Local Flavour Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

CHATHAM-KENT • ELGIN • HURON • LONDON • MIDDLESEX

OXFORD • PERTH • SARNIA-LAMBTON • WINDSOR-ESSEX-PELEE ISLAND

Local Flavour

SOUTHWEST ONTARIO

CULINARY GUIDE

Restaurants • Specialty Shops & Services • Farmers’ Markets

Craft Beer & Local Wine • Agri-Tourism Attractions

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The LOCAL Food & Drink Magazine

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VOLUME 8

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CHATHAM-KENT • ELGIN • HURON • LONDON • MIDDLESEX

OXFORD • PERTH • SARNIA-LAMBTON • WINDSOR-ESSEX-PELEE ISLAND

Local Flavour

SOUTHWEST ONTARIO

CULINARY GUIDE

Restaurants • Specialty Shops & Services • Farmers’ Markets

Craft Beer & Local Wine • Agri-Tourism Attractions

localflavour.ca

Another quality guide from the publishers of

Think Global. Read Local.

Eatdrink Inc.

525 Huron Street, London ON N5Y 4J6

519-434-8349

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@eatdrinkmag

Published with assistance from the Province of Ontario

and the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation

Contents

INTRODUCTION

= map location

4 Southwest Ontario Is Cooking with Local Flavour!

10 map a: southwest ontario

#

LONDON

16 map b: city of london

Restaurants

20 David’s Bistro 1

22 Abruzzi Ristorante 2

24 The River Room / Rhino Lounge 3

26 Craft Farmacy 4

28 The Church Key Bistro-Pub 5

30 Garlic’s of London 6

32 Blackfriars Bistro & Catering 7

34 Grace 8

36 Pizzeria Madre 9

38 Taverna 13thirtyone 10

40 Budapest Restaurant 11

44 La Casa Ristorante 12

45 Black Trumpet 13

46 Edgar and Joe’s Café 14 15

47 Katana Kafé & Grill 16

48 Fellini Koolini’s / The Runt Club 17

49 Joe Kool’s 18

50 Pasto’s Grill 19

51 La Noisette Bakery & Deli 20

52 Marienbad / Chaucer’s Pub 21

53 T.G.’s Addis Ababa Restaurant 22

54 Cream Beanery Cafe 23

Specialty Shops & Services

56 The Pristine Olive Tasting Bar 24

58 The Boombox Bakeshop 25

60 Marshall’s Pasta 26

62 Hey, Cupcake! 27

63 Jill’s Table 28

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

65 map c: middlesex county

66 The Clock Tower 29

68 Fat Olive 30

70 Heeman’s 31

72 Slegers Organic Greens 32

74 The Village Teapot 33

75 Cream Beanery Cafe 34

OXFORD COUNTY

79 map d: oxford county

80 SixThirtyNine 35

82 Early Bird Coffee 36

PERTH COUNTY

83 map e: perth county

84 Planet Diner 37

86 Edison’s Café Bar 38

88 Revival House 39

90 The Mill Stone Restaurant & Bar 40

92 Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar 41

94 Anna Mae’s Bakery & Café 42

95 The Hub 43

96 Rhéo Thompson Candies 44

97 Olive Your Favourites 45

HURON COUNTY

99 map f: huron county

100 Hessenland Inn 46

102 Eddington’s of Exeter 47

103 Benmiller Inn & Spa 48

SARNIA-LAMBTON

105 map g: lambton county

108 Munro Honey & Meadery 49

109 F.I.N.E. A Restaurant 50

WINDSOR-ESSEX-PELEE ISLAND

111 map h: essex county

CHATHAM-KENT

115 map i: kent county

116 Sunshine Farms 51

118 Dockside Fisheries 52

120 The Chilled Cork 53

121 Mamma Maria’s Ristorante 54

122 Roesch Meats and More 55

ELGIN COUNTY

123 map j: elgin county

124 The Windjammer Inn 56

126 From the Meadow 57

128 Great Lakes Farms 58

LOCAL WINE

154 Alton Farms Estate Winery 74

156 Oxley Estate Winery 75

158 Sprucewood Shores Estate

Winery 76

160 CREW: Colchester Ridge Estate

Winery 77

162 Pelee Island Winery 78 79

164 Colio Estate Wines 80

166 Early Estates Winery 81

CIDERIES & DISTILLERIES

168 Twin Pines Orchards

& Cider House 82

170 Junction 56 Distillery 83

171 Wolfhead Distillery 84

FARMERS’ MARKETS

173 Covent Garden Market 85

176 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

130 Toboggan Brewing Co. 59

132 Anderson Craft Ales 60

134 Railway City Brewing Co. 61

136 Upper Thames Brewing Co.

& Brickhouse Brewpub 62 63

138 The Grove Hotel & Brew House 64

140 Storm Stayed Brewing Co. 65

142 The Tin Fiddler & River Run Brew Co. 66

144 Imperial City Brew House 67

146 Cowbell Brewing Co. 68

148 Shakespeare Brewing Co. 69

149 The Blue Elephant Craft Brew House 70

150 London Brewing 71

151 Hamlet Hall Brew Co. 72

152 Jobsite Brewing Co. 73

Amenities Legend

— Licenced

— Wheelchair Accessible

— Seasonal Patio

— Take-Out Available

— Hands-On Experiences

Available

— Accommodations

Available

INTRODUCTION

Southwest Ontario

is Cooking with

Local Flavour!

BY BRYAN LAVERY

THE REAL TASTE OF A PLACE is rooted in the lay of the

land, and Southwest Ontario tells the story of its terroir

with pride. From hospitable small towns to sophisticated

cities, to the agricultural attractions of rural hamlets and

the fresh catch from lakeside villages, Southwest Ontario

is a place where each destination boasts

a unique perspective through its culinary

practitioners and the experiences they

provide. In a region celebrated for its

farmers’ markets, food hubs, culinary

artisans, local wineries, distilleries

and craft beer culture, it’s no surprise

that food innovators and visionaries

abound. Authentic artisanal goods can’t

be mass-produced — they are limited

in quantity and generally have specific

characteristics deemed to be special by

nature. You’ll find nspiring independent

businesses and producers of hand-crafted, small-batch,

made-from-scratch food and beverages around every

corner while exploring Southwest Ontario’s vibrant

gastronomic scene.

Hospitality and the culinary arts are integral

aspects of Southwest Ontario’s identity. Exceptional

restaurants, talented homegrown and internationally

trained chefs, boutique shops, markets and gourmet

food and drink retailers make this a “must visit”

destination for those seeking authentic culinary

experiences. An eclectic mix of socially-conscious

professionals in agricultural and artisanal production

bring the latest in epicurean innovation to the

table. Today’s modern restaurants are about feasting,

The Church Key Bistro-Pub

Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House

The Boombox Bakeshop

4 localflavour.ca INTRODUCTION Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

INTRODUCING THE

next crop

OF FOODIE EXPERIENCES

Take some of Canada’s most productive farmland and fresh

water and add a generous helping of families who are passionately

committed to producing world-class products in the region they

adventures that are truly one of a kind.

In Ontario’s

farm-to-table cuisine around every corner and friendly folks who

The Next Stop: Taste video series will show you unforgettable food,

wine, craft brewery and farm-to-table experiences. No matter what

corner of Ontario’s Southwest you travel to, there is a full crop of

farmers, chefs and producers ready to share the delicious fruits of

their labours.

OntariosSouthwest.com

sharing, authenticity, embracing quality ingredients and

celebrating the craft and tradition of farmers, chefs, and

local winemakers, craft brewers, cideries, and distilleries.

Whether you’re dining in one of the

chef-driven, farm-to-table restaurants,

sipping wine at a vineyard, visiting

one of the region’s many craft

breweries or visiting an agri-tourism

attraction — all beautifully connected

by well maintained country roads

— you will find that the food and

drink scene in Southwest Ontario is

a hotbed of talent. The range and

choices in culinary styles reflect

cultural diversity and fulfill the

increased consumer desire for quality

food and drink experiences that distinguish themselves

with innovation, authenticity and tradition.

The coffee drinker’s thirst for artisanal roasts with

diverse flavour profiles is matched by small-batch

coffee roasters with a passion for fairly-traded,

environmentally-responsible, and ethically-sourced

coffee beans. Tea drinkers are equally well served by the

outstanding coffeehouses, tea lounges, restaurants and

culinary retailers all around the region.

Uncork a new winemaking world by visiting awardwinning

wineries nestled in and around Southwest

Ontario’s coasts. The North Shore Lake Erie Wine Route

is well established and the emerging Huron Shores

Wine Region is already building

a strong reputation for similarly

exciting tours and tastings.

Enjoy the widely assorted flavour

profiles and subtleties of the local

craft beer phenomenon. There are

a number of beloved, locally-owned

small-batch brewers dedicated to

making exceptional craft beer with

unique local twists. Beer enthusiasts

will find everything from established

signature brews to one-off seasonal

beers. Paying homage to the hard work of our local

farmers and integrating their bounty, our local craft

brewers are flourishing. Their fresh creativity and new

flavour profiles are establishing deep customer loyalty,

Fellini Koolini’s

Great Lakes Farms

Hessenland Inn


JOIN US ON THE

SECOND FLOOR!

WE SPEAK

THE GOOD FOOD

LANGUAGE

Come in and enjoy our delicious,

seasonally created menu.

519-430-6414

Call for reservations

/Blakes2ndFloor

¦

not only to the products they are offering, but to the

brewers themselves. Our forward-thinking craft brewers

are creating meaningful and lasting onsite

experiences.

Southwest Ontario is home to a

strong community of innovators and

proponents of “experiential tourism”

— the burgeoning movement in which

locals and visitors enjoy meaningful

and inherently personal experiences by

appreciating cultural nuance through

interactive and authentic encounters.

The dialogue between growers and

producers on the one hand, with

chefs and restaurateurs on the other, has led to the

development of new culinary tourism experiences

while enhancing a sustainable food culture. Go behind

the scenes and take part in professionally guided

experiences or workshops with an insider, tailored and

customized to allow one-on-one and group interactions.

Indulge all your senses by partaking in a hands-on

experience with a craftsperson or a local culinary expert

or take a self-guided tour along one of the many awardwinning

culinary trails. Southwest Ontario’s interactive

experiences engage participants by involving artisans,

cheesemakers, chocolatiers, craft brewers, winemakers,

craft distillers, coffee roasters, tea sommeliers, chefs,

farmers, foragers and fishers.

While the farm-to-table ethos

has evolved into a mainstream food

movement, the trend for buying

and eating local continues to

evolve and deepen. You’ll discover

dozens of outstanding examples in

the following pages. We’re proud

to show off our regional food

heritage and the diversity of choices

available. Enjoy your authentic

tastes of Southwest Ontario!

BRYAN LAVERY, Eatdrink Food Editor and Writer at Large, brings years

of professional experience in the restaurant and hospitality business

as a chef, restaurateur and partner in the Lavery Culinary Group, a

culinary experience and consulting business. Always on the lookout

for stories Eatdrink should be telling, he helps shape the magazine

both under his byline and behind the scenes.

Planet Diner

The River Room

Garlic’s of London


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Travel the slow roads to charming tidy

towns, music-filled pubs, ancient tombs

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Explore the splendour of Lake Como,

Undiscovered Umbria, Amazing

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Regional Office: 31 Nottinghill Gate, Suite 203, Oakville TICO#50013851

Huron

LAKE HURON

Perth

MICHIGAN

Port Huron

Sarnia-Lambton

Middlesex

London

Elgin

Detroit

Windsor

LAKE ST CLAIR

Chatham-Kent

Windsor-Essex-

Pelee Island

3


Map A — SOUTHWEST ONTARIO

Toronto

Toronto

Toronto

Guelph

Guelph

Guelph

Waterloo

Waterloo

Waterloo

Cambridge

Kitchener

Cambridge

Kitchener

Cambridge

Kitchener

LAKE LAKE ONTARIO

LAKE ONTARIO ONTARIO

Oxford Oxford

Oxford

Hamilton

Hamilton

Hamilton

Niagara

Niagara Falls

Niagara

Falls

Falls

Norfolk Norfolk

Norfolk

Buffalo

Buffalo

Buffalo

LAKE LAKE ERIE

LAKE ERIE ERIE

NEW NEW YORK

NEW YORK YORK

OHIO OHIO

OHIO

PENNSYLVANIA

PENNSYLVANIA

PENNSYLVANIA

Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

INTRODUCTION

localflavour.ca 11

a

movement

for

restaurants

who believe

local food

matters.

•

®

A Feast On® Certification means

you’re fighting the good food fight.

You’re supporting our farmers

and putting local food first.

To get certified, visit:

ONTARIOCULINARY.COM

@ONTARIOCULINARY #FEASTON


WIN

A LOCAL FLAVOUR

OVERNIGHT TRIP

to

CHATHAM-KENT

A Luxurious Road Trip

for Two!

Use of a beautiful Lexus automobile

Accommodations at the Retro Suites Hotel

Wine Tasting at Early Acres Estate Winery

• Dinner for two at Mamma Maria’s Ristorante

Go to localflavour.ca/contests to enter and for complete details.

Southwest Contest Ontario runs until Culinary September Guide 1, 2020. Dates INTRODUCTION

are subject to availability. Prize has localflavour.ca no cash value. 13

London Restaurants

Amenities Legend

— Licenced

— Wheelchair Accessible

— Seasonal Patio

— Take-Out Available

— Hands-On Experiences

Available

— Accommodations

Available

Photo by Alieska Robles

GARLIC’S OF LONDON

481 Richmond St.

garlicsoflondon.com • 519-432-4092

DAVID’S BISTRO

432 Richmond St.

davidsbistro.ca • 519-667-0535

TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.

585 Richmond St.

tobogganbrewing.com • 519-433-2337

THE CHURCH KEY BISTRO-PUB

476 Richmond St.

thechurchkey.ca • 519-936-0960

JOE KOOL’S

595 Richmond St.

joekoolsrestaurant.ca • 519-663-5665

London

Map B — LONDON

HWY. 4

FANSHAWE PARK RD. W.

10

GAINSBOROUGH RD.

SARNIA RD.

MEDWAY CREEK

WESTERN RD.

University of

Western Ontario

VICTORIA ST.

27

OXFORD ST.

C.P.R.

RICHMOND ST.

BOLER RD.

SANITORIUM RD.

BYRON BASELINE

COLONEL TALBOT RD.

HYDE PARK RD.

THAMES RIVER

RIVERSIDE DRIVE

WONDERLAND RD.

C.N.R.

SPRINGBANK DR.

4

Blackfriars Bridge is

closed to vehicles.

Access Blackfriars Bistro

off Wharncliffe Rd.

65

WHARNCLIFFE RD. S.

ELMWOOD AVE.

EMERY ST.

BASELINE RD.

BLACKFRIARS ST.

STANLEY

WORTLEY

7

3

RIDOUT ST.

28

TALBOT ST.

BELGRAVE

18 59

17 13 5

21 6

CARLING

85

12

2

RICHMOND ST.

1 8

14

GR

HWY. 4

23

COUNTY RD. 2 & HWY.4 WEST

EXETER ROAD

SOUTHDALE RD.

COUNTY RD. 2

HWY. 402

EXIT 177

19

EXIT 183

EXI

16 localflavour.ca

FANSHAWE PARK RD. E.

WINDERMERE RD.

THAMES RIVER

FANSHAWE LAKE

HURON ST.

HURON ST.

WELLINGTON ST.

H

15

9

WATERLOO ST.

SOUTH

COLBORNE ST.

11

ST.

MAITLAND ST.

DUFFERIN AVE.

22

HORTON ST.

SIMCOE ST.

WILLIAM ST.

ADELAIDE ST.

KING ST.

YORK ST.

ADELAIDE ST.

24

PICCADILLY ST.

26

25

RECTORY ST.

20

OXFORD ST.

CENTRAL AVE.

QUEENS AVE.

DUNDAS ST.

Western

Fairgrounds

FLORENCE ST.

EGERTON ST.

QUEBEC ST.

60

71

HIGHBURY AVE.

