pork and brisket.

we do gourmet comfort food—we even

I line up on Saturday mornings for the

make our own buns, bacon and ketchup.

cremini mushroom and truffle oil bread at Pane Fresco Artisan Breads & Café

style fried chicken and waffles. We have

(pane-fresco.ca, @pane_fresco). The

live music every Friday and Saturday

master baker there learned traditional

and regular microbrewery and

bread-making in Italy, and he does fresh

winemaker dinners, where we pair

pastas and gelatos too. He has a 40-seat

great beers or wines with food.

place, but customers spill out into the

GET THERE: Head south from Toronto on the QEW for 70km along Lake Ontario.

Rose Murray / Cambridge

Andrew Cullen

People really seem to like our southern-

visitor centre next door too.

GET THERE: Head west from Toronto along the QEW for 60km until Brant Street.

Follow Valerie Howes @valhowes.

32 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

For more on Chef Tar lo, visit collingwoodcookingacademy.com Close to Collingwood is Georgian Hills Winery (georgianhillsvineyards.ca, @georgianhills). They specialize in coldBohdan Chreptak www.bofoto.ca

climate wines such as Riesling, Baco

Philip Tarlo / Collingwood

4

COLLINGWOOD >> with COOKING INSTRUCTOR PHILIP TARLO

The Apple Pie Trail (applepietrail.ca, @applepietrail) brings together the

Noir and Gamay. They do excellent apple cider and ice wine too. You can go there for après-ski or post-snowshoe tasting packages and try their wines paired with cheeses from another great local spot, The Cheese Gallery.

For casual fine dining in downtown

make our guests meals with ingredients

Collingwood, I like Trattoria Azzurra

produced on the property: eggs, honey,

(azzurra.ca, @azzuraresto). It’s in a

home-cured bacon and fruit preserves

restored heritage building and they

to name a few.

showcase local art on the walls. They

For an authentic Canadian dining

do European-style cooking, with locally

cultural and culinary sides of Collingwood.

experience, I recommend The Stuffed

sourced ingredients as much as possible.

Thirty-three local businesses participate,

Peasant (stuffedpeasant.com,

I love their sweet potato gnocchi with

and you can do everything from sampling

@stuffedpeasant). It has a long dining

bacon and maple syrup.

apple pies, cakes and crumbles to

room with a cozy, old-world vibe. Chef

visiting galleries with orchard-inspired

Scott makes delicious comfort food using

Toronto on Hwy 400 for 80km, and

exhibitions. Our B&B, Willow Trace, is on

local ingredients like Kolapore Trout,

west along Hwy 26 for 35km towards

the trail. We offer cooking lessons and

artisan goat cheese and apple cider.

Georgian Bay.

GET THERE: Head north from

TWEET THESE! @TasteofBurl All things edible in Burlington, including their annual city-wide dining event. @TourismHamilton Official guide to all there is in #HamOnt. @RedPrinceApple Thornbury’s signature apple has the region’s juiciest updates. @WatRegionEats Local food, farm and restaurant news.

In the Kitchen Eat well. Eat local.

Join Ontario’s top chefs and food experts for interactive cooking demonstrations and workshops for all ages.

KJ Bush

Here’s a taste of what’s cooking In the Kitchen this spring: •

GE Café Chefs Series featuring local food, wine and conversation with notable chefs.

•

Hands in the Bowl, where little ones and their families discover healthy food.

Visit us online for all the tasty details and to reserve your spot.

ebw.evergreen.ca 550 Bayview Avenue | Free shuttle bus from Broadview Station Evergreen is a national charity that inspires and enables action to green cities.

Get involved or donate today.

Mike Derblich Program Supporters

Media Partner

An agency of the Government of Ontario.

Relève du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013 < 33

DESTINATIONS

Put the north on your fork Tasty surprises await in Ontario’s wilderness

By Rebecca LeHeup

While “The Great White North”

and Agatha Podgorski may seem like an imposing foreign land,

for those brave adventurers who love to fish, forage and push their palates, it’s actually a very accessible treasure trove of culinary experiences.

HOW TO GET THERE Getting there requires a bit of planning and a bit of time. Drivers will head north along Hwy 69 towards Sudbury (about

Heading north and need a place to stay?

