2012
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide Discover what’s on our tables
Touring Wine Country • The Apple Pie Trail • Ontario’s Top Farmers’ Markets Veg, Vegan and Local • Fishin’ for Dinner • Follow the Cheese and Beer Trail
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 Dick Snyder Art Director Craig Sinclair Contributors Greg Clow Pamela Cuthbert Davin de Kergommeaux Dan Donovan Suresh Doss Konrad Ejbich Maia Filar Kait Fowlie Val Howes Chris Johns Ivy Knight Lynn Ogryzlo Agatha Podgorski
Welcome to the 2012 Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide
Photography and Illustration Nick Craine Ashley Capp Pamela Cuthbert Suresh Doss Publisher Paul Alsop Associate Publisher Rebecca LeHeup
Wine Country Ontario
Advertising Paul Alsop Rebecca LeHeup Wendy Lyall Inquires: 647-827-1705 or 613-471-0102 Printed in Ontario. Circulation: 125,000 copies The Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide is a collaboration between the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) and City Bites Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All information is current at press time. The publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of all information and will not be responsible for errors, changes or omissions. OCTA Executive Director Rebecca LeHeup City Bites Media Inc. 26 Dalhousie St., Suite 200 Toronto, ON M5B 2A5 647-827-1705 citybites.ca Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance 215 Spadina Ave., Suite 166 Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 416-644-3601 ontarioculinary.com
Niagara’s 13th Street Winery.
We are blessed in Ontario with an incredible mix of rural and urban experiences that allow us to enjoy and revel in the best of both culinary worlds. For visitors, we offer the vast and varied dining experiences of our major cities, as well as the more low-key activities of the surrounding regions. We recognize — and celebrate — that it’s these regions that provide the ingredients, and we’ve seen a staggering growth in interest in what goes on outside our urban walls over the past few years. Thank goodness for that! Our farmers and producers should be the new rock stars! It’s our hope that this guide will help locals and visitors alike to discover the faces behind the food, the people and places truly at the root of the wonderful ingredients we enjoy everyday. In these pages, we highlight the regions of Ontario that are pushing the farm-to-fork philosophy further, and creating the kinds of connections between producer and eater that tell the stories of our land in a meaningful way. We hope you discover those stories for yourself, and share them with your friends — and then please share them with us @ontarioculinary and @citybites.
Bon appetit, Rebecca LeHeup
Paul Alsop
Dick Snyder
Executive Director
Publisher
Editor
Ontario Culinary
Ontario Culinary
Ontario Culinary
Tourism Alliance
Adventure Guide & CityBites
Adventure Guide & CityBites
Cover Images - Top: Steven Elphick; Middle: Ravine Vineyard - Steven Elphick; Bottom: Laura Berman - GreenFuse Photos
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 3
Thunder Bay
2012
Contents 6 A Taste of Ontario Farmers’ markets, great Canadian food books,
social media tips, Michael Stadtlander’s gourmet art project, Oktoberfest and our newest wineries.
10 Toronto Eats Gourmet neighbourhoods, hotel dining, food trucks, how to eat local, beer in the city and top locavore shops.
17 Wine and Dine Great food and wine awaits in Wine Country Ontario. 20
Cheese and Beer Trail Discover Ontario’s artisanal cheese makers and craft brewers, sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada.
22 Eating Green Local hot spots for the vegan and vegetarian. 24 Savour Stratford The annual festival grows bigger and better each year.
25 Catch of the Day Top spots to dine on the freshest Ontario lake fish.
26 Clean Eating, Clean Living How to relax, rejuvenate and eat gourmet.
28 Dine and Dash Culinary adventures for mom, dad and junior gourmands.
30
An Apple a Day The Apple Pie Trail has activities – and treats – for everyone.
32 Spirits Get a taste of Ontario craft distilleries. 34
Signature Experiences Unforgettable Ontario activities with a “signature” gourmet twist. 4 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Index 26 Algonquin Park
28, 30 Collingwood
8, 22 Kitchener/Waterloo
6, 8, 22, 28 Ottawa
26 Port Severn
26 Alton
28 Georgian Bay
8, 17 Lake Erie North Shore
28 Owen Sound
8, 17, 26, 32 Prince Edward County 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 28, 32 Toronto
30 Apple Pie Trail (Collingwood)
22 Gravenhurst
22 Lancaster
28 Paris
22 Ripley
17 Twenty Valley
22 Athol
32 Grimbsy
22 London
17 Pelee Island
25 Sarnia
6 Uxbridge
22 Barrie
6 Guelph
25 Midland
24 Perth
25 Sarnia Lambton
8, 22 Vankleek Hill
8 Beamsville
13 Hamilton
17 Milford
22 Peterborough
7 Singhampton
8 Vineland
32 Bloomfield
8 Harrow
20 Muskoka
22, 26 Picton
22 St. Catharines
17 Wellington
22 Bracebridge
17, 26 Jordan
20 Neustadt
22 Plainfield
22 St. Thomas
26 Windsor
22 Burlington
22 Jordan Station
13, 17, 28, 32 Niagara
22 Port Credit
13, 28 Stratford
17, 26 Windsor-Essex
22 Cambellford
25, 28 Killarney
8, 17, 22 Niagara on the Lake
25 Port Dover
22 Thornloe
22 Thunder Bay
Thornloe
Killarney Park
Alqonquin Park
Ottawa Vankleek Hill
muskoka Lancaster
Manitoulin Island Bracebridge
Gravenhurst Port Severn
hastings kawarthas Plainfield Campbellford Peterborough Midland Belleville prince Picton edward simcoe Apple county Milford Barrie Pie Trail Bloomfield Athol Collingwood Uxbridge Wellington durham Oshawa Singhampton Creemore Alton
Owen Sound
Guelph Kitchener/Waterloo Ripley Neustadt huron
perth
Woodstock sarnia lambton
chatham kent
Port Credit
Vineland Hamilton Grimbsy Niagara on the Lake Beamsville St. Catharines Jordan Jordan Station Paris Niagara Falls Twenty Valley oxford niagara
Stratford
Goderich
Sarnia
Burlington
norfolk London Port Dover elgin St. Thomas
Behold our bounteous land! Newcomers to Ontario are in the enviable position of discovering for the first time the breadth of delicious offerings that spring from our land and lakes. This map is your guide — a starting point, really, for your gourmet forays. The Index at
Illustration: Nick Craine
the top of the page indicates the pages on which the named town, city or region is mentioned. The map highlights
Lake Erie North Shore windsor-essex Windsor
our major highways for guidance, but of course there are innumerable local roadways to navigate and explore. And explore you must — great things and great people await!.
Harrow
Pelee Island
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 5
MARKETS
Tasty Farmers’ Markets A few of the best for local products and community vibe By Maia Filar Evergreen Brick Works This community environmental centre takes the farmers’ market to the next level with a commitment to organic and non-GMO foods from all over southwestern Ontario. 550 Bayview Ave., ebw.evergreen.ca, @EvergreenCanada Sat 8 am - 1 pm, year-round T&T Waterfront Night Market
St. Lawrence Market brings great taste to downtown Toronto.
St. Lawrence Market
T&T is the pan-Asian supermarket perfect for picking up the cheapest lobster tails in the city, but for three nights in July (20-22) it hosts a waterfront night market with Asian-themed street food from more than 150 vendors. 222 Cherry St., waterfrontnightmarket.com,
LITERATURE
Culinary Guides The Ontario Table is an indispensable book for any culinary adventurer in Ontario, local and visitor alive. Lynn Ogryzlo talks to chefs, farmers, producers and shop keeps to assemble a glorious portrait of eating in Ontario, with recipes and wonderful insights.
Lynn’s picks... Classic Canadian Cooking: Menus for the Seasons By Elizabeth Baird Elizabeth Baird, who hails from Stratford, is one of my culinary heroes and her cooking style comes right from the heart. Although this book is about Canadian cooking, it can’t help but be Ontario-centric with lots of Baird family recipes. James Lorimer & Company, $19.95
@wnmtweets
TORONTO’S DOWNTOWN MARKETS St. Lawrence Market
ONTARIO FARMERS’ MARKETS
Officially one of the top 10 markets in the world —
Byward Farmers’ Market
thanks National Geographic! — rumour has it the
Founded in 1826 and now one of the oldest and
tradition began in the late 1700s when a local
largest in the province, Ottawa’s market occupies
man started selling carrots and fish out of the
four blocks near the National Gallery, with
barrel by the waterfront, known then as Front
260 year-round outdoor vendors selling local
Street. The tradition continues five days a week
produce, game and more.
at the South Market with 120 vendors selling
GET THERE: About 5.5 hours, 450 km east and
meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, baked
then north from Toronto. byward-market.com,
goods and dairy. Come on Saturday, grab a
Daily 6 am - 6 pm
breaded eggplant sandwich with peppers and onions at Uno Mustachio’s in the basement of
Guelph Farmers’ Market
the South Market, and then head across the
The market has remained the heartbeat of
street to the North Market, where Ontario farmers
this town since 1827 — worth visiting for its
have been selling their goods since 1803. Today
quaintness and park space alone.
it’s eggs, elk meat, homemade pies, hand-rolled
GET THERE: 70 min., 93 km west of Toronto.
red fife pasta and more. Sundays the market
4 Gordon St., guelphfarmersmarket.com
is closed but the north side has more than 80
Sat 7 am - 12 pm, year-round
antique vendors from dawn until 5 pm. Tip: If you want more info, the zany and charismatic
Uxbridge Farmers’ Market
Bruce Bell gives informative and fun market
Established in 2002, this is a standout if you’re
tours. Check him out at brucebelltours.ca.
looking to shop honest-to-goodness local. The
92-95 Front St. E., 416-392-7120,
vast majority of vendors are town residents,
stlawrencemarket.com, @StLawrenceMkt
so the community vibe is strong. Opens June 3.