FIRST ST.

FANSHAWE

COLLEGE

SECOND ST.

POTTERSBURG CREEK

THIRD ST.

CLARKE RD.

OXFORD ST. E.

TRAFALGAR ST.

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY

CRUMLIN SIDE RD.

16

AND AVE. WESTON ST.

HIGH ST.

?

COMMISSIONERS RD.

THOMPSON RD.

POND MILLS RD.

HIGHBURY AVE.

HAMILTON RD.

THAMES RIVER

GORE RD.

RIVER RD.

WELLINGTON RD.

MACDONALD-CARTIER FREEWAY

T 186

HWY. 401

WILTON GROVE RD.

EXIT 189

EXIT 194

WESTMINSTER DRIVE

SCOTLAND DRIVE

localflavour.ca 17

DISCOVER LONDON’S DISTRICTS

DUNDAS

PLACE

Community

at its core

REBEL REMEDY HEALTH BAR

242 Dundas St.

rebelremedy.com • 519-709-2782

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PLANT MATTER BISTRO

244 Dundas St.

plantmatterbistro.com • 519-432-3663

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHE RESTOBAR

225 Dundas St.

cherestobar.ca • 519-601-7999

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GRACE

215 Dundas St.

gracelondon.ca • 226-667-4822

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THAIFOON

120 Dundas St.

thaifoonrestaurant.com • 519-850-1222

For more Food & Drink in London, visit:

LONDONTOURISM.CA

DISCOVER LONDON’S DISTRICTS

OLD EAST

VILLAGE

Eat. Shop. Play

UNIQUE FOOD ATTITUDES

697 Dundas St.

unique-food-attitudes.com • 519-649-2225

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE ROOT CELLAR

623 Dundas St.

rootcellarorganic.ca • 519-719-7675

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE MARKET AT THE WESTERN FAIR

900 King St.

westernfairdistrict.com • 519-438-7203

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE BOOMBOX BAKESHOP

520 Adelaide St. N.

theboomboxbakeshop.com • 519-488-0384

For more Food & Drink in London, visit:

LONDONTOURISM.CA

London’s Oasis

for Food Lovers!

DAVID’S BISTRO

One of Downtown London’s culinary landmarks for

over 20 years, David's Bistro is truly “an oasis for

food lovers.” Professional, friendly service is provided

by owner David Chapman (centre), his wife Cindy

Kinsella (second from the left), and his daughter,

Manager Natalie Chapman (second from the right).

Chef Elvis Drennan (far right) leads an exceptional

kitchen staff, including Sous Chef Rick Hunt (far left)

and line cook Andrew Woolcox-Howe (far back).

20

Daily Prix Fixe Specials


The Scene

David’s Bistro, a classic French

bistro, was opened in 1998 by David

Chapman. After being chef and then

chef/owner of Anthony’s Seafood

Bistro (a local landmark at the time)

for 18 years, Chapman decided to

reinvent himself. His traditional

bistro, with its small bar and vibrant

red walls, is a venerated downtown

London culinary anchor. The classic

bistro motif perfectly matches the

traditional approach to service and

attention to detail.

Menu Highlights

Owner David Chapman and Chef

Elvis Drennan, who has helmed the kitchen and a talented kitchen staff for

a number of years, present perfectly executed classic regional Frenchinspired

specialties. The emphasis is on authentic country cuisine with

high quality, primarily seasonal, local ingredients. Chapman and Drennan

are long-time proponents of the philosophy that simplicity, seasonality and

purity are the hallmarks of good cooking.

Chalkboard prix-fixe menus change daily, in tune with the seasons and

the availability of special items. So too does the interesting wine list vary,

always with a range of carefully selected

consignment wines listed on a separate

blackboard, augmenting regular

favourites. Classic Bistro Fare at David’s

includes the highly recommended:

• Pan roasted Halibut with zucchini,

sweetydrop pepper and pea ragoût

and saffron cream sauce;

• Braised Spring Lamb Shank with

hominy grits and mint gremolata;

• Grilled Rack of Venison with ricotta

gnocchi, boar bacon and red wine

jus;

• Duck Leg Confit with lingonberry

jus, rösti potato and asparagus;

• An innovative dessert selection,

all made in house.

The Bar

LONDON

London

Classic Bistro

432 Richmond Street (at Carling)

MAP B p16: 1 519-667-0535

LUNCH: WED–FRI 11:30 am–2:30 pm

DINNER: MON–SUN 5 pm–10 pm

LUNCH: $14– $18

DINNER: $28 – $36

prix fixe menu changes daily

2 Courses: $28

3 Courses: $32

www.davidsbistro.ca

Classic French Bistro Fare

Daily Prix Fixe Choices

Excellent Wine List, Available

by Glass or Bottle

Dark Chocolate Torchon

Asparagus & Edamame Salad

Grilled Tuna with Risotto Noir

localflavour.ca 21

Italian Inspired ...

Locally Focused

ABRUZZI

Co-owners Rob D’Amico and Chef

Dave Lamers have lifted Abruzzi into

the top echelon of London restaurants,

serving Italian-inspired modern and

traditional regional specialties. As host

and chef, respectively, each brings

a polished professionalism to their

Downtown epicurean hotspot.

22

The Scene

Abruzzi is well-groomed but casual,

with an elegant white marble bar just

inside the front entrance. There is an

elevated communal table in the centre

of the dining room that seats eight. The

simple, striking decor with bare brick

walls and lots of mirrors, the innovative

lighting, and the friendly ambience are

all central to the Abruzzi experience.

The service is attentive, polished and

knowledgeable.

Menu Highlights

Chef Dave Lamers takes the earthy

Italian culinary vocabulary and imbues

it with both his idiosyncratic style and a culinary dialect that is responsive

to the seasons. Abruzzi is Feast ON-certified and won a Gold Medal

Innovation Award from Food Day Canada for its consistent commitment

to using local ingredients. Lamers stresses simplicity and freshness as

foundations of the Abruzzi kitchen philosophy and the menu offerings

capture the essence of Italian cooking. They are intuitive, often iconic,

prepared with quality sustainable ingredients and executed with skill and

an eye to detail. Signature dishes include:

• Grilled Loco Fields Peach Salad with toasted hazelnuts, arugula,

ricotta salata and Niagara Chardonnay & honey vinaigrette;

• Crispy Pork Belly & Bay Scallops with

charred Loco Fields carrots, carrot

purée, kale & spiced jus;

• Ricotta Gnudi with Brussels sprouts,

leeks, shallots, house lamb pancetta,

honey mushrooms & sage brown butter;

• Grilled Beef Tenderloin with crispy

gnocchi, mushrooms, spinach, green

beans,red wine & veal stock reduction;

• Sous Vide Cauliflower “Steak” with

beluga lentils, roasted fennel, charred

red onion Brussels sprouts, fennel hot

sauce, onion, thyme & white bean purée;

Duo of Venison


• S’Mores — dark chocolate brownie,

torched marshmallow crème, fudge

sauce, vanilla gelato & graham crumble.

LONDON

The Bar

London

Italian-inspired

Farm-to-Table

119 King Street (at Talbot)

MAP B p16: 2 519-675-9995

HOURS: MON–SAT 11:30 am – LATE

closed sunday

LUNCH: $10– $25

DINNER: $14 – $42

abruzzi.ca

Superior Wine List Includes

Interesting Consignments

Award-Winning Commitment to

Local Sustainable Ingredients

House-Cured Pancetta &

Assorted Charcuterie

Menus Change Seasonally

Italian Regional Specialties

Steps to Budweiser Gardens

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Seared Sea Scallops & Pork Belly

Rhubarb Cake & Housemade Gelato

localflavour.ca 23

11

Lo

51

w

Inspired Cuisine at

The Forks of the Thames

THE RIVER ROOM Café & Private Dining

RHINO LOUNGE Bakery & Coffee Shoppe

Owners Jess Jazey-Spoelstra and

Harmen Spoelstra opened The River

Room and put Museum London on the

local dining map. This exceptional lunch

and brunch spot reflects Jess’ culinary

philosophy “to create exceptional food

at reasonable prices,” with lots of New

York-style bravado. Since 2014, the

stylish Rhino Lounge Bakery & Coffee

Shoppe has been know for its sleek

ambience, creative menu, specialty

coffees and outstanding baked goods.

24

Chef Jeff Fortner


The Scene

The River Room offers

outstanding food and

service in a stunning

space with fabulous

views of the The Forks

of the Thames and the

old courthouse. Jess

Jazey-Spoelstra’s

sophisticated design

sensibility is reflected

in the cuisine as well

as the stylish and relaxed interior. The ambience is warm and friendly, with

glass, leather and linen textural elements. There is an attractive curved bar at

the entrance and photos pay homage to New York City.

Menu Highlights

At lunch, Chef Jeff Fortner and his team’s features include Pan Roasted

Salmon with miso-honey sauce, soba noodles, scallion, julienned carrot

and tomato. The East Coast Lobster Roll with celery, scallion, mayo and

topsider bun quickly became a signature dish. House Cured Smoked Trout

with toasted naan, house crackers, crème fraîche and accoutrements.

Über Pastry Chef Michele Lenhardt brings dessert offerings at both

locations to a new level. Decadent Chocolate Cake with fudge frosting

and Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing are classics, as are her Apple

Fritters with salted caramel sauce. Try the River Room’s signature Vanilla

Bean Crème Brûlée and the Rhino’s Brookies (brownie meets cookie)

and the popular Cronut Thursdays. The Rhino caters to different diets,

and has developed vegan takes on such

classics as Mac ’n’ Cheese, Sausage Rolls,

Cheesecake and Dutchies.

The River Room’s prix fixe Brunch menu

($28) features a dozen dishes, including:

• Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, bacon,

blue cheese, hard-boiled egg and

chopped tomato & cucumbers.

• Oeufs en Meurette — two soft poached

eggs in red wine sauce with Cipollini

onions, bacon lardons and roasted

potatoes.

• Maitake & Potato Skillet, with boudin

blanc, leek, zucchini, fried egg and toast.

Pastry Chef

Michele Lenhardt

LONDON

London

Contemporary

Casual Fine Dining

& Café

421 Ridout Street North

(within Museum London)

MAP B p16: 3 519-850-2287

HOURS: TUES–FRI 11:30 am–3 pm

SUNDAY 11:30 am–3 pm

Open for Dinner during Londonlicious

LUNCH: $9– $22

BRUNCH: $28 Prix Fixe

theriverroom.ca

Daily Lunch Specials

Meeting Room Amenities Available

Open Evenings for Private Dining

THE RHINO LOUNGE 519-850-5111

HOURS: TUES–WED 11:30 am–4:30 pm

THURS 11:30 am–8:30 pm

FRI–SUN 11:30 am–4:30 pm

Open Evenings for Private Events

Meeting Room Amenities Available

Cronut Thursdays

Smoked Salmon & Potato Latkes

Lemon Tart with Raspberry Purée

Cronut Thursdays at Rhino Lounge

localflavour.ca 25

Dispensing Deliciousness

CRAFT FARMACY

Jess Jazey-Spoelstra (of North Moore Catering

and The River Room) partnered with über chef

Andrew Wolwowicz to create Craft Farmacy,

London’s local craft beer and oyster bar. The

name refers to Craft, as in an activity involving

skill in making things by hand, and Farmacy,

which relates to the “farm” and the “sea.”

26

Stylish Interior with Fireplace

Executive Chef

Andrew Wolwowicz

with puffball mushroom


The Scene

Jess Jazey-Spoelstra and Chef Andrew

Wolwowicz deliver style and comfort

with attention to the smallest details at

Craft Farmacy. Setting the tone in the

dining room is an ample repurposed bar,

stunning fireplace, custom-made leather

banquettes and repurposed tables with

comfortable strapped-back bentwoodstyle

chairs. The servers’ customdesigned

leather aprons by Coakley’s

are another example of a keen eye for

detail. There is private event space with

room for 40 on the second floor.

Menu Highlights

Chef/co-owner Andrew Wolwowicz is a

local pioneer of the ethical farm-to-table movement, promoting the four

pillars of sustainability: cultural vibrancy,

economic prosperity, environmental

responsibility and social justice. Craft

Farmacy is a Feast ON-certified “Taste of

Ontario” restaurant. Working with Jazey-

Spoelstra to create the menus, Chef cooks

with skill and dedication, aided by his

talented sous chef Kyle Trafford and a team

of apprentices.

Dishes are progressive and rustic in style,

featuring high-quality ingredients crafted from

local, region-specific and specialty products,

Roasted Half Chicken

and executed with aptitude, innovation and

attention to detail. Recommendations

Confit of Duck

with Pork Belly

include: Roasted Bone Marrow with oxtail

marmalade; Duck Poutine with house-cut

fries, duck demi, shredded duck confit,

local cheese curds and scallions; Crispy

Frog Legs with potatoes, brown butter and

chilies; and a Roasted Half Chicken with a

locally-crafted sour beer and butter sauce.

A raw bar features a fresh Shellfish

Tower, Shrimp Cocktail and a changing

selection of six to nine East Coast

oyster varieties with fresh horseradish,

mignonette sauce and hot sauce.

LONDON

London

Craft Beer &

Oyster Bar

449 Wharncliffe Rd S (N of Baseline)

MAP B p16: 4 519-914-2699

HOURS: TUES–THURS 11:30am–11pm

FRIDAY 11:30 am–12 am

SATURDAY 12 noon–12 am

SUNDAY 11 am–11 pm

closed mondays

LUNCH: $12– $22

APPS: $12– $20

DINNER: $20– $38

BRUNCH: $27 Prix Fixe

@craftfarmacy

London’s Premier Oyster Bar

Extensive Craft Beer Selection

Fireplace & Welcoming Ambience

Ample Free Parking

Private Rooms Available

Seafood Tower & Oysters

Blackboard Menu Updated Daily

localflavour.ca 27

Craft Beer & Modern

Pub Fare with Flair

THE CHURCH KEY BISTRO-PUB

The Church Key is your destination pub, whether you’re looking for

an impressive selection of craft beers or a pub meal with flair. Owners

Pete and Vanessa Willis have nearly 50 years combined experience

in the restaurant industry. The opening of The Church Key in May of

2009 was the culmination of a longtime dream. “We are definitely pub

people,” says Vanessa. “We like an uncomplicated place where you

can talk and have good food and beer and wine.”

28

London

The Bar


The Scene

Warm and comfortable, with a

pleasing combination of brick,

stone and wood, The Church Key

is an extensively renovated pub

in a prominent Richmond Row

heritage building across from The

Grand Theatre. An intimate outdoor

courtyard flanks the south

side of the building.

Menu Highlights

The Church Key follows in the

British tradition of the gastro pub by

specializing in traditional food done

with gourmet flair. Chef Michael

Anglestad, with over 20 years in

fine dining, uses seasonal, locally

sourced ingredients extensively.

Try the Ploughman’s Plate,

great as a meal or a shared

appetizer, with English cheeses,

crusty bread, paté, smoked salmon, duck breast bacon, branston pickle,

pickled quail eggs and vegetables. Or start with Salmon Wrapped

Scallops — sea scallops wrapped in house-smoked salmon, drizzled with

grapefruit and rice wine syrup and togarashi aioli.

Entrée favourites include the famous Church Key Burger, a traditional

Fish & Chips, Lamb Curry — lamb braised in mild ginger curry sauce on

seasoned rice with cucumber raita and fresh cilantro.

• The Game of the Week: This popular feature changes every week, as Chef

creates a unique dish that showcases a different variety of game meat.

• Sunday Brunch begins with a large basket of baked pastries, such

as fresh croissants,

almond cheesecake

Danish, or sweet

potato & pumpkin

seed bread, all baked

fresh by Pastry Chef

Cliff Briden. Then

enjoy a choice of five

different brunch entrée

items. The menu is

different every week!

