Lately I’ve spent a lot of time discovering Ontario. Like many other Canadians, Canada’s 150th birthday sparked an interest to stay closer and learn about my own country. Lanark County is part of Ontario’s Highlands and after touring with the Ottawa Valley Maple Adventures tour I stayed in the Highlands because Lanark’s claim to fame is that it is the capital for maple syrup in Ontario.

What Kind of Traveler am I?

I took the quiz on FindYourInnerWanderer.ca and it says I’m a rustic roamer. I was actually surprised at how accurate this quiz was. It described everything I like about travel:

I seek the quiet comfort of charming towns and back roads, and my only goal is to explore. I appreciate the little things, the authentic local experiences, warm hospitality, and humble people with big hearts.

Immersing myself in local culture, and embracing the spirit of the community, helps me escape my daily routine.

After my time in Ottawa Valley I spent the next 3 days wandering Lanark County. While it is not the biggest producer of maple syrup, it is the capital because it has the most small, independent producers.

Maple Syrup in Ontario

Ontario doesn’t produce the most maple syrup in Canada by a long shot; Quebec holds that title with nearly 85% of maple syrup production. It’s big business in Quebec for production but also tourism. Everyone wants to visit a sugar shack in Quebec in the spring.

But what I found in Lanark County was that because it was smaller and lesser known, there were more opportunities to have authentic experiences. In the most popular cafes or pancake houses you’ll find locals and nothing has been specifically created for tourists.  The region was beautiful, surprisingly affordable and everyone was so friendly.

Before this trip I wouldn’t have thought it possible to spend 3 days on a maple themed vacation. And then I met so many people doing interesting things and I wanted to share all of them. I must warn you this is a long post. But I think everyone can find a few things in here that would be great for a weekend getaway.

Lanark County – The Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario

The view from my room at the Almonte Riverside Inn.

Almonte, Ontario

Pronounced al-mont, Almonte is a former mill town on the Canadian Mississippi river (not related to the American one). With a population of 5000 it’s the perfect escape from city life as it’s also known as the friendly town and is a great base to learn about maple syrup in Lanark County.

It’s only 40 minutes from Ottawa so it’s a great overnight trip as the town has all the instagrammable charm you want from a small town visit. You can kayak the river, hike to the waterfall or stay in town to shop at the boutiques and visit the tea room.

Where to Stay in Almonte

I stayed at the Almonte Riverside Inn, a historic property with 6 very large rooms. Mine overlooked the river with a view so pretty I didn’t want to go out that night.

It’s not often I stay at a hotel that really makes an impression but this was such a good mix of modern amenities with a small town feel. The rooms are large and you don’t hear your neighbours unless you’re in the common room for free snacks or the restaurant for breakfast.

I also loved that they deliver coffee or tea to your room in the morning and you choose breakfast the night before and what time you’d like to eat so it’s ready when you come down. It’s small touches like this that really make a hotel special.

Almonte Riverside Inn
81 Queen Street, Almonte, ON
(613)-461-2745

Meet The Sausage King

Don may be the unofficial ambassador for Almonte. He’s not from here but he’s one of the most popular characters and often asked to emcee events and do wacky things like pose nude for a charity calendar. For this reason alone you should pop in his shop to meet him.

Although this is a butcher shop, Don is also known for his sausages and sells 250lbs a week. While mild Italian sausage is his most popular, the spicy sweetness of the maple chipotle sausage makes it his favourite.

If you don’t have access to a kitchen there’s also lots of great prepackaged foods and sandwiches. But really you come to Don’s Meat Market for the people. This is the small town experience at its very best.

Don’s Meat Market
126 Mill Street, Almonte, ON
Tel: (613)-256-6801

Grab a Maple Latte

Another must visit stop in Almonte is Equator Coffee Roasters. Sure lots of places serve Maple Lattes but this is a local hub with a focus on organic fair trade coffee.

They’ve been roasting coffee since 1988 and I’ve never learned so much about coffee in a single visit. The team here doesn’t just serve coffee, but they’ll explain, in unpretentious terms, how to store it, brew it and whether you need that $750 espresso machine (spoiler: save your money and buy a French press).

I was so taken with their energy, enthusiasm and passion about coffee. They are serious about their commitment to a sustainable model that also supports the coffee farmers but not too serious that they can’t name coffee things like “Freaking Good,” which is the most popular or “Earl E. Bird.”

They just expanded this location so they could host more “cupping” classes, which is a coffee tasting. I’d call ahead and see if you can organize one as you’ll never look at coffee the same way again.

Equator Coffee Roasters
451 Ottawa Street, Almonte, ON
(613)-256-5960

Try a Low Fat Maple Bacon Doughnut

Around the corner you’ll find Ed and Doris at the Healthy Food Technologies factory, which has a storefront where you can try low fat doughnuts.

Yes this is true.

Ed is a serial inventor and patented a new doughnut making machine that flash fries the doughnut and then bakes it. He’s revolutionized the doughnut world and has all the big shops looking to make doughnuts relevant again.

While testing the machine they needed to know if they could produce as much as a machine currently in shops. In the beginning they were just dropping off doughnuts to anyone they could (the police station was wary of the gift thinking it was laced with sarcasm). Eventually the factory opened a storefront that has an on-going stream of people who come from as far as Montreal for these doughnuts.

In addition to the store they also produce doughnuts for local supermarkets and make as many as 12,000 a week.  If you like talking to Don you must ask if Ed is around as he loves to talk and it’s a fascinating peak inside the mind of an inventor.

Healthy Food Technologies
25 Industrial Avenue, Almonte, ON
(613)-256-9900

Sample Maple Chocolate at Hummingbird Chocolate

Cross the street and you’ll see Equator’s original location, which is now owned by new entrepreneurs Erica and Drew. This is such an epic story of entrepreneurship and perseverance.

They met in Afghanistan just over 15 years ago. As foreign aid workers chocolate was one of their few indulgences. In 2010 they were working in Haiti in schools after the devastating earthquake. There they learned about cacao and thought about creating a business that could sustainably support farmers while pursing their other passion.

When they returned home they dabbled in chocolate making. But it wasn’t easy as there were only 4 chocolatiers in Canada and none of them really wanting to share trade secrets. However, they kept at it, researching cookbooks and sites online and eventually turned a hobby into an award-winning business.

Their storefront is lined with awards, most notably Hispaniola, which uses cacao from the Dominican Republic. You can taste a variety of chocolate, using beans from around the world (Fleur de Sel, using Vancouver Island sea salt is my favourite).

The real treat is the tour where you learn how they make the chocolate. With 10 employees and a small batch production it’s not possible to buy the machines that other big chocolate makers use. For example, the cocoa beans are roasted in a rotisserie chicken oven. Drew also constructed other elements of the process with wood, hardware items and a lot of ingenuity.

This means staff have to be on point and really understand the process. It’s not a “set it and forget it” kind of operation. But that’s likely why they won the UK Academy of Chocolate 2016 Golden Bean award.

Hummingbird Chocolate
9 Houston Drive, Almonte, ON
(613)-801-0357

Stop In Carleton Place for Lunch at Chesswood

A newly rebranded restaurant with a fresh new name, it’s worth stopping in to eat at Chesswood before moving onto Perth. They make the maple-bourbon barbecue bacon jam in house. It’s so popular they’ve been asked if they’ll start selling it in jars.

Want something heartier? Also check out the maple bacon-wrapped meatloaf, which uses maple in both the meatloaf as well as the jus.

Chesswood
151 Bridge Street, Carleton Place, ON
(613)-492-4377

Tour Sam Bat – The Original Maple Bat Corporation

As someone who professes to only want to eat and walk I was wary about venturing to an industrial park to learn about baseball bats. But I needed a break from eating and while this wasn’t about maple syrup in Lanark County it turned out to be a fascinating story.

When a baseball scout shared that they were breaking too many baseball bats made of ash he asked carpenter Sam Holden to come up with something better. Living in Almonte where maple was plentiful it made sense to use this hardwood.  Blue Jay Joe Carter started using it and now today 75% of bats in Major League Baseball are made with maple.

You can tour the factory and see the custom bat moulds for your favourite players and now it’s become very popular for Bachelor parties to come and get special engraved bats, which make for a nice groomsmen gift (who needs another flask) and also great photos.

Sam Bat
110 Industrial Avenue
Carleton Place, ON
(613)-257-8577

Head to Perth

Without mincing words, Perth is gorgeous. It’s a historic town 40 minutes outside Ottawa and so beautiful that many people commute from Perth to work in Ottawa or they retire in Perth. I don’t blame them.

It was originally a military settlement in the early 1800s and many of the early immigrants were Scottish stonemasons and you can see their work throughout town. The town is very pedestrian friendly and there are so many cute cafes, bakeries and restaurants.

It’s surprisingly well stocked with interesting stores with only a population just under 6,000. Although it’s become a very popular location for weddings. There were 4 happening in the park the Saturday I was there. Like Stratford, Perth is the kind of town where you wonder why you’re still living in the city.

Maple Ale at Perth Brewing

A family owned brewery ion Highway 7, using local ingredients including local maple syrup in Lanark County

While you can get some of their beer in the LCBO it’s worth popping in, as all locals do, to sample all the beer and of course try the Oh Canada Maple Ale. It’s not too sweet and I overheard a group next to me say it would be the perfect breakfast beer. If ale isn’t your thing there are also a variety of lagers, IPA and stouts – perhaps the oatmeal stout would also be good for breakfast?

Just as the business is expanding so is the location. You can currently go in and sample beer before buying and now they’re opening up some seating so that you can come in for a flight or a pint.

Perth Brewery
121 Dufferin Street, Perth, ON
(613)-264-1087

Maple Moonshine at Top Shelf Distillers

Craft distilleries are popping up in Ontario and Top Shelf Distillers receives great reviews for its traditional products like vodka and gin but people come to the distillery to try the more creative offerings like maple or cherry moonshine.

They opened their doors in 2015 using local products, including local maple syrup. They don’t take themselves too seriously, which is evident with an upside down logo on their vodka and the service is refreshingly fun.

Top Shelf Distillers
14 Warren Crescent, Perth, ON
(613)-201-3333

Maple Tasting Dinner at Stone Cellar

The Stone Cellar has been in Perth for years and is a local favourite. They host a number of events throughout the year using local product and pairing Canadian wine and craft beer.

However, one special dinner  is the five-course local maple dinner where you can try seasonal flavours and local maple syrup in Lanark County. You must book this 48 hours in advance. Above is the salmon tartare, maple ricotta with thyme oil. I opted for the wine pairings, which were really thoughtful and worked so well with local flavours.

If you come on the spur of the moment without a reservation for the tasting you can try the maple sweet potato fries that are always on the menu.

Stone Cellar
71 Gore Street East, Perth, ON
Tel: (613)-267-0200,

Maple Pecan Cranberry Butter Tarts

Everything is made from scratch in this small bakery in downtown Perth. Although I was in for the very popular butter tarts I was told by a loyal customer that I also needed to try their carrot cake as it was “to die for” and others in the shop nodded in agreement.

I took mine to go so Dave could also try some but I was very tempted to stay and eat on the patio, which overlooks the river. In addition to the sweets you can also find bread, prepared foods, a salad bar and a number of takeaway meals.

Sunflower Bake Shop
100 Gore Street, Perth ON
(613)-267-2458

Take a Sunday Drive and hit Coutts Country Flavours Store

I cannot even begin to talk about all of the different options to taste the local maple syrup in Lanark County inside Coutts. Although the most popular are maple apple pie, maple granola and maple chocolate brownies.

The Store is on Coutts Farms, a 5th generation family farm in Lanark County where they produce naturally raised beef, maple syrup, vegetables, preserves and baked goods.

They also have lots of naturally raised local product from other farmers and fair trade products but what struck me most was that this was a typical country store and they weren’t selling local, organic or natural products because it was trendy or to jack up the price, simply because that’s what they still do.

On a side note, I can vouch for the maple apple pie. I thought it would be too sweet but it wasn’t at all.  It’s worth a sample.

Coutts Country Flavours Store
1240 County Road 18, Perth, ON
(613)-267-0277

Have Pancakes with Real Maple Syrup

This is a must-visit stop and don’t scrimp on the time as there is SO much to see at Wheelers Maple Sugar Camp.

I stopped in to try a maple terroir tasting (golden, amber, dark and very dark) and learn a bit more about maple syrup in Ontario and specifically Lanark County. I could have listened to Vernon Wheeler for days. He has big opinions about how to keep the quality of maple syrup production high. You know he puts a lot of thought into what he makes.

Yet I wondered if maple syrup in Ontario had the same issues as honey – were there counterfeit bottles? Is it ever cut with corn syrup? How can supermarkets sell it for cheaper? Vernon shared that this wasn’t an issue, and the worst case scenario for quality is that the supermarket brands cuts an A Grade Syrup (what you get from local producers) with 1/3 of B Grade Syrup (what is used in baking and dog food). So even the worst case is still 100% maple syrup.

You really need 2-3 hours here to get the full experience at Wheelers, including the Guinness world record collection of Maple Artifacts (it will amaze you), visiting the blacksmith who actually works on real projects rather than just for show, and the pancake house where you’ll find all the locals on the weekends (pro tip: sit by the window to watch the hummingbird feeder).

There’s also a shed with an unbelievable number of vintage chain saws and a small area with farm animals, including alpacas. The Wheelers take maple syrup very seriously and locals flock here on weekends so make sure you come early.

Wheelers Maple Sugar Camp
1001 Highland Lane, McDonalds Corners, ON
(613)-278-2090,

Maple Baked Arctic Char in Maberly

Continue a bit farther west on Highway 7 and you’ll find Fall River Restaurant in Maberly. Owned by a Dutch family there are little decor touches from Holland that make the dining room charming and homey. If it’s sunny head for the lush patio, you’d never know you were near a highway.

I had the maple-baked arctic char and an amazing bruschetta for dinner.  But their monthly dinners piqued my interest, which feature a different cuisine. Lebanese and Austrian nights were huge hits and owners Tess and Jeroen made their favourite recipes for Indonesian night.

There’s also a country store so it’s worth stopping in for a meal or just a look around the store.

Fall River Restaurant
21980 Highway 7, Maberly, ON
Tel: (613)-268-2197

Where to Stay in Perth

The largest hotel in Perth is the Best Western, which includes the White House next door. It’s a historical building with 7 rooms but modern amenities like a hot hydro massage therapy tub (which I used and it was incredible).

It’s next door to the Parkside Spa, which looks onto the park, a favourite for weddings. A full service Aveda Spa and salon I was so happy they offered a Maple Mani Pedi package. It incorporates uses maple syrup in the milk bath, maple sugar sand in the pedicure rub, maple sap in the shea butter and body lotion.

I also got the inside scoop on the two person pedicure room. A regular pedicure is $59 but you can get a private room for two people to get pedicures and enjoy wine and cheese for $140 – just $11 more per person.

Best Western Plus Perth and Parkside Spa
82 Peter Street, Perth, ON
(613)-326-0082

If you know of another great place in Lanark County that features the amazing quality of maple syrup in Ontario I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post about maple syrup in Ontario: Lanark County was in partnership with Ontario’s Highlands Come Wander campaign , Ottawa Valley Tourist Association and Lanark County. I was so excited to see such an authentic experience that isn’t just a manufactured product for tourists but something locals do. For all my friends who ask me about going to a sugar shack in Quebec I’m happy to recommend sending them to Lanark County for the real experience.

13 Reasons to Visit Lanark County is a post from: Bacon is Magic

As a Maritimer I wanted to share my top picks for seafood at PEI restaurants, including the best restaurants in Charlottetown and where to find the best lobster supper in PEI.

I was invited to judge the chowder competition for the PEI International Shellfish Festival. I was so excited to go because the festival is so well known, but also I wanted to come a few days earlier in search of the ultimate list of the best PEI restaurants to visit if you want to eat the best seafood on the island.

As a Maritimer I grew up with very simple food, but seafood was always a constant. My grandmother made Nova Scotia chowder most Fridays, I remember when we needed to watch out for bones when eating fish, and lobster was and still is my favourite food.

But just like not all food in Italy is amazing, not all seafood in the Maritimes is delicious.

So this post is for my friends, who want to know which Charlottetown restaurants to make reservations for and which PEI restaurants you’ll find locals recommending. Because I’m afraid they’ll get stuck going to a tourist joint that sells the captain’s frozen fish sticks – although that was also one of my favourite suppers growing up so I guess it’s sort of authentic.

There are some good spots to eat seafood in Charlottetown but the best spots are around the island, which is why I created a map in the free guide above. You can plan your drive to hit more than a few spots in PEI.

Don’t be intimidated by driving, Prince Edward Island is small but beautiful. Driving out to these spots gives you a great understanding of just how diverse the island is.

PEI Restaurants

I was on the island for five days and my mother joined me at the end to help eat and share her thoughts. For three of those days I sampled 21 different chowders and yet somehow still made room for lots of fish, lobster, scallops, mussels and crab.

If I ate at one of the PEI restaurants and would not go back I did not include it on this list. There are a couple spots that often made all the lists but cooks have changed.

I found some of the Charlottetown restaurants really had mediocre lobster rolls and there is one famous joint that I visited and left off the list. I’m pretty sure they used previously frozen lobster. But why bother spending the time to tell you where not to go, instead let’s focus on all the delicious PEI restaurants to visit.

Some places in this list were closed for the season but they were recommended by several trusted sources (Maritimers) so I feel comfortable sharing them here.

Best Lobster in PEI: Not All Lobster Rolls are Equal

The Lobster Barn Pub and Eatery

Located in picturesque Victoria by the Sea, you can’t miss this restaurant on the wharf.

Although it may scream tourist trap, this is where many locals go and so the prices are quite reasonable as it’s open year round and so it must survive with local support. It was started by two sisters in 2009 and on the menu it says:

Eat whatever you want. And if someone tries to lecture you, eat them too!

The lobster roll ($17) is a very generous portion of fresh lobster on a buttered bun, served with a choice of fries, potato salad, onion rings, house salad or caesar salad. Interestingly they also put a bit of sugar in their mayo so it’s a bit sweet. I’ve never had it like that but I really enjoyed it.

The menu is vast with veggie options and notably appetizer mussels and a beer ($10), chilled lobster dinner ($26), scallops ($19), bar clam burger ($16) and Wharf Platter with scallops, haddock and lobster ($26).

But get there early, I stopped in at 11:15am and was able to sit at a table overlooking the water but in a span of ten minutes the joint was packed.

The Lobster Barn
19 Main St, Victoria, PE C0A 2G0
(902) 658-2722

Dave’s Lobster

One of the restaurants in Charlottetown, just up from where the cruise ship guests dock, I was curious about this roll as there is an option to buy a cold roll (most common), hot roll (with butter, lemon, garlic) or a half and half.

It’s on the small side, although lobster rolls ($21) are made with 4 oz. of PEI lobster, which they proclaim “more than you’d get from a full 1 lb. lobster dinner!” I don’t know any Maritimer who would eat a 1lb lobster, it’s so small.

If you only have time to eat in Charlottetown this is a great option, tastier than others that get more press in the city. It comes on a split roll along with local kettle chips. I’d stick with the traditional cold roll.

Dave’s Lobster
6 Prince St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P5
<(902) 200-3600

Sugar Skull Cantina

One of the more modern restaurants in Charlottetown, after all not everything has to have a nautical theme. This is not a lobster roll, but appropriately a lobster taco from a Mexican cantina inspired restaurant. Sugar Skull Cantina is the sister restaurant to Hopyards and both bring a younger, hip feel to Charlottetown which I like.

I wasn’t sure what I would think about this innovation. I’m an old school lobster purist – I like it cold without butter. On a boat from Panama to Colombia I had lobster in a tomato sauce and hated it.

But at Sugar Skull it works, they serve lobster with charred corn salsa, red pepper mayo, iceburg lettuce and hickory sticks. The portion is so generous I think it works better as a salad as most will fall out of the taco. It’s definitely worth popping in for one.