Major towns have all the amenities, but why not consider Northern Ontario Campgrounds and RV Parks as a perfect base for exploring the local area.

Visit travelinontario.com/ northern-ontario.cfm.

4 hours). Or take a flyer with Porter Airlines (flyporter.com) offering daily flights out of Toronto’s island airport.

Once you’re there, Thunder Air (thunderair.com) flies daily as far north as Attawapiskat (1051km from Toronto, as the crow flies).

Shore lunch at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

SUDBURY

of the north—in Ontario. The Meliens use

Pack your bags and head north for the bounty of the boreal!

the berry, unique in its ability to flower

adventure—and some spectacular

Try the Tarrymore Burger topped

in temperatures as low at -7C, to make

colours—aboard the fabled Agawa

with an onion ring and Thunder Oak

wines that hint at blueberry and smoke.

Canyon Tour Train (saulttourism.com/

Cumin Gouda (cheesefarm.ca), one

If you’re eating lakefish, it’s likely coming

packages). GPS triggered commentary

of T-Bay’s most celebrated cheese-

from the team at Purvis Fisheries

shares stories of the Ojibwa, fur traders,

makers. Wash it down with a pint of

(purvisfisheries.com). Their family has

explorers and entrepreneurs that called

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.’s 360

been fishing trout, sturgeon, herring and

this place home.

Degree Ale (sleepinggiantbrewing.

THUNDER BAY

by the brewery between Thursday and

For northern flavours, visit Eat Local Sudbury (eatlocalsudbury.com, @eatlocalsudbury) and pick up some lakefish or a bottle of Boreal Berry Farm wine. Located in Warren, Boreal is the first winery in the North and has the only haskap orchard—also known as the grape

ca). Indulge at the restaurant or swing

whitefish in cold, clear waters off the coast of Manitoulin Island since 1882.

LODGE ADVENTURE Plan a stay at the Marten River Lodge (martenriverlodge.com), about a 90-minute drive east of Sudbury, where the Sapiano family offers fishing, hunting and argo adventures to suit every outdoor appetite.

Further north, tempt your taste buds

Saturday for a taste straight from the

SAULT STE. MARIE

in Thunder Bay at Bight Restaurant &

source. Don’t forget to take home a

Further north along the Trans-

Bar (bightrestaurant.ca) and enjoy a

taste of place for friends and family. At

Canada Highway, you’ll find the Soo.

view of the Sleeping Giant. This large

True North Community Co-Operative

On a Wednesday or Saturday, stop

horizon swallowing rock formation is

(truenorthcoop.ca), you’ll find locally

at the Algoma Farmers Market

one of Canada’s seven wonders. Tuck

crafted culinary delights. Pick up some

(algomafarmersmarket.ca), running

into a locally inspired menu under

Birch Syrup and Boreal Forest Tea

every summer since 1930. In the evening,

the helm of Chef Chris Greenhead.

for a real Northern treat.

make your way down Albert Street to A Thymely Manner (705-759-3262) for the Italian-inspired chefs table—but definitely call ahead to reserve a spot!

In the fall, make a date with

Sudbury 705-674-4455 x7718, sudburytourism.ca 400km from Toronto; 4hrs by car.

Sault Ste. Marie 705-759-5442, saulttourism.com 700km from Toronto; 7.5hrs by car.

Thunder Bay 807-625-2230, thunderbay.ca 1400km from Toronto; 16hrs by car.

Rebecca LeHeup is the Executive Director of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA). Follow @ontarioculinary.

Agatha Podgorski is the Communications & Membership Manager with OCTA. 34 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2013

Tourism Thunder Bay

NORTHERN RESOURCES

On the stage and in your glass... an evening surrounded by stars.

We’ve got a wine for that.

Please enjoy responsibly.

JACKSON-TRIGGS NIAGARA ESTATE – SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

C A N A D A’ S M O S T AWA R D E D W I N E R Y

J A C K S O N T R I G G S W I N E R Y. C O M

Our Key to the City

Visit Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere wine region, Landmark Shops and renowned Signature Kitchens.

Discover for yourself why we are The Culinary Capital of Canada.

Call for reservation assistance and more: 1- 888 - 619-5982 or visit w w w.culinarycapitalofcanada.com