LONDON

Farm-to-Table

Bistro-Pub

476 Richmond Street (N of Queens)

MAP B p16: 5 519-936-0960

HOURS: MON & TUES 11:30 am–10 pm

WED & THURS 11:30 am–11 pm

FRI & SAT 11:30 am–12 am

SUN 11 am–10 pm

LUNCH: $11 – $17

DINNER: $18 – $30

thechurchkey.ca

Across from The Grand Theatre

Vegetarian Options

Sunday Brunch 11 am–2 pm

Game Meat of the Week Specials

Food Served Late!

Heritage Building Charm

Across from the Grand Theatre

Inviting Courtyard Patio

localflavour.ca 29

Ethical, Seasonal,

Regional Cuisine

GARLIC’S OF LONDON

Celebrating a passion for food, wine and service,

Garlic’s of London offers traditionally prepared

high-quality food with a modern edge. The Garlic

Fettucinne in this photo typifies this London

landmark’s approach to top-of-the-line rustic cooking,

using quality seasonal and local ingredients.

30

The Scene

The unique artistic atmosphere of this restaurant’s dining room exhibits its

deeply-rooted connections with the city. Exposed brick walls display local

artist Steve Tracy’s paintings and posters from the Grand Theatre. A handcrafted

metal garlic sculpture

holds the menu (which

changes monthly) by the door.

For over 25 years, Garlic’s

has been a popular dining

destination. Open seven

days a week, a professional

Owner Edin “Edo” Pehilj


staff will welcome you for an

intimate gathering, leisurely

Sunday Brunch, business

meeting or special celebration. The Garlic’s team ensures you have an

exceptional experience with gracious service, warm ambience, distinguished

wines and a carefully crafted, seasonally-inspired menu.

Menu Highlights

Garlic’s of London menus stand out with a transcendent synergy between

authentic, chef-driven culinary craftsmanship and meticulously procured

components, enhanced through contemporary twists on time-honoured

traditions. An early crusader in

the farm-to-table movement,

Garlic’s cooking has a thoughtful,

respectful edge and is made from

scratch with inspiration from local

products, elevated by freshlyharvested

seasonal ingredients.

Head Chef Alex Martin

believes cooking is not just a

full-time job; it is something

ingrained in his being, and an integral part of his personal creative expression.

He presents memorable dishes that are sophisticated and intriguing,

showcasing his ingenuity with ingredients and passion for enticing flavours. The

carefully crafted menu reflects

a rustic yet modern flair, with

high-quality ingredients from

Canadian farmers. Bread is

baked daily from scratch; pastas

and desserts are all housemade.

Enjoy the skillfully curated

wine list, an interesting

Whiskey Chai LatteCharcuterie Board

Head Chef Alex Martin

cocktail selection and local

craft beers available on tap.

LONDON

London

Farm-to-Table Dining

481 Richmond Street (S of Dufferin)

MAP B p16: 6 519-432-4092

HOURS: MON–FRI 11:30 am–10 pm

SAT 11 am–11 pm

SUN 11 am–10 pm

subject to change seasonally

LUNCH: $10 – $28

DINNER: $10 – $38

garlicsoflondon.com

Beside The Grand Theatre

Upscale Rustic Cuisine

Seasonal Ingredients

Naturally-Raised Meats

Menu Changes Monthly

Seasonal Cocktails

P.E.I. Mussels

Housemade Desserts

localflavour.ca 31

Chef-Driven

Farm-to-Table Bistro

BLACKFRIARS

BISTRO & CATERING

Farm fresh food prepared on site allows

the talented Blackfriars team led by

owner Betty Heydon to provide guests

with seasonal meals geared to their

individual needs. The casually elegant

bistro provides cutting edge flavours

with a respect for culinary traditions.

This same attention to detail and personalized

menu planning are hall marks of

Blackfriars’ full service catering.

32


The Scene

Blackfriars offers a deliciously

artistic setting minutes from

downtown London. The central

location and ample parking

make this the perfect meeting

place for a culinary adventure.

Upbeat, knowledgeable staff

are your first introduction to

Blackfriars. The bistro’s intimate

size and style allow for perfect

closed room parties. Don’t

let size fool you! Blackfriars has a strong reputation as one of London’s

premier caterers. A powerhouse culinary team showcases prodigious individual

talents with farm fresh menus augmented by creative daily specials.

Menu Highlights

Innovative seasonal menus are elegantly handwritten by restaurateur

Betty Heydon, who has presided over Blackfriars for more than 23 years.

A large blackboard covers one wall, featuring daily seasonal creations

by Blackfriars’ talented chefs. There you’ll also find an ever-changing

beverage list; Blackfriars has been a leader in providing well-chosen craft

beer and consignment wines to enhance a full bar selection, including

daily signature cocktails. Blackfriars features small plates at dinner for

lighter dining, and honours special dietary needs and plant-based diets.

Recommendations might include:

• LUNCH — Nona Bridget’s Beef Tenderloin Medallion on a forest

mushroom & sun dried tomato risotto with seasonal vegetable and

Parmigiano cheese; Blackfriars signature Stilton & Port Cheesecake

with grilled chicken, heritage greens, warm pomegranate molasses

vinaigrette and grilled garlic baguette;

Soba Noodle Salad Bowl with tofu or

with chicken with spicy peanut sauce,

julienned vegetables, Napa cabbage,

toasted peanuts, mango, herbs and

candied ginger.

• DINNER — Smoky Jack BBQ Pulled

Short Rib Tacos with pickled onion,

cilantro & shredded greens; Kafta

Spiced Metzger’s Pork Tenderloin

Medallions on a zucchini lemon ricotta

Triple Layer Belgian

Chocolate with Ganache

Seasonal Goodness

from Betty’s Garden

cake with cucumber mint raita; Sweet

and Spicy Pork Belly on sweet potato

purée with kimchi.

LONDON

London

Contemporary

Bistro & Caterer

46 Blackfriars St. (Off Wharncliffe)

MAP B p16: 7 519-667-4930

LUNCH: MON–FRI 11:30 am–2:30 pm

DINNER: MON–SAT 5 pm–10 pm

open saturday afternoons and

sundays for private parties only

blackfriarsbistro.com

Changing Daily Specials

Reservations by Phone Only

Enter off Wharncliffe Road

Ample Free Parking

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Closed Room Parties Available

Dietary Needs Accommodated

Bistro & Catering

Artistic Intimate Atmosphere

Daily Blackboard Features

Beef Tenderloin

localflavour.ca 33

Conscious

Canadian Cuisine

GRACE

Grace is not your average fine dining

restaurant. Named after Grace

Murphy, grandmother of Executive

Chef Angie Murphy, Grace is a new

kind of intentional restaurant that

prioritizes not only beautiful, seasonal,

local food but also community, social

responsibility, and industry fairness.

34

Sous Chefs Cody Tanner-Slater

and Kyle Newman


The Scene

Located on the ground floor

of a yellow-bricked heritage

building, Grace brings strong

elements of modernity and

sophistication to the old core

of Downtown London. Two

walls of full-height windows

provide generous natural

light by day and reflect the

comforting interior at night.

Revel in the inviting lounge

area or the sophisticated

dining room with plush booths

and flowing artwork and watch the magic happen in the open kitchen. A

private dining room for up to eight guests is also available by request.

Menu Highlights

Fundamentally, Grace is a restaurant about food made from fine

ingredients, with artistry and a dedication to excellence. The Modern

Canadian cuisine draws on classic French tradition and technique, infused

with global influences. Honesty, integrity, community and connection are

the values behind each plate. The menu changes frequently to showcase

the freshest local ingredients.

If you’re looking for an exceptional experience, this is the perfect setting

for a five (or seven, or ten) course tasting menu with wine pairings. Relax in

the lounge with a signature cocktail or choose from the curated beer and

wine selections. Grace also offers late-night snacks after your downtown

concert or trip to the theatre.

Recommendations include:

• House Ricotta with toasted

chillies, stone fruit, pistachios,

sweet olive oil and toast;

• Deviled Aylmer Shrimp

with smoked tomato, sweet

potato, green apple, cured

egg yolk, mustard greens and

poppy seeds;

• McIntosh Farms Duck Breast

Co-owner & Executive

Chef Angie Murphy

with creamed corn, pickled

tomatillos, ground cherries

and plum jus.

LONDON

London

Contemporary

Canadian

215 Dundas Street (at Clarence)

MAP B p16: 8 226-667-4822

DINNER: WED–SAT from 5 pm

SUN 6 pm–8 pm

LUNCH: THURS & FRI 11:30 am–2 pm

BRUNCH: SUNDAY 11:30 am–2 pm

gracelondon.ca

Farm-to-Table Menus

Craft Cocktails

Private Room Available

Close to London’s Premier

Entertainment Venues

Plenty of Nearby Parking

Mithras Cider

Chocolate Peanut Tart

Fermented Tomato Panna Cotta

localflavour.ca 35

Authentic Wood-fired

Artisanal Pizzeria

PIZZERIA MADRE

Chef Matt Reijnen and Jessica Washburn

offer an exceptional experience at

Pizzeria Madre, bringing a contemporary

local twist to Italian-inspired cuisine.

The Malagutti fired pizza oven turns out

pizzas with perfect crust and a variety of

authentic, seasonally-inspired dishes.

36

London

Farm-to-Table

Italian Pizzeria

111 Wellington Street

(between Hill & South Streets)

MAP B p16: 9 519-432-4333

OPEN: TUES–SAT 5 pm–10 pm

Closed SUN–MON

pizzeriamadre.wixsite.com/book

Naturally-Leavened Sourdough

Pizza Crust

Rotating Local Craft Beer Selection

16-Seat Seasonal Patio

The Scene

Situated in a 130-year-old building

in London’s recently revitalized

SoHo neighbourhood, this licensed,

contemporary resto is casual yet

sophisticated and nicely appointed

with high ceilings, tile floors, picture

windows, whitewashed walls and a

partially-open kitchen. The custommade

bar and tables are made of

local pine. Service is genuinely warm

and intelligent.

Menu Highlights

Menus are spiked with seasonal

ingredients. The Green Bean Salad

with pancetta, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano, lemon and Caesar dressing is

sensational. Also highly recommended from the Sharing/Small Plates

Menu are Warm Sicilian Olives with rosemary, chile, garlic, citrus and

the Pizzeria Salad with iceberg, greens, pickled red onion, fried polenta

croutons, pecorino and agrodolce dressing. The ever-changing “Pizze”

Menu offers amazing flavour combinations that change with the seasons,

each with a perfect crust made from naturally-leavened sourdough pizza

dough. Carnivores, vegans and vegetarians will find appealing options,

and any pizza can be modified upon request. Recent pizzas have included:

• Marinara with tomato, garlic,

oregano, pepper and olive oil;

• Pepperoni with tomato, fontina,

housemade pepperoni, oregano,

toasted fennel seed and Parmigiano;

• Nightshade with tomato, smoky

eggplant, roasted pepper/Calabrian

chile pesto, Taleggio and Parmigiano;

• Roasted Mushroom with cream,

smoked provolone, maitake & cremini

mushrooms, parsley, chive and walnut.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

Changing selections such as Warm

Chocolate & Salted Caramel Cake or

Patata Pizza


Chocolate Brûléed & Blistered S’more

show off the kitchen’s diverse strengths.

LONDON

PIZZERIA

Sourdough Garlic Bread

Changing Housemade Desserts

Malagutti Fired Pizza Oven

localflavour.ca 37

A New Taste

in Hyde Park!

TAVERNA 13THIRTYONE

Co-owners Rob D’Amico and Chef Dave Lamers,

of renowned Abruzzi in Downtown London, have

brought this contemporary upscale neighbourhood

tavern to Hyde Park in west-end London. An

internationally-inspired menu offers something for

everyone, perfect for families, a business lunch, or a

great night out with friends.

38

Tostada, albacore tuna crudo,

pickled pearl onions, chilies, sprouts

Co-Owners Rob D’Amico

& Chef David Lamers


The Scene

Taverna 13thirtyone is in

a new space designed to

accommodate the vision of

experienced restaurateurs,

creating a relaxed yet

sophisticated culinary

experience. A welcoming

bar has both craft beers and

quality wines on tap, and a

larger selection by the bottle.

High ceilings with exposed

ductwork and large windows

letting in plenty of natural light

enhance the contemporary

feel, while comfortable seating

is arranged for larger groups

and intimate dinners. There is a private room for parties or business

meetings for up to 30 guests. A seasonal patio seats 40.

Menu Highlights

Chef David Lamers and Chef Logan Withers lead the kitchen team,

with a menu that celebrates local and seasonal ingredients inspired by

international flavours. Charcuterie and Cheese Boards and a selection of

small plate options are ideal for a communal dining experiences, or choose

a small plate as a starter or a light bite. You’ll also find fresh oysters,

housemade pastas and an eclectic variety of main dishes, and inspired

housemade desserts.

Shareable suggestions include the Tostada of the Day, perogies,

or dumplings. Try the delicious Great Lakes Fish Tacos, a fresh

interpretation of KFC Chicken Wings, or the perfectly prepared Steak

Tartare. Recommendations for main entrées include:

• Spatchcock Cornish Hen — whole deboned hen, smashed fingerling

potatoes, roasted heirloom carrots, and hen jus;

• French Onion Burger with

caramelized onions, Swiss cheese,

and a potato chive bun;

• Trout Almondine with fingerling

potatoes, green beans, sliced

almonds, and lemon pan jus;

• Striploin Steak — a 9oz California

cut with Shogun maitake

mushrooms, roasted mini carrots,

and red wine jus;

• “Bangers & Mash” Sausage-

Stuffed Pork Loin with brown

House-Cured Breasola

butter mashed, green beans, pea

shoot salad, and red eye gravy.

LONDON

London

Contemporary

International

Farm-to-Table

1331 Hyde Park Road

(S of South Carriage Rd.)

MAP B p16: 10 519-473-1331

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK:

hours change seasonally

LUNCH: $8– $16

DINNER: $15 – $33

taverna1331.ca

Beer & Wine On Tap


Menus Change Seasonally

Seasonal Patio

Attentive, Knowledgeable Service

Ample Free Parking

Angus Strip Loin

Loco Fields Sunchoke Agnolotti

Heeman’s Strawberry Shortcake

localflavour.ca 39

Classic & Contemporary

Hungarian Cuisine

BUDAPEST RESTAURANT

This London landmark has been operating since 1956, and its

current owners, Eduard Nagy and Anita Tasonyi, are 20-year

veterans of the establishment. Protégés of the legendary restaurateur

Marika Hayek, they continue to delight clients by offering

authentic Hungarian specialties in this classic old-world setting.

40

London

Authentic

Hungarian Dining

348 Dundas Street (at Waterloo)

MAP B p16: 11 519-439-3431

LUNCH: MON–FRI 11am–2pm

DINNER: SUN–THURS 4 pm–9 pm

FRI & SAT 4 pm–10 pm

LUNCH: $12 – $22

DINNER: $20 – $38

budapestrestaurant.net

Owners Anita Tasonyi

and Eduard Nagy


The Scene

Budapest Restaurant is a local gem

with a richly Bohemian and Gypsystyle

ambience. The décor is a mix of

traditional designs, embroidery, lace,

layering, fringe, textures, prints and

photographs. Red velvet valances and

curtained tables are complemented

by comfortable armchairs. A charming

canopied seasonal streetside patio

offers a sheltered view of downtown.

Conveniently located in the hotel

district, the restaurant is a short walk

to the Delta Armouries, DoubleTree by

Hilton and RBC Place London.

Menu Highlights

The Old World European

look and feel is matched by a

deliciously authentic menu.

The chef is an innovator, adding

interesting contemporary twists

to the dishes and the plating of

traditional recipes, retaining the

heart and soul of the Hungarian

classics. Confident, expansive

cooking keeps traditional Hungarian flavours front and centre.

The passionate kitchen takes an enticing handful of top quality ingredients

and allows them to shine. This is Marika Hayek’s lasting legacy. Enjoy classic

offerings flavoured prominently by woodsy, smoky Hungarian paprika — dishes

that are precisely prepared and expertly

flavoured. Recommendations include:

• Weiner Schnitzel dipped in egg

batter, coated with breadcrumbs and

delicately golden fried;

• Cabbage Rolls filled with minced pork

& rice, baked in a signature tomato

sauce;

• Chicken Blintz with chopped crispy

chicken schnitzel in a savoury crepe;

• Roasted Duck Leg with braised red

Dining Room

Manager Julia

cabbage and dumplings;

• Slow Cooked Roast Lamb Shoulder

with light mustard and cream sauce.

