Eatdrink #42 July/August 2013

10 www.eatdrink.ca
stimulate culinary innovation and
diversity, draw culinary tourists, provide
employment, engage community, and are
poised to become an important part of the
social and culinary fabric of the city.
Local proponents of food trucks have
concrete goals. Western Fair Farmers’
Market manager, Michelle Navackas, is
one of several proponents leading the
rallying cry. Navackas believes that one
of the principal goals is to introduce the
growing food truck industry to London in a
thoughtful and articulate way, by creating
guidelines and following best practices, so
the restaurant community can continue
to be successful and not feel threatened by
this addition to the local culinary scene.
Last month City Council proposed a pilot
project that would see operators compete
in a lottery for three assigned spots — two
along Dufferin Avenue in front of Victoria
Park, and one on Clarence Street, north
of Dufferin. The pilot was expected to
run from late June to the end of October.
Trucks, which would have to be licensed,
would be restricted fromopening during
Taste & Tour of Middlesex County
Recently, I was privileged to work on the
Taste and Tour of Middlesex with Sheila
Devost and Gavin Antill from Tourism
Middlesex. Under Devost`s guidance
Tourism Middlesex has been committed
to heightening awareness and developing
partnerships for tourism and agri-tourism
related businesses in Middlesex County. The
event was held at the Komoka Wellness and
Recreation Centre, space donated
by the Municipality of Middlesex
Centre. The tasting event was
supported by Foodland Ontario,
Local Food Connections:
Farmer/Food Buyer Networking
Event and Taste it Committee,
Libro Financial, County of Middlesex,
eatdrink magazine and ethicalgourmet.
Middlesex County is rich with emerging
culinary tourism and agri-tourism resources
and, due to the efforts of Devost and Anthill,
is beginning to benefit from a stronger
regional culinary identify. Devost and Antill
invited local farmers, producers and growers
to partner with local restaurants and chefs
to create farm-to-table tasting stations to
promote Middlesex products.
№ 42 | July/August 2013
festivals. The proposed pilot, which was
deemed short-sighted, was sent back for
revision. It looks like the program will be
expanded to include eight operators and
more designated spots around the city.
Food trucks have some advantages over
a traditional eat-in restaurant. The ability to
travel to where the customers are is a definite
plus. Generally speaking, food trucks have
lower overhead, compared to restaurants,
and require less staff. However, a food truck
is still a labour-intensive business that
requires a lot of work and attention.
Food trucks are subject to health and
safety regulations and inspections. In some
cities they are required to adhere to distance
restrictions, a buffer zone separating them
from existing restaurants. In reality, many
food trucks are providing a much healthier
alternative to fast food chains. The city
council committee recommended deferring
a decision on food trucks and specifically
instructed staff to draw up additional criteria
which will include “a more creative proposal
solicitation” and “menu consideration.”
The evening’s tasting participants
included Chef Barbara Toomer from Strathroy
P.C. Cooking School, Chef Danjiel
“Dacha” Markovic and Brian Blatnici from
Kantina, Bill Wittur of Noteworthy Wines,
The Carolinian Winery and Eatery, Golden
Leaf Winery, Elijah Richardson from Sunnivue
Farms, Amy’s Restaurant, Duke of
Sydenham, Michelle Navackas and Brittany
Coats of Western Fair Farmers’
and Artisans’ Market,
Appin Barbeque, Heeman’s,
Slegers Organic Greens, Fort
Rose Maple Syrup, Eversprings
Farms, Fire Roasted Coffee and
Habitual Chocolate. The conference
and tasting event, which was held
on May 28th and 29th 2013, showcased the
county as a whole and built awareness about
its agricultural and culinary identity. Like
many rural communities in Ontario, Middlesex
County has begun looking towards
both culinary and agri-tourism to diversify
its local economy.
Bryan Lavery is eatdrink’s Writer at Large and
Contributing Editor. He can be reached at bryan@eatdrink.ca