Sugar Skull Cantina
83 Water Street, Charlottetown
(902) 370-2227

Best Lobster in PEI That I Missed

Terry’s Berries

Seasonal food truck Terry’s Berries has become very popular for its warm Salt Daddy Lobster Melt ($16.31). It’s served on a hearty baguette with garlic and chives so it’s not traditional and definitely a “melt”.

I made the mistake of coming to the truck the Sunday after the Shellfish Festival, I think Terry may have had too much fun so he wasn’t open but he did stay open until September 20th. Make sure you check the Facebook page for hours.

Terry’s Berries
20 Great George St, Charlottetown
902-394-6524

The Lobster Shack on Souris Beach

Owned by legendary fisherman Johnny Flynn, this is THE place for a lobster roll as well as his Coleville Oysters and fresh or cooked lobster. Not surprisingly they won the 2017 PEI Lobster Roll Challenge.

With a view you can’t beat, they overlook the beach. If you can only drive to one location in PEI to eat this would be the one.

They open June 15th closed September 15th, I had planned to go on the 16th. Keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Best Chowder on Prince Edward Island

In the Maritimes you can order chowder in 99% of local restaurants. It’s so common to order a cup of chowder and half sandwich. But not all chowder is good, in fact you some of the best chowder isn’t served by the Charlottetown restaurants and is well worth a picturesque drive on the island.

Point Prim Chowder House and Oyster Bar

Locals will tell you one of the best PEI restaurants for chowder requires heading out to the remote area of Belfast to Point Prim. It’s a 45 minute drive from Charlottetown and there’s nothing else out there but picturesque Point Prim lighthouse – the island’s oldest lighthouse.

You must call ahead for a reservation, even in September as it’s quite popular to eat at sunset.

Point Prim Chowder House
2150 Point Prim Rd, Belfast
(902) 659-2187

Blue Mussel Cafe

This PEI cafe is a worth a drive just to see North Rustico, which is so pretty – but also very cold off season so bring a sweater.

I did not order the chowder here after judging 21 different kinds. Instead, I opted for the seafood bubbly bake ($21), which was like a thickened chowder with cheese.

So much for going light!

Blue Mussel Cafe did enter the competition and after discovering their entry and while they didn’t win they were a strong contender.

This is one of the most popular PEI restaurants for tourists, but don’t let the come from aways deter you from eating here. Open from May to October with the first seating at 11:30 and final at 9pm, with a quick closure from 4-5pm.

Go early at 4:30pm and put your name on the dinner list (no reservations) as they’ll give you a buzzer to let you know when your table will be ready. There’s plenty of instagram friendly spots to walk around while waiting for dinner.

Blue Mussel Cafe
312 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico Harbour
(902) 963-2152

Charlottetown Restaurants Note:

The Claddaugh Oyster House won the Chowder Competition at the Shellfish Festival (Point Prim did not compete) and if they are serving the same chowder on the menu it’s a great option in Charlottetown.

Chef Erin Henry from Piatto Pizzeria and Enoteca did not win but I loved her twist with this seafood chowder recipe, you can now find her at the Culinary Institute of Canada Bootcamp where Chef Ilona Daniel once taught me how to put a lobster to sleep.

Best Fish and Chips on PEI

Richard’s Fresh Seafood

PEI restaurants always have fish and chips on the menu but Richard’s is known as the best. Although the claim to dame is the best fish and chips, everything here is so beloved by locals it’s simply called Richards for almost 40 years.

It’s also a fish mart if you’d like to buy seafood to go and prices are very reasonably based on market prices.

It opens in June and sadly they closed for the season on September 8th, five days before I arrived. It’s best to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

Richard’s
9 Wharf Rd, York, PE C0A 1P0
(902) 672-3030

Where to Eat PEI Oysters

Prince Edward Island has some of the best oysters in the world. At the International Shellfish Festival I tried 21 different kinds and it’s impossible to say which one is the best as they are all so different.

James Strong from Raspberry Point suggests looking for oysters with a deep shell instead of a shallow one. And while many PEI restaurants offer a happy hour buck a shuck he isn’t a fan.

While it helps local bars and restaurants get people in early, it encourages the production of cheap oysters that will grow quickly instead of quality. You get what you pay for with oysters.

My best advice is to try many and choose what you like.

Gallant’s Seafood Market

Gallant’s is a seafood supplier on the island. You can find them at the Charlottetown Farmer’s market or at the seafood market in New London. It’s a small shop where you can pick up seafood to go or order from a very small menu and eat at one of two tables out front.

I used this photo of the Belle River rock crab cakes to emphasize that you should go for PEI oysters AND get the best crab cakes I’ve ever had. I tried to get the recipe from them…but sadly it’s a secret.

And if you haven’t had lobster they will cook and crack it for you for only $2 extra per pound, which is really a steal. They’ll even give you melted butter although personally I skip the butter as it interferes with the delicious taste of lobster.

Gallant’s Seafood Market
10056 Rout 6, Stanley Bridge
(902) 886 2716

Carr’s Oyster Bar

Just around the corner from Gallants in New London, Carr’s has a great view of New London Bay. Stick with the raw oysters on the half shell range from $2.50 – $6 per oyster. The $6 oyster is known as the George Carr special and they’ll warn you before ordering as it’s quite large.

Carr’s Oyster Barr
32 Campbellton Road, Stanley Bridge
(902) 886-3355

Old Dublin Pub

If you want to try buck a shuck oysters, the Old Dublin Pub in Charlottetown is one of the most popular places to go. It’s upstairs from the Claddaugh Oyster house, and serve buck a shuck from 4-6pm daily. They offer small choice oysters for $1 each with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage.

Old Dublin Pub
131 Sydney St, Charlottetown
(902) 892-6992

Fine Dining in PEI: Most Extravagant Experience

Without a doubt Fireworks at the Inn at Bay Fortune is a dinner to talk about. You begin with a reception wandering the grounds, eating Coleville Bay Oysters and other island delicacies and move to a family style dinner of local food cooked over a fire.

It should be noted this is the vision of Chef Michael Smith. I’ve met him and can attest that he’s an amazing person. He’s active at the resturant but also a popular chef, author and tv producer. So he’s not there all the time, but has a chef de cuisine to bring his vision to life.

Inn at Bay Fortune
758 Route 310, Souris
(902) 687-3745

Lobster Supper in PEI: Where Do Locals Eat?

If you’re wondering where to find the best lobster in PEI it’s always at someone’s home. Maritimers absolutely eat seafood chowder at restaurants and lobster rolls for a treat, but we don’t eat lobster in restaurants. It’s too expensive. Sure, we *might* take our upper Canadian friends out somewhere that we visit once a year with tourists. But it’s much more likely that we’ll cook it at home and serve it to them in our backyard.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with eating a lobster dinner with fellow travelers.  If you’re on the island for the International Shellfish Festival there’s likely to be a lobster supper in PEI and locals are there.

If you want to go to a formal lobster supper (yes we call it supper not dinner) in PEI, the Fisherman’s Wharf, New Glasgow and Saint Ann’s are well known. You could also look for a community fundraiser lobster supper for locals. Or if you’d like lobster without the fuss buy it cooked from Gallants, Richards or the Lobster Shack mentioned above.

Thunder Cove beach’s tea cup rock. You won’t find tourists here.

Best Time to Visit Prince Edward Island

While the summer has the warmest weather it also has the most crowds. I think the best time to visit Prince Edward Island is the beginning of September. The weather is still warm and the crowds are gone so you can get really affordable accommodation.

Plus there’s Shellfish Fest! The only downside is that the later you go in September, the more you risk some of the best seafood spots being closed.

If you’re worried about swimming in the ocean let me assure you it is ALWAYS freezing. So whether you go in July or September you’ll find it cold.

Best Places to Stay in PEI

Where I Stayed

The Great George is a boutique hotel in Prince Edward Island but it’s not one location. You check in at the main house and there’s complimentary breakfast along with coffee and tea throughout the day. However, it’s a series of historic buildings close to each other. So you can stay in a hotel room, suite, cottage or efficiency units.

They were generous enough to host me but took it a step further. When I mentioned my mother was coming with me to check out PEI restaurants they booked us in a two bedroom condo.

I love non-traditional accommodation. It was fantastic as there was so much room AND a back patio with a barbecue. If you’re traveling with a group for a few days this is a great way to do it. There’s a full kitchen and two bathrooms with lots of space. I would highly recommend for a family or friends visiting.

The Great George
58 Great George St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4K3

Tell me what PEI restaurants did I miss? Do you have any other favourite restaurants in Charlottetown that should be on this list?

Want to Know More About Prince Edward Island? 

PEI Potato Mussel Chowder Recipe

The Last Small Abattoir on PEI

Making Gouda Cheese

Charlottetown and PEI Restaurants: The Ultimate Seafood Guide is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Yes it’s possible! You can cook a Thanksgiving Instant Pot turkey with a crispy skin.

Nanny always made thanksgiving turkey growing up and she cooked it low and slow until it was so dry. I loved her dearly but she was a terrible cook. She could make Nova Scotia chowder and Christmas cherry balls but turkey was not her thing.

In Search of a Moist Turkey

I don’t think many people do it well, which is why gravy exists. Toward the end of her life I took on the task of cooking Thanksgiving turkey and I have tried so many methods.

For a number of years I brined it, I once put butter underneath the skin, last year I spatchcocked the turkey. I usually follow Alton Brown’s method of high heat to begin and reduce to low.

But there’s just something about turkey that makes me want to have lobster at Thanksgiving instead. Or at least a whole fish?

But my mother loves turkey and so that will never happen. So this year I tried an Instant Pot turkey. I figured if the Instant Pot Peruvian chicken turned out so well then a turkey should as well.

Damn right!

Using this 8qt model of the Instant Pot., which can handle a 8-9lb turkey on a trivet. It sounds small but I usually cook 2 turkeys anyway as I prefer smaller ones than one gigantic turkey.

My family doesn’t like turkey skin (travesty, I know) so I cooked it the simplest way possible. No browning.

I put 1/2 onion, carrot, 1 celery stalk and 1 bay leaf in the bottom of the Instant Pot with 1/2 cup of water and set the turkey on the trivet. Using the Instant Pot chicken method of 6 minutes per pound with a 10 minute NPR.

48 Minutes Cooking + 10 Minutes NPR

The turkey falls off the bone, I simply pushed the skin away (it’s white and unappetizing) and carved the meat onto a platter for everyone to eat.  It was so moist and flavourful.  No need for gravy – although we had it anyway.

I am hooked.

How to Get Instant Pot Turkey Skin Crispy

I knew my nay saying friends would say the skin is one of the most special parts of Thanksgiving dinner. So I cooked another turkey with the same method.

While it was on NPR I preheated the oven to broil. I carefully removed the turkey on the trivet to a sheet pan. Basted the skin in the drippings and broiled the skin for 5 minutes. Voila!

Note: I always use this digital cooking thermometer when cooking meat, it’s less than $10 and it’s the only way to know if meat is at a safe temperature plus you don’t risk overcooking meat.

Should You Stuff Turkey?

I used to think that stuffing (or dressing as we call it) HAD to be in the turkey – that’s where all the flavour is right?

Wrong.

A few years ago I tested two kinds of stuffing. One in the turkey and another in a casserole dish that I made and then poured turkey drippings over before baking – NO ONE knew the difference.

What everyone loves is the turkey dripping flavour aka fat, so we just pour it over the stuffing and cook it while the turkey is resting.

This method changed how I cooked because the problem with turkey is that it dries out fast and stuffing prolongs the cooking time. Remove the stuffing and cook a better bird.

Instant Pot Turkey Recipe

I cannot stress how easy it was to cook the Thanksgiving turkey in an Instant Pot. We also used the drippings for gravy. It would be easy enough to remove the onion/celery/carrot/bay leaf and make the gravy on a low saute or move it to a sauce pan on the stove.

Secret tip: If you’re using kitchen bouquet to make gravy, take a pastry brush and paint the turkey with a teaspoon or two before you put it under the boiler and it will give it the darkness of having roasted turkey all day. Shhhhhh!

Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out:

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Instant Pot Peruvian Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Braised Brisket

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot Turkey – Cooking a Whole Turkey is a post from: Bacon is Magic

This gin sour recipe is a signature cocktail from the Fairmont Empress in Victoria uses their signature Empress 1908 Gin.

While the craft beer scene in Victoria has exploded, it hasn’t been to the detriment of cocktails. While Victoria is a relatively small city, cocktail bars are thriving here and restaurants are also in the game with in-house bar programs.

One of the reasons for this is the access to great local products and strong support for local businesses. Victoria Distillers is Just outside the city in the small sleepy town of Sidney. It’s a family business making a variety of spirits and bitters, but it’s well known for its gin.

I drove out one afternoon to visit Victoria Distillers’ president, Peter Hunt and I didn’t think it would be a visit that was out of the ordinary. It’s a small facility with a tasting room, production and packing in-house. I sampled all of the spirits and they were great but he left one bottle until the very end.

Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin

It’s named after the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, which opened in 1908. A historical landmark within the inner harbour.

The gin is a collaboration with the hotel. It incorporates Canadian water, 7 organic botanical and the hotel’s signature tea blend – a nod to the importance of afternoon tea in Victoria and tea service at the hotel.

The first thing you notice is the vibrant indigo colour, and it’s naturally that hue as it uses the butterfly pea blossom. We sample it on its own and it’s very good, similar to a London Dry.

And then Peter said he’d like to pour a gin and tonic, but I needed to watch him make it.

As the drink changes from a vibrant indigo to a soft pink you can’t help but be impressed. They did not intend to create a novelty drink, but it’s a chemical reaction with the butterfly pea flower.

Think of it as an adult science experiment, remember PH tests? In this case the butterfly pea flower changes colour with acid – in this case the tonic.

I wished I wasn’t traveling carry on so I could bring a bottle home. But Peter urged me to visit the newly renovated Q Bar at the Fairmont Empress.

The hotel renovated the bar before the distillery revealed its colour changing gin and yet the new decor with vibrant indigo and pink is completely appropriate.

The Fairmont Empress Q Bar

The Fairmont was so pleased with the signature gin that they created a signature gin sour called the Q 1908 Cocktail – which is not to be confused with the regular 1908 cocktail that commemorated the centennial anniversary of the hotel. Alas that cocktail uses a different, non-indigo, gin.

Normally a general word of food and drink advice for Victoria is that only tourist spots are on Government St. I had more than a few people tell me not to bother going anywhere there. But as always there are a few exceptions like Garrick’s Head Pub to drink craft beer in Victoria and the Empress Hotel.

Aside from the gin, the hotel bar is worth a visit. The bartenders have been working there for decades and have a familiar charm about them. For that reason I saw locals stopping in for a drink, including one lovely 80-year old regular who insisted on giving me a kiss on the cheek before I left. As Paulo Coelho says,

“Frequent bars. Unlike museums, this is where the life of the city can be found. Bars are not discotheques, but places where the people gather to have a drink, pass the time, and are always willing to chat.” 

This was definitely true here.

Gin Sour – The Empress Q1908

The squeezed lemon juice in this gin sour changes the drink from a vibrant indigo to a lovely soft lavender colour.

Q Bar at the Empress Hotel

721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
(250) 389-2727

Disclosure: I discovered this gin sour drink while on a sponsored program with Tourism Victoria to write the Victoria Gluttony Guide. This post was not part of the program. But I liked the cocktail, and the story, so much I wanted to share it with you.

Planning a Trip to Victoria BC?

The Best Spots for Victoria Craft Beer

Where to Find the Best Cocktails in Victoria

The Best Restaurants in Victoria BC

Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Victoria

The Fairmont’s Gin Sour Is the Prettiest You’ll Ever Drink is a post from: Bacon is Magic

While some people love to hike mountains, I would rather stay at the bottom of the hill with a glass of wine. So the Saints and Sinners Trail in Grey County is my kind of trail as it features local beer, cider and wine.

Where is Grey County?

I’m always shocked when people ask me about what to do in Grey County and if they can make a weekend of it.

There is so much to do!

I love how Grey County is only a few hours from Toronto and you can avoid the crowds. But it’s also an agricultural area so there are lots of incredible local food and drink and at a fraction of the price for what you’d get in Toronto.

Grey County Saints and Sinners Trail

Grey County is home to many award-winning craft wine, beer and cider producers. Some are in the LCBO but for many you need to head north to taste their product.

The trail is named after the region’s clandestine heritage of bootlegging during Prohibition. In fact, Owen Sound was the last city in Canada to end Prohibition and that wasn’t until 1972 and many wanted to keep it.

But today Grey County is home to locally grown apples, grapes and hops, and is producing incredible beverages. There are 26 local producers on the Saints and Sinners trail.

Grey County Cideries

European settlers brought apples to Canada and Grey County has a long history of cider making, with a brief hiatus during Prohibition.

Grey County is home to many kinds of apples and has its own Apple Pie Trail. And while it’s common to find 18 different varieties of apples here the Red Prince Apple is unique. It’s originally from Holland but the only region you can find it in North America is in Grey County.

Windswept Cider

This was one of the most inspiring stops of Grey County’s Saints and Sinners Trail and they aren’t technically on the trail yet.

Husband and wife team Marc and Courtney Skinner have an extensive background in food and drink. They both went to culinary school and wanted to one day have a farm to raise their children.

But today the family lives on an orchard and works with other local farmers. Their approach to cider is different, and frankly much more difficult, than most cideries, for two reasons

1. They rescue apples on “lost orchards,” which are basically orchards that have been abandoned because they weren’t producing enough to make money. These trees have fewer apples, which means each apple has better quality juice.
2. They approach cider like wine, make single varietal cider and are curious about terroir and how an apple varietal from one orchard in Grey County may taste different from another.

A small producer making award-winning cider, they are a refreshing producer focusing on quality rather than quantity. Although you can only visit now by appointment, they are opening a public area in the spring.

Windswept Cider
317282 3 Line, Meaford

Thornbury Village Ciderhouse

Although Thornbury is the top-selling cider in the LCBO, this should not deter you from visiting the tasting room as there are small batch options that you cannot find anywhere else. Often they are experiments that may later appear so you get a preview.

Owned by local winery Colio, Thornbury also has its beer on site so you can choose from beer, wine and cider…or all three.

Cider is on the sweeter side so a tasting is a perfect way to decide which one is right for you. Also the tasting room offers signature pints such as Blue Blood, which is half Wild Blueberry and Elderflower and Blood Orange or the Blushing Bride, which is half Blood Orange and half Cranberry.

Tours are available for $5 on the weekends, it’s best to call ahead. I arrived five minutes after it opened last Saturday morning and there were already 15-20 people inside.

Thornbury Village Ciderhouse
90 King St E, Thornbury

Beaver Valley Cidery

A beautiful orchard on the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley focuses on heritage varieties of apple to make berry-apple and ginger-apple blends. The retrofitted barn is gorgeous and while the flagship cider is great I loved the Ginger Cider.

There are free tours Sunday at noon, and you can sample five of their ciders. Unfortunately, not the Ice Cider, which is similar to ice wine, as it’s made in such small quantities but I can vouch that it’s worth the leap of faith.

Beaver Valley Cidery
235853 Kimberley, Grey County

Duxbury Cider

Although there isn’t a tasting room for Duxbury Cider you can find this bold English-style small batch apple cider on tap at many of the restaurants in town.

Mudtown Station in Owen Sound.

Grey County Breweries

Grey County is home to great breweries, many of them on the Ontario Brewery Discovery Route. These routes feature local producers, markets and restaurants serving fresh, local food.

Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant

Mudtown Station was once one of the many rail stations in Canada that eventually was abandoned. Today this new restaurant and brewery is already a local favourite, with a patio packed with locals in warm weather.

Although the burger is one of the most popular items on the menu, it’s not a typical deep-fried pub menu. There are plenty of interesting items like local whitefish cakes, pork terrine and herb falafel with beet hummus.