LONDON

Banquet Room Available

Seasonal Patio

Take-away & Catering Available

Chicken Schnitzel on a Kaiser

Golden Fried Weiner Schnitzel

Bohemian Decor & Gypsy Ambiance

localflavour.ca 41

Escape the Ordinary

STAY

Nestled between the entertainment

and business districts in Downtown

London, Hotel Metro offers a boutique

hotel experience. An architectural

blend of modern and historic design

complements this private 20-room

hotel that delivers a personal service

during your stay.

RELAX

Hotel Metro’s rooms are designed to

enhance your visit. Awaiting you are

luxurious AVEDA bath amenities, flat

screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers,

soothing soaker tubs, exposed brick

walls in our signature lofts and fine

dining delivered to your door —

ensuring an exceptional and unique

experience.

ENJOY

Many of London’s finest entertainment

attractions are within steps of Hotel

Metro’s doors: Budweiser Gardens, the

historic Covent Garden Market, the

Grand Theatre and many of London’s

best restaurants and bars — including

famed Richmond Row — are within

walking distance. Located within Hotel

Metro, Gnosh Dining + Cocktails offers

an eclectic seasonal menu. Feel like

staying in? Gnosh offers its menu

in-room for your convenience.

London’s Premier Boutique Hotel

There is no limit to what we can arrange.

Please contact us to customize your stay.

We are available 24/7 to answer your questions.

T: 519.518.9000 or 1.866.626.3876

E: info@mhotels.ca W: hotelmetro.ca

32 Covent Market Lane, Downtown London

London

Traditional Italian

& Mediterranean


MAP B p16: 12 519-434-2272

HOURS: MON–SAT 11:30 am–close

Closed Sundays & Holidays

LUNCH: $9–$24

DINNER: $10–$39

lacasaristorante.com

Steps to Budweiser Gardens

Across from Covent Garden Market

Perfect for Groups, Birthdays,

Rehearsal Lunches & Dinners,

Small Weddings, Receptions

and Private Dining

Outstanding Scotch Selection

Fresh Daily Food Specials

Gracious Relaxed Dining

Salmone Della Casa

Marinated Pan-Fried Calamari

44 localflavour.ca

Come Home to

La Casa — Since 1994

LA CASA RISTORANTE

A Downtown London landmark for fine dining for 25 years, it

continues to offer a quintessential

experience for casual but refined

dining. Consistency and familiarity are

the hallmarks of the La Casa culinary

experience. Count on fresh, local

ingredients and a warm, neighbourly

ambience with intimate dining rooms

accented by a crackling wood-burning

fireplace and a well-stocked bar.

The Scene

In the middle of King Street’s restaurant

row, across the street from the Covent

Garden Market and kitty corner to

Budweiser Gardens stands La Casa, with a stylish black brick façade.

One enters the dining room through a short hallway, as one might enter a

gracious home. Intimately candle-lit by night, large windows provide lots

of natural light by day.

Menu Highlights

La Casa encapsulates its Italian roots by offering traditional home-style

fare such as risotto, ravioli, lasagna, gnocchi Bolognese and angel

hair pasta. The menus emphasize the classics of the Italian culinary

canon and the authenticity that comes from family recipes handed down

Traditional Desserts

LONDON

Beef Tenderloin

through the generations. The pastas are

all made in-house and the kitchen does

its own smoking, baking and desserts.

The sourdough starter is over 20 years

old now! Recommendations include:

• Rack of Lamb — herb-crusted Ontario

lamb, roasted red potatoes, vegetable

ratatouille and a shiraz-lamb sauce;

• Seafood Risotto — lobster, seared

scallops, shrimp, diced pancetta,

mascarpone cheese & fresh pea shoots;

• Beef Tenderloin — 8-ounce hand-cut

fillet, with asparagus tips, garlic

mashed potatoes, roasted portobello

mushroom and a beef jus demi-glace.


An Experience

to Savour

Chef Scott Wesseling


BLACK

TRUMPET

For over 18 years Black Trumpet

has been a culinary destination in

the heart of Downtown London’s

Richmond Row. The warmth and

charm extends from the architecture

to the impeccable world-inspired

cuisine, wine list and the polished

attentive service.

The Scene

Black Trumpet has a stunning and lush ambience, with eight unique richly

detailed and flexible dining areas for entertaining an intimate group or

hosting a sit-down reception. In the warm weather months, the beautifully

appointed and private gardens create a peaceful setting and prestigious

spot for alfresco dining and cocktails. This secluded haven is a hidden

jewel, one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Menu Highlights

Chef Scott Wesseling and Sous Chef Oliver Thomas have a contemporary

take on updated comfort foods, plant-based options and traditional

recipes, and support and seek out local providers. The menu offers

something to appeal to everyone’s tastes or dietary needs. A new Vegan

Menu offers delicious options, such as the BT Buddha Bowl, Avocado

Tempura with chili lime aioli, or Cabbage Rolls.

At lunch, treat yourself to Cornish Hen, Ontario Lamb, or one of the

many offerings from The Big Green Egg,

such as Pork Belly Burnt End Bao Buns,

Brisket, or Lamb Shank Shawarma.

Dinner recommendations include:

• Berbere Spiced Tuna, olive and citrus

Israeli cous cous, kelp salad and

wasabi crèma;

• Maple Lacquered Duck Confit with

warm bacon potato salad and grainy

mustard sauce;

• Roasted Squash Risotto with leeks,

Fish Tacos

chevre, roasted pumpkin seeds, fried

sage, and pumpkin oil.

LONDON

London

Contemporary

World Cuisine

523 Richmond Street (S of Kent)

MAP B p16: 13 519-850-1500

HOURS: MON–SAT 11:30 am–close


LUNCH: $11–$21

DINNER: $11–$36

blacktrumpet.ca

World Cuisine Inspired by Local

and Seasonal Ingredients

In the Heart of Richmond Row,

Just North of The Grand Theatre

Perfect for Groups, Birthdays,

Rehearsal Lunches & Dinners,

Small Weddings, Receptions

and Private Dining

Multi-Media Capabilities

Exotic Courtyard Patio

Peaceful Garden Courtyard

Bacon-wrapped Chorizo

Private Dining Rooms Available

localflavour.ca 45

London

Farm-to-Table

Social Enterprise

1. 255 Horton Street (Goodwill Centre)

MAP B p16: 14 519-645-0900

HOURS: MON–FRI 7:30 am–4:30 pm

SAT & SUN 9 am–3 pm

2. 201 King Street (Innovation Works)

MAP B p16: 15 519-675-1733

HOURS: MON–FRI 8 am–4 pm

saturday & sunday closed

Breakfast: $5 – $8

Lunch: $4.75 – $10

edgarandjoes.ca

Fresh and Local Ingredients

Catering Available

Free Parking at Horton St.

Available for Private Functions

Fresh Baked Goods

Innovative Lunch Combinations

Community Gathering Spaces

46 localflavour.ca

A Café with a Purpose

EDGAR + JOE’S CAFÉ

Edgar and Joe’s, at two locations, is a gathering space and food

operation with a social purpose. Each café makes fresh and local

food available, affordable and approachable with healthy choices.

The Scene

A stylish and minimalist 70-seat

café located in the Goodwill Centre

opened in 2013. Rave reviews led

to the opening of another location

within the Innovation Works

London building on King Street.

Both cafés serve a diverse clientele

from all over the city.

Menu Highlights

Nutritious baked goods with high

quality ingredients are freshly baked

throughout the day. Sandwiches are definitely the stars of the show, from the

classic BLT to innovative combinations inspired by global cuisines. Delicious

soups, salads and a daily chalkboard special are on offer. The Classic

Breakfast Special is a hearty standout. Other recommendations include:

• Eggs Benny with two soft poached eggs on a warm buttermilk biscuit,

topped with house peameal and the café’s signature hollandaise, served

with home fries;

• California Veggie Sandwich with grilled zucchini, avocado, cucumber,

tomato, mixed greens, sprouts and beet hummus on fresh ciabatta;

• Edgar Burger with house-ground AAA Angus chuck, charbroiled and

topped with Asiago cheese, sautéed mushrooms, double- smoked bacon

and shallots, on a toasted ciabatta with lettuce, tomato and house mayo.

Catering & Events

Edgar and Joe’s Café caters onsite events in its facilities, offsite corporate

breakfasts and luncheons, casual gatherings, and more formal cocktail

receptions. Planned menus suit a

variety of events, or a custom chefdesigned

menu to fit your specific

vision can be created.

The Goodwill Centre offers

adapt able and flexible event space

for groups of up to 250 guests. The

Town Hall for up to 70 showcases

a gorgeous third floor city view.

The Community Hall is ideal for

weddings, anniversaries, and larger

corporate events and functions.

goodwillindustries.ca/events

LONDON


Unique Views

& Fabulous Food

KATANA KAFÉ & GRILL

Come for the planes. Fall in love with the food. Located within the

Diamond Flight Centre, the Katana patio runs beside the London

International Airport tarmac. This is the ONLY place to eat fabulous

food and drink lovely libations while watching 90,000 pounds of

aluminum, steel and

titanium come and go.

The Scene

The decor, recently

refreshed and upgraded,

is sleek with a

contemporary vibe and


London International

Airport Plane Spotting

aeronautical theme. Bright

and airy, the tarmac-side

patio and large windows

allow for viewing flights.

There is not a bad seat in the house! Reservations are recommended.

Menu Highlights

Katana Kafé offers a modern take on the bistro theme, with something for

everyone. Chef Chris Morrisson collaborates with a stellar culinary team

working in view behind a glass partition. Enjoy a seasonal menu with

lunches offering delicious sandwich and soup options and heartier fare.

Dinner menus range from pizzas and burgers to perfectly grilled steaks

and decadent seafood. Housemade breads, preserves, and desserts are

the pride of the kitchen, made with details that lift a good experience into a

great experience. Suggestions include:

• Three Cheese Tortellini with Atlantic

Salmon — from the Lunch Menu,

sundried tomato pesto cream, fresh

herbs, Parmesan, olive oil, white wine

and spinach with a darne of grilled

salmon;

• Niagara Ice wine and Local Apple

Salad — a Dinner appetizer of roasted

and candied granny smith apples

with a gastrique of Niagara ice wine,

first press virgin olive oil, cambazolla

cheese, sourdough croutons and

grilled mother of thyme;

Chef Jaime Pena & Executive

Chef Chris Morrisson

• AAA Rib Eye Steak (10 or 14oz) with

foie gras truffle butter and bordelaise.

LONDON

London

Modern Bistro

2530 Blair Blvd. (off Crumlin Road)

in the Diamond Flight Centre

MAP B p16: 16 519-455-9005

HOURS: MON & TUES 11 am–3 pm

WED–FRI 11 am–9 pm

SAT 9 am–3 pm

5 pm–9 pm

SUN 9 am–3 pm

5 pm–8 pm

Hours subject to change

LUNCH: $8–$23

DINNER: $9–$40

katanakafe.com

Weekend Breakfasts

Overlooks London International

Airport Runway

Plenty of Free Parking

1 Block North of the Airport,

off Crumlin Side Road

Charcuterie D’Maison

Crispy Braised Belly of Wild Boar

Turmeric-Crusted-Atlantic Salmon

localflavour.ca 47

London

Casual Italian/

Mediterranean &

Traditional Pub

153-155 Albert Street (W of Richmond)

MAP B p16: 17 519-642-2300

HOURS: MON–THURS 11:30am–2pm

4:30 pm–10 pm

FRIDAY 11:30 am–11 pm

SATURDAY 11 am–11 pm

SUNDAY 4 pm–10 pm

RUNT CLUB HOURS:

MON–THURS 11:30 am–1 am

FRIDAY 11:30 am–2 am

SATURDAY 11 am–2 am

SUNDAY 6 pm–1 am

Summer Hours: 11:30 am–1 am

LUNCH: $8 – $12

DINNER: $18 – $24

fellinikoolini.com

runtclub.ca

Build Your Own Thin Crust Pizza

or Pasta Creation

Children’s Menu

A Passion for Pasta

Panko-Crusted Croquetas

Gourmet Pizzas

48 localflavour.ca

Flavours of Italy &

The Mediterranean

FELLINI KOOLINI’S

& THE RUNT CLUB

Sit back and enjoy classic

Italian and Mediterranean

comfort food and great

wine. You’ll find 30

different wines available

by the glass — London’s

largest selection. The

menu’s inspiring sharing

plates enhance the dining

experience and homelike

vibe. With its sibling pub

The Runt Club next door,

Fellini Koolini’s has made

Albert Street a festive destination for over a quarter of a century.

The Scene

Comfortable banquettes and casually elegant tables over two floors make

Fellini Koolini’s perfect for a fun group or intimate meal. The terrace offers

an inviting spot for al fresco dining. The Runt Club is a popular watering

hole, with a larger well-shaded patio and a traditional pub atmosphere.

Menu Highlights

Sharing plates can bring out the most in your dining experience, so explore

the extensive selection of Tapas and Pintxos (bite-size small plates) that are

perfect for passing around the table. Other affordable Mediterranean-inspired

menu favourites include an endless selection of made-to-order pastas

and gourmet thin crust pizzas (or become the Pizza Architect and choose

your favourite ingredients). The menu also offers daily fresh fish, steamed

mussels, calamari, steak, poultry, pork and veal. There are plenty of choices

for vegetarians and gluten-free

options. The Runt Club offers

the full Fellini Koolini’s menu.

Fellini’s outstanding wine

program, available by the

bottle or glass, creates inspiring

wine flight options, perfect

for exploring and sampling

new wines or enjoying your

favourite vintages.

LONDON

Wine Flights — 30 Wines

Available by the Glass

Extensive Tapas Menu


A London Institution

JOE KOOL’S

Sports Bar. Family Restaurant. Party Central. This is truly a place for

everyone, of any age. Restaurateur Mike Smith launched Joe Kool’s

over a third of a century

ago, and it’s been a fun

and popular Richmond

Row landmark ever since.

The Scene

The eccentric surroundings

provide a never-ending

supply of eye-catching

kitsch and memorabilia,

from Elvis in his coffin to the

1000+ beer can collection.

Kool’s is also a sports lover’s paradise, evidenced in umpteen big screens

and TVs covering all of the angles and all of the games. If you want to

watch it, they can probably get it! A seasonal rooftop patio has capacity

The Kitchen Sink Pizza


for 130 people. Large

groups can also arrange

for semi-private rooms: the

ever-popular “Back Room”

with mezzanine, and “The

Penthouse” in the basement.

Menu Highlights

There are 25 draft beers on

tap, but Joe Kool’s is also

about the food. While there is something for everyone, Kool’s is known for

its Local Lake Perch fillets, pan-fried and served with lemon caper mayo,

and ever-popular Jose Nachos, the Kitchen Sink Pizza, Deluxe Hot Dogs

and Burgers and Chicken Wings. Also recommended are the Thai Lettuce

Jose Nachos

Wraps — marinated chicken,

julienned vegetables, peanuts

and cilantro — or the panseared

chicken and pork Pot

Stickers, served with toasted

sesame and sweet soya

dipping sauce. Joe Kool’s

also offers a convenient takeout

and delivery service.