South Market: Tues-Th 8 am - 6 pm;
GET THERE: 80 min., 80 km northeast
Fri 8 am - 7 pm; Sat 5 am - 5 pm
from Toronto.
North/Farmers’ Market: Sat 5 am - 3 pm
291 Brock St. N., uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca
Antiques Market: Sun 5 am - 5 pm
Sun 9 am - 1 pm
6 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Anita Stewart’s Canada By Anita Stewart This Canadian culinary champion’s latest book is a beautiful tale of culinary traditions. Anita founded Canada Food Day and my new tradition is to collect friends and family to celebrate the day with an Ontario feast based around these recipes. HarperCollins Canada, $34.95
The Harrow Fair Cookbook: Prize-winning Recipes Inspired by Canada’s Favourite Country Fair By Moira Sanders, Lori Elstone and Beth Goslin Maloney I love a good county fair because most of the food and recipes come from time-honoured traditions. This book is about more than food; it’s about a food community, an edible culture and the people of Essex County sharing the best of themselves with us. Whitecap Books, $29.95
Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm By Jeff Crump and Bettina Schormann Local food is a personal journey, and Jeff and Bettina share their journey by way of stories and recipes that make you wish they were your own. Shop at a farmers’ market, cook from this book and let Jeff and Bettina be your guides. Random House of Canada, $45
CHEF BUZZ
The Singhampton Project User’s Guide
Michael Stadtländer’s newest fantastical feast
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 your started. We recommend you gather your own specific directions and information before setting out. Below are some resources for getting around.
By Dick Snyder Perhaps Ontario’s most resolutely local and sustainably obsessed chef, Michael Stadtländer is a legend among gourmands of every stripe. He’s an inspiration to chefs, and a force of wonder and delight for diners. At his property in Singhampton, near Collingwood (a couple hours drive north of Toronto), he occasional hosts fantastical feasts, often geared to the season. A highlight this summer is his collaboration with French landscape artist Jean Paul Ganem to create seven gardens scattered over the land. These “living sculpture” spaces will each have a unique dining area, and dishes will be created using the garden’s vegetables and bounty from Stadtländer’s vast Eigensinn Farm. Aug. 10 – 26, 1 pm. $275/person + HST. 519922-3128, singhamptonproject@gmail.com, earthday.ca/singhamptonproject
Jean Paul Ganem
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
Follows for Foodies Ten must-follow Twitter streams, as picked by @OntarioCulinary. Start here for deep insight into culinary tourism in the province. @SavourStratford for all things delicious in Stratford Perth County. Danielle Brodhagen is the force behind their food scene. @valhowes for culinary insights in Ontario (and beyond). Val is the food editor for Reader’s Digest Canada. @spotlightcity keeps the news flowing on the flourishing food truck scene in Ontario, as well as breaking news on local eats. @ShareOntario gives visitors insight on all sorts of events and experiences.
@WineCountryOnt shares updates about Ontario’s wine news, tasting events, new releases and more. @OntCraftBrewers tweets about beer events, special releases and previews. @FoodDayCanada is the voice of Canada’s original
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
tastes from across our bountiful country.
Buses Greyhound 1-800-661-TRIP (8747) greyhound.ca
@GoodFoodRev is a local food broadcast with a
Megabus 1-800-461-7661 ca.megabus.com
culinary activist Anita Stewart, highlighting great
global perspective.
Coach Canada 1-800-461-7661 coachcanada.com
@Ocean_Wise a great resource for finding
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
restaurants committed to serving sustainable seafood and lake fish. @SavourOttawa is the definitive word for all things food related in Canada’s capital.
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 7
BEER
WINE
The Best of Oktoberfest
Tour these wineries
For oom-pah and great local beer, these are the places to be this fall
By Konrad Ejbich Ontario wine aficionados love their local wines and many have taken to visiting the wineries for a pleasant day trip. It’s an entertaining way to learn more about how their favourite juice is made. Here are five recently opened winery destinations worth visiting.
By Greg Clow
Jason Code
Hinterland Wine Company Prince Edward County Breaking new ground by focusing on the artisanal sparkling wines in “The County”, newlyweds Jonas Newman and Vicki Samaras quickly established themselves as the region’s premium producers of classically styled bubblies. They use modern, traditional and ancestral methods in their historic cow barn. 1258 Closson Rd., RR #1, Hillier, ON, 613-921-7003 hinterlandwine.com, @hinterlandwine
Oktoberfest at Beau’s in Vankleek HIll.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Steam Whistle Oktoberfest
Oct. 5-13, 2012
Sept. 2012 (date TBD)
The largest Bavarian festival in North
Steam Whistle’s one-and-only beer may
America — and second largest in the
be a Czech-style pilsner, but that doesn’t
world behind Munich’s — K-W Oktoberfest
stop them from breaking out the dirndls,
attracts nearly a million people to the twin
lederhosen and litre steins to join in the
cities each year for nine days of cultural
German celebrations. Expect live music
events, family activities, tournaments, live
and dancing, pretzels and sausages — and
entertainment, a Thanksgiving Day parade
since it takes place right at the brewery, you
and lots of beer, sausage and schnitzel.
can be sure that they won’t run out of beer.
Various locations in Kitchener-Waterloo;
Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner
888-294-4267, oktoberfest.ca,
Blvd., Toronto; 866-240-2337,
@kw_oktoberfest
steamwhistle.ca/oktoberfest, @steamwhistle
Beau’s Oktoberfest Sept. 28-30, 2012
Oktoberfest Ottawa
This family-friendly festival is focused
Sept. 28-30, 2012
heavily on great beer, with ales and lagers
This annual fundraiser for the Rotary
from Beau’s and other Ontario craft
Club of Ottawa Kanata Sunrise promises
breweries on tap and cask, and a series of
to deliver “food, fun, froth and fräuleins.”
talks and presentations on various beery
There’s plenty of live music ranging from
topics. There’s also live music, Bavarian-
oom-pah to alt-rock, and Ottawa’s HogsBack
inspired food from local restaurants, a
Brewing Company is on hand to sling local
Kinderfest area for the kiddies and more,
suds all weekend long. It all happens about
with proceeds going to various charities.
a 30-minute drive southwest of Ottawa.
Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds, 92 Main St. W.,
Clark Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St.,
Vankleek Hill; 866-585-2337, beaus.ca/
Barrhaven, ON oktoberfestottawa.com,
Oktoberfest, @beausallnatural
@oktoberfestott
greg clow writes for canadianbeernews.com and beerboozebites.com. 8 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Ridgepoint Wines Twenty Mile Bench This hillside estate is widely known for its rare and delicious red nebbiolo wines. There’s a quiet dining room offering casual Italian fare, including antipasti, pasta and pizza. Open year-round, it provides a quiet venue for wine tastings or private events, with views overlooking vineyards and the Niagara Escarpment beyond. 3900 Cherry Ave., Vineland, ON, 905-562-8853 ridgepointwines.com, @RidgepointWines GreenLane Estate Winery Lincoln Lakeshore A former sommelier at Toronto’s tony Four Seasons hotel, Robert Paul has succeeded in resurrecting an old winery that was flipped several times. With a new name, new attitude, a terrific new winemaker and very old riesling vines, he’s managed to gain the attention of the province’s elite wine experts. Winner of the 2012 Best White Wine in Ontario award at Cuvée, the industry’s top wine competition. 4679 Cherry Ave., Beamsville, ON, 905-562-7207 greenlanewinery.com, @GreenLaneWinery Colaneri Estate Winery Niagara Peninsula With its impressive Romanesque design, this colossal family-owned winery maintains a narrow focus on producing concentrated wines from kiln-dried grapes. Specialties include appassimentoand ripasso-style dry wines as well as luscious recioto-style dessert wines. Large tasting room and banquet facilities overlook the vast sunken winemaking area and vineyards beyond. 348 Concession 6, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON 905-685-2100, colaneriwines.com, @ColaneriWinery Muscedere Vineyards Lake Erie North Shore A small, family-owned winery making fresh, crisp whites and rich, powerful reds from all estate-grown grapes. The vineyards are tended and harvested by hand, and aged in the small underground barrel cellar. A covered patio and traditional wood-fired pizza oven are busy every day of the summer season. The hospitality is free. 7457 County Road 18, RR#4, Harrow, ON 519-965-1075, muscederevineyards.com, @MuscedereWine
CREAMY & CHEESY SCRAMBLED EGGS
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NEIGHBOURHOODS
Urban Foraging Four great Toronto ’hoods to explore By Agatha Podgorski
borealgelato.ca, @borealgelato).
