Eatdrink #71 May/June 2018

38 | May/June 2018
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Road Trips
A Taste of Essex
What's Not to Love?
eatdrink.ca |@eatdrinkmag
By NANCY LOUCKS-McSLOY
Exploring the website of Visit
Windsor Essex, I noticed the
comment, “We have plenty of
reasons why you’ll love this
place.” I had travelled through the area
many times but had never taken proper
time to enjoy the sites, the tastings, and
the culinary adventures that abound.
I am ecstatic to say that I have now
crossed this off my bucket list. (But
have added it back on, as there is much
more to see and do.)
Early one Saturday morning, we
ventured out to where the road would
take us. We had reservations at the Iron
Kettle Bed & Breakfast in Comber, but
other than that the day was ours. The 401
is fine but the secondary roads are fun, Take a maker's class with Marlene Mastronardi at Anna's Flowers
with more to see along the way.
Arriving in Kingsville (which to me is
the Cape Cod of the north) at lunchtime, theme rooms, such as the Elvis, The Canadiana
we found The Grove Brew House on Main and the Brew Master’s Suite.
Street. What could be better than a beer
In addition to sampling five of the beers
sampling after a couple of hours of driving? brewed on site (my favorite was Peachy
Located in the Grove Hotel, a historic landmark Motherpucker), we enjoyed a delectable lunch:
dating back to the days of prohibition, the brew Harvest Salad of locally grown beets, greens, and
house is built over the former patio. The hotel goat cheese, and Stout Crème Brûlée for dessert.
has recently been restored with a focus on Next stop — Anna’s Flowers, to tour the
spectacular greenhouses and attend a
“maker’s class”. I surprised myself with
the results of the Spring Planter Bowl
that I designed with the help of a very
artistic instructor. “Inspiring others to
live a beautiful and healthy life, both
inside and outside of their homes,”
Anna’s offers not only a huge variety of
flowers and plants, but also workshops
and events.
Thirst quenched, appetite more
than satisfied, and the proud owner
of a planter, I was off to the quaint
First stop: The Grove Brew House and Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Grove Brew House and Hotel