LONDON

London

Casual Bar & Grill

595 Richmond Street (at Central)

MAP B p16: 18 519-663-5665

HOURS: MON & TUES 11:30 am–1 am

WED–SAT 11:30 am–2 am

SUNDAY 12 noon–1 am

LUNCH: $9 – $16

DINNER: $11 – $23

joekoolsrestaurant.ca

Bar & Grill by day, House Party by

Night

Semi-Private Rooms Available

Entire Menu Available for

Take-Out and Delivery

Vegetarian & Gluten-free Options

Kid’s Menu

London’s Nightly House Party

Large & Popular Rooftop Patio

Deluxe Burgers & Hot Dogs Menu

localflavour.ca 49

London

Italian-inspired

Casual Dining

6675 Burtwistle Lane

(off Colonel Talbot Road near 401)

MAP B p16: 19 519-652-7659

HOURS: MON–TUES 11 am–10 pm

WED–SAT 11 am–11 pm

SUNDAY 5 pm–10 pm

pastosgrill.com

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

All Desserts Made In-House

Interesting & Affordable Wine List

Extensive Gluten-Friendly Options

Take-Out & Catering Available

Chic Bistro Character

Well-Stocked Comfortable Bar

A Taste of Italy Awaits!

50 localflavour.ca

Italian Seduction,

Bite By Bite

PASTO’S GRILL

Inspired by travel and a passion for the traditions of Italian culture,

Pasto’s Grill follows the Italian principle of proper execution of

simple recipes featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients available.

The Scene

Pasto’s Grill is a chic bistro in a casually

elegant environment. The dining room

is built in a half-circle, decorated in

warm and calming shades, with white

linen tables surrounded by wine racks

and period posters. Service is friendly

and professional.

Menu Highlights

The kitchen is literally the hub of the

restau rant. All meals are prepared

from scratch by the dedicated culinary

brigade. Traditional recipes are the

heart of both the lunch and dinner

menus, with occasional nods to global

and modern sensitivities. For example,

all pasta dishes can be prepared with gluten-free noodles. Menu items are

all made to order.

The antipasti menu offers plenty of choice, including Antipasto Platters

for two or more, with Chef’s selection of cured meats and local cheeses

with roasted peppers, olives and garlic crostini, or the Marco Polo, with

wonton shrimp, calamari fritti, grilled shrimp and crab-filled mushrooms.

Hand-made, thin crust pizzas include classics such as the San Michelle, with

pesto, garlic, sliced tomatoes, grilled chicken, spinach, goat cheese and

mozzarella. Other recommendations include:

• Veal Romano — tender

provimi veal scallopini

with wild mushrooms

in a cognacpeppercorn

sauce;

• Grilled Vegetable

Napoleon — stacked

vegetables, portobello

mushroom & melted

provolone served with

orzo-farro pilaf.

LONDON

Siblings, Manager Natalie Zima

and Chef Peter Johnson


Lovingly Crafted

with Skill & Heart

some fresh bread and baked

goods, including sensational

desserts, or a gourmet grab-n-go

soup and sandwich.

The Scene

Conveniently located in a spacious

building on Oxford Street, the

wonderful scents of the bakery

and a relaxing atmosphere offer

a peaceful refuge. Light pours in

oversized "port hole" windows, with

a brick and bookcase wall treatment

creating a comfy vibe. Relax on

leather couches and chairs or sit

at stylish tables on contemporary

wood and steel bistro chairs.

Artisanal Baking at Its Best


LA NOISETTE

BAKERY & DELI

Like the small but delicious hazelnut

from which it takes its name, La

Noisette is a bakery café that surpasses

expectations. Owned and operated

by the young but seasoned team of

Tabitha Bartlett and Dave Coulter, this

is a perfect spot for a coffee and a tasty

bite — or a hearty meal. Take home

Owners Tabitha Bartlett (Baking

Specialist) and Dave Coulter

(Cook & Savoury Expert)

Menu Highlights

Tabitha’s passion for baking become

obvious with a glance at the

beautifully crafted loaves of breads

and bagels, and exquisite array of

cookies, muffins, cupcakes, pies,

squares and tarts. Dave takes

the same artisanal approach to his

soups, sandwiches, quiches and

other entrées. As with the baked

goods, everything is inspired by

home cooking and made from

scratch with local ingredients, real

butter, and a commitment to quality

in every bite.

LONDON

London

Artisanal Bakery &

Neighbourhood Café

900 Oxford Street East (at Gammage)

MAP B p16: 20 519-601-1651

HOURS: TUES 10 am–6 pm

WED–FRI 8 am–6 pm

SAT 8 am–4 pm

closed sunday & monday

lanoisettebakery.com

A Variety of Breads, Muffins,

Cookies, Pies, Squares etc.,

Baked Fresh Daily

Real Ingredients with Everything

Made from Scratch by Hand

Homemade Soups & Sandwiches

Outstanding Coffee & Grab-n-Go

Snacks & Meals

Comfortable Lounge Area

Custom Orders & Catering

Comfortable Seating

Handmade New York Style Bagels

Freshly Baked Goodies!

localflavour.ca 51

London

European Cuisine

& English Beer Pub

122 Carling Street (at Talbot)

MAP B p16: 21 519-679-9940

MARIENBAD HOURS:

MON–THURS 11:30 am–10 pm

FRI & SAT 11:30 am–10:30 pm

SUNDAY 4:30 pm–9 pm

marienbad.ca


Fine Banquet Facilities

Murder Mystery Dinners

CHAUCER’S HOURS:

MON 11:30 am–10:30 pm

TUES & WED 11:30 am–11 pm

THURS 11:30 am–11:30 pm

FRI 11:30 am–1 am

SAT 4:30 pm–1 am

closed sunday

Large Craft & Import Beer Selection

Single Malt Specialists

Live Folk Music

Traditional Fare

Elegant Private Rooms

Heritage Building, c. 1854

52 localflavour.ca

A Taste of Europe

MARIENBAD &

CHAUCER’S PUB

Located in one of London’s oldest heritage buildings, Marienbad

Restaurant has brought a sophisticated European flair to the city

since 1974. This is fine dining, in

a casual atmosphere. Next door,

Chaucer’s Pub features one of

London’s strongest craft beer and

import selections. In season, the

sidewalk patio is a popular spot for

dining or a cold beverage.

The Scene

Recently renovated, Marienbad Restaurant

still exudes Old World style and elegance.

A number of finely furnished private rooms

make this is a popular spot for parties,

banquets and corporate gatherings.

Chaucer’s Pub provides a more casual atmosphere. While Marienbad takes

its cues from eastern and central Europe, Chaucer’s features true Olde

English style. Comfortable and cozy, it’s a throwback to a different era, with a

large bar, beautiful woodwork and a stone fireplace.

Menu Highlights

Casual fine dining features traditional favourites from eastern and central

Europe, and newly introduced vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

Expect gourmet Schnitzels, Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, Steak Tartare,

Rouladen, Prime Rib, Seafood, Pastas and Salads. Suggestions include

the savoury Hungarian Goulash, served with Bohemian dumplings, and

the crispy Jäger Schnitzel, a pan-fried natural schnitzel, topped with wild

mushroom sauce. Popular Murder Mystery Dinners offer an interactive —

and tasty! — dining experience.

Chaucer’s has 14 beers on

tap and stocks approximately

85 different brews from

six continents, rotating in

selections seasonally, with

heartier ales for winter and

clean crisp lagers for warmer

months. Chaucer’s also has a

fine selection of single malt

scotches on offer.

LONDON

European-Style

Sidewalk Patio

Chaucer’s Pub


Authentic

Ethiopian Cuisine

TG’S ADDIS ABABA

RESTAURANT

For more than a decade, T.G.’s

Addis Ababa Restaurant has offered

an enjoyable tour de force from

the Ethiopian culinary repertoire by

Chef/restaurateur T.G. Haile.

The Scene

The modest restaurant is tucked away

slightly off the beaten track in an

unassuming brick building on Dundas

Street. The decor reflects the ancient

Ethiopian culture, which makes an exotic

yet comfortable, homey atmosphere.

Menu Highlights

Dining at T.G.’S Addis Ababa Restaurant

is characterized by the ritual of breaking

injera (traditional yeast-risen flatbread,

spongy in texture, crêpe-like in appearance, with sourdough tanginess)

and sharing food from a communal platter, strengthening bonds of loyalty

and friendship.

Truly authentic Ethiopian cuisine features a harmonious blend of flavours.

T.G.’s signature dishes comprise

variations of sweet, bitter, sour, salty,

hot and fragrant, including a large

variety of vegetarian and vegan

dishes. Meat dishes fall mostly into

two distinct categories: red stews

(wat), which include berbere, and

green stews (alicha wat), which do

not. Ethiopian cuisine does not include

pork. Other recommendations include:

• Dulet Kitfo — minced lean beef,

cooked with butter, onion, jalapeno

pepper, and a special addis spice;

• Defen Misr — green lentils cooked

with traditional seasoning, onion

and curry.


T.G. Haile

LONDON

London

Family Friendly

African Dining

465 Dundas Street (at Maitland)

MAP B p16: 22 519-433-4222

HOURS: TUES–SUN 11 am–10 pm

by reservation

closed mondays

MENU: $12 – $17

tgsaddisababarestaurant.ca

Platters for Sharing for 2 or 4

or Individual Plates

Traditional Cuisine & Spices

Plant-based Menus Available

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremonies

African Wines & Local Craft Beers

Take-Out & Catering Available

TG’s

ADDIS ABABA

Restaurant

An Injera Platter Combination

Communal & Family-style Serving

Classic Ethiopian Dishes

localflavour.ca 53

London

Coffee Bar & Café

825 Southdale Road West

(at Tillmann Road)

MAP B p16: 23 519-652-1607

HOURS: MON–SUN 8 am–9 pm

may change seasonally

MENU: $4– $15

creambeanerycafe.com

Homemade Gelato

Dietary Sensitivities Accommodated

Light Meals & Fresh Baking

Over 120 Flavour Syrups

Catering Available

Ample Free Parking

Homemade Gelato Year Round

Over 120 Flavour Syrups

Housemade Jams, Jellies, Spreads

54 localflavour.ca

More than Just

a Coffee Shop!

CREAM BEANERY

CAFE

Owners Kim and Victor

Nunez offer great coffee and

delicious gelato, as well as

light meals, fresh baking and

homemade specials, in a

welcoming, comfortable and

cozy space.

The Scene

The warm ambience is enhanced

by upholstered booths and a

central communal table, ideal for

meeting with friends and family.

A seasonal patio and comfortable

chairs make this a place to sit and

Fresh Pour Over Coffee

let worries slip away. Colourful

menu boards outline most of the menu, while friendly servers are pleased

to tell you about daily specials. They’re serving all-day breakfast, lunch and

supper seven days a week. A Pour-Over Coffee Bar features the smallbatch

roaster O-Joe’s ethically-sourced, organic coffee and tea. There is a

small outdoor courtyard in season.

Menu Highlights

The charming, home-style menu features breakfast sandwiches on a bagel

or English muffin, homemade soups and delicious from-scratch baking.

Dietary concerns? The menu offers keto, gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian

and dairy-free options. The cafe

also specializes in homemade

gelato, with flavours ranging

from the classics like Vanilla and

Pistachio to the adventurous, like

the Skor Bar Cheesecake! Truly,

there’s a gelato to suit every taste,

with 24 seasonally alternating

flavours. Take away containers of

gelato in ½ litre and 1-litre sizes

are available for purchase. Or try

a Gelato Panini — your favourite

gelato flavour sealed inside a fresh

brioche bun. Delicious!

LONDON

The Nunez Family


Specialty Shops & Services

LOCAL

flavour

55

Taste The Difference

Real Quality Makes!

THE PRISTINE OLIVE

TASTING BAR

In 2012 Jamie Griffiths and his wife Clara

(with son Reid, and daughter Ally) introduced

The Pristine Olive to the Forest City, and

for the past seven years fresh extra virgin

olive oil has been the essence of their family

business and the cornerstone of success.

After five years in their original location, they

moved to their new, “forever” location on

Adelaide Street North.

56

Bright and Spacious New Store!

The Pristine Olive’s top priorities today remain the same as the

day they swung open the doors; to bring Londoners the freshest and highest

quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic

vinegars available, and to educate consumers

on what makes the difference when it comes to

true taste and health benefits.

Why Does “Fresh” Matter?

The health benefits of an extra virgin olive oil

are unmatched, with research revealing more

benefits almost daily. However, not all olive

oils are created equal. “Think of your olive

oil as a freshly squeezed fruit juice,” explains

Jamie. “A fresh juice contains the most flavour,

nutrients and health benefits. And just as you

wouldn’t want your freshly squeezed orange

juice sitting around for years, an old, poorly

made, improperly stored or fraudulent olive oil

yields fewer, if any, health benefits and has undesirable flavour.”

The Pristine Olive’s standards for extra virgin olive oil were developed

to define and distinguish the freshest, highest quality olive oils in the

world. “The Pristine Olive is the only place in London to offer these high

standards,” says Jamie, “The ultimate in flavour, authenticity, tree-tobottle

transparency and third-party sensory and chemistry lab testing.”

This focus on freshness is guaranteed through the rotation of all their olive

oil with every harvest. For half the year, The Pristine Olive only carries oils

produced in the Northern Hemisphere, and the other half of the year, only

oils produced from the Southern Hemisphere. “We never have oils available

past the 12-month mark following their harvest date,” says Jamie.

Over 60 All-Natural Olive Oils

& Balsamic Vinegars

With a minimum of 12 single cultivar extra virgin oils — all available to try

before you buy — there is a myriad of choices to ignite your taste buds. And

the value placed on purity certainly doesn’t end with olive oil. As one of the

few companies in the world to offer a truly colour-free product, all of the

aged dark balsamic vinegars

available at The Pristine Olive

are caramel-colour free, with no

added thickeners or sweeteners.

The store also carries

many complementary items:

cookbooks, natural olive oil soap,

pasta, tapenades, sea salts, and

spreads. Watch the website,

Facebook and Instagram pages for exciting updates in 2020, as there are

many new ideas and projects on the go. #wherefreshmatters


LONDON

London

Olive Oil & Balsamic

Vinegar Tasting Bar

884 Adelaide St. North (at Grosvenor)

MAP B p16: 24 519-433-4444

HOURS: MON–FRI 10 am–5:30 pm

SAT 10 am–5 pm

closed sunday

Extra virgin olive oils and balsamic

vinegars: $13.95–$34.95

Gourmet oils: $11.95–$97.95

thepristineolive.ca

Fused (Agrumato) & Infused Olive Oils

Traditional-style Balsamic Vinegar

Condimento

Natural-Flavoured, Whole Fruit, and

Whole Ingredient White and Dark

Balsamic Vinegars

After Hours, Private Tastings Available

Ample Free Parking

Over 60 Oil and Vinegar Flavours

Sample Pack Options

Convenient New Location!

localflavour.ca 57

The Deliciously Healthy

Veg-Friendly Bakery

THE BOOMBOX BAKESHOP

Taking the cupcake and its kin to the next level, The Boombox

Bakeshop is one of the gems of London’s Old East Village.

Plant-based creativity is expressed in every corner and in

every deliciously decadent bite.

58

London

Veg-Friendly

Bakery & Cafe

520 Adelaide St. North (at Princess)

MAP B p16: 25 519-488-0384

HOURS: TUES–FR 9:30 am–5:30 pm

SAT 10 am–4 pm


theboomboxbakeshop.com

The Scene

The charming shop features a comfy seating area to enjoy a treat and a cup

of excellent coffee. Unique music-themed decor extends to a record “swap

Locally Roasted

Coffee

combined her love of baking and music in

the shop. “Whether this means supporting

local bands or sourcing our fresh

organic produce from local farmers and

distributors. Even our coffee is roasted

locally and specially blended for the shop.

and drop” for fellow music enthusiasts.

An enticing array of the day’s baking is

displayed for take-away orders, in cutely

designed “boombox” boxes.

Highlights

The veg-friendly bakery and cafe

specializes in vegan goods and

gluten-free vegan goods, ranging

from signature cupcakes to popovers,

cookies, cakes, mini pies and other

delightful seasonal surprises. “We are

also all about supporting local,” notes

Owner Alexandra Connon, who has

Vegan & Gluten-Free Vegan

cupcakes, cookies and treats

Fresh baking every day, with

seasonal surprises every week

Eat-in or Take-Away

Special Orders Available

Owner Alexandra Connon

Order Your Special

Occasion Cakes

and Cupcakes


This is a small batch bakery

where every thing is baked

daily. Not all flavours on

the extensive online menu

are available every day, but

can be ordered. Similarly

by order, amazing Special

Occasion Cakes & Cupcakes

— “classical” or “funky” — are

available.