THE JUNCTION Attracting artists and
are commonplace with hotspots like
entrepreneurs to its converted industrial
Cowbell (1564 Queen St. W., 416-849-1095,
and warehouse spaces, The Junction is
cowbellrestaurant.ca, @mcutrara) and
Toronto’s youngest hotspot. Organically-
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar (1710 Queen
inclined locals stay for the gems like
St. W., 416-534-6700, localkitchen.ca,
takeaway lunches from The Sweet Potato
@localkitchen) on the strip. After dark,
best wine lists with menus to match. Long
(2995 Dundas St. W., 416-762-4848,
discover devilishly good cocktails with an
days with late nights in Riverside call for
thesweetpotato.ca, @thesweetpotato),
attitude at Parts & Labour (1566 Queen
cocktails and small plates at Toucan Taco
handmade chocolates and other
St. W., 416-588-7750, partsandlabour.ca,
Bar (686 Queen St. E., 416-461-9663) or
delectables at Delight (3040 Dundas St. W.,
@partsnlabour) or rub elbows at Grand
Prohibition Gastropub (696 Queen St. E.,
416-760-9995, delightchocolate.ca,
Electric (1330 Queen St. W., 416-627-3459,
416-406-2669, myprohibition.com).
@delightchocolat), or artisan Canadian
grandelectricbar.com, @grandelectricTO)
cheese from Junction Fromagerie
over cold pints, loud tunes and pig-tail tacos.
Krysta Oben curates an Ontario-centric wine list at Cowbell
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE Roncesvalles has always been known for (delicious)
(3042 Dundas St. W., 647-344-8663. Junctionfromagerie.com). Relax north of
RIVERSIDE DISTRICT Riverside might
Polish staples like flaczki at Café Polonez
the city’s grandest park over an espresso
be Toronto’s best-kept secret. Mornings
(195 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-532-8432,
at Crema Coffee (3079 Dundas St. W.,
are welcomed by the drool-inducing scent
cafepolonez.ca) or babka at the late
416-767-3131, cremacoffee.ca, @cremaTO),
of fresh baked bread wafting from St.
Granowska’s Bakery. The area has emerged
a “teapresso” at Tea Blendz (2877 Dundas
John’s Bakery (155 Broadview Ave., 416-
as the newest hotspot for all things local
St. W., 647-346-2307, teablendz.com,
850-7413, stjohnsbakery.com) or crispy
and delicious. Savour some barbeque at
@teablendz) or house-made lavender
croissants at Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen
Barque (299 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-532-
marshmallows at Little Fish (3080 Dundas
St. E., 416-406-1250, bonjourbrioche.
7700, barque.ca, @BarqueBBQ) or enjoy a
St. W., 416-604-3474, @littlefishcafe). After
com). Afternoons offer sweet vegan and
croque madame during Toronto’s hippest
a day of meandering around the area’s
gluten-free treats at LPK’s Culinary
new brunch at The Westerly Kitchen &
creative corners, evenings in The Junction
Groove (718 Queen St. E., 416-461-6440,
Bar (416 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-551-
beckon for spicy margaritas with friends
lpksculinarygroove.com, @LPKinToronto),
6660, thewesterlyrestaurant.com,
at La Revolucion (2848 Dundas St. W.,
while Olive & Olives (779 Queen St. E.,
@westerlykitchen). Rounding out the
416-766-0746, @LaRevolucionTO).
416-551-8181, oliveolives.com) is to
long list of offerings is some of the
oils as Tiffany’s is to diamonds. Those
most interesting comfort food on the
PARKDALE Though a little rough around
looking to indulge should stop in for
grid at newly opened Pizzeria Defina
the edges, here you’ll find creative cuisine
sustainable “buck-a-shuck” oysters with
(321 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-4414,
served up with elaborate craft pints and
killer house-made serrano hot sauce at
pizzeriadefina.com), Hopgoods Foodliner
esoteric wines. Neighbourhood hub Good
Hooked Inc (888 Queen St. E., 416-828-
(325 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-533-2723,
Catch (1556 Queen St. W., 416-533-4664,
1861, hookedinc.ca, @hookedinc). Not so
hopgoodsfoodliner.com) and The Ace
goodcatch.ca) is known for its local
brave in your eating habits? Release your
(231 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-792-7729,
event board, while The Mascot (1267
inner sugar-loving child at Desmond &
theacetoronto.com, @TheAceToronto)
Queen St. W., 416-533-2888, themascot.ca,
Beatrice (750A Queen St. E., 647-352-
— but be warned, reservations are
@wearethemascot) offers coffee, art
2257, desmondandbeatrice.com) or The
recommended. The strip boasts some
and a window into times when it was still
Canadian Pie Company (798 Queen St. E.,
serious shopping with fresh baking at
all right to slow down. Brunch has folks
416-781-4743, thecanadianpiecompany.com,
Mabel’s (323 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-
heading to Keriwa Café (1690 Queen St. W.,
@CanadianPieCo). When the sun goes
2333, mabelsbakery.ca, @MabelsBakery),
416-533-2552, keriwacafe.ca, @keriwacafe)
down, visit Table 17 (782 Queen St. E.,
artisanal Ontario cheeses at The Thin Blue
for duck confit French toast, while sunny
416-519-1851, table17.ca, @table17) or
Line (93 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-840-6966,
afternoons mean racing the heat to consume
PicNic Wine Bar (747 Queen St. E.,
@ThinBlueLine), and daily churned ice
a cone from the Boreal Gelato Company
647-435-5298, picnicwinebar.com,
cream at Chocolateria (361 Roncesvalles
(1312 Queen St. W., 647-352-7717,
@picnicwinebar) for some of the city’s
Ave., 416-588-0567).
10 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Ashley Capp
Chalkboard menus and whole-hog dinners
The Local Explorer A few tips from a curious local epicurean By Chris Johns Host of CBC Radio’s flagship show Metro Morning, Matt Galloway is an avid cyclist and culinary adventurer. Here are some of his favourite neighbourhood eats.
Christie Pitts I love Banjara Indian Cuisine (796 Bloor St. W., 416-963-9360, torontobanjara.com) — we’ll either eat in or get takeout to bring to the park to watch baseball or play with
North York/Richmond Hill
the kids. The okra dish is incredible.
905, eating in little strip malls and
Leslieville
shopping malls and takeout places, in
I’ll often stop at Bonjour Brioche,
part because there’s just a lot of great
either halfway into my ride or on
food there and because I don’t know
my way home, to get a coffee
enough about it. My kids demand
and something to eat. It’s a great
noodles so we go to Sun’s Noodle
place and they’re wonderful.
(4350 Steeles Ave. E., 905-947-8463,
(812 Queen St. E., 416-406-1250,
sunskitchen.com) in the Pacific
bonjourbrioche.com.)
Mall on the second floor. We’re
Culinary adventurer and radio host Matt Galloway.
CBC
I’m trying to spend more time in the
there once a month at least.
Where to buy, dine and
and Eat , Ontario Go Forth enjoy locally in Kingston
EXPERIENCE THE LOCAL FLAVOURS OF KINGSTON
and local chefs. ry guide to local food Kingston’s new culina Y! DA TO PY DOWNLOAD YOUR CO
From sipping local wine on Kingston’s welcoming restaurant patios, to exploring Canada’s oldest market guided by one of our renowned chefs, we invite you to become a part of culinary history with us!
kingstonfood.ca Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 11
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LUXE DINING
MOVEABLE FEAST
Hot Hotels By Maia Filar Hotel dining kicks it up a notch with these recent openings and coming-soons.
Suresh Doss
A few jet-set dining rooms Food truck fever is sweeping Ontario.
Roll with It
Stock Restaurant Trump Toronto Stock, on the 31st story of the Trump,
Daniel Boulud comes to The Four Seasons.
is opulence incarnate. Chef Todd Clarmo, who spent that last 15 years
Café Boloud
as part of the Oliver & Bonacini family
The Four Seasons
of restaurants, puts out a traditional
After shuttering his Vancouver digs,
menu focusing on meat and seafood.
Michelin-star chef Daniel Bouloud
Highlights include blue crab and
is coming to Toronto, where he will
avocado dip starter ($20), a $110 Waygu
serve a contempo-casual and classic
striploin and a chocolate cart designed
French menu with highlights from all
by pastry chef David Chow (formerly
six of his New York restaurants. He
of The Drake Hotel). The estoric wine
aims to create a relaxed atmosphere
list comes courtesy of Canada’s first
with a focus on farm-to-table dining.
Master Sommelier, John Szabo.
The bar will feature the famous db
325 Bay St., 416-637-5550,
burger and croque-monsieur to go
stockrestaurant.com, @STOCKToronto
with a carefully selected wine, beer, and cocktail list. Reservations can be made now for the summer opening. 60 Yorkville Ave., 416-964-0411, fourseasons.com/toronto/dining,
Street food fever has swept the province as an army of mobile food trucks roll out diverse eats to cities across Ontario. Recent rallies have taken place in Stratford, Hamilton, Toronto and in Niagara. What can you expect on the menu? A diverse selection of globally inspired food, from fish tacos to lobster rolls. Look for ceviches, smoked meat, fried chicken, schnitzel and even oysters. KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ facebook.com/ontariofoodtrucks Creativity knows #foodtruckeats no bounds!