Along with local beer, there are 6 Mudtown Station beers, if you can’t choose a flight is always a good option. In an industry where IPAs and hoppy beer thrives I was thrilled to see Brewmaster Morag Kloeze have a Nectarine Sour, Pale Ale and a Saison on the menu.

I highly recommend this stop, I love that the adjoining dining room still looks like a train station with vintage posters.

Mudtown Station Brewery
1198 1st Ave E, Owen Sound

MacLean’s Ales

Located in Hanover, Maclean’s is a little bit different. There’s a sense of maturity here.

It wasn’t started by a group of young friends wanting to experiment in crazy new beer. It doesn’t have a million types of beer on tap. It’s run by someone with lots of experience and wants to do one thing well – ales.

Brewmaster Charles has been involved in brewing in some matter or another since 1978 when the visited England on holiday. Instead of returning, he bought a motorcycle and found a job at a brewpub.

He eventually returned to Canada with a love of English ales and was part of the movement to rally the government to break the monopolization of large breweries and to open the door for small businesses. He’s been involved with many well-known brands and eventually moved to Grey County to start his own.

It’s best to stop by and chat with him as some of the seasonals are only available on site at the brewery, including a scotch ale.

If you can corner Charles to talk it’s worthwhile. He doesn’t like to boast about what he’s achieved but prod him a bit and you’ll find he has some well thought out ideas on the future of brewing.

MacLean’s Ales
52 14th Ave, Hanover

Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer Store

The second outpost for Northwinds, the first was in downtown Collingwood and their approach to globally inspired craft beer was so popular they opened a second location in Blue Mountain.

The decor is a bit more apres-ski themed but the great food and beer remain the same. Although one of the most popular plates is the Mexican chicken burger I was so intrigued by the Bacon Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese with crispy fried onion and maple tomato ketchup I couldn’t pass it up.

I made the right decision.

There is a lot of hearty pub food here. If you want to take beer to go they can add it to your bill and they’ll deliver it to your table. Now that’s service.

Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer Store
499 First Street (HWY 26)

Grey County Wineries

In Ontario it seems that many people know Prince Edward County wine or the region of Niagara well. But to avoid the crowds and taste fantastic wine, try Grey County.

Coffin Ridge Winery

Named after its location on Coffin Ridge, which has a spooky history, this boutique winery has a bit of fun with its name. All of its wine and cider have cute names like Into the White Light and Resurrection.

I also think it produces great cider, my best advice is to skip the cans and look at the seasonal small batch jugs like holiday chai spice.

Coffin Ridge Winery
599448 Concession Rd 2 N, Annan

Georgian Hills Vineyards

Minutes from Blue Mountain Resort, Georgian Hills produces award-winning cool-climate wines including apple and pear dessert wines.

Georgian Hills Vineyards
496350 Grey County Rd 2, Clarksburg

Hoity Toity Cellars

Not technically in Grey County but instead in Mildmay, which is on the border. There is an opportunity to taste Bruce County’s first winery/cidery, locally crafting award-winning beverages. Sheep

Hoity Toity Cellars
1723 ON-9, Mildmay

The Roost Wine Company

Owned by husband and wife, Michael and Jess Maish, this is a must-visit winery in Grey County. They left careers to study enology and viticulture all while raising a newborn. With help from winemakers in Ontario they started to plant vines on Jess’s mother’s land overlooking the gorgeous Georgian Bay.

This time I was lucky enough to spend time with Jess, a winemaker with such a great approach. They experiment with varieties like L’Acadie Blanc, Frontenac Blanc and lesser known German grapes.

I was surprised to see a dessert wine available this year, Jess explained that after breaking a measurement instrument she ended up with wine that was mistakenly too sweet. So she decided to change course and created something so good it would change the minds of anyone who said they didn’t like dessert wine.

Next season look for other innovations like a sparkling red.

A small operation, it’s worth dedicating an afternoon to the tasting room. Not only is it gorgeous, but The Roost Plate features Fromagerie Kapuskoise, a French-trained cheesemaker from Kapuskasing.

The Roost Wine Company
415763 10 Line, Clarksburg

Also Consider the Corkscrew City Tour

Owen Sound, once known as Corkscrew Town was Canada’s last dry city…technically. While you could not buy alcohol in town or drink it in restaurants, the city was far from dry.

Local historian Richard Thomas hosts a city-run town that partners with The Beer Bus, Roxy Theatre, and local breweries and museums. You learn a lot about the region’s history of Prohibition and Richard shares a lot of hilarious, local stories of how bootleggers thrived in a dry town.

Grey County Restaurants

Fabbrica Thornbury

It may seem an odd second location for this Toronto eatery, but Chef Mark McEwan has a vacation home in Thornbury.

The menu has great pizza, pasta and other Italian options. I had the octopus with ceci bean and peperonata and it was cooked perfectly.

Fabbrica
27 Bruce St S, Thornbury

Andrew’s Roots Restaurant

One of the prettiest pumpkin soups I’ve ever had. I rarely order soup of the day but Andrew’s Roots Restaurant is known for local food and it is soup season.

But even I was surprised and let out a little squeal when I saw the presentation of the pumpkin bisque.

Andrew’s Roots Restaurant
82 N Sykes St, Meaford

Other Great Restaurants in Grey County

I visited these restaurants in past visits

Haisai Restaurant

The Stadtländers are known for their epic Eigensinn Farm events. For those that cannot attend this small restaurant in Singhampton is a great experience. It is a rustic cabin dining room with Chef Stadtländer’s eclectic artwork throughout, and it is constantly evolving.

During the week lunch there are a variety of wood oven pizzas and local wine, cider and beer. One pizza easily feeds two people and the vegetarian pizza is the most popular as it uses ingredients often picked that morning from Eigensinn Farm.

Haisai Restaurant
794079 County Rd. 124 Singhampton

Casero Kitchen Table

Casero was once a taco bus at Sauble Beach and was so successful it expanded to include a bricks and mortar restaurant in Owen Sound.

I love that they know enough to double stack the taco shell but also innovate with awesome flavours and many vegetarian and vegan options like roasted beets – trust me if the beets are available you’ll love them.

Casero Kitchen Table
946 3rd Ave E, Owen Sound

Bruce Wine Bar

Chef Shaun Edmonstone really takes advantage of Grey County’s agricultural prowess. His menu features Grey County farmers and changes with the season.

It feels like a spot you’d find in Toronto, but with all the small town charm including an open kitchen where you can watch pizza make its way into the wood fired oven. It’s a wine bar but the atmosphere is relaxed and food doesn’t play second fiddle.

Bruce Wine Bar
8 Bruce St S Thornbury

Mill Cafe

A casual cafe, eat lunch on the patio alongside the Beaver River. Salmon migrate up river in autumn and you can see some of the salmon jumping.

Mill Café
12 Bridge St Thornbury

Milk Maid Fine Cheese and Gourmet Foods

Milkmaid is owned by a massage therapist who loves cheese so much she opened a shop for locals. Locals supported it but wanted more, so she added sell wine and food and it evolved into a fantastic campaign with a changing chalkboard menu.

Milk Maid Fine Cheese and Gourmet Foods
947 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound

Justin’s Oven

Justin’s Oven is a cozy restaurant with a menu that changes nightly. Thursday night is pub night and you’ll sit elbow to elbow with locals who want great, affordable food. Friday night Justin makes 120 pizzas in 3 hours, half of it is takeout as locals believe it’s the best pizza in the county. On Saturday is more formal and the weekend ends with brunch.

While many great restaurants in the region primarily serve visitors, Justin’s Oven is all about locals. It’s licensed or you can bring wine with a very reasonable $13 corkage fee. However, it is a very popular so you do need a reservation, although they try to accommodate drop-ins with outside seating.

Justin’s Oven
235304 Grey Road 13, Kimberley

Where to Stay in Grey County

Grey County is a great day trip from Toronto but it really deserves at least one night away, there are plenty of budget options but I really liked these options which have a bit more character.  Grey County has some really interesting options.

Woodland Retreat

I arrived just a week too late to stay in the yurt as it the cold wet weather meant I couldn’t enjoy the outdoor area with a kitchen, fire pit and hot outdoor shower.

But I stopped by anyway to meet Naomi the owner and check out the yurt. I love the idea of camping but I really don’t want to sleep on the ground.

Plus Naomi has a fascinating story, she is a jewelry designer (you can see her studio on site) and met her husband in Oaxaca – although I have no idea how they could possibly leave Oaxaca as the food is incredible.

But I’ll be back in the spring, this is such a unique experience I’ll return for this alone.

Woodland Retreat
245606 22nd Sideroad

The Resting Place

Coffin Ridge Winery is one of the more remote wineries in Grey County. I’ve visited a few times over the years and it’s been fascinated to see it grow. I requested to stay the night as it’s a beautiful area.

There are three options: The Relic’s Room and The Widow’s Walk or The Writer’s Haunt. All are on the vineyard grounds so you can use the facilities or retreat back to the outdoor pool or hot tub. Also included is a complimentary tasting and Vintner’s Plate at the winery.

I loved my room, which looked out onto the vineyards and had a kitchenette and electric fireplace. It would be the perfect place for a romantic getaway for a few nights.

The Resting Place
599448 Concession Rd 2 N, Annan

Pretty River Valley Country Inn

I have stayed here twice and although it’s only a few hours away from Toronto it feels like another world.

The Ben Nevis Croft room is incredible but all of the studios are lovely and you cannot beat a fireplace. They prepare it so all you have to do is light a match.

They also have horses and reindeer on site. There are lots of hiking opportunities. However, this spot is very popular so make reservations well in advance.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Check Room Rates on Expedia

Other Great Accommodation in Grey County

I didn’t stay here this weekend but I have stayed at these great Grey County hotels in the past.

The Ultimate Treehouse Experience

I’ve stayed in so many hotel rooms but this was my first treehouse, with stairs to climb up and a big orange slide to descend.

There is also a pool with a seated bar area that just makes you want to have a party. Or maybe just unwind because they are proud to share that the treehouse is an area where the wifi is weak but the drinks are strong.

First time AirBnB user?  Use this link for $45 off your AirBnB stay!

Treehouse + Cabin Rental

The Falls Inn in Walter’s Falls

Grey County is known for its waterfalls and while a hike is fun, dinner with wine is even better! A bit more formal, the hotel is part of the Ontario’s Finest Inns network. If the weather is warm ask for a table at the patio and dine beside Walter’s Falls.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor 

The Falls Inn
Front St Walter’s Falls

Traveling From Toronto to Grey County

Grey County is only a couple of hours from Toronto. While the speed limit is 80km/h do not be tempted to speed. The Ontario Provincial Police patrol the routes and I always see at least one car caught speeding.

Grey County: Saints and Sinners Trail Map

Disclosure: This post about the Saints and Sinners Grey County trail was a paid partnership with Grey County. I have been coming here for years and this region is one of my favourites in Toronto, I’m thrilled to work with destinations that I already know I love.

Pin it for Later!

Saints & Sinners Trail: Grey County Beer Cider and Wine is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Despite friends raving about Prince Edward County restaurants I’ve always been skeptical about The County.

Prince Edward County is a small island community only two hours from Toronto and is very popular for weekends away in the summer.

Perhaps it’s because I’m from Nova Scotia and I had this idea that it was like the Hamptons. Just as Manhattanites leave New York City on the weekend to hang out with each other in the Hamptons, the same is true for Torontonians in Prince Edward County.

Why would I leave the city just to hang out with people from the city in another location? Why wouldn’t you go to Grey County, Perth County or Stratford where there is a local community, not just Torontonians with a second home outside the city.

To be fair I had only ever been in Prince Edward County for one afternoon. So my opinion was not based on any solid facts, just a slowly developed disdain for a region I didn’t know at all.

But then I was challenged on it. 

Ontario Parks reached out to me to see if I was interested in working on a program to promote their accommodations in the offseason.

It’s true Prince Edward County is crowded in the summer. But once Labour Day hits many tourists hibernate for the season only considering sunny destinations like Cuba or Jamaica. However, there are still lots of great Prince Edward County restaurants open all year round and you can stay in the park all year round.

The idea of seeing the county differently really appealed to me. Maybe I would love it. But what happened if I hated it? What if it was as obnoxious as I built up in my mind? What would I write?

Prince Edward County in the Offseason

There are a lot of restaurants in Prince Edward County that close over fall and winter. At first it may be disappointing but these are often restaurants solely for tourists. The restaurants that remain open in the offseason are places locals will go and support.

So instead of hanging out with a bunch of Torontonians, you actually meet locals. Imagine that.

It’s also not as busy so the sommelier at Flame + Smith actually has time to share his thoughts on the best new wines coming out of the region. Or the staff at Seedlings can share where they go for an afterwork drink.

It was all of the things that I love so much about Grey County. A community of people connected to the seasons, who support local producers and love where they live.

Maybe I’m the obnoxious one? Hopefully not, but I left feeling a bit sheepish that I had such a skewed view of the region.

Where to Stay in Prince Edward County

Many of the bed and breakfasts are closed in the offseason but Sandbanks Provincial Park has year round accommodation.

I would have never thought to stay in a park because I’m not a camper. But Sandbanks has historical homes on site. I greedily asked to stay in Maple Rest which has 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, jacuzzi, full kitchen, dining room, satellite TV, backyard.

Read Reviews of Sandbanks Provincial Park

I was traveling alone. Totally unnecessary and when I checked in to the park office they reminded me they were just a short phone call away.

The mornings were beautifully silent with just the sounds of birds and the wind. I loved it.

Maplerest Heritage House
2086 County Road 12, Prince Edward, Ontario

Prince Edward County Restaurants

With only three days I didn’t get to visit all the Prince Edward County restaurants on my wish list. Unfortunately I visited Monday through Wednesday when many restaurants take a day or two off – that’s my fault. I once owned a restaurant. I should have known better!

Most restaurants in Prince Edward County scale back to dinner only over fall and winter. But there are still a few great options for lunch.

Both Picton and Bloomfield are just short drives from Sandbanks Provincial Park and while they are small towns, each of them has so many fantastic restaurants you can just park and walk around.

Restaurants take advantage of the wealth of farmers, dairy producers and fishermen. Many try to buy as much from the island as they can. You don’t have to go far to decided where to eat in Prince Edward County.

Bloomfield Public House

I asked friends on social media for recommendations for Prince Edward County restaurants and people were so emphatic that I needed to go to Bloomfield Public House. Then I looked at the menu and thought, I want to eat all of this!

But it wasn’t until I arrived that I found out that despite them opening only two weeks prior people were already raving about it. I’m probably lucky I was able to walk in without a reservation. This place is going to be busy.

It’s run by a couple with extensive experience in hospitality and have lived in Bloomfield for nearly a decade. They are most well known for The Hubb Eatery at Angeline’s Inn, which they closed with the intention of traveling for a year. But three weeks into their break they discovered an old CIBC bank building was on the market. They traded in their year long travels for a modern diner style  restaurant with fantastic charcuterie.

Bloomfield Public House
257 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield

Flame + Smith

Having owned a restaurant with a chef/boyfriend then ending the relationship as well as the restaurant I always have a soft spot for independent chef owned restaurants. It’s hard work and I’m always inspired by those who are successful.

Walking into Flame + Smith you cannot stop and just look at the decor. There are so many little details from the barn beams to the  massive chef group table looking into the open kitchen. It is a stunning restaurant. 

Cooking over open fire has reached new prominence with the season three Mind of a Chef episode with Argentinean Chef Francis Mallman and in Canada Chef Michael Smith’s Fireworks, one of the best PEI restaurants.

Yet while the restaurant’s name refers to the fire, it also gives credit to the many important aspects of the restaurant. With “Smith” referring to a craft, the baker is the breadsmith, the sommelier is the winesmith, and the shucker is the oystersmith. I like this approach because so much goes into a restaurant beyond the chef, in face the wine options are incredible. I wish I hadn’t been driving.

The restaurant features whole animal butchery and the menu changes often, so when a pig is butchered one night may feature a different part than another.  I had the mulled pork sausage with black kale, whipped potato and house-cured pancetta and it was fantastic.

Flame + Smith
106 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield

Seedlings

Part of trendy Angeline’s Inn, which has been known for fantastic restaurants, Seedlings is one of the most recommended Prince Edward County restaurants.

It has a more minimalist light and airy feel, but cozy enough in cold weather with an electric fireplace. The kitchen aims to work with producers on the island as much as possible but will also venture a bit farther to nearby Kingston for quality items like Wagyu beef.

Look for in-house cures like the Pomme Anna – Lardo – Duck Yolk or the Cured Lamb – Buckwheat Crepe – Arugula – Duck Egg.

Seedlings
433 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield

Agrarian Bistro

One of the best places to eat in Prince Edward County, even before the new generation of restaurants like Flame + Smith and the Drake Devonshire, which I did not visit because there is a Drake in Toronto so I’ll just go there.

I called ahead to see if I could get the rabbit tart for lunch even though it’s technically on the dinner menu and it wasn’t an issue. It’s so rare that you find rabbit on a menu I had to have it. The dish was so earthy and decadent with pork and mushrooms.

There’s a rustic sincerity to the food, decor and service, which is why I’m not surprised it’s lasted so long. Around the side they also have a Speakeasy in the evening.

Agrarian Bistro
275 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield

Best Prince Edward County Restaurants I Missed

In autumn, Prince Edward County is still quite busy on the weekends so I opted to visit at the start of the week.

However, I missed out on some great spots that are closed Monday – Wednesday in the off season. Instead, I would recommend visiting Wednesday – Friday to get a better variety and to leave before the weekend crowds.

Hartley’s Tavern
Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday I make the rookie mistake of eating too much at Bloomfield Public House and just didn’t have room. But several restaurant employees mentioned this as one of their favourite small plates and drink spots in Picton.

The Courage
Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday with brunch on Sunday I had heard great things. Its website describes itself as a new Canadian bistro, although that can be interpreted many ways. Don’t expect typical Canadian fare as the menu features international flavours with local seasonal ingredients.

Blumen Garden Bistro
One of the local favourites, Blumen has been around long before the County became Toronto trendy. Open for dinner only, it is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I regret not being able to try the steak tartare or escargots bourginion (sic) as I love classic French flavours.

Merrill House
A recommendation from the staff at Sandbanks Provincial Park, it’s a restored Gothic Revival house with afternoon tea and dinner. One of the more formal Prince Edward County restaurants it has a dress code: We invite our guests to wear their favourite clothes, but suppose dinner jackets are for dinner and running shoes are for running.

Prince Edward County Wineries

There are so many vineyards and wineries that it is possible to spend all your time on a wine tour of Prince Edward County. It’s impossible to pick the best as so much depends on not just the wine but the vibe of the winery. But here are a few interesting wineries in Prince Edward County.

Lighthall Vineyards is lesser known but a favourite of those that visit them. They currently have Chardonnay and Pinot Gris available in their tasting room, which is open 10am-5pm on weekends but call ahead if you’re there during the week. They also have three of their sheep milk cheeses, which they make on site. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Closson Chase Vineyards started in a dairy barn 20 years ago and now is one of the most popular stops for wine in Prince Edward County.

They are open but running limited hours: Now until December 23rd:  11 am to 5 pm. February 3 – April 14: weekends only 11 am to 5 pm. Closed Dec 24-Feb 2. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Rosehall Run Vineyard is so popular with Prince Edward County restaurants that you’re sure to find its wine even if you can’t make it out for a formal tasting. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Prince Edward County Breweries

Prince Edward County doesn’t just produce great wine. There are new craft breweries popping up in the region but here are a few that are local favourites.

555 Brewing Company is located downtown Picton. While the lighter beers like the The Judge lager and The Jury pale ale are favourites, they have many others on tap including a sour series. If you’re eating a plant based diet there are vegan pop-ups as well as a jackfruit “pulled pork” pizza on the woodfired oven pizza menu.