LONDON

New Creations Every Week

Walk-ins Welcome!

localflavour.ca 59

Pasta and Beyond!

MARSHALL’S PASTA

This family-owned restaurant, retail store, and catering

business serves homemade Italian food — and more —

throughout London and the surrounding area. A variety

of fresh pastas and sauces are only the beginning of a

menu that offers something for everyone, whether that

is a family of four, a sports team, or even larger groups.

60

London

Italian Take-Away

& Catering

580 Adelaide St. North (at Central)

MAP B p16: 26 519-672-7827

HOURS: MON–FR 9:30 am–7 pm

SAT 9:30 am–5 pm

SUN 11 am–5 pm

marshallspastacatering.ca

The Scene

Blake and Jodie Marshall and their four daughters take hands-on roles

with Marshall’s Pasta. After injuries forced Blake’s retirement from pro

football in 1993, the Marshalls

studied “the business of pasta”

to parlay their love of Italian

food and cooking into new

careers. Letting Londoners

know “You don’t have to travel

to Italy to get fresh pasta,”

Marshall’s quickly found

appreciative customers, and

thrived. The business settled

into its current location in

2008, when Blake and Jodie

Family Owned and Operated


purchased Lusitana Martins

Bakery, purveyors of the crusty

Portugeuse buns that pair

beautifully with Marshall’s menu. Walk-ins are welcome for a quick bite or

for select take-away meals for family dinner. Catering for sports teams,

weddings, and fundraisers are by reservation.

Menu Highlights

Marshall’s takes pride in making the best fresh pasta and homemade sauces

and meatballs, but the catering menu also boasts beef tenderloin, baked

chicken dinner, and lobster tail dinner. Prepared trays of fresh salads,

sandwiches and pastas such as gnocchi, tortellini, ravioli, and lasagna

(meat, roasted vegetable or seafood) are also available. In-store diners can

sit down and enjoy a famous Marshall Sandwich (Italian meats, cheese, red

pepper spread, olive oil and spices), a meatball sub or fresh spaghetti.

Feed your team something

healthy on the road! Marshall’s

is the leading caterer of sports

teams in the city, and delivers

right to your hotel or bus.

Blake’s BBQ can also bring a

smorgasbord of smoked and

grilled options — for meat lovers

and vegetarians — to your

location. Savour Marshall’s fresh,

The Marshall Family

homemade Italian food at your

next fundraising event, business

function, or family celebration.

LONDON

Fresh Pastas and Sauces

Eat-in or Take-Away

Extensive Catering Menu

School Lunch Fundraisers

Sports Team Catering Specialists

Blake’s BBQ Mobile Catering

Meat, Vegetable or Seafood Lasagna

A Variety of Fresh Salads

Tortellini, Ravioli, Gnocchi & More

localflavour.ca 61

London

Custom Bakery

1305 Riverbend Road, Suite 110

(at Oxford Street West)

MAP B p16: 27 519-433-CAKE

(2253)


SAT 10 am–5 pm

SUN 11 am–4 pm

heycupcake.ca

New Solar-Powered Location

Walk-In Orders Available

Plenty of Free Parking

Custom Orders for Unique

Cupcakes, Cakes & Cookies

Expanded Breakfast Options

Vegan, Gluten-free & Keto Options

Delivery Service Available

Custom Cake & Matching Cupcake

Unique Cookies

The ORIGINAL London Cakery

62 localflavour.ca

Delicious Bites

of Creativity

HEY, CUPCAKE!

Each cookie, cupcake and custom cake is an original work of art

at Hey, Cupcake! The family-run bakery, owned by Krista and

Heath Trollope, caters to clientele

who have a whimsical and clever

sense of taste and style, and an

appreciation of quality. Using only

the freshest and finest ingredients,

every order is baked from scratch ...

and created with a whole lotta lovin’.

Ask about their ongoing campaign

“Random Acts of Sweetness!”

The Scene

This small boutique bakery creates

custom orders but also serves walk-in

customers. Always environmentallyconscious,

Hey, Cupcake! has never used

plastic packaging and recently moved into a solar-powered facility. Other

exciting changes include an expanded breakfast menu, including scones

and squares. There are also more vegan, gluten-free and keto options.

Menu Highlights

Scan the large variety of enticing selections from the revolving Daily

Menu of freshly baked cookies and cupcakes, such as the Black & White

— chocolate fudge cupcake topped with Madagascar vanilla buttercream

— or the Raspberry Ripple — vanilla cupcake with a raspberry ribbon

throughout topped with raspberry buttercream. Special Flavours, such as

Chunky Monkey — banana and chocolate chunk cupcake topped with milk

chocolate buttercream and candied banana chips — or Custom Cupcakes

are available with 48 hours notice.

Cakes are custom made to suit

your occasion — think birthdays,

anniversaries, seasonal or theme

parties. If you can imagine it, they can

create it! Cakes can be made to serve

any size of gathering. A minimum two

weeks notice is required for any custom

cake order, and two months for wedding

orders. Book your free consultation by

phone or online today!

LONDON

Krista Trollope

Walk-In Orders Available

Custom Cakes,

Cupcakes & Cookies


London’s Destination

For Food Lovers

London

Kitchen Shop


MAP B p16: 28 519-645-1335

HOURS: MON–FRI 9:30 am–6 pm

SAT 8 am–6 pm

jillstable.ca

Superior Kitchenware

Unique Specialty Foods

Outstanding Selection of Oils &

Vinegars

Gift Wrapping Available

Cooking Classes for All Levels

Proprietor Jill Wilcox


JILL’S TABLE

For over 20 years this has been

London’s destination for food

lovers. Owner Jill Wilcox and

her friendly team at Jill’s Table

continue to offer excellent product

knowledge and superior customer

service to make shopping an

exciting experience.

A Feast of Kitchen

Essentials

You’ll find a wide array of unique

specialty foods, including one of

the city’s best selections of oils and

vinegars; superior kitchenware, including All-Clad, Wusthof, Staub and

Emile Henry; as well as many Canadian made items, including The Garlic

Box products, and Kozlik’s mustards.

Looking for a fun activity to do with friends and family? Enjoy a

unique evening out at a Jill’s Table Cooking Class taught by some of

Southwestern Ontario’s best chefs. Or on the weekend, let your senses get

the better of you with Sample Saturdays, when great new food products

and recipes are yours to try. Plus, check out the cookbooks by the Jill’s

Table team. The latest features wonderful soups, stews and bread recipes!

Need The Perfect Gift?

Jill’s expert staff

will help you choose

a gift that wows!

A custom- or predesigned

gift basket

is always a great

choice. Whether it

is for a wedding,

housewarming or

birthday, they are

always happy to gift

wrap.

Cooking Classes

LONDON

Unique Specialty Foods

Superior Kitchenware & Utensils

Across from Covent Garden Market

localflavour.ca 63

taste

savour

indulge

www.visitmiddlesex.ca

enjoy

Map C — MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Lake Huron

7

Ilderton

33

4

Thorndale

31

2

402

29

32

22

Strathroy

81

Mt. Brydges

34

402

Dorchester

30

401

2

3

401

Lake Erie


MIDDLESEX COUNTY

localflavour.ca 65

The Heart of

Downtown Strathroy

THE CLOCK TOWER

Inn • Bistro • Pub • Caterer

Step back in time, when life moved at

a slower pace and dining was truly an

experience to be savoured. Steeped

in history yet providing every modern

convenience, The Clock Tower offers a

gorgeous, intimate setting for your next

culinary adventure.

66

AN INSPIRED ESCAPE

Chef de Cuisine & Owner Mark Graham and his wife Cathy

The Scene

Nestled in the heart of Strathroy, The Clock Tower was built in 1889. The

historic building has been fully restored to its former glory, and boasts a world

class dining experience

coupled with luxurious

sleeping quarters. Eight

guest suites are richly

decorated with Victorian

themes and include

private baths, fireplaces,

flat screen televisions,

complimentary wifi

The Bistro

and individual climate

controls. Diners can

choose a sleek bistro space, a traditional pub or one of two seasonal patios.

Menu Highlights

Owner & Executive Chef Mark Graham leads a team of highly skilled, creative

chefs and some of the best servers in the industry. Each menu item is carefully

crafted by the team, using only the finest quality, locally-sourced products,

many in season from the Strathroy Farmers’ Market. An interesting wine

list includes offerings from local Dark Horse Winery, and the craft beer list

features Strathroy’s Rusty Wrench Brewery and Clock Tower’s own Tic Toc

beer, brewed exclusively for the Inn by Railway City Brewing of St. Thomas.

The menu offers a mix of updated classics to innovative daily specials,

ranging from elevated pub fare to 5-star desserts. Recommendations include:

• 30 Mile Salad, with locally-sourced Whole Pig pork loin, Hayters roast

turkey breast, Pine River old white cheddar, Slegers organic greens and

Frisa Farms hard-boiled eggs garnished with julienne-style peppers,

carrots, red onions and grape tomatoes;

• Wild Game Charcuterie, bison salami, elk sausage, rabbit pâté, smoked

duck breast & pâté

foie gras served with

artisanal cheese,

garlic crostini and fresh

preserves;

• Mile High Lemon

Meringue Pie, Chef

Mark’s light and

refreshing lemon chiffon

pie topped with golden

meringue, garnished

The Pub


with raspberry coulis

and fresh berries.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Strathroy

Inn | Bistro |

Pub | Caterer

71 Frank Street

(at Centre Street West)

MAP C p65:

Fresh Locally-Sourced Ingredients

Innovative Housemade Desserts

The King Edward Suite

29 519-245-5656

or 519-205-1500

HOURS: MON–FRI 11 am–close

SAT & SUN 10 am–close

LUNCH: $6 – $18

DINNER: $9.50 – $34.50

clocktower-inn.com

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials

• Mondays Senior Discounts

• Amore Tuesday For the Love of Italian

• Wednesday Pizza & Wine Special

• Thursday 2 Can Dine for $55

• Fish Friday Set Menu

• Big Steaks Saturday

• Sunday Brunch & All-You-Can-Eat

Pasta & Kids Eat Free!

Clock

Tower

Inn | Bistro | Pub | Catering

localflavour.ca 67

Only the Best!

FAT OLIVE

Owners Dino and Carla Dassie sum

up the Fat Olive experience in simple

terms: family, friends, love and good

homemade food. Their bistro is a

paean to the food Chef Dino’s family

has always cooked and eaten, using

the same caring attention to detail

and exacting culinary techniques

found in the best Italian home kitchen.

68

AN INSPIRED ESCAPE

The Scene

This Italian-inspired family-friendly restaurant is located in a small and

unassuming plaza in the village of Dorchester, just east of London. Expect a

welcoming bistro ambience, enhanced by the open kitchen, consistent with

the quality of the culinary offerings. Knowledgeable and friendly staff staff will

guide you through the less familiar territory on the excellent wine list, which

includes exclusive and unique Italian wines that come from a consigner.

Spaghetti & Fat Meatball with Parmesan


Menu

Highlights

The cuisine is

intuitive, with iconic

menu items prepared

with locally-sourced

and quality Italian

specialty ingredients,

interpreted with

skill and an eye

towards tradition.

Pared-down, uncomplicated presentation hits the flavour mark. Specialties

include paninis, strombolis, freshly-made pasta, homemade sauces,

and bruschetta flatbread, with tiramisu or cannoli with sweet ricotta for

dessert. Signature dishes include a creamy, fresh semolina Fettuccine

Alfredo with pancetta, herbs and Parmigiano, and a housemade semolina

Rigatoni & Sausage, tossed with sweet pepper, caramelized onions, and a

spicy tomato ragu. Crispy-coated Chicken Parmesan is served with a side of

spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce. Other recommendations include:

• Grilled Sweet Pepper Flatbread with smothered onions, mushrooms,

arugula, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze;

• Pan-seared East Coast Sea Scallops on a saffron risotta with arugula

and salsa verde;

• Prosciutto

Sandwich with

pomodoro,

mozzarella, balsamic

glaze, and arugula;

• Creamy Penne

Pesto with

Portobello,

caramelized onion,

toasted pine nuts,

Front of House Staff

Assistant Chef Adam Gartshore

and Parmesan

cheese.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Dorchester

Regional Italian

Bistro

2135 Dorchester Road (Hwy 32)

MAP C p65: 30 519-268-0001

HOURS: TUES–THURS 4 pm–8 pm

FRI & SAT 11:30 am–10 pm

SUN 11:30 am–2 pm

3 pm–7 pm

closed monday

LUNCH: $7 – $15

DINNER: $9 – $26

fatolive.ca

Italian-Inspired Family-Friendly

Restaurant

Unique Organic Italian Wines

Local Craft Beers

Open Kitchen

Ample Free Parking

Reservations Recommended

LOGO DEVELOPED FOR:

FAT OLIVE

Mushroom Pesto Stomboli

Fettucine Alfredo

ONE INK

Sweet Ricotta Mini Cannolis

localflavour.ca 69

Your Local Connection

to Flowers, Flavour & Fun

HEEMAN’S

This family-owned destination berry farm and

garden centre has been growing some of the

tastiest berries around for three generations,

dating back to 1963. The Heeman family

is passionate about local flavours! While

famous for their mouthwatering berries and

beautiful flowers, new experiences on their

farm are sure to delight your senses!

70

Rudy Heeman


Escape to Heeman’s

Lush Greenhouse, a

Plant Lover’s Paradise!

The Scene

Heeman's garden centre is a

preferred destination for all

gardening and berry needs

for London and surrounding

communities. Extensive

grounds and greenhouses make

this a true gardener’s paradise.

In addition to being the area’s

largest berry farm, Heeman’s

also boasts one of the largest plant collections in Southwest Ontario.

Home chefs know the secret to a great meal is premium ingredients

and you’ll find a great selection of both common and heirloom varieties

of vegetable plants, herbs and fruits. With over 35 varieties of tomatoes,

eight varieties of basil and plenty of thyme, you’ll be delighted by their

fresh homegrown plant selection. If you’re looking to plant your flower

beds or planters to redo the

landscape, their selection of

annuals, perennials, pre-made

containers, trees and shrubs

will astound you. While you’re

browsing over 100,000 square

feet of retail space you can

stop for a view of the goldfish

pond from the dock and wander

the display garden complete

with waterfalls, walking paths, and water features teeming with frogs and

tadpoles. Be sure to treat yourself at the Berry Beanery to a locally roasted

coffee, Berries & Cream Latte, or the famous Strawberry Sundae (or

raspberry!) — made from Heeman’s own fresh berries. Any time of

year, there’s something here for everyone.

Flowers, Berries, and Beyond!

From humble beginnings in 1963, the Heeman family has grown

in number while the business has broadened into exciting

new areas. The third generation of the family now have roles

working side-by-side with the second generation in the

operation. Heeman’s is truly a family business and a team

effort. While enormously proud of their history, innovation

remains critical to Heeman's success. Their varietal honey is

produced by bees from their own hives. Heeman’s Hard Apple

Cider, crafted onsite with Ontario apples, is the latest addition

to the large mix of local products. Cheers!

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Thorndale

Farm Market

and Nursery

20422 Nissouri Road (Hwy 27)

MAP C p65: 31 519-461-1416

GARDEN CENTRE

MAY–JULY: MON–FRI 8 am–8 pm

SAT–SUN 8 am–5 pm

OPEN YEAR ROUND.

Check website for seasonal hours.

heeman.ca

Homegrown Garden Plants

and Flowers

Fresh Berries: June–October

Sundae Bar

Gardening Accessories

Seasonal Produce

Hard Cidery

Coffee Bar

Varietal Honey

Houseplants

Berry Picking Mid-Summer

Sustainable Growing Practices

Specializing in Varietal Honey

localflavour.ca 71

Living.

Certified Organic.

Innovative. Local.

,

SLEGERS LIVING

ORGANIC GREENS

The Slegers family and their dedicated staff

have been busy making changes in 2019.