@FSToronto, @DanielBoulud Daisho by Momofuko
Stock marries tradition and opulence.
David Whittaker
Shangri-La Hotel Just the validation Toronto has been waiting for: a New York City cultstatus celebrity chef who’s picked this town to launch his bourgeoning empire. Get ready for three-stories
10 Ways to Eat Local 1 Get into a tight jam with a jar of Ontario preserves and a crusty baguette. 2 Ask an Ontario farmer for the best places to eat.
TOCA
from the king of casual dining, as
The Ritz-Carlton
David Chang fires up the stoves
Chef Tom Brodi, who opened TOCA,
in (fingers crossed) August with a
recently resigned, and while we
freshly snatched-up Matt Blondin
await word of his replacement, rest
from Toronto’s Acadia as executive
assured that local flavours still take
sous. Adjacent to the Shangri-La
6 Visit Wine Country and enjoy a glass as the sun sets over the vineyards.
top billing via a resolutely local wine
Hotel, Daisho will serve communal
7 Send a Tweet to @OntarioCulinary and ask for ideas.
list, as well as an in-house cheese
meals for parties of four or more,
8 Gorge on fresh Niagara cherries during July.
cave stocked with exemplary
while the other two floors will feature
9 Pick your own produce at farms across the province.
Canadian curds.
a noodle house and tasting menu.
181 Wellington Street West,
momofuku.com/restaurants/toronto,
10 Create the ultimate local sandwich with Ontario cheese, produce and condiments.
416-585-2500, ritzcarlton.com
@davidchang
3 Three words: picnic, picnic, picnic! 4 Rent a BIXI (toronto.bixi.com) and visit some markets (see p. 6). 5 Ask your chef where your meal came from, then go visit the producers.
Sponsored by Foodland Ontario
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 13
On Tap
Local Brews Where to find craft beer in Toronto
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
Complimentary elevation with the purchase of a main course.
Date: Apr 20, 2012 Job#, Filename & CNT10525_culinary_guide_Fnl Version#:
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By Agatha Podgorski Toronto craft brewers are hard at work. In the east are the creative folks at Mill Street Brewery & Brew Pub (55 Mill St, 416-681-0338, millstreetbrewery.com, @MillStreetBrew) brewing up ginger lagers and lemon tea pale ales. In the north you’ll find Black Creek Historic Brewery (1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, 416-7361733, blackcreekbrewery.ca) churning out its 100-metre dark beer from hops grown on site. The west end is home to Great Lakes Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd, greatlakesbeer.com, 416-2554510, @greatlakesbeer) and seasonal specialties like Niagara Peach Wheat Beer or Autumn Pumpkin Ale. Beer aficionados will find all they crave and more at hot spots like Burger Bar (319 Augusta Ave, 416-922-7423, theburgerbar.ca, @burgerbar), home to local success story Augusta Ale of Kensington Brewing Company (319 Augusta Ave, kensingtonbrewingcompany. com, @drinkgoodbeer). For the best in pints and pub food plus a view of Lake Ontario, head to Against the Grain Urban Tavern (25 Dockside Dr, 647-344-1562, atgurbantavern.ca, @AgainstGrainTO), possibly the city’s best patio on which to enjoy the perfect pour. The family run Bar Volo (587 Yonge St., 416-928-0008, barvolo.com, @BarVolo) is a gem of an old-style pub in the heart of the city, specializing in craft beer, “everything Ontario” and serving food until closing at 2 am. For those looking to do more than relax over their pint, there’s the Old Toronto Beer Tour (416-662-6312, beerloverstour.com, @BeerLoversTour) experience. Folks start at Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Blvd, 866-240-2337, steamwhistle.ca, @SteamWhistle) in Toronto’s historic railway roundhouse and visit heavy hitters like Amsterdam Brewery (21 Bathurst St, 416504-6882, amsterdambeer.com, @AmsterdamBeer) and Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Ave E, 416-322-0723, granitebrewery.ca, @granitebrewery) along the ride. Also of note is the Toronto Beer Festival (beerfestival.ca, @TOBeerFestival) happening July 27. It features Taps ‘n’ Tunes, a cask crawl and various brewmaster’s dinners around town!
FOOD TOURS – COOKING CLASSES – POP UP DINNERS OUTDOOR CULINARY ADVENTURES
Taste and tour at Steam Whistle’s Roundhouse.
14 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 CAC.QuarterPgAd.Final.indd 1
11/05/12 4:36 PM
Local Purveyors Where to get the tastiest goods By Agatha Podgorski All the Best Fine Foods Seriously delicious prepared foods created exclusively in house from produce sourced through local farms. Quirky events like the Bacon Jam Jam and tutored tastings have people coming back again and again. 1101 Yonge St., 416-928-3330, allthebestfinefoods.com, @allthebestff The Cheese Boutique The Pristine family has got gourmet grocery down to a science. Here you’ll find the best in local cheese alongside beautifully aged prosciutto, the silkiest olive oils and the best in locally baked breads.
123rf.com
THE SHOPS
presents
Executive Chef Series FEATURING Jason Bangerter
John Horne
JUNE 7, 6-8 P.M.
SEPT. 13, 6-8 P.M.
Mike Crockford
Jason Rosso
45 Ripley Ave., 416-762-6292, cheeseboutique.com, @cheese_boutique Culinarium A truly local Ontario food experience, this locavore haven offers up unique treasures from across the province. Find your red fife flour or foraged fiddleheads here in season. 705 Mount Pleasant Rd., 647-430-7004, culinarium.ca, @Culinarium_TO Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens Don’t let the big-box grocery name fool you; this former hockey shrine caters to even the most developed foodie palate. Check out their 18-foot cheese wall or the chocolate-by-the-chunk boulder. 60 Carlton St., 416-593-6154, loblaws.ca/60carlton, @loblawscarlton The Mercantile Designed with aesthetics in mind, this gourmet shop is chockablock with unique and delicious foods ranging from truffle salt to Brix chocolate to grind-your-own Fair Trade I Deal Coffee. 297 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-531-7563, themercantile.ca Stasis Local Foods Julian Katz has made it his mission to preserve Ontario in all the best possible ways. Here you will find delectables like lavender squash
JUNE 21, 6-8 P.M.
SEPT. 20, 6-8 P.M.
Eat. Mingle and Dine with top executive chefs at St. Lawrence Market Events include a five course meal with alcohol. Register at 416.860.0727 or info@themarketkitchen.ca
For more information visit
stlawrencemarket.com Special thanks to our exclusive online partner
jam and oddities like horse apples and heart nuts lining the shelves. 476 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-553-1079, stasispreserves.com,
Thousands of restaurants. One website.
@StasisPreserves Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 15
WINE COUNTRY
Wine and Dine Delights Plan your visit to Wine Country around these great taste experiences
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Once the capital of Upper Canada, Niagaraon-the-Lake is proud of its modern role as capital of the Shaw Festival as well as of
By Konrad Ejbich Where there’s good wine, there’s good food. The two are inseparable, like participants in a hug. So if you’re looking for fine food markets and artisanal food suppliers, head straight to the nearest wine region. For details and information, visit winecountryontario.ca.
Canada’s most productive wine region. In the “suburbs” you’ll find Strewn Winery’s restaurant La Cachette, with its lovely garden patio. Jackson-Triggs, Stratus and Southbrook are as interesting for their buildings as they are for their wines. Don’t miss Hillebrand Estates’ annual music festivals, their tasting room or their sophisticated Vineyard Café. St. David’s is home to several notable wineries including Coyote’s
Folks are coming to “the County” from every
Run, Château des Charmes and Ravine
direction. In Ontario’s newest officially designated wine region, vineyards are
Great tastes in Wine Country Ontario.
popping up in every corner, with many
Henry of Pelham
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Vineyard and Restaurant, which offers intimate multi-course wine dinners in the historic Woodruff House tasting parlour or
clustered near the intersection of Chase
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT and
casual fare in its modern country bistro.
and Closson roads. Stop by Closson Chase
TWENTY VALLEY
GET THERE: 105 min., 130 km west and
to taste massive chardonnays, Hinterland
An hour and change from Toronto, the real
then south from Toronto.
for snappy sparklers and The Old Third for
excitement for wine lovers begins. Cave
voluptuous pinot noirs. Due south, another
Spring Cellars in Jordan offers the complete
LAKE ERIE NORTH SHORE and
intersection — this one in Wellington —
package with outstanding wines and
PELEE ISLAND
marks one of the area’s culinary hotspots:
memorable dining at Inn on the Twenty.
Just a half-hour from Windsor and Detroit,
East and Main Bistro. Local wines are proudly
Voted Canadian Winery-of-the-Year two
the wineries of Essex and Pelee Island
served in all the County’s best eateries.
years in a row, Tawse Winery boasts bio-
benefit from the country’s longest summer.