Parsons Brewing Company is also in Picton with a diverse menu of craft beer standards but also some interesting innovations like its Sunkissed Grape Ale Beer/Wine Hybrid. They also feature a number of interesting bottles and cans from other breweries.

Midtown Brewery is a brewpub in a former meat packing plant in Wellington. Typical pub fare with a snack and kids menu option available.

Picton Cafes

While Bloomfield is an adorable village with lots of great restaurants, it’s not surprising that many of the staff from these restaurants live in neighbouring Picton, which has banks, supermarkets and more.

Picton is also home to some really great coffee shops. Of course, there’s a Tim Horton’s but you may want to consider these Picton cafes:

Miss Lily’s Cafe

There are so many things I love about this place. It has been a cafe in Picton for ten years, an offshoot of the independent bookstore next door that has incredibly survived 25 years in business.

It’s not surprising that the cafe does so well, it takes the business seriously and has an in-house baker. Almost everything is made on site with vegan and vegetarian options. Offsite items include gluten-free options for celiacs that are made in a specific facility and they also serve local County Soda, kombucha and coffee from Toronto.

The unofficial tourist office for Picton, staff here share great tips such as how to deal with parking. Did you know that no one monitors the meters in the off season? Or there’s a free parking lot on the corner of Mary and Elizabeth streets? And if you get a ticket it’s only $7, which is cheaper than most parking in Toronto?

One of the most popular items is the carrot cake, which I ate for breakfast. It’s pretty incredible.

Miss Lily’s
289 Picton Main St

The Vic Cafe

Seating is at a premium at this small cafe with one banquette and a bit of outside seating on warm days. I would expect visiting during the summer to be frustrating if you wanted to sit inside.

However, food can be made to go and the menu is extensive and drinks aren’t limited to coffee. The Vic serves everything from local kombucha and green smoothies to Prince Edward County wine and beer.

Although fall has shorter houses (9am-4pm) it’s not crowded. Plus they have a local cider spiked with whiskey that is worth trying on a cold day.

The Vic Cafe
222 Picton Main St, Picton

The Bean Counter Cafe

A true locals cafe in Picton, the Bean Counter Cafe and Bakery is open 7 days a week from 7am-5pm.

It’s not as chic as the Vic Cafe but there is plenty of seating in this cozy coffee shop and at 4:30pm I didn’t expect anyone to show up. Yet it was quickly flooded with a few groups trying to squeeze in a locally-roasted organic coffee and snack before it closed.

The Bean Counter Cafe
172 Picton Main St, Picton

 

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Wellington Pumpkinfest! So many pumpkin treats available while they last this morning: pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate pecan pumpkin scones, pumpkin spice muffins with maple cream. And just because, how about cinnamon buns and apple pie! #pumpkinfest #wellington #pumpkin #pie #cinnamonbuns #apples #autumn #muffins #cheesecake #enidgracecafe

A post shared by Enid Grace Cafe (@enidgracecafe) on Oct 13, 2018 at 5:07am PDT

Enid Grace

One of my biggest regrets was not making it to Enid Grace, which is not in Picton but in Wellington.

This European influenced cafe was recommended by many. Some are still salivating over memories of the brie and breakfast sandwich with triple cream brie, sunny fried egg, greens and lemon mayo served on housemade cranberry pumpkin seed bread.

Hours are 7:30am – 2pm, closed on Tuesdays.

Enid Grace
303-1 Wellington Main St, Wellington

Things to Do in Prince Edward County

While the region has created a great reputation for its wine, beer and cider no one ever really talks about the best things to do in Prince Edward County?

I’ve always wondered, is there anything to do other than visiting wineries, eating or shopping? If it’s an island there must be things to do.

Of course there are.

There are a number of groomed trails perfect for cross country skiing in Prince Edward County. Light adventurers like the Miller Conservation area.

Birdhouse City is a collection of over 100 birdhouses at Macaulay Mountain Conversation Area some are historic replicas of buildings and others are quirky takes on fast food joints. It’s a great area to walk and birdwatch.

Beginning with Fall Countylicious, which runs in November, Prince Edward County has a number of local festivals to visit. You can find more information here.

The Sandbanks Provincial Park is a hub for a number of outdoor activities including cycling routes, walking trails, dunes and cross country skiing.

The best part is that while the Sandbanks accommodation is for a week at a time in the summer, in off season you only need to commit to two nights.

Prince Edward County Shopping for Food and Drink

County Cider is one of the most popular destinations in Prince Edward County, while the restaurant is only open Friday – Tuesday 11am-6pm the tasting room remains open seven days a week from 10:30am-6pm.

You can’t miss out on Prince Edward County Cheese. Fifth Town Artisan Cheese is only a bit east of County Cider, with amazing options like Waupoos Lizzy or Yeo Lake. Always closed on Wednesdays, it’s best to call ahead to ensure it’s open.

Honey Pie Hives and Herbals has a number of honey products including mead (essentially wine made from honey) and is now open on weekends.

Although Kinsip House of Fine Spirits is available at the LCBO it’s worth a visit to the tasting room, where it’s possible to take a tour of the facilities where they make gin, vodka, rum, and shochu along with its famous maple whisky amongst other whiskies.
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The Local Store is a great spot if you’re looking to browse a number of local products all in one place from retro posters to local honey. It’s open year round 10-5 on weekdays and 10-5:30pm on weekends.

The Agrarian Market is a great local alternative to big box supermarkets serving local produce, dairy, bread, meat and fish.

Prince Edward County Restaurants, Breweries and Wineries Map

Perhaps Prince Edward County is not so much the Hamptons of Toronto. Maybe Vogue was a bit more accurate by calling it the Hudson Valley of Canada. There is absolutely a community of people who have moved from Toronto, but they seem to assimilate into local life. I can see why the region is so appealing, especially for families.

Pin In for Later

Disclosure: This post about the best offseason wineries, breweries and restaurants in Prince Edward County is a paid partnership with Ontario Parks. They had no idea that I held such strong views for the region. Or that an autumn trip to the County could change my mind!

How Prince Edward County Restaurants in Autumn Won Me Over is a post from: Bacon is Magic

This tomato soup shrimp dip with cream cheese is the guilty pleasure everyone loves.

This tomato soup shrimp dip recipe is from the 1980s.  My father died my mother moved back to her hometown. Shortly after she arrived she had this at a shower and asked for the recipe. But I was only five so I don’t remember any of that.

I do remember this being a special dip my grandmother would make for Christmas. If we were really lucky she’s make it another time of the year because we loved it so much.

When she started getting sick a few years ago I began to catalog her recipes. She was a terrible cook but a few things she did really well – he weekly Friday fish chowder, mashed potatoes, dressing and Christmas cherry balls.

Nanny’s Shrimp Dip

This is what we called it. This was not to be confused with the layered shrimp dip recipe that we also have at Christmas. Apparently Christmas is the season for shrimp.

Like most women of the era we soon discovered her peanut butter cookies were from the back of the jar and her cake icing was on the back of the bag. I thought this was her recipe too because she always made it. Yet, I assumed she found it on the back of a can of Campbell’s tomato soup. But as I started looking for the original recipe my mother shared she was the one who brought the recipe home.

Who Created the Tomato Soup Shrimp Dip?

I didn’t want to plagiarize someone else’s recipe or have the Campbell’s Soup and Philadelphia Cream Cheese legal team after me. I scoured online looking for the original author for this retro shrimp dip recipe.

It’s the quintessential 80s recipe using processed ingredients. I have found a few recipes for a tomato soup shrimp dip that also includes mayonnaise and gelatin to form a mold (gross – but apropos for the time).

I’ve also seen a similar recipe that uses cream of shrimp soup – something I’ve never seen and not sure if I want to…but hey who am I to judge the 80s. Especially as we still eat this every Christmas and I’m always sad when the dip bowl is empty.

I once brought this tomato soup shrimp dip to a foodie event. My friends at Well Preserved would host a pot luck style event at a bar. Each month there was a theme that professional and home cooks would use as inspiration for their dish. The month was “Getting Dippy” and people brought really elaborate, gourmet dips. And I had my 5 ingredients 80s dip…

Maybe mine wasn’t good at all? Maybe it was some crummy dip that I loved but others would find the combination of tomato soup and cream cheese horrific.

So I slid mine to the end of the bar and no one saw it.

But then toward the end of the night people left and it was a smaller group of friends. One of them noticed the dip and I fessed up it was mine.

Guess what…

They all loved it. And they wanted to know what was in it. Because somehow the flavour works so well and you can’t believe there are only five ingredients.

I ended up feeling more embarrassed that I wasn’t proud of something that I loved. Why should I care what other people think if I loved it? It’s a bit of a heavy revelation for a simple shrimp dip but it did change how I perceived food.

Actually it would have been better if everyone had hated it because it would have been more for me. Instead they ate all of it and I went home with none.

Retro Tomato Soup Shrimp Dip

I’m sure everyone has family traditions where they must eat the same thing every year. For this tomato soup shrimp dip we only eat original Breton crackers. My mother made the mistake one year of buying the less sodium version and dared to reach for a whole wheat version another year.

It pairs well with a really salty cracker. I’m sure a Ritz cracker would be great here too but we’ll never know. The powerful wrath of my sister discovering the cracker is different has

Note: be sure to cook on low heat or the cream cheese separates and makes for a weird texture, although it still tastes delicious.

I would love to know if you have a retro family recipe that is your guilty pleasure. What is the must eat dish at family events?

You’ll Love This Retro Tomato Soup Shrimp Dip is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Although I’m not a fan of resolutions, I have over the years chosen a theme or a word to remind me what I want the year to be about. In past years it was the year of kicking ass or the year of less.

But this year feels different. Maybe it’s because I really need to make this happen.

At first I thought about making this the Year of Joy. Something I’ve struggled with in the last two years.

I’m so fortunate it was almost embarrassing to admit that I was struggling. In 2018 I went to incredible places like Barbados, Jamaica, back to Mexico. I should have been bursting with joy. Yet, something has been holding me back.

A few weeks ago I wrote The Year I Was on My Own Again sharing that although 2017 was a horrible year moving to Havana in 2018 was the right step for me.

I wanted to open up because in 2017 I hadn’t shared anything personal on Bacon is Magic because I was just trying to hold it together and in 2018 I needed to be far enough from it that I had perspective and that took a lot of time.

It’s true, this year I have really come so far. Yet, there was still a bit of underlying sadness I just couldn’t shake.

And so I had to really reflect on what was holding me back.

I had been pushing through the pain, refusing to acknowledge it. But it was like an anchor attached to my ankle. I couldn’t run away from it.

It prevented me from truly letting go, from trusting people completely, from not wondering when things will all go south.

I had made so much progress in 2018 but I was still holding on to small jagged schrapnel of bad memories.

Around the same time someone asked me to contribute to a post on New Years traditions in Ecuador, and much of them are about leaving the past behind.

I was reminded that my happiness was in my hands, that a person can hurt me, but only I can choose how long it affects me.

Making 2019 the Year of Joy is a post from: Bacon is Magic

It’s spring, which means it’s prime foraging season for edible plants. I went foraging mushrooms in Spain and I was hooked.

This beginner’s guide to spring foraging edible plants compiles all the research I did before heading out and what I’ve learned over the years.

Foraging has become really popular in the last few years. Whereas once people hadn’t really heard of ramps (aka wild leeks) they are on many menus in Toronto right now. With a rise in popularity it also means they can be expensive.

ALSO READ: Beer Battered Pickled Ramps

But come on, how many home cooks can spend $20/lb for ingredients. Ramps are amazing but it’s tough to justify if you’re just experimenting with these wild leeks.

Now it’s spring foraging season and it is such a treat to just get out of the city and spend the day in fresh air.

Foraging Wild Plants Rules 101

There are a few universal rules to foraging edible plants; it’s not a law but everyone tends to abide.

Respect endangered species. I was hoping to forage edible flowers only to discover the lovely purple plant was on Ontario’s endangered list. It’s not only illegal to pick but against our philosophy to respect the land. You may see a large patch of something endangered and think it’s no longer at risk but you could be jeopardizing the species fight back to normal levels.

Learn to identify edible plants. I use the Peterson Field Guide to wild edible plants which is really handy because it identifies plants by colour.  If you aren’t 100% sure you’ve picked an edible plant ask someone who knows. Never eat something if you aren’t sure it’s edible.

I was so excited when I picked this beautiful plant thinking it was an edible lily but no one could verify it was edible so I had to toss it. It’s not worth the risk.

Never over harvest. Never take more than 10-20% of the crop so that it will return next year. Unfortunately with foraging becoming more and more popular it means we risk endangering popular edible plants. Never forage more than you could reasonably use.

Don’t pick the roots. Foraging the roots means the plant can’t continue to reproduce. So if you’re looking for leaves or flowers leave the remainder of the plant.

This one is more difficult than it sounds as the edible part of wild ginger is the root and it’s practically impossible to take ramps without the root – so instead don’t take too much of the plants. In the past I’ve been lucky as the land was abundant.

Be aware of the local water source and the quality of land.  When you eat wild edible plants you’re also consuming the water it uses to grow.  So if your plants grow near polluted water it means you’re basically drinking that polluted water.

Cooking often cannot remove these harmful pollutants and it’s best to just stay away from plants that grow on polluted land or near water that may be contaminated by heavy metals or downstream from land used in agriculture.

Our friend Chris Whitney has a big forest behind Villa Nova Estates and helped us gather ramps.

Where to Go Foraging Edible Plants

First decide what you’d like to find as it really depends on where you’ll need to go. During ramp season you’ll need a forested area with an uphill slope near a water source.

Public parks can be great but you need to get there before the professional foragers arrive. It’s best to ask around with friends and family to see who has private land outside the city.

Avoid contaminated areas near highways, landfills, train tracks or factories. Stay away from land that looks like it may have been sprayed.

Avoid dog marking areas like the entrance to a park or where a field meets a forest.

Wild ginger

Foraging Wild Plants in Cities and Urban Areas

Toronto has many public parks and green spaces but I’m wary to forage in the city. It is recommended that a city should have 10-15 years of pesticide-free use before foraging. Unfortunately Toronto stopped spraying in 2009 so we have a few years to go.

That doesn’t mean we’re completely out of luck for food in the city. Not Far from the Tree rescues fruit around the city. I’ve also grown vertical gardens on back patios.

If your city has been pesticide-free for long enough check on the legality of foraging in the city.

What to Wear Foraging

This is not the time to wear your cute new shorts and flip-flops.

You’ll find foraged wild edible food in forests and dense areas of parks. Wear closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants. I prefer to layer as it can get warm. If you’re foraging in the spring a raincoat is wise.

In a backpack consider bringing gardening gloves, a trowel, small rake and scissors.

How to Cook Foraged Foods

Eating foraged foods is rewarding but also can be dangerous for many reasons:

Poisonous plants often look similar to edible plants.

Some plant parts are edible, some are not. I’ve picked wild ginger. The root is okay to eat but the leaves are flower are not. I also discovered they aren’t a good candidate for pickling because the vinegar increases the carcinogenic properties of the plant.

You may need to cook some plants. For example, morels can make you sick if you eat them raw. Try this easy morel pasta.

Some edible plants have poisonous look-alikes.

Sometimes the season affects what part of plant is edible. For example stinging nettle shouldn’t be eaten after it seeds.

Once you determine the foraged plants are edible. It’s best to wash thoroughly before use. Cutting the roots on site is a good idea as they hold most of the soil. Also leave ramps to soak in a bowl before starting the washing process. Adding a spoonful of white vinegar or lemon juice helps.

Foraged Food Recipes

So you’ve gone out foraging and now you’re wondering what to do with all of these wild foods? Here are some of our favourite ways to cook with ramps and other foraged foods.

Sprouted chickpea hummus with pine needle
Spruce tips vinegar
Maple blossom beignets
Beer battered fiddleheads

Foraging Wild Plants Resources

Foraging Books We Like
Peterson Field Guides
Foraged Flavor
North American Mushrooms

Foraging Sites We Found Useful
Foraging & Feasting on Facebook
Poisonous Plants of Canada
Well Preserved

Is there anything we missed? Share your best foraging tips in the comments below.

Want more ramp recipes?

Charred Ramp Pesto

Ramp Kimchi

Ramp Pasta with Prosciutto and Parmesan

Guide to Spring Foraging Edible Wild Plants is a post from: Bacon is Magic

These quick pickled ramps are so easy to keep the special flavour of wild leeks all year round.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when ramps poke through the spring soil and it’s time to go foraging. But like all great things ramps are only around for a short time, just a few weeks.

What are Ramps?

Ramps, or allium tricoccum, are also known as wild leeks or wild garlic and while they are very popular in Canada and northern US States, they also are known in other countries as wild spring onions, ramson and wood leeks.

In Ontario they grow wild and it’s legal to pick them but that’s not the case in Nova Scotia or Quebec where over foraging has led to them becoming close to extinction.

For this reason you need to be careful careful that you buy from ethical foragers or forage ramps yourself.

You can use them in these easy ramp recipes:

• Beer battered ramps with Korean chili goat yogurt
• Charred ramp pesto
• Ramp kimchi
• Ramp pasta with prosciutto and parmesan

My friend Dana and Joel at Well Preserved also posted these great ramp recipes

• Ramp infused vodka – which sounds perfect for a caesar drink
• Ramp herbes salees
• Ramp infused vinegar

How Long Do Ramps Last

Not only is the ramp season short, they don’t last long in the fridge. You have four days to consume them fresh.

Like many greens you need to keep in the a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in the fridge, but don’t seal it. Make sure everything else in the fridge is sealed as ramps are very pungent and as soon as you open the door you’ll be hit with that delicious garlic-onion smell.

While ramp season is short, luckily pickled ramps are easy to make at home and they hold up better than freezing ramps.

Freezing wild ramps works if you’re just going to puree them, but I don’t like the texture when they thaw. To freeze ramps, blanch them first then put them in a single layer on a sheet of wax paper. Make sure they are separated. After a couple hours you can then transfer to a container or heavy duty freezer bag.

Freezing ramps preserves them for a few months.

Foraging Wild Edible Food

My first time foraging wild food was mushrooms in Spain (here’s a video of it) and I was hooked.

I brought that love to Canada and was able to forage in Ontario for a few years, mostly ramps and wild ginger in the spring and then mushrooms in the winter.

I was lucky to be able to forage on private land, where no one had previously foraged so once you found a patch of ramps it would go on for ages.

Foragers closely guard their spots more than anyone I have ever seen because it’s so special to find something. The only reason I was able to go foraging for mushrooms with friends in Spain is because they knew I couldn’t find the place on my own!

If you can’t find ramps on your own a lot of farmers markets will have them during the season. Many people who make their business from foraged and wild plants are actually now scattering seeds in Ontario to help prevent against over-foraging.

Foraging Books I Like

Peterson Field Guides
Foraged Flavor
North American Mushrooms

Pickled Ramps Recipe

If you have a quick pickles recipe it’s easy to use that recipe. Simply pour the liquid over ramps and refrigerate.

Ramps work perfectly with the leaves, there’s no need to remove them. However, after the first time pickling ramps a reader pointed out that he blanches the ramps first to fit more into a jar. Thank you for that tip. Canning jars be expensive and this means you can fit far more ramps into a quart jar.

Once you clean the ramps and remove any roots that may be attached you can put them directly into the jar.

This recipe uses cider vinegar but red wine vinegar is also great and makes the jars a pretty pink colour. Ingredients are so flexible in a pickle recipe. Red pepper flakes or bay leaves are also a great addition.

Once you’re done using the pickled ramps don’t even think of throwing out all that tasty pickling liquid. It is fantastic to use in recipes that call for vinegar and has a nice mild onion flavour.

How Long Do Pickled Ramps Last? 

A quick pickle with last in the fridge a few weeks to a couple months. You must make sure you put a clean utensil into the jar each time or you’ll spoil the ramps.