They have erected a bright new Farm Gate

retail location next door to the original

building. While much has evolved over 32

years of experience growing greens on

the family farm, the business still remains

grounded in simple truths. As Jo Slegers says,

“Eat healthy. Slow down. Enjoy life.”

72

The Scene

Being a small family farm, Slegers appreciates seeing its organic greens

purchased locally. Along with selling greens to wholesalers, restaurants,

specialty retailers, health

food stores and organic

home box delivery customers

throughout Ontario, Jo and

Pauline retail greens at their

farmgate store directly to

their Strathroy neighbours

and customers from London

Summer

Lettuce

Pauline & Jo Slegers


and surrounding areas. Their

greenhouses are producing

fresh, living greens 12 months

a year, seeding and harvesting their products every week, providing

consistency and reliability. All of Slegers’ staff

live in the Strathroy area, which further supports

the local community’s economy.

Snip, Rinse and Serve!

Slegers Organic Greens are packaged living in

soil. All you need to do is snip and serve them.

Freshness and quality is unsurpassed and

benefits are threefold:

• They last longer this way.

• They taste better this way.

• They are better for you this way.

Dozens of products are grown, including a

Packaged Living in Soil

variety of lettuces, aromatic and delicious herbs

like basil, greens such as arugula, and micro greens, for example, pea

tenders and sunflower sprouts. Check

out the website for product pictures

and descriptions, including the Slegers

Selection page, which shows mixed boxes

of product in each category, providing the

ultimate convenience for chefs.

Certified Organic since 2004, Slegers

Greens continues to focus on providing

excellent quality products while keeping

exceptional customer service and food

safety as the supporting cornerstones of

the business.

Plan your visit and see what’s new!

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Strathroy

Organic Greens

Producer

7496 Calvert Drive

(at Sutherland Road)

MAP C p65: 32 519-245-1339

FARM GATE RETAIL

MON–FRI 9 am–5 pm

SAT 9 am–1 pm

slegersgreens.com

Lettuces, Herbs, Greens & Micro

Greens

Find Slegers Greens at Fine

Restaurants and Retailers

Available from Wholesalers and

Direct Sales

The Freshest Basil & Other Herbs

Red Daikon Radish Micro Greens

Visit the Farmgate Retail Store!

localflavour.ca 73

Ilderton

Tearoom &

Casual Bistro

13257 Ilderton Road

8 kilometres north of London

MAP C p65: 33 519-298-TEAS (8327)

HOURS: WED–FRI 10:30am–3:30pm

SAT & SUN: 10 am–2 pm

closed monday–tuesday

LUNCH: $7– $20

DINNER: from $15

thevillageteapot.ca

Homemade Lunches & Afternoon Tea

Breakfast & Weekend Brunch

Sunday Roast Lunch & Dinner

Ample Street Parking

Gluten-free & Vegetarian Options

Catering and Bookings for Private

Functions Available

The

Village

Teapot

Vintage Warmth & Charm

A Village Teapot Breakfast

Catering Sandwiches & Squares

74 localflavour.ca

Ilderton’s Oldest

New Tearoom/Bistro

THE VILLAGE TEAPOT

Located in one of the oldest properties in Ilderton, circa 1873,

and retaining many of its period features, The Village Teapot is a

welcoming tearoom full of warmth and charm. Launched in 2017 by

friends Jana Yassine and Gaynor

Deeks (originally from the UK), the

attentive service and good, simple,

homemade food — prepared inhouse

— has been well-received by

townspeople and visitors alike.

The Scene

Quaint touches include vintage

cups, saucers and tea services that

complement the historic building

and the wooden floors, tables

and chairs. Longtime tea drinkers,

sandwich makers, and home bakers

Jana and Gaynor took their years

of experience and created a place

that they would enjoy themselves.

A soothing ambiance and friendly

service provides a welcome respite for a bite and a cuppa, a step back to a

simpler time.

Menu Highlights

Popular menu items include delicious homemade soups, croissants filled with

in- house baked ham and mature cheddar, homemade savoury pastries and

quiches full of quality ingredients, buttery scones, ploughman’s lunch plates

and creative seasonal salads. An afternoon tea platter is offered daily and

weekend brunch includes a variety of Breakfast Bites. Vegetarian options and

gluten-free options are available and every effort will be made to accommodate

special dietary needs.

Traditional Sunday Roasts

with fresh vegetables are

offered at lunch and dinner,

by reservation only.

Pure leaf teas come in

silk pyramids, and afternoon

and cream tea is offered daily.

Enjoy delicious hand-roasted,

French press coffee, or local

craft beer or wine.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Pot Pie & Teapot Triple Salad


More than Just

a Coffee Shop!

CREAM BEANERY CAFE

Kim & Victor recently assumed ownershop of the O-Joe Café and

brought their friendly style to this welcoming space. They still serve

the same great coffee, with

extended hours and expanded

breakfast and lunch menus,

and catering is now available.

The Scene

A seasonal patio and comfortable

chairs make this a place to sit and

let worries slip away. Friendly

servers are pleased to tell you

about the regular and daily

specials. A private room holds up

to 15 people for small parties and

special events. Watch Facebook

for special events for families

Housemade Soups

& Sandwiches


such as Cookie Decorating,

Story Time and Spaghetti Made

from Gelato!

Menu Highlights

The Cream Beanery Café offers a charming home-style menu featuring

breakfast sandwiches (there are even gluten-free English muffins),

homemade soups, quesadillas, pizzadillas, homemade chilli and

cornbread. The Charcuterie Board includes a variety of meats and

cheeses, crackers, rosemary carrots, spiced nuts and red pepper jelly. You’ll

find satisfying keto, gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian and dairy-free options.

Great pour-over coffee from O-Joe — freshly ground, ethically-sourced

and locally-roasted — is the

perfect companion to delicious

from-scratch baking. There is

a fantastic selection of cookies,

squares and muffins. There are

also over 30 varieties of organic

loose-leaf tea from Lemon Lily.

Housemade gelato and sorbetto,

offered year-round, feature the

classics and seasonal flavours

such as Hazelnut-Pumpkin, Mint

Warm Welcoming Atmosphere

Chocolate, Cotton Candy, Maple

Pecan Pie and Swiss Chocolate.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Mount Brydges

Coffee Bar & Café

22469 Adelaide Road (Hwy 81)

MAP C p65: 34 226-490-0301

HOURS: MON–SAT 8 am–4 pm

SUN 9 am–2 pm

may change seasonally

MENU: $4– $15

creambeanerycafe.com

Homemade Gelato

Dietary Needs Accommodated

Expanded Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Private Party Room Available

Catering Available

Ample Free Parking

Watch Facebook for Special Events

Fresh Pour Over Coffee

The Nunez Family

Housemade Jams, Jellies, Spreads

localflavour.ca 75

Calling all makers, movers and shakers. Oxford

artisans, farmers and more are opening up their

doors for visitors to experience their craft in

new ways. This new suite of experiences offer

travelers a new way to get off the beaten path

and take in the heart of Oxford County.

Affinage 101

Learn the art of

aging cheese at

Gunn’s Hill Artisan

Cheese. Enter the

aging room and

wash wheels. Taste your way through cheeses

from different batches and tie it together with a

fondue party.

Tree to Table

Get your hands dirty

in this award-winning

experience, as you craft

your own live-edge

charcuterie board with

David Schonberger of Ottercreek Woodworks.

Afterward, gather to enjoy a handpicked selection

of local charcuterie and cheese.

Brewed Exploration

Bottle your own brew at

Upper Thames Brewing

Company. Learn about

the locally sourced

ingredients they use as

well as their collaborative

community partnerships.

This hands-on experience will delight every aspect

of your senses.

Truffle Camp

Step behind the counter at Chocolatea to craft a

dozen artisan truffles with owner and chocolatier,

Cindy Walker. Be inspired by local ingredients and

the story behind them.

Churn Back Time

Learn to make butter like the

pioneers did with The Norwich

Museum. You’ll churn your own

butter and add in a few seasonal

ingredients before enjoying on a

fresh loaf from a local bakery.

Chef’s Table

Pull up a seat to the action at SixThirtyNine.

Watch as Chef Eric Boyar creates your tasty farmto-table

meal, enjoy a few special tastes and more

at The Chef’s Table.

Picnics in the Patch

Bring your friends, family or sweetheart to

Berrylicious Fruit Farm to picnic under the netted

paradise of their blueberry patch. Choose from four

different baskets containing everything from meals

and snacks to unplugged games and activities.

Cut-Your-Own Flowers

Tour the fields of Makkink’s

Flower Farm and cut your own

fresh blooms with Hilde Makkink.

Join her in the workshop to

learn how to make them into a

beautiful arrangement.

COMING SOON!

Early Bird Coffee’s Roasting Lab has you take

coffee from green bean to an aromatic roast.

Habitual Chocolate will have you churning up a

batch of ice cream (keto friendly). Wild Comfort

Body Care’s Soap and Solace celebrates natural

ingredients and science as you craft a custom

batch of soap.

Take time to make a meaningful connection

with the natural resources and artisans

of Oxford County as we celebrate their craft.

Visit tourismoxford.ca/experiences to

Experience Oxford.

www.tourismoxford.ca 519-539-9800 Ext. 3355 Toll-Free: 1-866-801-7368


Head out on a selfguided

adventure of

The Oxford County

Cheese Trail. Enjoy

mouth-watering tastes,

cultural fun, retail

gems and loads of

hands-on experiences

celebrating cheese

and dairy. From

crafting your own

charcuterie board

to biting into an

amazingly cheesy

pizza or churning your own butter, there’s always

a new way to discover the trail.

On the Trail

Cheesemakers | Restaurants | Chocolatiers |

Breweries | Artisans | Cultural Attractions

A complete list of the 24 delicious

stops on this trail can be found at

www.OxfordCountyCheeseTrail.ca. Download

an itinerary, use our Google Map routes or email

us for a driving route map.

Supporting local food is a lifestyle choice to be

in tune with the seasons. Travel our back roads

to discover the wealth and diversity of Oxford.

Meet the growers, shop the farms, sample freshly

picked produce, artisan cheese, the finest meats,

syrups, grains and so much more.

Unique Local Food Finds

Bison meat, year-round lettuce, organic flours

and grains, door to door milk delivery, bean

to bar chocolate, chocolate-stout soaked

cheese, pick-your-own veggies, cut-your-own

flowers and so much more!

Community Farmers’ Markets

Ingersoll Farmers’ Market: A

seasonal local market, beside

Ingersoll Town Hall. June to

October, Saturday 8am – noon

Tillsonburg Farmers’ Market:

A seasonal local market,

outdoors at the Station Arts

Centre. May to October,

Saturday 8am – noon

Downtown Woodstock

Farmers’ Market: An outdoor

local farm market in Museum

Square. May to October,

Thursday 11am – 5pm

Woodstock Fairgrounds

Farmers’ Market: Since

1853, Oxford’s largest market

offering plenty of choice. Year

round, Saturday 7am – noon

Pack a cooler and bring home all your

fresh local finds. Visit OxfordFresh.ca to

download our map and discover new places to

shop the farm.


Map D — OXFORD COUNTY

7

59

N

OXFORD COUNTY

401

2

63

62

Woodstock

35 36

403

401

59

19

59

3

3

NORFOLK COUNTY

3

Simcoe

70

24

Lake Erie


OXFORD COUNTY

Turkey Point

localflavour.ca 79

Terroir-Driven

Canadian Cuisine

SIXTHIRTYNINE

Since opening in downtown Woodstock in 2005, sixthirtynine

has become a destination restaurant for the region and

beyond. Offering ever changing, locally sourced, seasonal

menus, Chef and Owner Eric Boyar continues to offer dishes

that are beautiful both on the palate and the plate.

80

The Scene

An elegant

contemporary 30-

seat dining room

provides a tasteful

and comfortable

atmosphere. Front

house service is

headed by Chef

Eric Boyar’s wife,

Jennifer, where

the emphasis is

on unpretentious, attentive and professional service. Zach Lebert directs

the restaurant wine program, which features both high quality regional

vqa wines and a host of unique international wines. Much effort is made to

ensure wine selections change regularly to suit the current menu.

Additional seating is available for up to four

guests at the Chef’s Table, for an upclose

look at the talented kitchen crew in action.

That service is often headed by Sous

Chef Sam Vandenberg, who ensures

guests have an enganging and

memorable experience. Patio seating

with a lovely garden view is also

available seasonally.

Menu Highlights

Humber College provided Chef Eric with

his fundamental skills, and working through

various positions in a variety of well-known Toronto

restaurants gave Eric the confidence to pursue a venture of his own.

Hand Rolled Cavatelli


Beautiful Flavourful

Seasonal Menus

Sixthirtynine has been recognized

as a Feast ON-certified “Taste of

Ontario” restaurant and Chef has

earned numerous professional

accolades. His dishes elevate and

highlight what is available locally, while

being defined by flavour and beauty.

They taste as good as they look!

• Chef’s Tasting Menus with optional

wine pairings are available by

request, at the Chef’s Table and to

guests in the dining room.

OXFORD COUNTY

Woodstock

Contemporary

Farm-to-Table

639 Peel Street (at Young)

MAP D p79: 35 519-536-9602

LUNCH: WED–FRI 11am–2pm

DINNER: WED–SAT 5 pm–10 pm

SUN 5 pm–8:30 pm

closed mon–tues

LUNCH: $16– $26

DINNER: $36– $64

sixthirtynine.com

Chef’s Table by Reservation

Walk-ins Welcome

Chef’s Tasting Menu Available,

by Request

Patio Seating in Season

Local Seasonal Menus

Chef’s Table Kitchen-View Dining

Elegant Contemporary Dining Room

Award-Winning Chef/Owner

localflavour.ca 81

Woodstock

Coffee Roaster

& Café

815 Juliana Drive

(Off Hwy 59, just North of Hwy 401)

MAP D p79: 36 519-532-3127

HOURS: WED 7:30 am–4 pm

THURS 7:30 am–6 pm

FRI & SAT 7:30 am–4 pm

SUN 9 am–4 pm

closed monday–tuesday

Cup of Coffee: $2.50– $5.50

Half lb Bag $8.50; 1 lb Bag $17

earlybirdcoffee.ca

Small-Batch Coffee Roasting

Fresh Coffee, Tea & Specialty Drinks

Open Roasting Viewing Area

Café Features Local Baked Goods

Close to Hwys 401 & 403 Junction

Freshly Roasted Coffee by the Bag

State-of-the-Art Coffee Roasting

Fair Trade Sustainable Coffee

Warm Friendly Ambiance

82 localflavour.ca

Roasted with Love

EARLY BIRD COFFEE

This small-batch, wholesale coffee roastery and café was

established in 2018 by Woodstock resident and Master Roaster Elio

Caporicci and his hospitable

wife Kate. Their mission: “To

provide Oxford County with a

world-class coffee experience

by delivering the freshest, best

tasting, small-batch coffee in

the region.” Early Bird Coffee

has already found its way onto

the shelves of local businesses

such as Beantown Coffee Co.,

and into the hearts and mugs of

many area families.

The Scene

Conveniently located near the

junction of highways 401 and 403, Owners Elio and Kate Caporicci

the rustic, 1,200-square-foot space

has three areas: an open viewing roastery/coffee lab, a cozy café, and a

small retail space. Sit at one of the comfortable chairs and tables or at the

hand-built herringbone bartop and revel in the welcoming ambience. A goldtempered

espresso machine produces coffee-based specialty drinks such as

lattes, cappuccinos, cortados and seasonal features. Enjoy your favourite

drink with locally-baked goods such as cakes, tarts and doughnuts, which

might be chocolate chip with peanut

crumble, or lemon cream-filled,

rolled in sugar.

Coffee Highlights

Early Bird roasts quality, ethicallysourced

coffee beans exclusively,

for superior taste and to meet Fair

Trade practices, from sustainable

farms in Honduras, Peru, and Costa

Rica. Signature house blends include

light, medium and dark roasts,

espresso and decaf. Specialty

coffee-based drinks include the Red

Velvet Latte with locally- sourced

Habitual chocolate, whipped cream

and red sugar.