Next Stop: Slickers County Ice Cream in
dynamic vineyards, brilliant wines and
Visit Amherstburg during the Shores of
Bloomfield for “a cold one.” Near Milford,
a spacious tasting room overlooking a
Erie International Wine Festival and enjoy
another trio of off-the-main-road wineries,
glassed-in production area. At Flat Rock
all the region’s wineries and food producers
all with award-winning chardonnays:
Cellars, enjoy a glass of “Rogue” with a
in one fell swoop. Many are centred around
Exultet Estates, Lighthall Vineyards and
tasty local snack. Try 13th Street Winery
Harrow, including the granddaddy of them
Long Dog Winery. Along with your new
for pairings with artisan charcuterie.
all, Colio Estate Winery. Nearby, check out
favourite bottles, pick up a block of fine
Just down the road, in a 200-year-old
Viewpointe Estate with its stunning vistas
aged cheddar at the century-old Black River
former inn, Henry of Pelham Family
across Lake Erie, Sprucewood Shores and
Cheese Co. in Picton, for a memorable wine
Estate winery runs its cozy retail shop.
Colchester Ridge. You may run into some
and cheese party back home with friends
Next door, check out the Coach House
local winemakers at Calabria Pizzeria in
(if you’re inclined to share).
Café by Erik Peacock.
Cottam, where the fresh Lake Erie perch is
GET THERE: 2 hours 30 min., 220 km
GET THERE: 90 min., 120 km west and
as good as it gets. Birdwatching, walking,
east of Toronto.
then south from Toronto.
hiking and cycling are popular activities on Pelee Island. Once you’ve built up an
Rebirth of Cool The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration takes place July 20-22 in and around Niagara Wine Country with lectures, luncheons featuring local wineries and chefs, an incredible brunch at Ravine Vineyard, demonstrations, workshops and more. For wine geeks and newbies alike! Follow @coolchardonnay. Tickets: coolchardonnay.org.
appetite, head to the Pelee Island Wine Pavilion for an open-air barbecue and a refreshing glass of wine under the island sun. GET THERE: Lake Erie North Shore is 4 hours and 20 min., 370 km west and then south from Toronto. Pelee Island is 5 hours, 380 km west and then south (plus ferry ride) of Toronto.
konrad ejbich is a wine writer and broadcaster in Toronto. Follow him @WineZone.
•
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 17
Images courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMPC) and Niagara Tourism Partners.
Experience the big wonders and small pleasures of Niagara. Where else can you dine overlooking the world wonder of Niagara Falls or a rolling vineyard in the same trip? Whether you visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, rated Canada’s #1 Wine and Food Destination by TripAdvisor, get your fresh fruit from a roadside farm stand, or take the back roads to discover our welcoming wineries, plenty of unique culinary experiences await. So what are you doing this weekend? Get away for a food-filled escape to Niagara.
a place of wonders...big and small.
www.visitniagaracanada.com
The Great Ontario
Railway City Brewing Co. Whether it’s a fruity seasonal pilsner or a full-bodied ale, each Railway City brew has a flavour as unforgettable as its name. Try: Iron Spike Blonde, Dead Elephant Ale.
Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Within the rolling hills of Oxford County, Shep Ysselstein produces smallscale artisan cheeses in an authentic Swiss style using traditional recipes. Try: Gunn’s Hill Soft, Gunn’s Hill Hard, Gunn’s Hill Artisan Curd.
Pine River Cheese Local milk is meticulously graded to make 14 varieties of cheese, including an 8-year aged cheddar and some organic varieties. Try: Colby, Monterey Jack, Caramelized Onion Cheddar. 635 Hwy 21 S., R.R. #4 Ripley, Huron-Kinloss, 519-3952638, pinerivercheese.com
445172 Gunns Hill Rd., Woodstock, 519-424-4024 gunnshillcheese.ca
168 Curtis St., St. Thomas 519-631-1881, railwaycitybrewing.com
Neustadt Springs Brewery A historic microbrewery in the old-world village of Neustadt. Pop by for a tour of the underground caverns and pure crystal springs. Try: Neustadt Scottish Ale, Neustadt Lager. 456 Jacob St., Neustadt 519-799-5790, neustadtsprings.com
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Seriously hoppy brews come in psychedelic looking bottles with quotes under each cap. Don’t let the whimsy fool you! Try: Flying Monkey Amber Ale, Hoptical Illusion Almost Pale Ale. 107 Dunlop St., East Barrie 705-721-8989, theflyingmonkeys.ca
Windsor London
Barrie Toronto
Jensen Cheese Established in 1925 by Arne Jensen, a master cheese maker from Denmark. Cheddar is a specialty, using old-world curing processes to maximize flavour. Try: Mild Cheddar, 4 Year Old Cheddar, Vintage Reserve Cheddar.
Amsterdam Brewing Co. Sample some of the 10+ beers on tap and hear learn about traditional European brewing. Try: Oranje Weisse, Big Wheel. 21 Bathurst St., Toronto 416-504-1040, amsterdambeer.com
37 Evergreen Hill Rd., Simcoe, 519-426-4523, jensencheese.ca Upper Canada Cheese Co. Unique flavours come courtesy of a rare Niagara herd of Guernsey cows, a recipe developed by Trappist Monks and minimal processing. Try: Guernsey Girl fresh cheese, Comfort Cream, Niagara Gold.
Great Lakes Brewery Small batch brewing and local ingredients keep Ontario beer enthusiasts committed. Try: Devil’s Pale Ale, Crazy Canuck Pale Ale.
4159 Jordan Rd., Jordan Station 905-562-9730, uppercanadacheesecompany.com
30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., Toronto, 416-255-4510, greatlakesbeer.com
Black River Cheese Old-world craftsmanship dating back to its 1901 beginnings as a co-op for local farmers. Try: Maple Cheddar, award-winning Mild Cheddar, and Aged Cheddar (up to 6 years). 913 County Rd. 13, R.R. #2, Athol 613-476-2575, blackrivercheese.com
Muskoka Brewery Freshness and independence rule at the Muskoka brewery, where a selection of easydrinking beers is handcrafted in the heart of Muskoka. Try: Mad Tom IPA, Summer Weiss. 13 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge 705-646-1266, muskokabrewery.com
Illustration: Nick Craine
Cheese & Ale Trail Thornloe Cheese Old-fashioned techniques and fresh local milk from the district of Temiskaming give Thornloe cheese its trusted reputation. Try: Casey Blue, Evanturel, Temiskaming.
Sudbury
999697 Hwy 11 N., Thornloe 705-647-7441, thornloecheese.ca Empire Cheese & Butter Co-Op The only cheese factory in Northumberland County, making cheese open-vat style for 135 years, to give maximum flavour. Try: Marble Cheddar. R.R. #5, 1120 County Rd. #8 Campbellford, 705-653-3187, empirecheese.ca
Maple Dale Cheese Cheddars are a specialty and a crowd-pleasing fresh curd is made daily. The roadside store is packed with gourmet treats. Try: “Outrageously Old” 6 Year Cheddar, Fresh Curd, Roasted Garlic Cheddar. 2864 Hwy 37 N., R.R. #1, Plainfield 613-477-2454, mapledalecheese.com
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company 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. Try: Lug Tread Lagered Ale, Wild Oats series. 10 Terry Fox Dr., Vankleek Hill 866-585-BEER, beaus.ca
Ottawa
Belleville
Barley Days Brewery The brewery uses local ingredients to make three steadfast brews and seasonal ales. Try: Wind and Sail Dark Ale, Sugar Shack Ale. 13730 Loyalist Parkway, Picton 613-476-7468, barleydaysbrewery.com
St. Albert Cheese Manufacturing Five generations of farmers have maintained St. Albert’s trusted recipes, from melt-in-your mouth curds to spiced-up cheddars. Try: Mild Cheddar, Cheddar Curds, Canadian Swiss.
Glengarry Fine Cheese A passionate family farm, making cheese from their own Holstein cows. Try: Figaro soft cheese, Lankaaster Traditional Gouda, Barely Blue.
150 St-Paul St., St-Albert, 613-987-2872, fromage-st-albert.com
5926 County Rd. #34, R.R. #1 Lancaster, 1-888-816-0903, glengarrycheesemaking.on.ca Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 21
FRESH
Raw Talent Doug McNish puts vegan gourmet on the table By Kait Fowlie Doug McNish is more than just a passionate chef — he’s a local food activist changing the way people think about raw vegan cuisine. Classically trained, McNish has always had a knack for turning people on to new flavours. But it wasn’t until he cut meat from his diet that he found a whole world of living food that excited his senses like nothing else. He switched to a raw diet, losing over 100 pounds and gaining a new appreciation for life and food. McNish makes raw vegan options an accessible and inspiring part of food culture. He has lent his expertise to Toronto restaurants Live Food Bar (264 Dupont St., 416-515-2002, livefoodbar.com), Urban Herbivore (64 Oxford St., 416-927-1231, fressenrestaurant.com) and Raw Aura Organic Cuisine (94 Lakeshore Rd., 905-891-2872, rawaura.com). He’s won over French food enthusiasts at the luxe Windsor Arms Hotel (18 Saint Thomas St., 416-971-9666, windsorarmshotel.com), and he’s woven organic vegan cuisine into high-end food service outlets like Taboo Resort, Golf & Spa (1209 Muskoka Beach Rd., Gravenhurst, 705-687-2233, tabooresort.com). McNish recently published Eat Raw, Eat Well: 400 Raw, Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipes. It offers a straightforward guide to raw food for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
•
Top Veg and Vegan Tables Burlington
St. Catharines
Kitchener/Waterloo
Kindfood From rice bowls to vegan cupcakes, Kindfood prides itself on its contribution to the food revolution. The colourful cafe in downtown Burlington supports local, organic and Fair Trade practices.