Water bathed canned pickled will last a year in a cool, dark area.

Where to Buy Pickled Ramps?

If you have no desire to make your own pickled ramps head out to the country. A lot of country farm stores like Lynn River Farm in Perth County sell their own preserves.

Farmer’s markets are also a good spot, especially right after ramp season. But if you don’t buy them in the spring it’s unlikely you’ll find them as the are very popular.

Pin it For Later: How to Make Pickled Ramps

Want More Preserving Recipes?

Pickled Green Strawberries

Easy Pickled Blueberry Recipe

Spruce Tips Vinegar

Easy Peasy Pickled Ramps is a post from: Bacon is Magic

One of my favourite new trends in tourism is that regions are beginning to establish routes or trails so that independent travelers can create their own food themed vacations. But I’m not sure there are any more up my alley than Stratford’s Bacon and Ale Trail.

You win me over immediately with pork and pints. And although I have followed many food, wine and beer routes this one was a bit different in a really great way.

ALSO READ: The Best Places to Eat in Stratford Ontario

Usually when you tour wine country or a craft beer route you need to hire a driver or enlist a friend to volunteer as the designated driver. However, most of the Bacon and Ale Trail participants are a short walk from each other in downtown Stratford and the others are just on the outskirts and pork focused so no need for a DD.

My recommendation is to go there first so you can park your car in Stratford enjoy a day walking around.

How the Bacon and Ale Trail Works

A pass costs $30+HST and you can choose five locations on the trail. You can order online and then redeem at the Stratford Tourism office. There’s no pressure to do all five stops on one day as the pass lasts one week from redemption.

There are 13 possible stops on the bacon and ale trail. There’s an asterisk for locations I did not visit but based on what I did see I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them.

Bacon and Ale Trail Stops Downtown – Walkable

Downie Street Burger

Locals rave about the 14 signature burger options and the commitment to serve craft beer, local spirits and Ontario wine.

Here you can try a small Bacon Jam Poutine with crispy fries, cheese curds and bacon jam made from Black Swan EPA brewed across the street. Available from 2-4pm every day it’s also generously paired with a Black Swan EPA.

It’s salty, sweet delicious and if you’re hankering for more bacon jam they also offer a bacon jam burger.

Downie Street Burger
107 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X2
Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-7pm

Black Swan Brewing Co.

Black Swan beer is not available at the LCBO, sadly locals are drinking ALL of it – but that’s one more reason to come to Stratford. Here it’s available on tap in many of the restaurants and pubs in town. At the brewery you can use the Bacon and Ale Trail pass for a mini tasting flight of 4 seasonal craft beers.

It’s a busy place with most locals popping in to buy growlers, chatting with staff. The founders were two teachers who were home brewers that took things to the next level – it’s so easy to get lost in the fantasy of doing it yourself – if only you knew how to brew beer.

Also have a look at the t-shirts with the softest fabric; I couldn’t leave without buying Dave beer and a t-shirt.

Black Swan Brewing Co.
144 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X1
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday + Monday 12pm-5pm

Monforte on Wellington*

Monforte has a well established named in Toronto and are at most of the farmers markets but I love their location in Stratford. It somehow blends Canadian agriculture with the feeling of an Italian wine bar.

Monforte offers house-made charcuterie featuring pork from David Martin’s whey-fed pigs, alongside Monforte cheese and an Ontario craft beer. If it’s sunny out ask if you sit on the patio in the back.

Monforte on Wellington
80 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 11:30am-9pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory*

This is not the only location for this Canadian chocolate company and they’re well known for their diverse offering. They really do have something for everyone – including candy and caramel apples to transport you back to your childhood, decadent chocolate dipped bananas and cheesecakes and so many options for food souvenirs or treats to take home.

On the Bacon and Ale Trail they offer a decadent chocolate covered toffee with smokey bacon flavour. There are so many things that I like about this description: smoke. toffee. bacon. chocolate.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
10 Downie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 7K4
Open Monday – Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, 12pm-4:30pm

Boar’s Head Pub

Known for its award-winning wings, so many people in Stratford listed the Boar’s Head as their favourite late night spot. It’s housed in the historic Queen’s Inn, which is family owned, which often doesn’t mean much but here there is a real sense of community.

Barb Ford (one of the owners) who may be one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, has a daughter that is celiac and staff take it seriously so don’t avoid this pub if you’re gluten-free.

If you’re looking for great pub eats The Boar’s Head Pub offers jalapeño poppers, topped with caramelized red onion bacon marmalade and paired with a half pint of Creemore Springs beer. What is it about jalapeños stuffed with cheese that is so addictive? Definitely on my list for top 5 deep fried foods.

Boar’s Head Pub
161 Ontario Street, Stratford, ON N5A 3H3
Open daily 7am – 1am

Treasures*

A cute funky shop specializing in local handmade items, Justin Bieber fans must stop here to visit an entire section of the store dedicated to him. If you’re looking for something unique they feature local makers creating nostalgic and retro items that are great for gifts.

This stop features a soap made from real beer, which you can wash your hair with or shave along with an instagram friendly BeerMo bottle moustache.

Treasures
151 Ontario Street Stratford, ON N5A 2L3
Open at 10am seven days a week

The Hub @27 Marketplace

Located above Bard’s Steakhouse it’s easy for tourists to pass by the location. However, locals know it well. It has a European beer hall feel with a vast menu of international beer. Burgers are freshly ground and they make all their sausages in-house and you can get a sausage board on Saturday before 5pm for $10.

With daily specials and a weekly open mic this is a family friendly location. There are vegetarian options as well as gluten-free buns for those with food restrictions.

On the Bacon and Ale trail you can try the escargot fricassee served with bacon, mushrooms, sherry cream and garlic bread paired with a Leffe Blondé Abbey Ale.

The Hub @27Marketplace
27 Marketplace Stratford, ON
Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday and Saturday 11am-2am

Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall

I love that Chef Ryan O’Donnell’s time in Japan influenced the menu, which features familiar items with a Japanese twist. Although we came for the Bacon and Ale Trail I couldn’t help but also try the most popular item – the pork steam bun.

The menu here is great because it’s large enough for someone like me to find interesting things I’ve never tried but also satisfy timid diners with items like chicken wings and fried chicken.

Beer lovers will love the depth of the offerings with 14 beers on tap, cask, and a deep bottle and can list. For the beer-adverse there are also cocktails and VQA wine.

The bacon and ale trail offering is true to its name with two types of artisan bacon – Churchill Farm smoked bacon and Mercer’s dry cured tesa (unrolled pancetta cured for only a week) paired with 6oz pour of a local craft beer.

Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall
104-108 Ontario Street Stratford, ON
Open Mondays 8am-9pm, Tuesday-Friday 8am-12am, Saturday 9am-12am, Sunday 9am-9pm

Kandy Cakes

Yet another story of a small entrepreneur, Kandy Cosstick makes incredible fondant cakes and cupcakes at her shop on York Street. These aren’t your average cupcakes with a local taste such as strawberries in season.

On the Bacon and Ale Trail you can choose two large cupcakes on the trail. To stay on theme get the Sea Salt Caramel Bacon or Dark Chocolate Porter infused with Black Swan’s porter. Although if local strawberries are in season (she refuses to compromise and use frozen) you may have to get a third cupcake.

Kandy Cakes
47 York St, Stratford, ON N5A 1A1
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:30-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm

Bacon and Ale Trail Stops Just a Short Drive Away

Madelyn’s Diner

If you want an authentic, family-owned, old school diner filled with locals you need to get to Madelyn’s. Locals come here just for the butter tarts and often for several if they’re visiting friends.

Madelyn’s has sold over 160,000 butter tarts since 2009. Waiting in line there was much discussion over which flavour was best. But everyone agreed you wouldn’t go wrong with the Bacon and Ale Trail offering of a 1/2 pound butter tart. It’s filled with finely chopped local bacon served with a cup of coffee. Available Friday & Saturday only.

Madelyn’s Diner
377 Huron Street, Stratford, ON N5A 5T6
Monday 8am-2pm, Tuesday – 7am-8pm, Sunday 8am-1:30pm

Black Angus Bakery and Catering

Black Angus started as a popular local restaurant that also catered, so popular it needed to expand and when the space on Erie Street opened they jumped on it.

Now this second outlet offers so many different kinds of shortbreads it will make your head spin on which one to choose. Fortunately they offer a mixed pack with both sweet and savoury. If you’re staying a while the bakery offers prepared meals made from scratch with a lot of gluten-free items.

They offer a dozen bacon shortbread cookies to bacon and ale trail participants – although I suspect you’ll want to pick up a few more things as well.

RECIPE BONUS: Make their maple bacon cookies at home.

Black Angus Bakery and Catering
443 Erie Street, Unit 2 Stratford, ON
Open Tuesday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

McCully’s Hill Farm*

Although this is the farthest from Stratford’s city centre it is it’s own experience. The family farm has operated for over 160 years and specializes in many local products including maple, natural meats, home-made baking and preserves and produce.

They offer a pound of their farm-raised bacon for the Trail participants.

ALSO READ: The Best Eats Outside Stratford in Perth County

McCully’s Hill Farm
4074 County Road 9 St. Marys, ON N0M 2G0
Open Hours Vary by Season

Best Little Pork Shoppe*

If you’re coming from Toronto this shop is on the way to Stratford. You can’t miss the shop as instagrammable Percy the ten-foot pig statue will catch your eye.

Offering a number of pork products including Ayrshire bacon, pea meal back bacon, pork and bacon wraps, bacon burgers and smoked side bacon. If you’re not feeling the need for pork there are also lots of local baked goods as well.

They offer Trail participants 4 uncooked bacon Bburgers to BBQ and enjoy at home and a one-time 5% discount on other bacon meat products.

Best Little Pork Shoppe
2146 Line 34 Perth East, Hwy 7 & 8 Shakespeare, ON
Open Sunday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9-6pm

Honorable Mention – Pavilion Coffee & Crepes

Although this is not technically on the Bacon and Ale Trail, it’s worth a non-pass visit. A coffee roaster and cafe, it’s also home to fantastic sweet and savoury crepes including the peanut butter and bacon crepe…and if you are nice you can convince them to throw a bit of chocolate on it too.

Pavilion Coffee & Crepes
33 Market Pl, Stratford, ON N5A 1A4
Open 7 days a week 9am-8pm.

More Food Themed Trails in Stratford

If you have time to explore more then check out the Chocolate Trail, I have not taken it but chocolate pairs so well with bacon. In addition, in autumn there is a pumpkin trail from September – October and a Maple Trail that runs seasonally March-April.

Also check out Christina’s post on other delicious food trails in Canada.

Disclosure: This post about the Bacon in Ale Train in Stratford was in partnership with the Stratford Tourism Alliance. However, they knew just how to win me over – with pork and pints…although now I’m eyeing the chocolate, maple and pumpkin.

Pork and Pints: Stratford’s Bacon and Ale Trail is a post from: Bacon is Magic

This ramp pasta uses spaghettini, takes less than 10 minutes to make and screams spring is finally here!

Foraging for ramps is one of my favourite times of the year because it signals the beginning of spring. Also known as wild leeks, wild spring onions, ramson or wood leeks, they only grow for a few weeks in Canada and the northern United States.

I love that ramps are one of the few things in life that are still seasonal – and not like strawberries (with their flavourless white interiors) that we can get all year round.

Ramps are so popular that in some US States and Quebec, it’s illegal to forage for them because they’re over picked by professional foragers. In Ontario there is a movement to be more responsible and not over pick.

MUST READ: Spring Guide to Foraging Edible Plants

In fact, no one will tell you where to find them. You have to find them yourself in heavily wooded, damp areas. I have been lucky over the years to know someone who has private land where no one actively forages.

It’s often too damp to sit down but I got lucky this time.

There’s something really special about foraging for ingredients and then reaping the benefits. It was one of the things that I loved sharing when I had the restaurant. And it’s also what I miss now that I’m not spending spring in Canada.

But it’s the most satisfying when I finally taste what I harvested. Ramps have such a delicate but powerful flavour and that first taste is so special, which is one of the reasons why I love ramp pasta.

Cleaning Ramps Can Be Tedious

The work doesn’t end in the forest. When you get home they must be thoroughly cleaned as mud loves to lurk. The leaves are delicate it’s best to soak ramps in water to remove the mud.

If you can’t make it out to a forest ramps are often available at farmers’ markets by either a forager or farmer’s also may be growing them. However, as they are in high demand it’s best to ask. Many times ramps are on the table and instead stowed away for those who know just how special they are.

In Toronto markets Forbes Wild Foods is a great resource as they are ethical foragers and also spread wild leek seeds to help replenish the population.

In previous years I’ve shared recipes for pickled ramps, beer battered ramps, ramp kimchi, charred ramp pesto. This year the first taste was simple and so easy to cook – ramp pasta using delicate spaghettini.

Today I’m featuring Catelli Ancient Grains spaghettini. It’s made with 100% whole grain blend of Canadian wheat and five ancient grains -quinoa, amaranth, teff, sorghum and millet. It’s heartier with 8g of fiber, 25% of the daily iron intake and 12g of protein.

You can make this ramp pasta vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto. But I love how the saltiness of the cheese and prosciutto play off the ramp pasta. I want lighter food, which is why I often chose spaghettini. But the weather can also be cold and damp and the cheese and prosciutto just feel comforting.

Ramp Pasta With Prosciutto and Parmesan

If you love foraged recipes also check out:

Sprouted chickpea hummus with pine needle
Spruce tips vinegar
Maple blossom beignets
Beer battered fiddleheads

If you’re looking for good cookbooks for foraged ingredients also check out.

Acorns & Cattails: A Modern Foraging Cookbook of Forest, Farm & Field
The Field to Table Cookbook: Gardening, Foraging, Fishing, & Hunting
The New Wildcrafted Cuisine: Exploring the Exotic Gastronomy of Local Terroir

Disclosure: This ramp pasta post is part of a four part paid recipe series in partnership with Catelli Pasta. I originally wrote this two years ago but wanted to share it again. It’s a great ramp pasta recipe and although I’m no longer working with Catelli I still consider it a great Canadian brand. 

Interested in more pasta recipes? Check out

Butternut squash lasagna that’s also gluten-free! Check out this easy lasagna recipe that everyone loves.” width=”650″ height=”341″>

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Puttanesca

Rigatoni Bolognese

French Pistou Pappardelle

Ramp pasta with Prosciutto and Parmesan is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Is winter over yet? Let’s face it, Spring is a hot and cold lover. With sunny weather one day and then freezing rain for days. But it’s also one of my favourite seasons as so many vegetables appear. Over the years I’ve shared my favourite ramp recipes from foraging in the forest.

I’ve foraged on private land and am lucky enough to be in a group where we are the only ones using the land so we ensure sustainability each year. But please read the post below if you’re foraging on public land.

MUST READ: Spring Guide to Foraging Edible Plants

Ramps are like natures perfect onion, so delicate but fragrant. They only appear for a few weeks each year and then make way for summer. I wanted to share these ramp recipes in one place as they are great for beginners and don’t take much time to make.

Our Best Ramp Recipes

Pickled Ramps

Ramps only appear for a few weeks but I like to enjoy them year round. Ramps are great as pickles and it ensures that if you buy/pick a bunch and aren’t able to eat them all that you aren’t wasting precious ramps.

They are amazing over pasta, can be battered and fried, or served on crostini. The flavour is so delicate as a pickle that I love them on their own.

Ramp Pasta

One of the easiest ramp recipes as there is no preparation. I love this ramp pasta with prosciutto and parmesan because it’s so comforting on cold rainy spring days. The saltiness of the prosciutto and cheese complement the onion for a pasta that is everything full flavoured but light. Best of all, this ramp pasta takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Ramp Kimchi

Kimchi isn’t just for cabbage! Like regular leeks, people often wonder what to do with the greens from wild leeks – aka ramps. An easy way to use them is to ferment them into kimchi. They are fantastic as a condiment, like on the hot dogs above or mixed with a bit of goat yogurt to make a dipping sauce.

Kimchi seems intimidating but really it’s not so hard and pretty low maintenance. It’s great way to use all of the ramps and extend the flavour.

Charred Ramp Pesto

Pesto is just like Argentinean chimichurri or French pistou – you can use so many different kinds of greens. Here’s another one of the ramp recipes that aims to use all of the plant. You torch the ramp before combining it with pesto ingredients.

If you do not have a a torch at home you can do this by putting the plants under the broiler.

Beer Battered Ramps

This may be one of my favourite recipes. I call it nature’s onion ring.  People rave about this simple beer batter mix with the ramp kimchi mayo. It’s so simple to make and so decadent. You can make this recipe with fresh or pickled ramps.

Foraging Resources

Foraging Books I Like
Peterson Field Guides
Foraged Flavor
North American Mushrooms

If you love foraged recipes also check out:

Sprouted chickpea hummus with pine needle

Spruce tips vinegar

Maple blossom beignets

Beer battered fiddleheads

5 Ramp Recipes to Celebrate Spring is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Did you know the Caesar drink is similar to a bloody mary but is actually inspired by Italy.

There isn’t a lot of “Canadian food” that is only found in Canada but the caesar drink is one exception, and what better day to share a great caesar recipe than National Caesar Day – the Thursday before the May 24 long weekend, also known as Canada’s unofficial start to summer – let’s hope it doesn’t snow like it did last weekend.

At its very simplest the caesar is made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce, and worcestershire sauce. The glass is rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a stalk of celery.

Although that’s just the base. Personally I think horseradish is a must but not everyone serves it. There are so many options for how to garnish a caesar drink some pubs have caesar bars where you can decide if you want a celery stalk, piece of crispy bacon or spicy pickled green as your garnish and just how much horseradish, worcestershire sauce or hot sauce you need.

I like enough horseradish so it begins to taste like cocktail sauce – odd but true.

Caesars are considered a hangover drink and an essential to any Canadian brunch menu.

Origins of the Caesar Drink

The caesar is much like a bloody mary except we use Clamato juice – a strange concoction of clam and tomato juice. It’s also very similar to the michelada in Mexico, which is also a hangover cure. But surprisingly the caesar was inspired by Italy.

Walter Chell created the caesar recipe in 1969 as a signature drink for the opening of new new Italian restaurant in Calgary. The caesar drink was meant to reflect the flavours of spaghetti alla vongole – spaghetti with clams and tomato sauce.

Classic Caesar Recipe

The basic caesar recipe follows 1-2-3-4-5 rule. You can use any vodka and change the ratio depending on how hot you like it but don’t skip the clamato juice.

If you want to kick it up a notch throw in a tablespoon of horseradish, it’s not the classic recipe but it’s so delicious.

Love cocktails? Also check out:

Moscow Mule

Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Classic Whisky Cocktails

Cuba Libre Cocktail

Mexican Michelada

The Caesar Drink: Canada’s National Cocktail is a post from: Bacon is Magic

While some people love to hike mountains, I would rather stay at the bottom of the hill with a glass of wine. So the Saints and Sinners Trail in Grey County is my kind of trail as it features local beer, cider and wine.

Where is Grey County?

I’m always shocked when people ask me about what to do in Grey County and if they can make a weekend of it.

There is so much to do!

I love how Grey County is only a few hours from Toronto and you can avoid the crowds. But it’s also an agricultural area so there are lots of incredible local food and drink and at a fraction of the price for what you’d get in Toronto.

Grey County Saints and Sinners Trail

Grey County is home to many award-winning craft wine, beer and cider producers. Some are in the LCBO but for many you need to head north to taste their product.

The trail is named after the region’s clandestine heritage of bootlegging during Prohibition. In fact, Owen Sound was the last city in Canada to end Prohibition and that wasn’t until 1972 and many wanted to keep it.

But today Grey County is home to locally grown apples, grapes and hops, and is producing incredible beverages. There are 26 local producers on the Saints and Sinners trail.

Grey County Cideries

European settlers brought apples to Canada and Grey County has a long history of cider making, with a brief hiatus during Prohibition.

