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 Andersen 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 Andersen
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
PRINT main red
PMS 1815C
white
black
C0 M0 Y0 K0
C100 M100 Y100 K100
WHITE
on dark backgrounds
standard
standard
no gradients
no gradients
watermark
watermark
stacked logo (for sharing only)
stacked logo (for sharing only)
gradient bottom
PMS 1795C C0 M96 Y90 K2
on light backgrounds
! s r e e h C
C13 M96 Y81 K54
BLACK
Learn more at visitwindsoressex.com or 1-800-265-3633 facebook.ca/twepi
twitter.com/twepi
youtube.com/visitwindsoressex
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.
CULINARY
WAT E R L O O R E G I O N
from
170
$
and up
PACKAGES
Restaurants and Inns, Markets and Recipes,
G E T AWAY S
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 Stafford Rd.,
@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, @dillondistills
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
†
per night
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