Rise Above Bakery This small vegan bakery in the heart of the city serves vegan lunch, dinner and unique baked goods.
Seven Shores Urban Market and Cafe This cafe and market features local food products ranging from produce to pantry items. The cafe offers a slow-food approach to cafe fare, serving all-day breakfast and daily soup, sandwich and mains.
399 John St., 905-637-2700, kindfood.com
Port Credit Raw Aura Doug McNish was formerly executive chef at this all-raw, full-service restaurant. Classic dishes ranging from Italian entrees to nacho platters, all made with sustainably harvested ingredients. 94 Lakeshore Rd E, 905-891-2872, raw-aura.com
Thunder Bay The Growing Season Juice Collective Stop by for a hearty sandwich on artisanal bread and an energizing smoothie made with wheatgrass grown on site.
120 St. Paul St., 289-362-2636, artisandoughnuts. blogspot.com
Peterborough The Planet Bakery Home to the famous rosemary walnut burger, and serving a family-friendly menu of brunch and lunch items and tummy-pleasing desserts. 374 Water St, 705-741-5243
Ottawa Auntie Loo’s Treats Ottawa’s first and only vegan bakery does small-scale, scratch baking with results that have garnered national attention. The countless cupcake flavours, creative squares and bakeshop staples are so good you won’t miss the dairy. 507 Bronson Ave., 613-238-
201 Algoma St., 807-344-6869
2566, auntieloostreats.ca
London
Ottawa
Veg Out It’s not all salad at this vegan joint. Tempeh wings and chili cheese fries are a few of the comforting choices, served alongside an extensive beer and wine roster. Raw and gluten-free options are just as inspired. 646 Richmond St., 519-850-
The Green Door This pay-by-the-pound vegan/ vegetarian buffet serves up hearty bean salads, thick stews and curries. An extensive organic dessert menu is free of refined sugars. Organic beer and wine also available.
10 Regina St. N., Unit 4, 519-342-0916, sevenshorestrading.com
Toronto Vegetarian Haven These guys truly know their veggies – they also run the Toronto Vegetarian Association and the Vegetarian Food Festival. Artful dishes range from stir-fries to salad rolls, with lots of creative faux-meat concoctions. The dessert display is truly impressive. 17 Baldwin St., 416-621-3636, vegetarianhaven.com
Toronto Kale Toronto’s first vegan, organic, macrobiotic eatery offers a selection of lightly cooked or raw dishes. Make your own salad from a vast bar selection, or choose from an ever-changing list of curries, stews or rice dishes, all selfserve and sold by weight. 2366 Yonge St., 416-792-5253, kaleeatery.com
198 Main St, 613-234-9597, thegreendoor.ca
8688, vegoutrestaurant.com
Raw and Veg Festivals Toronto Raw/Vegan Festival June 9 - 10, 2012 Learn from Ontario chefs, environmentalists and nutritionists; get the scoop on the hottest products in the raw world. By donation. 918 Bathurst St., torontorawveganfestival.com Rawstock Vegan Food and Music Festival Aug 25,, 2012 Conscious Eating Niagara presents its first raw and vegan food festival, featuring local artists, environmental activists, holistic nutritionists and farm fresh food. Kinsmen Hall, Niagara-on-the-Lake, rawstockniagara.com
Raw chef Doug McNish makes activism delicious.
22 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Vegetarian Food Festival Sept 7 - 9, 2012 The largest vegetarian event in North America is on its 28th year, with more than 100 exhibitors. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
Please enjoy responsibly.
We’ve got a wine for that.
Discover Inniskillin Canada’s Original Premium Estate Winery
inniskillin.com Please enjoy responsibly.
STRATFORD > 2 hours > 150 km west of Toronto on Hwys 401W/7-8W/8
Savour Stratford Great food takes centre stage By Ivy Knight In Ontario, autumn is ushered in with, among other culinary happenings, the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival. Creative partnerships between producers and local chefs are celebrated with free music concerts, artisanal markets and street theatre. They all converge in Stratford’s heritage garden district for an exhilarating weekend that celebrates the best food, wine and entertainment that Perth County has to offer. This year’s celebrity guest is chef, author and television personality David Rocco. On Saturday night, visitors can join in the BBQ, Blues and Brews party with southern BBQ, blues music, craft beer and local wines.
24 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Sunday is the Grand Tasting, an outdoor buffet of the finest ingredients presented by skilled chefs who have turned them into
Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival The festival runs Sept. 21-23. Get more information on events, tickets and accommodations at visitstratford.ca.
delectable bites you’ll remember all year long. Why all this culinary action concentrated in this place? Perhaps because Stratford
the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance
practically qualifies as a literal definition for
(ontarioculinary.com), the festival show-
the word “quaint.” It’s the perfect outdoor
cases Stratford stars like Ruth Klahsen,
setting to enjoy the bounty of a truly
whose Monforte Dairy cheeses are revered
glorious festival weekend. Stroll along the
across Canada.
river path purchasing local food from
“Historically, farming and the culinary
farmers and purveyors: a basket of fresh,
arts have had a huge impact on Stratford,
juicy Concord grapes, artisanal cheeses,
and the theme this year revolves around
some spicy local garlic, crisp Cortland
heritage and farming,” says festival
apples, earthy candy cane beets, wildflower
director Danielle Brodhagen.
honey and fresh bread. Voted Best Culinary Experience by
•
Entertaining, educational and delicious… that’s what Savour Stratford is all about.
Fish
Catch of the Day Taste the dishes with Ontario’s freshest fishes
Purdy’s Dockside Eatery The Purdy family has been fishing the southern basin of Lake Huron for over a hundred years. Their Dockside Eatery on
Fish and chips from Purdy’s Dockside.
the St. Clair River in Point Edward (about
By Dan Donovan
3.5 hours west of Toronto) is a popular
variety of preparations. Before you leave,
spot to enjoy the best fish and chips
pick up some of Ross’s smoked whitefish
Henry’s Fish House
around. (Open from May 18 to Oct. 6.)
to enjoy with salads at home.
As unlikely as it seems, this plane or boat
Choose from pickerel, whitefish or buttery,
21 Channel, Killarney, 705-287-2214
access only restaurant is a very busy spot
flaky yellow perch. Country music star
serving hundreds of patrons each day.
Tobey Keith has even eaten there, though
Erie Beach Hotel
Over the almost 40 years of its history
we don’t know which fish he picked.
A step back in time, the Erie Beach Hotel,
Henry’s has been famous for it’s pickerel –
Point Edward, Sarnia; purdyfisheries.com,
about 1.5 hours west of Toronto, is an
light and flaky, always fresh. A second
@PurdyFish_Girl
immaculate 1950s style hotel with a flair for cooking fish. Lake Erie Perch is a
location in Midland, about two hours north of Toronto, is now open, serving the same
Herbert Fisheries
treasure of a lake fish; flaky, sweet and
great quality fish with a different view.
While visiting Killarney Provincial Park, five
buttery, it is perfect for a light batter and
Frying Pan Island, Sans Souci, Georgian
to six hours north of Toronto, be sure to
quick deep-fry or a simple dredge in flour
Bay, 705-746-9040 and Doral Marine
stop at Herbert Fisheries and enjoy some
and a pan-fry.
Resort, Midland, 705-528-1919;
fresh-fried local whitefish. Whitefish is a
19 Walker St., Port Dover, 519-583-1391,
henrysfishrestaurant.com
lush, fatty fish that lends itself well to a
eriebeachhotel.com
•
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 25
SPA AND RELAX
Clean Eating, Clean Living By Valerie Howes Indulgence doesn’t have to be about overdoing it — on the contrary, it can mean slowing down to take care of your body and nourish it with relaxing treatments and healthful meals. At these Ontario spas, rejuvenate with scrubs, balms and lotions based on edible ingredients, and a delicious guilt-free lunch. Claramount Inn and Spa in Picton, Prince Edward County, uses a vitamin-rich pear and green apple body polish as part of the Relax and Renew package. Eminence Vitality Facial and Eminence Back Bliss Hot Stones treatments complete your therapeutic experience and afterwards you can linger at the colonial manor in the indoor-outdoor saltwater pool as long as you like. Savour tasty greens with local artisan cheeses, seasonal fresh fruit and house-made sesame flatbread as part of your spa package. $278. 97 Bridge St., Picton. claramountinn.com, 800-679-7756 Who says spas and booze don’t mix? The Millcroft Spa Centre for Wellbeing’s Malt and Barley Scrub and Soak offers a healthy skin slough with malt and barley grains, followed by a soak in the property’s Ofuro hot tub, with a cool glass of local craft beer in hand. Lunch dishes at the Spa Café are prepared with mostly regional and seasonal ingredients. Treatment: $100; lunch menu items: $14-$18. 55 John St., Alton. vintagehotels.com/millcroft, 800-383-3976 If you’re more about the merlot, try The Wine Country Spa Experience at Inn and Spa on the Twenty in Niagara region. After a grape seed and sugarcane polyphenol gommage, let your therapist wrap you in warm grape extract mud to draw out your skin’s impurities and leave it soft and moisturized. A quick rinse-off with the multi-jet Swiss shower followed by a coating of Divine Body Balm will leave you primped and ready for a spa lunch of lighter fare, such as hearts of romaine salad with pork
Stephen Elphick
Rejuvenate and relax, local-gourmet style
Claramount Inn and Spa combines delicous local cuisine with blissful spa experience in Prince Edward County.