Grey County is home to many kinds of apples and has its own Apple Pie Trail. And while it’s common to find 18 different varieties of apples here the Red Prince Apple is unique. It’s originally from Holland but the only region you can find it in North America is in Grey County.

Windswept Cider

This was one of the most inspiring stops of Grey County’s Saints and Sinners Trail and they aren’t technically on the trail yet.

Husband and wife team Marc and Courtney Skinner have an extensive background in food and drink. They both went to culinary school and wanted to one day have a farm to raise their children.

But today the family lives on an orchard and works with other local farmers. Their approach to cider is different, and frankly much more difficult, than most cideries, for two reasons

1. They rescue apples on “lost orchards,” which are basically orchards that have been abandoned because they weren’t producing enough to make money. These trees have fewer apples, which means each apple has better quality juice.
2. They approach cider like wine, make single varietal cider and are curious about terroir and how an apple varietal from one orchard in Grey County may taste different from another.

A small producer making award-winning cider, they are a refreshing producer focusing on quality rather than quantity. Although you can only visit now by appointment, they are opening a public area in the spring.

Windswept Cider
317282 3 Line, Meaford

Thornbury Village Ciderhouse

Although Thornbury is the top-selling cider in the LCBO, this should not deter you from visiting the tasting room as there are small batch options that you cannot find anywhere else. Often they are experiments that may later appear so you get a preview.

Owned by local winery Colio, Thornbury also has its beer on site so you can choose from beer, wine and cider…or all three.

Cider is on the sweeter side so a tasting is a perfect way to decide which one is right for you. Also the tasting room offers signature pints such as Blue Blood, which is half Wild Blueberry and Elderflower and Blood Orange or the Blushing Bride, which is half Blood Orange and half Cranberry.

Tours are available for $5 on the weekends, it’s best to call ahead. I arrived five minutes after it opened last Saturday morning and there were already 15-20 people inside.

Thornbury Village Ciderhouse
90 King St E, Thornbury

Beaver Valley Cidery

A beautiful orchard on the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley focuses on heritage varieties of apple to make berry-apple and ginger-apple blends. The retrofitted barn is gorgeous and while the flagship cider is great I loved the Ginger Cider.

There are free tours Sunday at noon, and you can sample five of their ciders. Unfortunately, not the Ice Cider, which is similar to ice wine, as it’s made in such small quantities but I can vouch that it’s worth the leap of faith.

Beaver Valley Cidery
235853 Kimberley, Grey County

Duxbury Cider

Although there isn’t a tasting room for Duxbury Cider you can find this bold English-style small batch apple cider on tap at many of the restaurants in town.

Mudtown Station in Owen Sound.

Grey County Breweries

Grey County is home to great breweries, many of them on the Ontario Brewery Discovery Route. These routes feature local producers, markets and restaurants serving fresh, local food.

Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant

Mudtown Station was once one of the many rail stations in Canada that eventually was abandoned. Today this new restaurant and brewery is already a local favourite, with a patio packed with locals in warm weather.

Although the burger is one of the most popular items on the menu, it’s not a typical deep-fried pub menu. There are plenty of interesting items like local whitefish cakes, pork terrine and herb falafel with beet hummus.

Along with local beer, there are 6 Mudtown Station beers, if you can’t choose a flight is always a good option. In an industry where IPAs and hoppy beer thrives I was thrilled to see Brewmaster Morag Kloeze have a Nectarine Sour, Pale Ale and a Saison on the menu.

I highly recommend this stop, I love that the adjoining dining room still looks like a train station with vintage posters.

Mudtown Station Brewery
1198 1st Ave E, Owen Sound

MacLean’s Ales

Located in Hanover, Maclean’s is a little bit different. There’s a sense of maturity here.

It wasn’t started by a group of young friends wanting to experiment in crazy new beer. It doesn’t have a million types of beer on tap. It’s run by someone with lots of experience and wants to do one thing well – ales.

Brewmaster Charles has been involved in brewing in some matter or another since 1978 when the visited England on holiday. Instead of returning, he bought a motorcycle and found a job at a brewpub.

He eventually returned to Canada with a love of English ales and was part of the movement to rally the government to break the monopolization of large breweries and to open the door for small businesses. He’s been involved with many well-known brands and eventually moved to Grey County to start his own.

It’s best to stop by and chat with him as some of the seasonals are only available on site at the brewery, including a scotch ale.

If you can corner Charles to talk it’s worthwhile. He doesn’t like to boast about what he’s achieved but prod him a bit and you’ll find he has some well thought out ideas on the future of brewing.

MacLean’s Ales
52 14th Ave, Hanover

Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer Store

The second outpost for Northwinds, the first was in downtown Collingwood and their approach to globally inspired craft beer was so popular they opened a second location in Blue Mountain.

The decor is a bit more apres-ski themed but the great food and beer remain the same. Although one of the most popular plates is the Mexican chicken burger I was so intrigued by the Bacon Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese with crispy fried onion and maple tomato ketchup I couldn’t pass it up.

I made the right decision.

There is a lot of hearty pub food here. If you want to take beer to go they can add it to your bill and they’ll deliver it to your table. Now that’s service.

Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer Store
499 First Street (HWY 26)

Grey County Wineries

In Ontario it seems that many people know Prince Edward County wine or the region of Niagara well. But to avoid the crowds and taste fantastic wine, try Grey County.

Coffin Ridge Winery

Named after its location on Coffin Ridge, which has a spooky history, this boutique winery has a bit of fun with its name. All of its wine and cider have cute names like Into the White Light and Resurrection.

I also think it produces great cider, my best advice is to skip the cans and look at the seasonal small batch jugs like holiday chai spice.

Coffin Ridge Winery
599448 Concession Rd 2 N, Annan

Georgian Hills Vineyards

Minutes from Blue Mountain Resort, Georgian Hills produces award-winning cool-climate wines including apple and pear dessert wines.

Georgian Hills Vineyards
496350 Grey County Rd 2, Clarksburg

Hoity Toity Cellars

Not technically in Grey County but instead in Mildmay, which is on the border. There is an opportunity to taste Bruce County’s first winery/cidery, locally crafting award-winning beverages. Sheep

Hoity Toity Cellars
1723 ON-9, Mildmay

The Roost Wine Company

Owned by husband and wife, Michael and Jess Maish, this is a must-visit winery in Grey County. They left careers to study enology and viticulture all while raising a newborn. With help from winemakers in Ontario they started to plant vines on Jess’s mother’s land overlooking the gorgeous Georgian Bay.

This time I was lucky enough to spend time with Jess, a winemaker with such a great approach. They experiment with varieties like L’Acadie Blanc, Frontenac Blanc and lesser known German grapes.

I was surprised to see a dessert wine available this year, Jess explained that after breaking a measurement instrument she ended up with wine that was mistakenly too sweet. So she decided to change course and created something so good it would change the minds of anyone who said they didn’t like dessert wine.

Next season look for other innovations like a sparkling red.

A small operation, it’s worth dedicating an afternoon to the tasting room. Not only is it gorgeous, but The Roost Plate features Fromagerie Kapuskoise, a French-trained cheesemaker from Kapuskasing.

The Roost Wine Company
415763 10 Line, Clarksburg

Also Consider the Corkscrew City Tour

Owen Sound, once known as Corkscrew Town was Canada’s last dry city…technically. While you could not buy alcohol in town or drink it in restaurants, the city was far from dry.

Local historian Richard Thomas hosts a city-run town that partners with The Beer Bus, Roxy Theatre, and local breweries and museums. You learn a lot about the region’s history of Prohibition and Richard shares a lot of hilarious, local stories of how bootleggers thrived in a dry town.

Grey County Restaurants

Fabbrica Thornbury

It may seem an odd second location for this Toronto eatery, but Chef Mark McEwan has a vacation home in Thornbury.

The menu has great pizza, pasta and other Italian options. I had the octopus with ceci bean and peperonata and it was cooked perfectly.

Fabbrica
27 Bruce St S, Thornbury

Andrew’s Roots Restaurant

One of the prettiest pumpkin soups I’ve ever had. I rarely order soup of the day but Andrew’s Roots Restaurant is known for local food and it is soup season.

But even I was surprised and let out a little squeal when I saw the presentation of the pumpkin bisque.

Andrew’s Roots Restaurant
82 N Sykes St, Meaford

Other Great Restaurants in Grey County

I visited these restaurants in past visits

Haisai Restaurant

The Stadtländers are known for their epic Eigensinn Farm events. For those that cannot attend this small restaurant in Singhampton is a great experience. It is a rustic cabin dining room with Chef Stadtländer’s eclectic artwork throughout, and it is constantly evolving.

During the week lunch there are a variety of wood oven pizzas and local wine, cider and beer. One pizza easily feeds two people and the vegetarian pizza is the most popular as it uses ingredients often picked that morning from Eigensinn Farm.

Haisai Restaurant
794079 County Rd. 124 Singhampton

Casero Kitchen Table

Casero was once a taco bus at Sauble Beach and was so successful it expanded to include a bricks and mortar restaurant in Owen Sound.

I love that they know enough to double stack the taco shell but also innovate with awesome flavours and many vegetarian and vegan options like roasted beets – trust me if the beets are available you’ll love them.

Casero Kitchen Table
946 3rd Ave E, Owen Sound

Bruce Wine Bar

Chef Shaun Edmonstone really takes advantage of Grey County’s agricultural prowess. His menu features Grey County farmers and changes with the season.

It feels like a spot you’d find in Toronto, but with all the small town charm including an open kitchen where you can watch pizza make its way into the wood fired oven. It’s a wine bar but the atmosphere is relaxed and food doesn’t play second fiddle.

Bruce Wine Bar
8 Bruce St S Thornbury

Mill Cafe

A casual cafe, eat lunch on the patio alongside the Beaver River. Salmon migrate up river in autumn and you can see some of the salmon jumping.

Mill Café
12 Bridge St Thornbury

Milk Maid Fine Cheese and Gourmet Foods

Milkmaid is owned by a massage therapist who loves cheese so much she opened a shop for locals. Locals supported it but wanted more, so she added sell wine and food and it evolved into a fantastic campaign with a changing chalkboard menu.

Milk Maid Fine Cheese and Gourmet Foods
947 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound

Justin’s Oven

Justin’s Oven is a cozy restaurant with a menu that changes nightly. Thursday night is pub night and you’ll sit elbow to elbow with locals who want great, affordable food. Friday night Justin makes 120 pizzas in 3 hours, half of it is takeout as locals believe it’s the best pizza in the county. On Saturday is more formal and the weekend ends with brunch.

While many great restaurants in the region primarily serve visitors, Justin’s Oven is all about locals. It’s licensed or you can bring wine with a very reasonable $13 corkage fee. However, it is a very popular so you do need a reservation, although they try to accommodate drop-ins with outside seating.

Justin’s Oven
235304 Grey Road 13, Kimberley

Where to Stay in Grey County

Grey County is a great day trip from Toronto but it really deserves at least one night away, there are plenty of budget options but I really liked these options which have a bit more character.  Grey County has some really interesting options.

Woodland Retreat

I arrived just a week too late to stay in the yurt as it the cold wet weather meant I couldn’t enjoy the outdoor area with a kitchen, fire pit and hot outdoor shower.

But I stopped by anyway to meet Naomi the owner and check out the yurt. I love the idea of camping but I really don’t want to sleep on the ground.

Plus Naomi has a fascinating story, she is a jewelry designer (you can see her studio on site) and met her husband in Oaxaca – although I have no idea how they could possibly leave Oaxaca as the food is incredible.

But I’ll be back in the spring, this is such a unique experience I’ll return for this alone.

Woodland Retreat
245606 22nd Sideroad

The Resting Place

Coffin Ridge Winery is one of the more remote wineries in Grey County. I’ve visited a few times over the years and it’s been fascinated to see it grow. I requested to stay the night as it’s a beautiful area.

There are three options: The Relic’s Room and The Widow’s Walk or The Writer’s Haunt. All are on the vineyard grounds so you can use the facilities or retreat back to the outdoor pool or hot tub. Also included is a complimentary tasting and Vintner’s Plate at the winery.

I loved my room, which looked out onto the vineyards and had a kitchenette and electric fireplace. It would be the perfect place for a romantic getaway for a few nights.

The Resting Place
599448 Concession Rd 2 N, Annan

Pretty River Valley Country Inn

I have stayed here twice and although it’s only a few hours away from Toronto it feels like another world.

The Ben Nevis Croft room is incredible but all of the studios are lovely and you cannot beat a fireplace. They prepare it so all you have to do is light a match.

They also have horses and reindeer on site. There are lots of hiking opportunities. However, this spot is very popular so make reservations well in advance.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Check Room Rates on Expedia

Other Great Accommodation in Grey County

I didn’t stay here this weekend but I have stayed at these great Grey County hotels in the past.

The Ultimate Treehouse Experience

I’ve stayed in so many hotel rooms but this was my first treehouse, with stairs to climb up and a big orange slide to descend.

There is also a pool with a seated bar area that just makes you want to have a party. Or maybe just unwind because they are proud to share that the treehouse is an area where the wifi is weak but the drinks are strong.

First time AirBnB user?  Use this link for $45 off your AirBnB stay!

Treehouse + Cabin Rental

The Falls Inn in Walter’s Falls

Grey County is known for its waterfalls and while a hike is fun, dinner with wine is even better! A bit more formal, the hotel is part of the Ontario’s Finest Inns network. If the weather is warm ask for a table at the patio and dine beside Walter’s Falls.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor 

The Falls Inn
Front St Walter’s Falls

Traveling From Toronto to Grey County

Grey County is only a couple of hours from Toronto. While the speed limit is 80km/h do not be tempted to speed. The Ontario Provincial Police patrol the routes and I always see at least one car caught speeding.

Grey County: Saints and Sinners Trail Map

Disclosure: This post about the Saints and Sinners Grey County trail was a paid partnership with Grey County. I have been coming here for years and this region is one of my favourites in Toronto, I’m thrilled to work with destinations that I already know I love.

Pin it for Later!

Saints & Sinners Trail: Grey County Beer Cider and Wine is a post from: Bacon is Magic

As a Maritimer I wanted to share my top picks for seafood at PEI restaurants, including the best restaurants in Charlottetown and where to find the best lobster supper in PEI. If you don’t have time to read this post just download the free PDF with all the info and a map.

I was invited to judge the chowder competition for the PEI International Shellfish Festival. I was so excited to go because the festival is so well known, but also I wanted to come a few days earlier in search of the ultimate list of the best PEI restaurants to visit if you want to eat the best seafood on the island.

As a Maritimer I grew up with very simple food, but seafood was always a constant. My grandmother made Nova Scotia chowder most Fridays, I remember when we needed to watch out for bones when eating fish, and lobster was and still is my favourite food.

But just like not all food in Italy is amazing, not all seafood in the Maritimes is delicious.

So this post is for my friends, who want to know which Charlottetown restaurants to make reservations for and which PEI restaurants you’ll find locals recommending. Because I’m afraid they’ll get stuck going to a tourist joint that sells the captain’s frozen fish sticks – although that was also one of my favourite suppers growing up so I guess it’s sort of authentic.

There are some good spots to eat seafood in Charlottetown but the best spots are around the island, which is why I created a map in the free guide above. You can plan your drive to hit more than a few spots in PEI.

Don’t be intimidated by driving, Prince Edward Island is small but beautiful. Driving out to these spots gives you a great understanding of just how diverse the island is.

PEI Restaurants

I was on the island for five days and my mother joined me at the end to help eat and share her thoughts. For three of those days I sampled 21 different chowders and yet somehow still made room for lots of fish, lobster, scallops, mussels and crab.

If I ate at one of the PEI restaurants and would not go back I did not include it on this list. There are a couple spots that often made all the lists but cooks have changed.

I found some of the Charlottetown restaurants really had mediocre lobster rolls and there is one famous joint that I visited and left off the list. I’m pretty sure they used previously frozen lobster. But why bother spending the time to tell you where not to go, instead let’s focus on all the delicious PEI restaurants to visit.

Some places in this list were closed for the season but they were recommended by several trusted sources (Maritimers) so I feel comfortable sharing them here.

Best Lobster in PEI: Not All Lobster Rolls are Equal

The Lobster Barn Pub and Eatery

Located in picturesque Victoria by the Sea, you can’t miss this restaurant on the wharf.

Although it may scream tourist trap, this is where many locals go and so the prices are quite reasonable as it’s open year round and so it must survive with local support. It was started by two sisters in 2009 and on the menu it says:

Eat whatever you want. And if someone tries to lecture you, eat them too!

The lobster roll ($17) is a very generous portion of fresh lobster on a buttered bun, served with a choice of fries, potato salad, onion rings, house salad or caesar salad. Interestingly they also put a bit of sugar in their mayo so it’s a bit sweet. I’ve never had it like that but I really enjoyed it.

The menu is vast with veggie options and notably appetizer mussels and a beer ($10), chilled lobster dinner ($26), scallops ($19), bar clam burger ($16) and Wharf Platter with scallops, haddock and lobster ($26).

But get there early, I stopped in at 11:15am and was able to sit at a table overlooking the water but in a span of ten minutes the joint was packed.

The Lobster Barn
19 Main St, Victoria, PE C0A 2G0
(902) 658-2722

Dave’s Lobster

One of the restaurants in Charlottetown, just up from where the cruise ship guests dock, I was curious about this roll as there is an option to buy a cold roll (most common), hot roll (with butter, lemon, garlic) or a half and half.

It’s on the small side, although lobster rolls ($21) are made with 4 oz. of PEI lobster, which they proclaim “more than you’d get from a full 1 lb. lobster dinner!” I don’t know any Maritimer who would eat a 1lb lobster, it’s so small.

If you only have time to eat in Charlottetown this is a great option, tastier than others that get more press in the city. It comes on a split roll along with local kettle chips. I’d stick with the traditional cold roll.

Dave’s Lobster
6 Prince St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P5
<(902) 200-3600

Sugar Skull Cantina

One of the more modern restaurants in Charlottetown, after all not everything has to have a nautical theme. This is not a lobster roll, but appropriately a lobster taco from a Mexican cantina inspired restaurant. Sugar Skull Cantina is the sister restaurant to Hopyards and both bring a younger, hip feel to Charlottetown which I like.

I wasn’t sure what I would think about this innovation. I’m an old school lobster purist – I like it cold without butter. On a boat from Panama to Colombia I had lobster in a tomato sauce and hated it.

But at Sugar Skull it works, they serve lobster with charred corn salsa, red pepper mayo, iceburg lettuce and hickory sticks. The portion is so generous I think it works better as a salad as most will fall out of the taco. It’s definitely worth popping in for one.

Sugar Skull Cantina
83 Water Street, Charlottetown
(902) 370-2227

Best Lobster in PEI That I Missed

Terry’s Berries

Seasonal food truck Terry’s Berries has become very popular for its warm Salt Daddy Lobster Melt ($16.31). It’s served on a hearty baguette with garlic and chives so it’s not traditional and definitely a “melt”.

I made the mistake of coming to the truck the Sunday after the Shellfish Festival, I think Terry may have had too much fun so he wasn’t open but he did stay open until September 20th. Make sure you check the Facebook page for hours.

Terry’s Berries
20 Great George St, Charlottetown
902-394-6524

The Lobster Shack on Souris Beach

Owned by legendary fisherman Johnny Flynn, this is THE place for a lobster roll as well as his Coleville Oysters and fresh or cooked lobster. Not surprisingly they won the 2017 PEI Lobster Roll Challenge.

With a view you can’t beat, they overlook the beach. If you can only drive to one location in PEI to eat this would be the one.

They open June 15th closed September 15th, I had planned to go on the 16th. Keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Best Chowder on Prince Edward Island

In the Maritimes you can order chowder in 99% of local restaurants. It’s so common to order a cup of chowder and half sandwich. But not all chowder is good, in fact you some of the best chowder isn’t served by the Charlottetown restaurants and is well worth a picturesque drive on the island.

Point Prim Chowder House and Oyster Bar

Locals will tell you one of the best PEI restaurants for chowder requires heading out to the remote area of Belfast to Point Prim. It’s a 45 minute drive from Charlottetown and there’s nothing else out there but picturesque Point Prim lighthouse – the island’s oldest lighthouse.

You must call ahead for a reservation, even in September as it’s quite popular to eat at sunset.

Point Prim Chowder House
2150 Point Prim Rd, Belfast
(902) 659-2187

Blue Mussel Cafe

This PEI cafe is a worth a drive just to see North Rustico, which is so pretty – but also very cold off season so bring a sweater.

I did not order the chowder here after judging 21 different kinds. Instead, I opted for the seafood bubbly bake ($21), which was like a thickened chowder with cheese.

So much for going light!

Blue Mussel Cafe did enter the competition and after discovering their entry and while they didn’t win they were a strong contender.

This is one of the most popular PEI restaurants for tourists, but don’t let the come from aways deter you from eating here. Open from May to October with the first seating at 11:30 and final at 9pm, with a quick closure from 4-5pm.

Go early at 4:30pm and put your name on the dinner list (no reservations) as they’ll give you a buzzer to let you know when your table will be ready. There’s plenty of instagram friendly spots to walk around while waiting for dinner.

Blue Mussel Cafe
312 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico Harbour
(902) 963-2152

Charlottetown Restaurants Note:

The Claddaugh Oyster House won the Chowder Competition at the Shellfish Festival (Point Prim did not compete) and if they are serving the same chowder on the menu it’s a great option in Charlottetown.

Chef Erin Henry from Piatto Pizzeria and Enoteca did not win but I loved her twist with this seafood chowder recipe, you can now find her at the Culinary Institute of Canada Bootcamp where Chef Ilona Daniel once taught me how to put a lobster to sleep.

Best Fish and Chips on PEI

Richard’s Fresh Seafood

PEI restaurants always have fish and chips on the menu but Richard’s is known as the best. Although the claim to dame is the best fish and chips, everything here is so beloved by locals it’s simply called Richards for almost 40 years.

It’s also a fish mart if you’d like to buy seafood to go and prices are very reasonably based on market prices.

It opens in June and sadly they closed for the season on September 8th, five days before I arrived. It’s best to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

Richard’s
9 Wharf Rd, York, PE C0A 1P0
(902) 672-3030

Where to Eat PEI Oysters

Prince Edward Island has some of the best oysters in the world. At the International Shellfish Festival I tried 21 different kinds and it’s impossible to say which one is the best as they are all so different.

James Strong from Raspberry Point suggests looking for oysters with a deep shell instead of a shallow one. And while many PEI restaurants offer a happy hour buck a shuck he isn’t a fan.

While it helps local bars and restaurants get people in early, it encourages the production of cheap oysters that will grow quickly instead of quality. You get what you pay for with oysters.

My best advice is to try many and choose what you like.

Gallant’s Seafood Market

Gallant’s is a seafood supplier on the island. You can find them at the Charlottetown Farmer’s market or at the seafood market in New London. It’s a small shop where you can pick up seafood to go or order from a very small menu and eat at one of two tables out front.

I used this photo of the Belle River rock crab cakes to emphasize that you should go for PEI oysters AND get the best crab cakes I’ve ever had. I tried to get the recipe from them…but sadly it’s a secret.

And if you haven’t had lobster they will cook and crack it for you for only $2 extra per pound, which is really a steal. They’ll even give you melted butter although personally I skip the butter as it interferes with the delicious taste of lobster.

Gallant’s Seafood Market
10056 Rout 6, Stanley Bridge
(902) 886 2716

Carr’s Oyster Bar

Just around the corner from Gallants in New London, Carr’s has a great view of New London Bay. Stick with the raw oysters on the half shell range from $2.50 – $6 per oyster. The $6 oyster is known as the George Carr special and they’ll warn you before ordering as it’s quite large.

Carr’s Oyster Barr
32 Campbellton Road, Stanley Bridge
(902) 886-3355

Old Dublin Pub

If you want to try buck a shuck oysters, the Old Dublin Pub in Charlottetown is one of the most popular places to go. It’s upstairs from the Claddaugh Oyster house, and serve buck a shuck from 4-6pm daily. They offer small choice oysters for $1 each with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage.

Old Dublin Pub
131 Sydney St, Charlottetown
(902) 892-6992

Fine Dining in PEI: Most Extravagant Experience

Without a doubt Fireworks at the Inn at Bay Fortune is a dinner to talk about. You begin with a reception wandering the grounds, eating Coleville Bay Oysters and other island delicacies and move to a family style dinner of local food cooked over a fire.

It should be noted this is the vision of Chef Michael Smith. I’ve met him and can attest that he’s an amazing person. He’s active at the resturant but also a popular chef, author and tv producer. So he’s not there all the time, but has a chef de cuisine to bring his vision to life.

Inn at Bay Fortune
758 Route 310, Souris
(902) 687-3745

Lobster Supper in PEI: Where Do Locals Eat?

If you’re wondering where to find the best lobster in PEI it’s always at someone’s home. Maritimers absolutely eat seafood chowder at restaurants and lobster rolls for a treat, but we don’t eat lobster in restaurants. It’s too expensive. Sure, we *might* take our upper Canadian friends out somewhere that we visit once a year with tourists. But it’s much more likely that we’ll cook it at home and serve it to them in our backyard.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with eating a lobster dinner with fellow travelers.  If you’re on the island for the International Shellfish Festival there’s likely to be a lobster supper in PEI and locals are there.

If you want to go to a formal lobster supper (yes we call it supper not dinner) in PEI, the Fisherman’s Wharf, New Glasgow is well known nad has been around since 1958. You could also look for a community fundraiser lobster supper for locals. Or if you’d like lobster without the fuss buy it cooked from Gallants, Richards or the Lobster Shack mentioned above.

Thunder Cove beach’s tea cup rock. You won’t find tourists here.

Best Time to Visit Prince Edward Island

While the summer has the warmest weather it also has the most crowds. I think the best time to visit Prince Edward Island is the beginning of September. The weather is still warm and the crowds are gone so you can get really affordable accommodation.

Plus there’s Shellfish Fest! The only downside is that the later you go in September, the more you risk some of the best seafood spots being closed.

If you’re worried about swimming in the ocean let me assure you it is ALWAYS freezing. So whether you go in July or September you’ll find it cold.

Best Places to Stay in PEI

Where I Stayed

The Great George is a boutique hotel in Prince Edward Island but it’s not one location. You check in at the main house and there’s complimentary breakfast along with coffee and tea throughout the day. However, it’s a series of historic buildings close to each other. So you can stay in a hotel room, suite, cottage or efficiency units.

They were generous enough to host me but took it a step further. When I mentioned my mother was coming with me to check out PEI restaurants they booked us in a two bedroom condo.

I love non-traditional accommodation. It was fantastic as there was so much room AND a back patio with a barbecue. If you’re traveling with a group for a few days this is a great way to do it. There’s a full kitchen and two bathrooms with lots of space. I would highly recommend for a family or friends visiting.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Book on Expedia

The Great George
58 Great George St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4K3

Tell me what PEI restaurants did I miss? Do you have any other favourite restaurants in Charlottetown that should be on this list?

Want to Know More About Prince Edward Island? 

PEI Potato Mussel Chowder Recipe

The Last Small Abattoir on PEI

Making Gouda Cheese

Charlottetown and PEI Restaurants: The Seafood Guide is a post from: Bacon is Magic

This strawberry tart recipe is so easy it’s perfect for people who proclaim they cannot bake.

Growing up in an agricultural valley, summer began with strawberry season. Strawberry picking was the first job I had. And I spent many evenings at U-Picks with my family as my grandmother slaved in the hot kitchen to make enough strawberry jam (and freezer jam) for the entire year.

Strawberries are in my blood.

But this year I’ve spent most of the summer in Havana researching Cuban food and drinking more than my fair share of cuba libre cocktails..

And there are fresh strawberries in Cuba. Perhaps you can find them shipped in from Mexico for the resorts in Varadero or Cayo Coco but I rent an apartment in Havana and there are only local fruits and vegetables at the market.

I hate to complain as July is mango AND avocado season in Cuba. Two of my favourite things that we cannot grow in Canada. And I know when you live somewhere else it’s always a trade off. I love living in Havana but…

I really missed strawberries.

When strawberry season started I had to stop looking at Instagram as friends posted their latest creations. I begrudging ate my tropical fruit as I missed the start of Canadian summer.

But I’m back in Nova Scotia for a month visiting my family. And while there was an unusually late frost in June that destroyed much of the strawberry and blueberry crops I am back in time for the end strawberry season. And bonus, blueberry season begins soon!

I only have a month here before heading back to Havana and I plan to eat as many berries as I can.

Quick Strawberry Tarts

My aunt Margaret introduced this strawberry tart recipe to our family. I’m not sure where she found it, it’s likely from a box of Philadelphia cream cheese and then modified over the years. Regardless Kraft deserves full credit for this recipe.

I’ve stated many times, I’m not a dessert person*. The asterik comes into effect because I will eat desserts like chees cake, creme brulee or its sister crema catalana in Spain. If you feel the same way I do, these strawberry tarts are right up your alley.

My aunt Margaret made this strawberry tart recipe for family gatherings when I was home. She kindly always stuck a few aside for me to greedily take home. When I lived in Toronto my sister Ryan would taunt me with photos of these tarts to show what I was missing out on.

My sister was also smart enough to ask for the recipe. And she revealed to me that there are only 6 ingredients in this strawberry tart recipe! It was so easy to make. I could have been making this all along, wherever I traveled around the world.

But I don’t.

Instead I wait until I come home. Some recipes are meant to only be eaten at home with family. It’s the same as lobster. It’s my favourite food but I always wait to eat it at home, at the kitchen table topped with last week’s flyers.

It’s not just the food. It’s the people.

Besides, Nova Scotia has the best lobster in the world. And warm water lobster from the Caribbean is just disappointing. I made the mistake of having it sailing from Panama to Colombia.

Never again.

But just because I won’t make strawberry tarts, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It’s perfect for barbecues and parties where you need to bring something that everyone will love.  It’s ridiculously easy to make and everyone will ask you for the recipe.

Strawberry Tart Recipe

Other than baking the frozen tart shells, there is a no bake recipe. This makes it incredibly versatile. Instead of strawberry tarts you could make a strawberry pie. Simply bake the shell according to instructions and top with the filling.

After strawberry season it would be easy to use other berries. I actually think pickled blueberries could be really fun. Or raspberries would be great, although I’d likely add just a touch more sugar to the puree.

If you make this strawberry tart recipe let me know how it goes in the comments below. And if you have a favourite easy strawberry dessert I’d love to hear about it.

The Easiest Strawberry Tart Recipe You’ll Ever Make is a post from: Bacon is Magic

Grey County is a great day trip from Toronto, or to stay a few days. Last week I drove a few hours north of Toronto to spend a few days in Grey County and wasn’t surprised there was so much to do there in the autumn as I love it all year round. I wanted to share my favourite things to do in Grey County all year round.

While most Torontonians flock East to Prince Edward County on the weekends, and nature lovers head to Bruce County for camping in Tobermory. Grey County is just as close as Prince Edward County and tourism isn’t as slick, which is exactly how I like it. I visit Grey County at least twice a year and each time I find new things to do.

But let’s face it, the best reason to visit a region is the food.

Grey County: A Foodie Day Trip From Toronto

Where to Eat in Grey County

Justin’s Oven in Kimberley

Kimberley is a tiny village in Grey County that most people drive through on the way to hike, paddle or cycle in the Beaver Valley. While the epicenter is a handful of businesses, locals know it’s worth the stop.

Justin’s Oven is a cozy restaurant with a menu that changes nightly. Thursday night is pub night and you’ll sit elbow to elbow with locals who want great, affordable food. Friday night Justin makes 120 pizzas in 3 hours, half of it is takeout as locals believe it’s the best pizza in the county. On Saturday is more formal and the weekend ends with brunch.

While many great restaurants in the region primarily serve visitors, Justin’s Oven is all about locals. It’s licensed or you can bring wine with a very reasonable $13 corkage fee. However, it is a very popular so you do need a reservation, although they try to accommodate drop ins with outside seating.

It’s everything you want on a road trip. No generic frozen burger patties here, Justin visits local suppliers and makes everything from scratch with one other cook. You can taste his commitment to his business, it was Thursday we picked up burgers to go and they were far better than anything I’ve had in Toronto.

Arrive a bit early so you can visit Kimberley General Store next door. Unlike Toronto’s hipster general stores with overpriced goods, owner Stacie Howe took over this building to serve the community which needed a local shop.

It was originally a general store in 1905 and you’ll find locals congregating here to pick up local goods (check out Justin’s smoked trout), sandwiches and coffee.Don’t miss Grey County’s Meredith’s Ginger Syrup which locals adamantly profess is needed to survive cold and flu season or try it in one of Stacie’s famous kefir smoothies.

Eigensinn Farm in Singhampton

Perhaps one of Canada’s most epic dining scenes is in Grey County. Eigensinn Farm is run by Chef Michael Stadtländer and his Nobuyo. While Stadtländer was once a prolific chef in Toronto he wanted to return to his roots, he grew up on a farm in Northern Germany and Nobuyo on a small island in Okinawa, Japan.

I toured the farm with Stadtländer and he shared that this was what he imagined Canada to be when he decided to move here from Germany. He’s known for epic dining experiences and a pioneer of the farm to table movement.

Clearly inspired by the land he has so many plans for events in the future but this weekend is holding a harvest music event when you spend the day eating and listening to some of Canada’s top classical and jazz artists. If you’re keen to do it he’s allowing people to camp overnight as well.

#449357 – 10th Conc. Grey Highlands
R.R.#2 Singhampton
Ont. N0C 1M0

Haisai Restaurant in Singhamton

If neither time nor budget is available for an epic Eigensinn Farm event you can still get a flavour for the Stadtländers in Singhampton. This tiny village at the bottom of the Blue Mountains is worth a stop for this experience.

Entering the restaurant you sense this will be an unique meal. A rustic cabin dining room with Chef Stadtländer’s eclectic artwork throughout, the restaurant has opened and closed several times, it was once fine dining, then a bakery.

It’s constantly evolving and never boring.

During the week lunch there are a variety of wood oven pizzas and local wine, cider and beer. One pizza easily feeds two people and the vegetarian pizza is the most popular as it uses ingredients often picked that morning from Eigensinn Farm. Pair that with salad served in a carved wooden basket and you’ll have more than enough for lunch.

794079 County Rd. 124
Singhampton ON, N0C 1M0

Bruce Wine Bar in Thornbury

Chef Shaun Edmonstone really takes advantage of Grey County’s agricultural prowess. His menu features Grey County farmers and changes with the season.

It feels like a spot you’d find in Toronto, but with all the small town charm including an open kitchen where you can watch pizza make its way into the wood fired oven. It’s a wine bar but the atmosphere is relaxed and food doesn’t play second fiddle.

8 Bruce St S
Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0

Mill Café in Thornbury

A casual cafe, eat lunch on the patio alongside the Beaver River. Salmon migrate up river in autumn and you can see some of the salmon jumping.

12 Bridge St
Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0

Northwinds Brew House & Eatery in Collingwood

With big box restaurant franchises taking over Ontario this is my top pick for casual eating near the Blue Mountains in Collingwood. With a long list of micro brewed beer and locally inspired menu, it’s an easy night out.

499 First St
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1B9

Milk Maid Fine Cheese and Gourmet Foods in Owen Sound

I love the story of Milkmaid as it’s so heartening to see small businesses succeed. Milkmaid is owned by a massage therapist who loves cheese and thought she would open a shop for locals. This doesn’t sound like much of a story but the downtown area of Owen Sound was becoming vacant, much like many of our Canadian small towns. You had to drive to another community to buy great cheese.

When she opened the community flocked to it and wanted to eat. So she began to sell wine and food and more locals heard about it, now this space is a thriving cafe. With a chalkboard menu changing daily you can shop while you wait.

947 2nd Ave E
Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H6

Where to Drink Beer Wine and Cider in Grey County

Maclean’s Ales in Hanover

Located in Hanover, Maclean’s is on the much loved Saints and Sinners trail, which charts local wineries, craft breweries and cideries in Grey, Bruce and Simcoe counties.

It seems that every microbrewery I visit is focused on crazy new beer and so I was thrilled to go somewhere focused on ale – my favourite kind of beer.

But also this brewery wasn’t started by a group of young guys. Brewmaster Charles has been involved in brewing in some matter or another since 1978 when the visited England on holiday. Instead of returning, he bought a motorcycle and found a job at a brewpub.

He eventually returned to Canada with a love of English ales and was part of the movement to rally the government to break the monopolization of large breweries and to open the door for small businesses. He’s been involved with many well known brands and eventually moved to Grey County to start his own.

It’s not easy to find Maclean’s Ales in Toronto as most of it sells in the region.

If you’re sensing a theme, this is another reason to visit Grey County. Also once a month there are brewery dinners where you can taste Macleans as well as other breweries, I like the sense of community rather than competition.

It’s best to stop by and chat with him as some of the seasonals are only available onsite at the brewery. Charles is a unique character, he seems withdrawn at first, not willing to boast or brag about what he’s done or what others should do. But give him time and he’ll share his strong opinions.

I ended up talking to him for nearly two hours about the future of microbreweries, consumer tastes and why he chooses ales and is moving toward cans. I’d go back again just to try the new seasonal scotch ale and a chat with Charles.

52 14th Ave
Hanover, ON N4N 3V9

The Roost Wine Company in Clarksburg

Of all the wineries I have visited over the years The Roost Wine Company was the most impressive for so many reasons. Michael and Jess Maish left careers to study enology and viticulture all while raising a newborn. With help from winemakers in Ontario they started to plant vines on Jess’s mother’s land overlooking the gorgeous Georgian Bay.

No doubt they are hard workers doing most of the labour themselves, with the help of friends but their approach is also thoughtful. They’ve been working with experimental varieties like L’Acadie Blanc (which I know from growing up in Nova Scotia) and Frontenac Blanc. This is a huge risk as these varietals don’t qualify for VQA designation which means the tax the LCBO takes is significantly greater.

For wineries like this the only way to really survive is to sell wine at the Tasting Room. But that’s hardly a sacrifice for wine lovers as it’s a gorgeous building with charcuterie platters and plenty of seating encouraging people to stay the afternoon.

I’m not the only one who loves it as the winery has been busy since the day it opened this year. My personal favourites are

The L’Acadie 2016 and Frontenac Blanc are already sold out. But my personal favourites are still available 2016 Rose (because rose…) and I loved the 2016 Marquette.  Flights are only $14 and this may just be my favourite winery in Ontario. My only regret is that I didn’t bring home more wine.

415763 10th Line, RR1
The Blue Mountains, ON N0H 1J0

Georgian Hills Vineyards in Clarksburg

Producing cool climate wines with amazing clarity and an absence of color, Georgian Hills is serious but not pretentious. Also check out the cider and Baked Apple Frozen to the Core with a tart finish.

496350 Grey County Rd 2
Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0

Coffin Ridge Winery in Annan

Grey County’s first winery is Coffin Ridge small batch wine. While the grounds are gorgeous, there’s an underlying quirky sense of humour with its play on its namesake geography of Coffin Ridge. This translates into the design sensibility to the names of their wine: Into The Light White, Back From The Dead Red and Resurrection Rose.

The wine is good but I think the star is the cider, which is a new addition to the winery run by passionate Joel Loughead. Using local apples you can try the standard hard apple and hopped versions or small batch ciders like holiday chai spice or rosemary maple.

You cannot beat the view here, bring a warm sweater so you can enjoy it on the patio.