belly and sourdough croutons.
back and feet. As your mask works its skin-
$378. 3845 Main Street, Jordan.
tingling magic, a hydrator massage allows
innonthetwenty.com, 800-701-8074
you to sink into a deep relaxation. After a
On the lakefront in Muskoka, hidden
post-treatment green tea — packed with
among the pines, Christie Mills Inn and
antioxidants — you’ll make your way into the
Spa is a place to pamper your body and
waterfront dining room for a healthy lunch
your palate. Refresh with The Peppermint
made with seasonal ingredients. Your
Green Tea Revitalizing Experience — a
afternoon is then devoted to a mani-pedi.
eucalyptus steam, followed by hydrating
$250. 263 Port Severn Rd. N., Port Severn.
peppermint green tea mask on the face,
christiesmill.com, 800-465-9966
Burn, Baby Burn!
•
Plan to feast your way across the province? Try these calorie-busting gastronomic activity packages.
On an Escape the City... Canoe and Beach Dining Adventure with Culinary Adventure Company, you’ll paddle out to the Toronto Islands to tuck into a gourmet picnic on the beach.
Zen out in Algonquin Park this summer on an Arowhon Yoga Weekend Retreat. Three gourmet meals per day are balanced out by seven yoga classes during your stay.
$135, culinaryadventureco.com, 800-656-0713, 416-565-1730
$808.03, wolfdenexpeditions.ca, 519-622-2661
From May through September, try Looking and Cooking with Wild Edibles. On a chef-guided hike through Northern Ontario’s Temagami Forest, you’ll forage for mushrooms, cedar, dandelion leaves and more of nature’s bounty.
Prince Edward County’s Terroir Run promises “great legs, great body!” Run through wine country in this annual 10K event, to finish up at Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard for woodfired pizza and the finest of the County’s wines.
Take a Wine Trail Ride with Windsor Eats, cycling and sipping between three vineyards and feasting on local, artisanal fare at your last stop.
$85, smoothwater.com, 888-569-4539
$75, terroirrun.com, 416-451-3162, 613-471-0102
$100 (including bike and helmet rental), windsoreats.com
Here is the caption for the photo.
Valerie Howes is the food editor for Reader’s Digest Canada. Follow her @valhowes. 26 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Our Key to the City
Only In
Visit Ontario’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.niagaraonthelake.com
KID GOURMET
Dine and Dash Culinary adventures for junior gourmands By Valerie Howes From the toothless crawlers to the too-cool-for-school teens, every kid craves great grub with a side of excitement. Here are seven action-packed ideas for all ages. In Whitby, less than an hour’s drive east of Toronto, the diaper set can have a ball in a play area with giant building blocks, slides and toy food sets, before getting into a high chair for homemade fare. At Beans and Babes Café, toddlers munch on grilled-cheese sliders, pancakes or veggie platters made with mostly local ingredients, while parents recharge over Fair Grounds gourmet fair-trade coffee, roasted and ground in Ontario. Age rating: 0-3. beansandbabes.ca
Rent bicycles and helmets at Bike Works, part of the Evergreen Brick Works facility, and explore the woodland and river trails
ciders as their parents sample winter wines. Age rating: 8+. applepietrail.ca Download the Bieberrific Map to
in Toronto’s Don Valley. Next drop into
Stratford and take a walking tour of Justin
the Farmer’s Market (see p. 6 for more)
Bieber’s fave hometown haunts. (See p. 24
for the Saturday cooking series, Hands in
for more Stratford.) In between scoping out
the Bowl. Little ones make finger foods
the Biebs’ top busking and skateboarding
to tantalize their developing taste buds
spots, walk the strip and troll for snacks,
with help from Mom or Dad.
like spag-bol at Madelyn’s Diner and ice
Age rating: 4-7. ebw.evergreen.ca.
cream at Scoopers.
For winter fun, hit the Apple Pie Trail
Age rating: Tweens+. visitstratford.ca/justin
(see more on p. 30) on a guided family snow-
Weave through the Fox Islands of Georgian
shoeing adventure. Spot wild animal tracks,
Bay, about five hours north of Toronto, in a
tramp along the escarpment and warm up
motorboat loaded with kayaks and gourmet
with hot cider in the woods. Final destination:
food. With guides from Killarney Mountain
Georgian Hills Vineyards, where kids sip
Lodge & Outfitters, paddle six kilometres,
locally made Meredith’s elixirs and sparkling
taking in the mountains and wildlife of Philip Edward Island, then tuck into a steak lunch with fresh-baked bread and homemade desserts on the granite shores. Age rating: 12+. killarney.com Saddle up at Nith River Ranch near the
Get out of town!. Bring your cooler and fill it with fresh, healthy, local food. Surprises await you in Oxford County.
www.oxfordfresh.com
town of Paris, about a
Killarney Mountain Lodge.
90 minute drive west of Toronto, for the teen or family overnight camp-out. Explore
Tramp the escarpment and warm up with hot cider in the woods
the trails and terrain of Brant County on horseback — doing cattle work along the way — until you arrive at your campsite. Next, flame-cook steak and potatoes, and settle round the campfire for a night under the stars. At sunrise, a hearty cowboy breakfast awaits. Age rating: 12-29. nithriverranch.com This summer, chefs-in-the-making at the Urban Element Teen Camp in Ottawa (five hours east, then north, of Toronto) venture out for fresh ingredients at the market or a local farm to transform into tasty dishes like homemade pizza, burgers and ravioli.
“follow us on Facebook and Twitter” 1-866-801-7368
28 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Age rating: 13-15. theurbanelement.ca
•
valerie howes is food editor for Reader’s Digest Canada.
Apple Pie Trail > 1.75 hours > 145 km north of Toronto on Hwys 400N/26W toward Collingwood > applepietrail.ca
An Apple a Day By Pamela Cuthbert Sometimes, it’s the new kid on the block that appears out of nowhere and takes home the trophy. And so it is with the Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail, a varied network of more than 30 businesses that stretches between Collingwood and Owen Sound, a couple of hours north of Toronto. Now in its fourth year, this “family” of orchards, farmers’ markets, eateries, hotels and outdoor attractions took the top culinary award at the 2011 Ontario Tourism Summit. In fact, this area has been apple country since European settlers discovered that the moderating effects of Georgian Bay, together with the Niagara Escarpment, provides a microclimate suitable for apple farming. Once a treasure trove of biodiversity, many of the early orchards have long been abandoned or ploughed under for development. But lately, the region has become a crossroads of past and future, with apples that still thrive wild
‘The Red Prince is an amazing apple for garnishing a salad. You don’t want to mess with it.’
Pamela Cuthbert
For laid-back fun and tasty treats, the Apple Pie Trail can’t be beat
Apples in their natural state at the Trail’s popular Apple Top Farm.
driving up with family from their Niagara
attraction with dining and adventure
home. “We would tour apple farms and
packages, hits its peak in autumn. Many of
do some apple picking. I remember
the destinations, such as Apple Top Farm,
there being more apple farms then.”
are seasonal. The Johnson family opens
Korten is now part of a team that
the historic barn doors to the public during
promotes local apples, exploring new
harvest, which generally means the months
ways to incorporate the fruit into dishes.
of September and October. Here, you’ll
He can rhyme off a dozen ideas he’s
find various certified-organic apples like
already executed, such as sweetening a
Paula Reds and Empires, cider vinegars
spicy scallop starter with fresh apples,
and other farm produce such as squashes.
making a savoury pudding to pair with pork
With just 27 acres of orchard, it’s a small
and cultivation of new commercial
tenderloin, creating assorted chutneys
operation. “We see a lot of people come
varieties like the popular Red Prince,
and, naturally, making crumbles and
through these doors,” says Helena
grown in Thornbury.
pies. A fan of the Red Prince, which is a
Johnson. “The Trail has been very popular.”