599448 Concession Rd 2 N
Annan, ON N0H 1B0

Beaver Valley Cidery and Orchard in Kimberley

Grey County was once full of cider but prohibition changed all that. Now small producers like Beaver Valley and Duxbury Cider are bringing back the tradition with heritage apples, most of which are grown in their own orchard.

The retrofitted barn is gorgeous and while the flagship cider is great I loved the Ginger Cider. If you’re curious about how to make cider there are free tours Sundays at noon.

235853 Grey Road 13
Kimberley, ON N0C 1G0

BONUS: Neustadt Springs Brewery in Neustadt

On the way home drive through Neustadt to tour the old brewery. You can tour their underground caverns to gain access to the natural spring water used in their beer.

Hang Out in Nature

Grey County is beautiful but truth be told I’m a soft adventurer, really really soft. There are plenty of great outdoor activities in Grey County but I can only vouch for these two – which of course are food related.

Kickin Back Alpaca Ranch
Alpaca meat is delicious. At least that’s what I remember from Perú. While I was excited to bring some home I quickly discovered that in Canada they are used for their wool which is warmer than sheep, so soft and hypoallergenic.

These animals are adorable, shy but also curious. If you need time to digest between meals you can take a tour for $20 and hang out with animals for the afternoon.

Owen Sound Salmon Tour

A romantic story of salmon swimming upstream only to lay eggs and subsequently die. One of the few places you can see this, the rivers are full of fish jumping up through

This is a great for everyone because you can see a little bit of it at one of the bridges in town or make an afternoon of it cycling, paddling or even driving the route from the Sydenham River up through Inglis Falls – which makes for an idyllic instagram.

Farmer’s Pantry

While it’s often promoted as a family destination. There’s a U-Pick orchard, golf and who doesn’t want to make their own caramel apple?

Where to Stay in Grey County?

Grey County is a great day trip from Toronto but it really deserves at least one night away, there are plenty of budget options but I really liked these options which have a bit more character.  Grey County has some really interesting options.

The Ultimate Treehouse Experience

I’ve stayed in so many hotel rooms that they often all feel like the same experience so I was thrilled to try something new. An adult treehouse! In Durham four people can share a treehouse, accompanying cabin.

Can you see the big orange slide on the right of the treehouse? Weeeeeeee!

There is also a pool with a seated bar area that just makes you want to have a party. Or maybe just unwind because they are proud to share that the treehouse is an area where the wifi is weak but the drinks are strong.

First time AirBnB user?  Use this link for $45 off your AirBnB stay!

I’m working on an edited video but have a look at this gorgeous raw footage. Now is a great time to visit as the rates have dropped to $595 a night. While the pool is closed it’s still lovely to visit and fireplaces in the treehouse, cabin and outdoor seating.

Pretty River Valley Country Inn

I stayed here last autumn. Here’s a tip that I learned the hard way. The reindeer are pets NOT food! I loved eating reindeer in Finland and thought the inn was also a working farm but my hosts had a horrified look on their face when I asked.

The Ben Nevis Croft room is amazing. I’d love to return and for some light hiking and just hang out here all night.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Check Room Rates on Expedia

The Falls Inn in Walter’s Falls

Grey County is known for its waterfalls and while a hike is fun, dinner with wine is even better! A bit more formal, the hotel is part of the Ontario’s Finest Inns network. If the weather is warm ask for a table at the patio and dine beside Walter’s Falls.

Read Reviews on TripAdvisor 

Front St
Walter’s Falls, ON N0H 2S0

This Grey County day trip from Toronto post was in partnership with Grey County. I love this region so much I feel like an unofficial ambassador and I’m always thrilled to visit. I”m happy to share all of the great things to do here and I hope it inspires you to visit.

Day Trip From Toronto: Things to Do in Grey County is a post from: Bacon is Magic

The Maritimes just doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Maritimers are known to be friendly, humble and humorous. But few people know that one of Canada’s most epic dining experiences is in Nova Scotia.

Dining on the Ocean Floor is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste the flavour of Nova Scotia in a way that is completely unforgettable. I was most excited about the six-hour experience because it happens to be where I grew up.

The Bay of Fundy has always just been a part of my life. As a child we had school trips to check out tiny sea creatures and fossils in the tidal pools, later as a teenager we would head out to Halls Harbour for evening bonfires.

The Bay of Fundy is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America. But it was always just a backdrop to my life. Nothing special. Not something people would really care about.

But the more I travel the world, the more I realize just how lucky I was to grow up here. I’m really proud to call myself a Maritimer and I’m so thrilled travellers can have a world-class experience in my home.

What’s So Special About Dining (Literally) on the Ocean Floor

The one rainy day in weeks! There was a bit of spritzing rain but it was warm so no one cared.

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world and can be over 15 meters (50 feet) – that’s the height of a five storey building. Each day, the basin completely empties and then rises about an inch a minute and is filled with 160 billion tons of water.

So yeah it’s kind of a big deal.

So if you are planning any kind of trip you need to know the tide times – especially if you want to cook and host a dinner.

The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery had the vision to see just how special an experience this could be.

And one that you can only have in Nova Scotia.

It’s not just the flavours of Nova Scotia, but also the wild nature of the ocean. Where else can you dine where there was once 50 feet of water, with a jagged coastline of red sandstone cliffs, flower pot islands, ocean caves and the briny smell of the sea.

I was VERY lucky that Tourism Nova Scotia was able to provide a media pass for this event. This epic experience is only available 6 times in 2019 – and the timing is dictated by nature. In fact, dinner can’t be delayed, because as it wraps up the tide is coming in.

Where is Burntcoat Head Park?

Burntcoat Head Park is located in the inlet of the Bay of Fundy in East Hants County, called the Minas Basin. The Park existed for years as only a place that locals knew and visited.

It was only a while back that people realized that tourists were interested in visiting areas like this and so they built facilities, including a VERY clean bathroom, picnic tables, a look out spot and stairs down to the ocean floor. 

Dining on the Ocean Floor was created to bring some attention to the area. That the Annapolis Valley had so much more to offer, it isn’t just wine country. We have the highest tides in the world, the tide comes in and out twice a day but it’s not something you can really go see, as it rises an inch an hour. 

This is why Dining on the Ocean Floor is so special, because you can take advantage of low tide to experience it.

It’s very easy to get here although you are driving on many backroads and there are a few patches that aren’t the best. It is on the picturesque Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia, one of the six seacoast drives in Nova Scotia. Allow yourself extra time to drive slowly and stop for photos as the view is stunning.

Edible Foraged Foods in Nova Scotia

This is a six-hour experience and introduction to the flavours of Nova Scotia. Expert forager Jonathan Newell of Newell’s Jewels Edibles introduces shared all of the wild foods that are available in Nova Scotia.

I LOVED this part of the day with him. While I consider myself a city girl, foraging is so freaking cool. I adored foraging mushrooms in Spain, and I always looked forward to foraging wild foods in spring in Ontario.

But I’ve NEVER foraged anything in Nova Scotia and I was fascinated by how much we could find.

• Dandelions aren’t just weeds, the greens are delicious (check out this dandelion salad recipe)
• Spruce, which people turn into beer, tea or this spruce tip vinegar recipe
• Wild carrots – which I’ve never seen before!
• Cattails – which I didn’t know were edible
• Sea rocket, which he calls Nova Scotia wasabi because it tastes like it
• Kelp aka kombu

Interested in foraging? Here are some great books

• Peterson Field Guides
• Foraged Flavor
• North American Mushrooms

And specific Nova Scotia wild plants

• Edible Plants of Atlantic Canada: Field Guide
• Trees and Shrubs of the Maritimes
• Weeds of the Northeast
• Wildflowers of Nova Scotia

We were told to throw our shells in the buckets a few feet from us – we weren’t very good it.

Shore Boil Lunch Course

What I like about this day is that you don’t have to wait long to eat. After the foraging lesson we left for Chef Chris Velden’s shore boil lunch with sustainable seafood cooked in Tidal Bay wine – Nova Scotia’a appellation wine, which pairs so well with seafood. 

We in the warm weather on Adirondack chairs with three buckets in the middle to throw our clams, mussels and lobster claws. It was a fun way to get to know the group as only a few had good aim.

I didn’t get a single one in.

Tour of Burntcoat Head Park

This felt like such a throwback to my school days. I remember being fascinated with all the sea creatures that the ocean left in the tidal pools. And somehow I was equally as fascinated as an adult – I had forgotten all about this.

Our guides from the park helped us navigate the stairs down the red sandstone cliffs, giving us sage advice that the green seaweed was slippery. But that day everything was slippery, but we shuffled along without anyone taking the tumble. 

We walked around as the tide was at it’s lowest point. Guides showed us the sea life in the little tidal pools and the history of the park. 

This area had always existed and locals visited but no one else really knew about it. So they built a park area with picnic tables, clean washrooms and signage to find it with local tide times.

Most importantly there are signs to guide you and better stairs down to the ocean floor. 

Dinner on the Ocean Floor

It drizzled but the ocean air was warm and everyone was in a great mood. We made our way to the table, but first stopping for Avondale Sky wine and Meander River Farm beer.

Each course was paired with wine and beer. The most interesting was Meander River Surf & Turf Scotch Ale made with with seaweed and peated malt specifically for the Dining on the Ocean Floor event. Otherwise it’s rare to find.

• Celebration Plate: Flying Apron charcuterie, pickles and crackers with Nova Scotia cheese.
• High Tide, Low Tide: Nova Scotia beef, butter poached lobster and organic vegetable succotash.

The weather changes every 20 minutes in Nova Scotia, the sun brightly shone for dessert and a gorgeous sunset.

Typical Maritime weather, the sun came out as soon as we returned to the Adirondack chairs for dessert.

The Sun & Moon Meet course: Fresh local berries, lavender phyllo and Grand Marnier mascarpone cream. Organic, fair-trade tea and coffee were served with enough time to catch the sunset.

Dining on the Ocean Floor Details

• This one-of-a-kind culinary experience is definitely a splurge $950/per couple + HST and gratuity.
• You can cancel up to three weeks before the dinner.
• Dinner is held rain or shine unless it’s unsafe or extreme weather such as thunderstorms. In that case dinner would most likely be held the next day. Our dinner was delayed one day.

Burntcoat Head Park Tips

Let’s face it. I am not an outdoorsy kind of person. I am often underprepared or ill dressed. It had been years since I explored the Bay of Fundy, but I knew better than to show up in heels.

The ocean weather can be unpredictable, it might rain, it could be scorching hot. They say in Nova Scotia if you don’t like the weather just wait 5 minutes.

• Rubber boots. Many of us had on running shoes (despite the advice to bring rubber boots) and we were trying to navigate the mud
• A hat or visor for the sun. Because of the ocean air, the strength of the sun can be deceiving
• Sunglasses
• A light sweater as it gets cooler later in the afternoon
• Mosquito repellent
• Light rain jacket if there’s any chance of rain

What to Do if Dining on the Ocean Floor is Sold Out

The 2019 tickets sold out in minutes. While there is a wait list that often fills up as well, but you can sign up for the email notification here when they open availability.

While this is truly an incredible experience, there are only so many seats. However, the region is still worth visiting on its own. And you can DIY your own experience!

Burntcoat Head Park is a public park that you can visit independently (check tide times here). If you book in advance you can arrange your own tour of the ocean floor here, for a very reasonable fee of $18/person. I really do recommend a a tour as the guides will help show you so much that you would have missed. 

The park also has picnic tables so you can bring your own food and drink. Either pick up a bottle of Tidal Bay wine at the NSLC or stop off at Avondale Sky winery and Meander River Farm before you head to the park.

If you’d like to try Chef Chris Velden’s food visit Flying Apron Cookery, or call ahead to see if they’ll arrange a picnic to go – they may hate me for suggesting that but you can’t beat eating at the park.

If you have a hankering for lobster, head to the Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound to get lobsters to go. They’ll crack it for you to make it easier for your ocean picnic.

Where to Stay at the Bay of Fundy

Although I was able to go back to my family’s house there are lots of great options if you want to spend the night:

Shangri-La Cottages

Several people in our group were staying at the Shangri-La Cottages next to the park entrance. They loved it because the cottage patios looks out onto the Bay of Fundy with incredible views of high and low tide. 

There is wifi and a kitchen but you must bring food and drink with you. It’s a rural area as there are no shops or supermarkets around.

Read Reviews 

Flying Apron Inn & Cookery

This lovely family-run inn and restaurant is in Summerville, about 40 minutes from Burntcoat Head Park.

Rates begin at $130 and include a hot breakfast.  Flying Apron also offers dinner and cooking classes at the Inn.

Read Reviews and Check out Room Packages

Tidal Bore Rafting Resort 

This gorgeous resort is only 30 minutes outside the park and home to Tidal Bore Rafting which is a must-do in this area. 

The Resort has a number of cottages starting at $130/night along with other options including chalets with 5 bedrooms.

Check Rates and Availability and Read Reviews

Me on the end! Don’t judge my attire as I just arrived from Cuba and pulled together whatever layers I could find!

Disclosure: This is part of a paid partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia. But really this is a dream job for me. I’m so proud to be able to work on a program where I share everything delicious about where I grew up.
 
 

Pin it For Later: Burntcoat Head Park Ocean Floor Dining 

Images: Lead photo and social media sharing images (c) Tourism Nova Scotia

Dining on the Ocean Floor is a post from: Bacon is Magic

This cherry tomato salad from D’Vine Morsels at Avondale Sky Winery.

While most people think of Nova Scotian food as being mostly fish and seafood, I grew up in an agricultural valley. Other than apples and blueberries we don’t export much of our produce outside the Maritimes. But we have excellent produce in our backyard.

And so while people in cities are touting the virtues of buying local, that is simply the norm in Nova Scotia. To drive from one town to another you pass by farmers markets and local shops that have the latest local produce in season. We’re not on a trend, it’s simply how things are done.

And many restaurants don’t even bother to advertise they use local food suppliers because it is expected.

And so while I highly recommend eating seafood at the best restaurants in Nova Scotia I also don’t want people to miss our fresh local flavour. When food is fresh, nothing beats it.

And that’s how I felt at Avondale Sky Winery. Lunch here made the biggest impression on me because it was simple food done exceptionally well.

D’Vine Morsels at Avondale Sky Winery

We started with fresh sourdough bread made daily at the winery. Then a dish of mozzarella made by the Venetian cheesemaker who lives in the area and country ham by Oulton’s Meats with a honey mustard drizzle.

And then this gorgeous grape and cherry tomato salad came out. It was so vibrant, fresh and simple but this is what eating local is all about.

I think sometimes restaurants feel like they have to turn food into something different. That to truly be an experience they need to manipulate it into something complicated. But Chef Justin Floyd let the tomatoes speak for themselves and it was fantastic.

Avondale Sky Winery makes wine specifically for food. And with a glass of the 2015 Canadian Oak L’Acadie Blanc I was smitten.

I cannot bear food waste. Normally when I’m researching food in an area I eat half the food and take the rest to go. When I can, I’m that person who brings their own Tupperware containers and tries to discreetly pack away half their meal.

On this trip I’ve also been dropping leftovers at my aunts house, because I know she loves great food too.

This was the only meal that I almost completed, save taking some of the country ham back home with me.
 
 

The Church That Walked on Water

This Nova Scotian winery is not in the main Wolfville/Gaspereau winery hub but it is well worth the drive. Many people come here just to see the building.

When locals heard there was a new winery being built, they offered up suggestions for churches that were no longer in use. No one wants to see these beautiful buildings go used. It was a great fit as Avondale Sky incorporates a philosophy of sustainability and wanted to repurpose old buildings, rather than build new.

It chose St.Matthew’s church, which was built in 1837. Avondale Sky Winery saved it from destruction as they floated it down the river in order to restore it to be used as the winery.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Tomatoes in the Fridge

The most important part of this cherry tomato salad recipe is getting great tomatoes from a farm stand. And if you can don’t put them in the fridge.

Refrigerating tomatoes makes them lose their flavour. If tomatoes are put in temperatures below 12C/54F they stop producing some of the attributes that make them taste so great – just as putting corn in the fridge makes it lose some of its sweetness.

You know those tasteless tomatoes we get at the grocery store – you can bet they were cooled at some point.

I only put them in the fridge if:

• They are grocery store tomatoes, they were already put in a fridge to ship to the grocery store
• Cut tomatoes that are attracting fruit flies
• Tomatoes that are ripe and will spoil. 

Buy the tomatoes fresh from a farmer or farmer’s market and make this salad immediately.

A Few Notes on this Tomato Salad Recipe

This is an incredibly versatile recipe. While this recipe uses cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes you could use any local ripe tomatoes. Get the tomatoes right and use a high-quality olive oil and good salt and you’re set.

I’ve mentioned before I really like this inexpensive grey Celtic sea salt in French pistou and Catalan tomato bread. But if you’re IN Nova Scotia, you should try the Annapolis Salt harvested from the Bay of Fundy.

How to Make Crème Fraîche

Stir two cups heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of buttermilk and pour into a jar. Cover with cheese cloth and store at room temperature for 24 hours.

Substitutions for Crème Fraîche

Crème fraîche is a soured cream with a high fat content and gives a tangy flavour to a dish. It’s not as sour as sour cream and has a more fullness of a cream flavour. I’ve included instructions on how to make creme fraîche. You can also buy it at specialty stores, albeit expensive.

Although it’s not the same, I think you could also substitute: 

• Full fat goat yogurt
• Mix of half full cream and half sour cream
• Full fat goat cheese

And if you just want to go for a caprese salad spin, tear up fresh mozzarella balls. 

How to Roast Garlic in 25 Minutes

Take one head of garlic and coat in a neutral oil, like vegetable or sunflower. Wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in oven at 300F for about 25 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft and spreadable.

This is SO easy. You cannot screw this up and once you make it you’ll want to make even more. I like to roast it for 40 minutes until it’s mush and spread on toast. I once paid $17 for this at a restaurant until I realized how easy it was to do at home.

Grape and Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

This dish is at its best in the heart of the summer while tomatoes are perfectly ripe and sweet like candy.

Vibrant Cherry Tomato Salad

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This gorgeous grape and cherry tomato salad at Avondale Sky Winery was so good I had to ask Chef Justin Floyd for the recipe. You won't believe how easy it is.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 cups tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes)
• Olive oil
• Coarse kosher salt
• Cracked pepper
• Dill
• Chives
• Crème fraiche
• Roasted garlic

Instructions

How to Make Crème Fraiche

Stir two cups heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of buttermilk and pour into a jar. Cover with cheese cloth and store at room temperature for 24 hours.

How to Roast Garlic

Take one head of garlic and coat in a neutral oil. Wrap in tinfoil and bake in oven at 300 for about 25 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft and spreadable.

Assemble the Salad

1. ·Slice all tomato and place in a shallow bowl or on a plate and season liberally with salt.
2. Slice roasted garlic into thin slices and place amongst the tomatoes and around the plate
3. Place crème fraiche in a squeeze bottle or use a spoon to place small, even dollops amongst the tomatoes
4. Finely chop a small bunch of chives and dill and spread evenly over tomatoes
5. Drizzle a high quality olive oil over the entire dish.

Notes

This recipe is so simple with few ingredients so they must be the highest quality.

Don't use grocery store olive oil on this salad. I've suggested a few that are easy to order and while they are more expensive, you only need a little.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Coarse Celtic Sea Salt Light Grey 
• Olio Verde Oil Olive Extra Virgin (Sicily)
• Frescobaldi Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy)

Pin it For Later: Easy Cherry Tomato Salad 

This fresh cherry tomato salad is part of a paid partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia where I independently explore where I grew up to share what I think is the best food and wine in the Annapolis Valley. I am thrilled to work with him as it’s a dream job to promote my home. And big thanks to Avondale Sky Winery, who graciously hosted me for lunch and also gave me this cherry tomato salad recipe.

The Prettiest Cherry Tomato Salad You’ll Ever Eat is a post from: Bacon is Magic