Chef Jeremy Korten of the
cross between a Golden Delicious and the
No one knows just how many are
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill in Blue
Jonathan variety, he says, “It’s an amazing
visiting, explains Kristin Ellis of the Blue
Mountain’s Westin Trillium House
apple for garnishing a salad. You don’t
Mountain marketing association. The Trail’s
(westinbluemountain.com) resort
want to mess with it.”
remembers visiting the area as a child,
30 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
The Apple Pie Trail, a year-round
members hope to develop a means to track numbers as well as post signs along the
route. “It’s tough to get the right road
area’s Scenic Caves (sceniccaves.com)
signage,” says Ellis. “It would be a wonderful
sent us out for the open air of hiking
achievement, but we’re not quite there
the Mountain and Bruce Trail. We set
yet.” In the meantime, the Trail’s printed
aside downtime at the very pleasant and
and online editions of a brochure and map
accommodating Westin property, then
are the only sources for navigation.
squeezed in the thrill of the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster (bluemountain.ca),
Trail with my family, the lack of signage
toured a few quaint galleries (don’t expect
made for a meandering adventure. Winding
pomaceous portraits), and, thanks to an
our way along concession lines and dirt
unusually warm fall, swam in the clear
roads, even stopping at one point for a
waters of Georgian Bay.
jaywalking rooster, we stumbled upon
On our last afternoon, inspired by
finds like The Farmer’s Pantry. Listed
the well-equipped kitchen in our bright
as “Attraction #23” on the Trail map, this
and spacious room, we decided to take
charming spot is a pick-your-own orchard
a parting trip: from orchard to oven.
with a small petting farm where kids can
Unpacking a peck of beautiful spys from
ogle bunnies, goats and other cute creatures.
Apple Top, we baked a pie while the sun
Apple crumble at the O&B Café Grill Blue Mountain.
There were more things to do
lingered behind the trees. The room was
than we could manage in a short stay.
fragrant with butter and spice. Glasses of
An amble through the busy, friendly
iced apple cider from the nearby Georgian
Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market
Hills Vineyards (georgianhillsvineyards.ca)
(collingwooddowntown.ca) turned up
awaited as the pie cooled. Fork in one hand, map
apple-cinnamon butter. Exploring the
in the other, we began planning our return.
CAPTIVATING VIEWS, COUNTLESS MUST-DO’S
•
O&B Cafe Grill Blue Mountain
On the autumn weekend I toured the
The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail Visit applepietrail.ca to find out more about the dozens of partners in this wonderfully delicious trail. Email crunch@applepietrail.ca and follow @ApplePieTrail.
pamela cuthbert writes about food in Toronto.
Beauty, history, culture, and celebration—and a thriving local culinary scene—make Ottawa a favourite destination of anyone in search of uniquely Canadian experiences. Visit online for Ottawa getaways such as this summer’s Experience Van Gogh package including admission to the exhibition and a Van Gogh inspired dinner at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures.
Ottawa is home to Canada’s top chef
WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA • 1-888-OTTAWA-8 Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 31
SPIRITS
When the Spirit Moves You
The tasting room at 66 Gilead.
Steven Elphick
Get a taste of the Ontario craft distillery scene By Davin de Kergommeaux Craft distilling may seem romantic, but in Ontario it’s an expensive undertaking. Small-batch whisky makers must negotiate regulations requiring whisky be aged for at least three years. Despite this, several intrepid souls have found ingenious ways to get into the game. Their approach? Non-whisky tasting experiences, often only available at the distillery, that will tantalize the visitor’s taste buds. Take 66 Gilead Distillery in Bloomfield (66 Gilead Rd., Bloomfield, Prince Edward County; 613-393-1890, 66gileaddistillery. com, @66Gilead). Their one-of-a-kind Canadian Pine Vodka will permanently change how you feel about sipping vodka. Its fresh pine aromas and citrus palate culminate in a long clean luxurious finish
that whispers, “more please. Now. I mean it!” Sure, you can mix it, but when it’s this tasty, why would you? Their Loyalist Gin is about as local as it gets. An elegant full-bodied potation, it draws its signature notes from juniper berries picked right at the distillery. 66 Gilead welcomes summer visitors seven days a week, on weekends and by appointment during the spring and fall. John K. Hall at Kittling Ridge Estate Wines & Spirits in Grimsby (297 South Service Rd., Grimsby, Niagara; 800-6946798, kittlingridge.com) took a different approach to fund his whisky dream. A winemaker by profession, Hall stuck to his roots when he opened Kittling Ridge. Winemaking is seasonal though. In his downtime, Hall began fermenting grain to make whisky.
CULINARY IS TABOO
800.461.0236 32 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
tabooresort.com
His Forty Creek whiskies are now all the rage with Canada’s connoisseur community. About 10 minutes from the distillery, the picturesque Forty Mile Creek that tumbles over Beamer Falls on the Niagara Escarpment makes an ideal spot for a family picnic. Along with award-winning Kittling Ridge wines and whiskies, a host of local delicacies are for sale in the distillery shop. Still Waters Distillery nestles on the northern edge of Toronto (150 Bradwick Dr.,
Toronto’s Great Whisky Bars
Top 5 Ontario Craft Spirits
Via Allegro More than 1,000 single malts, Canada’s largest selection of bourbon and Canadian whisky, and nearly 6,000 wines, all served in one of Toronto’s top Italian restaurants.
Still Waters Single Malt Vodka, $34.95 This luxurious vodka is available at the distillery or the Vintages section of the LCBO.
1750 The Queensway W., 416-622-6677, viaallegroristorante.com
Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whiskey, $64.95 Matured in barrels made from local oak trees. Available at the distillery or LCBO.
and Barry Bernstein decided to make
The Ceili Cottage This cozy 60-seat traditional Irish pub adds an outdoor patio in summer. The Cottage serves a wide selection of Irish, Canadian, American and international whiskiess.
Forty Creek John’s Private Cask No. 1, $69.95 Dubbed “The Spice Monster.” At the distillery or LCBO.
Canadian single malt, their wives thought
1301 Queen St. E., 416-406-1301,
they were crazy. That whisky is now
ceilicottage.com, @TheCeiliCottage
66 Gilead Canadian Rye Vodka, $36.95 May be purchased during a distillery tour.
Unit #26, Concord; 905-482-2080, stillwatersdistillery.com, @StillWatersD). When single malt aficionados Barry Stein
maturing into a rich and complex indulgence. In the meantime, craft spirits lovers are already raving about their much-awarded Still Waters single malt vodka. It is so creamy and rich you could almost top a sundae with it. They are naturally gregarious folks, so
•
if you drop by Still Waters you’ll almost certainly be invited in for a tour.
The Feathers Canada’s Companions of the Quaich recently recognized The Feathers for its selection of over 400 single malts. This traditional English pub opened in 1981. 962 Kingston Rd., 416-694-04437, thefeatherspub.ca
66 Gilead Loyalist Gin, $43.95 Bursting with local flavours and aromas. At the distillery.
Davin de Kergommeaux is the author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert. Visit canadianwhisky.org.
Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012 > 33
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
A Taste of Something Special These unique experiences are truly like no other By Rebecca LeHeup In 2011, the Canadian Tourism Commission launched their Signature Experiences Collection to showcase the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can be found across our country. In Ontario, a number of the Signature Experience’s showcase our taste of place — in fact, they showcase many great tastes of Ontario. If you seek something scrumptious, try the View to a Thrill with Niagara Helicopter Tours, where you’ll fly high above the falls and then land in a local vineyard for a local lunch with wines from the region. Test your nerves and taste buds with the Unique Sky High Adrenaline Rush on the CN Tower, where you’ll take in a breathtaking view of one of the greenest cities in the world and follow the rush with lunch at 360 Restaurant, where they emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in their scratch kitchen. For more hands on culinary adventures why not take in the Rails, Trails and Ales with Northern Edge Algonquin or the Culinary Bounty of the County at Huff Estates Inn and Winery in Prince Edward County. A definite must for all first-time visitors to Ontario is the Extreme Canadian Icewine Experience: Inniskillin Icewine Tour and Tasting at Inniskillin Winery, where you’ll learn all about a wine that has international acclaim. What better way to complement a visit to the nation’s capital then by Exploring Canada’s Flavours in a Unique Culinary Destination at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa? Truly magnifique.
Walking on the edge at the CN Tower.
•
To find out what type of travel explorer you are and learn more about the Signature Experience Collection, visit canada.travel. 34 > Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide 2012
Flying high above Inniskillin Winery.
September 12 to 23, 2012
Bridging the gap between chefs and producers to bring you a taste of fresh local food.
Durham Region’s annual culinary festival puts local food in the spotlight. Chefs from our best casual and fine-dining restaurants team up with local producers to create mouth-watering dishes using fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. Fixed price meals start at $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner. Discover new dining experiences and enjoy delicious local food. Make your reservations early!
www.DurhamSavourtheSeason.ca
I
1-800-413-0017
enter now for a chance to win a weekend getaway for two worth $500! Enter at www.DurhamSavourtheSeason.ca.
PROMO CODE: OCTA
STRATFORD your culinary getaway
Some would say our passion for great food is bigger than our passion for the theatre. Innovative chefs, cool spaces and local producers make Stratford an award-winning culinary hotspot with an array of culinary adventures offered all year round. Culinary pairings at Savour Stratford Tutored Tastings | Wander the Savour Stratford Bacon and Ale Trail Stroll the Savour Stratford Chocolate Trail | Culinary ghost walks with Pubs, Pilsner and Spirits tour Award-winning Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, presented by GE CafĂŠ Appliances | Foraging Treks for wild food | Chefs Series presented by GE CafĂŠ Appliances | Culinary Walking Tours Come and awaken your senses with a visit to visitstratford.ca/savour and browse our Culinary Guide.
TM