OXFORD COUNTY

Small-Batch Roasted Coffee


Map E — PERTH COUNTY

8

Stratford

45

40 38 41

7

7

37

43

72

44

39

83

73

Millbank

42

119

8

7

Stratford

Shakespeare

107

69

59

St. Marys

7


PERTH COUNTY

localflavour.ca 83

Comfort Done Right.

PLANET DINER

The result of 1950’s Pop Diner meets pin-up star

Bettie Page, Planet Diner excels at “eclectic” — and

elevated — comfort food that is out of this world.

Flipping the common script whereby vegetarians

have a few token options, the menu here is primarily

plant-based. Owner Dee Christensen says, “This is

where herbivores can bring their carnivore friends.”

The Naughty Waffle

84

Chick’un Burger with Queso Fries

The Scene

Located just steps from the Avon Theatre,

Planet Diner evokes a classic 1950s retro

vibe, with candy apple-red upholstered

booths, polka dot wallpaper and local pop

art. The cozy 26-seat diner, which also boasts

a comfortable 14-seat seasonal patio, is warm

and welcoming, enhanced by enthusiastic,

well-informed staff. Large windows facing

the street provide lots of natural light and an

opportunity to people watch.

Menu Highlights

The menu is all about comfort food. Think

mac & cheese, nachos, burgers, floats, thick

milkshakes, and banana splits. But SHHH! Everything is almost entirely

plant-based. All sauces are made in-house from plant-based ingredients,

including salad dressings, “cheeze” sauces, sour cream, dessert sauces

and gravy. The restaurant has its own herb garden and the kitchen works

Planet Burger


closely with area farmers in order to offer the freshest ingredients available.

Meat dishes are clearly labelled for carnivore patrons, but other than the

meat itself (or the eggs on the all-day breakfast menu), everything is 100%

plant-based. Be sure to try the cashew-based banana split, bound to be a

hit with die-hard ice cream lovers. Other recommendations include:

• Planet Burger, a sumptuous “plant-based beef” patty topped with

sautéed mushrooms, onions and “cheese” sauce with lettuce and

tomato on a warm pretzel bun with Planet sauce;

• Southern Combo, two

pieces of signature crispy

Chick’un strips with

homemade barbeque

sauce, a bowl of libation

mac & cheese and creamy

Dijon-agave Granny Smith

cabbage slaw;

• There’s just nothing like

the Planet Diner’s original

crispy corn-breaded soy

Chick’un Burger, made inhouse

and tossed in vegan

buffalo butter.

PERTH COUNTY

Orange Float

Stratford

Plant-based

Comfort Food Diner

118 Downie Street

(across from the Avon Theatre)

MAP E p83: 37 519-305-5888

HOURS: WED–SUN 11 am–8 pm

open year round

MENU: $8– $18

theplanetdiner.com

Sunday Brunch 11 am–3 pm

Walk-ins Welcome

Seasonal Patio

Vegan & Gluten-Free Options

Local Seasonal Menus

Creamy Mac & Cheeze

Huevos Ranchero

Delicious Plant-based Doughnuts

localflavour.ca 85

Naturally Delicious

EDISON’S CAFÉ BAR

Owned and operated by wife and husband team

Buffy Illingworth and Greg Kuepfer, Edison’s is

truly a labour of love. Buffy runs the back of house

and is the chef, baker and server. Greg runs the

front of house and is also the barista and server.

Working together, the two of them have created

both a family business and a well-oiled machine.

86

Avocado Toast with Salmon

The Scene

Edison’s Cafe Bar is a beautiful

little gem nestled into the main

street of Stratford. Renowned

inventor Thomas Edison once

lived upstairs, and much of the

building’s period charm has

been retained. A black and white

colour scheme with touches of

warm wood tones is balanced

by the coolness of an exposed

brick wall. Chic and sophisticated

meets cozy and comfortable.

Owners Greg and Buffy each have a long food history, but Buffy’s

background in design and holistic nutrition inspired the café. “We live a

very holistic lifestyle and wanted the cafe to reflect that,” says Buffy. They

have three beautiful children — Roma, Charlie and Thomas — who are

integral to shaping their family-run business. “We keep hours that reflect

a well-balanced work week and allow us to be home for dinner with them

every night,” adds Buffy. “A true recipe for success.”

Menu Highlights

The select and unique breakfast and lunch menu is focused on whole

foods and clean eating, and is mostly plant-based. The signature “toasts”

— served openface on sprouted multigrain or gluten-free chia bread — have

created quite a local buzz. Most popular is the Avocado Toast, with organic

greens, tomato, radish, pickled onion, pine nuts, fresh herbs, topped with

a perfectly poached egg. Also recommended: Wild Mushroom Toast with

sheep ricotta, organic greens, fresh herbs, tomato, pine nuts, EVOO and

balsamic glaze; and the Lemon-Tahini Hummus Toast with crushed olives &

peppers, toasted pine nuts, basil oil, organic greens, tomato and feta.

All baked goods are prepared

lovingly in-house, without the use of

grains, dairy or refined sugars, and

are naturally sweetened. A wide

assortment are gluten-free and many

include “superfood” ingredients.

Outstanding coffee (of course!)

shares the stage with local beer, wine

and unique beverages such as beet,

turmeric, moringa and charcoal lattes.

They also offer a lovely selection of

nourishing teas and cold pressed

organic juices from local businesses.


Grain-Free Baked Goods

PERTH COUNTY

Stratford

Whole Food Café

46 Ontario Street (at Erie St.)

MAP E p83: 38 519-275-1396

HOURS: TUES–SAT 8 am–4 pm

SUN 9 am–3 pm

closed mondays

MENU: $6–$16

@EdisonsCafeBar

In the Heart of Downtown Stratford


Gluten Free & Vegetarian

Outstanding Coffee

Vegan Breakfast Bowls

Nourishing Teas

Outstanding Specialty Coffees

localflavour.ca 87

A Historic Gem,

Re-imagined with Passion.

REVIVAL HOUSE

This is a destination where the tradition

of fine dining — perhaps paired with a

live music performance — becomes a

memorable experience. Housed in an

architectural masterpiece, formerly known

as The Church Restaurant, the venue

enhances the exceptional cuisine, a blend

of historical and locally-inspired flavours

that exemplify a true taste of Ontario.

88

Seasonal Garden Patio

The Scene

The beautifully restored Revival House is decorated in a rich tapestry of

wood finishes, exposed brick, light walls, gold railings, and purple accents

and banquettes. Ornamenting the bright interiors are original light fixtures

and stained glass windows. The dark-wood organ pipes provide a striking

backdrop for the stunning curved bar that is crowned with a theatrical

copper chandelier. The main room, housed in the sanctuary of the 130+

year-old heritage church, has an elevated altar that is easily transformed

into a stage for concerts and performances. The upstairs 65-seat gastrolounge,

The Belfry, (also available for

private dining) features an exotic ambience

with peacock blues, a vaulted ceiling and a

working copper fireplace. An inviting sundrenched

garden patio is open seasonally.

Menu Highlights

Revival House menus offer modern Frenchstyle

cuisine that expresses the depth of

Perth County’s food culture. Since opening,

Revival House chef-driven menus have

revealed a passion for using housemade,

local and sustainable ingredients, showcasing

the terroir and the best of what Ontario has to

offer. High Tea and Sunday Brunch add yet another layer of temptation to

the offerings. The re-imagined dishes at Revival House include:

• Revival Chicken — country herb-marinated chicken supreme sous vide,

roasted until crispy skinned, with delicate white wine risotto, honey roasted

Brussels sprouts & butternut squash, finished with cranberry sauce;

• Warm Big Bowl Salad — a generous mix of couscous, marinated olives,

toasted walnuts, boiled egg, roasted beets, butternut squash, confit

cherry tomatoes, and greens topped with a herb dressing;

• Charcuterie and

Cheese — a selection

of locally sourced

cured meats,

Canadian cheese

(specifically from

Stratford’s own

Monforte Dairy),

chutney, pickled

Warm Historic Charm & Comfort


Warm Big Bowl Salad

vegetables and grilled

bread.

PERTH COUNTY

Stratford

Contemporary

Casual Fine Dining

70 Brunswick Street (at Waterloo)

MAP E p83: 39 519-273-5886

hours subject to change

due to events.

reservations recommended.

WINTER/SPRING HOURS:

WED–SAT 11 am–9 pm

SUN BRUNCH 11 am–2 pm

SUMMER/AUTUMN/ HOURS:

TUES–SAT 11 am–10 pm

SUN BRUNCH 11 am–4 pm

LUNCH: $9 – $19

DINNER: $11 – $36

BRUNCH: $6 – $19

revival.house

Culinary Experiences: Festivals,

Dinner Concerts, High Teas,

Culinary Events & Celebrations

Stratford’s Largest Garden Patio

Steps from the Stratford Festival

Theatres

Free Parking

Available for Private Dining and

Events such as Weddings

Charcuterie and Cheese Plates

Re-imagined Classic Dishes

localflavour.ca 89

Globally Inspired.

Locally Sourced.

THE MILL STONE

RESTAURANT & BAR

Chef Jeremy Hayton and his mother,

owner Jackie Hayton, have created an

elegant and inviting space that reflects

international influences — both in the

kitchen and behind the bar — while

embracing superior local producers,

90

The Scene

Located in a heritage building in the quiet

end of Stratford’s main street, The Mill

Stone offers a cozy and casual experience

while invigorating all the senses. The stylish

interior includes a busy open kitchen,

local artwork, historic photos, and vintage

woodwork, with a view out to the river in the

back and to the street in front, and a quaint

sidewalk patio is open seasonally.

Menu Highlights

Chef Jeremy Hayton has created an eclectic menu with predominantly

locally produced and sourced ingredients, while drawing inspiration in the

kitchen and behind the bar from cuisines from all over the world. A particular

penchant for Mexican cuisine (tacos, salsas, ceviche, margaritas) is clear,

but the menus change with the seasons and

with what is fresh.

Tacos are served on soft housemade corn

tortillas with fillings such as Lamb Birria or

Confit Duck, or other favourites such as:

• Pork Pastor — chilli-marinated &

chargrilled pork shoulder with salsa

verde, pickled jalapeño, grilled

pineapple salsa & cilantro;

• Curried Sweet Potato — crispy sweet

The Best

Local Ingredients

potato with red thai curry, green onion,

cilantro & pickled Thai chilli.

Tapas/Sharing Plates and a pre-theatre prix fixe option are available

during the Stratford Festival months. Special

food events, like a Late Night Lao pop-up

snack bar featuring Laotian delicacies and

cocktails, and live music nights are also

offered. Recommendations include:

• Crispy Cauliflower Tapas — a fried

cauliflower wedge with mole negro, salsa

roja, braised onion and cabbage, green

onion, & pickled garlic scape;

• Confit Local Duck Leg, with poached duck

egg, braised cabbage, brussels sprouts, duck

bacon, ancho cherry chutney & microgreens.


Innovative Cocktails

Crispy

Cauliflower Tapas

PERTH COUNTY

Stratford

Farm-to-Table

Restaurant & Bar

30 Ontario Street (at Erie)

MAP E p83: 40 519-273-5886

days & hours change seasonally.

check website for updates.

SPRING/SUMMER HOURS:

TUES–SUN

closed monday

AUTUMN/WINTER HOURS:

THURS–SUN

closed monday–wednesday

closed january & february

except for special occasions

LUNCH: $12 – $25

DINNER: $20 – $55

themillstone.ca

Quiet Stretch Of Downtown

Pre-Theatre Prix Fixe Menu

Late Night Pop Ups

Private Events

Tacos & Margaritas on the Patio

Real Ice Cream Milkshakes

Elegant Chic Ambiance

localflavour.ca 91

A Fun Place to Shop!

WATSON’S CHELSEA BAZAAR

Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar is a beloved Stratford establishment known for its

large — sometimes quirky — mix of quality housewares and gifts. As proprietor

Carole Rowe notes, “Everything can be bought online these days, except a unique

experience. The essence of the store is ‘old fashioned,’ in the best kind of way, and

it’s always interesting.”

92

The Scene

As the fourth generation in a

housewares business launched in

Stratford by her great grandfather

in 1895, proprietor Carole Rowe

works steeped in family and town

history. Beyond a unique shopping

experience, you’ll find a true

“bazaar” over two full floors of the

heritage building, with more than a

little bit of everything.

Stratford

Housewares

& Gift Shop

84 Ontario Street (near Downie)

MAP D p83: 41 519-273-1790

HOURS: MON–SAT 9:30 am–6 pm

SUN 11 am–5 pm

Hours are seasonal, subject to change.

watsonsofstratford.com

Two Full Floors to Explore

Main Floor Wheelchair Accessible

Quality Kitchen Items, including

Tableware, Glassware, Linens &

Small Appliances

Unique Home Decor & Gifts

Refined Soaps & Skincare Products

Handbags & Fashion Accessories

Proprietor Carole Rowe

From Useful to

Unusual

Through shopping the best

gift shows in North America

and Europe, Watson’s brings

in strong brands such as

Emma Bridgewater (pottery),

Fiesta (tableware), La Rochere

Kitchen & Housewares

(glassware) and Smeg (kitchen

appliances) as well as Dunoon (mugs) and Gurgle Pot. You’ll also find

unusual and affordable finds for your home or a thoughtful wedding,

housewarming or birthday gift, including mix-and-match dinnerware,

lamps, linens, small furniture,

carpets, handbags, fashion

accessories, soaps and more.

There’s always something

new arriving.

As one customer put it,

Watson’s is “a fun store full

of surprises!” Carole and her

dedicated and friendly staff

and family look forward to

Handbags & Fashion Accessories


your visit.

PERTH COUNTY

Tableware including Fiesta

Great Variety of Soaps & Toiletries

Interesting Mix of Home Decor

localflavour.ca 93

Millbank

Mennonite Cooking

& Baked Goods

4060 Line 72 (25 min. from Stratford)

MAP E p83: 42 519-595-4407



MENU: $8–$16

annamaes.ca

Scenic Drive, Quaint Village

25 Minutes from St. Jacob’s

Market, Stratford Festival

Theatre & Drayton Theatre

Ample Free Parking

Family Owned & Operated

Reserve the Buggy Booth!

Something for Everyone

Homemade

Happiness!

ANNA MAE’S BAKERY

& RESTAURANT

Located in the charming little town

of Millbank, Anna Mae’s draws

regular visitors from far and wide.

The scenic drive into the heart

of Amish Country is part of the

appeal, but so is the anticipation of

a hot homemade meal and a slice

of your favourite pie, and bringing

home some of the best fresh baked

goods available anywhere.

The Scene

Anna Mae’s has been owned and

operated by the Herrfort family since

2001, and their warm professional staff

Broasted Chicken

Friendly Professional Service

offers large dollops of small town hospitality throughout your visit. Stroll

through the gift shop and enticing bakery, where everything is available

for eat-in or takeout. The Amish-inspired Buggy Booth is a fun spot for a

group of four, but you’ll find plenty of comfortable seating in the bright and

airy dining rooms.

Menu Highlights

Anna Mae’s is FAMOUS for its Mennonite cooking and baking. (You can catch

their episode on Food Network’s Ya Gotta Eat Here! on Anna Mae’s website.)

The Broasted Chicken is highly recommended. Fresh, marinated chicken is

dusted in special seasonings ang broasted to a crisp, golden brown. Choose a

portion size for your meal and your choice of light or dark meat and sides.

On Mondays enjoy All You Can Eat Fish & Chips. There are plenty of other

choices, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-concious options. But

remember dessert!

Anna Mae’s features

over 17 varieties of

homemade pies

and many other

homemade goodies

including breads,

tarts, muffins, cookies

and cheesecakes. All

are baked fresh daily.

Over 17 Varieties

Gluten-free baking is

of Homemade Pies

The Heart of Amish Country! also available.

94 localflavour.ca PERTH COUNTY Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Let’s Meet at The Hub!

THE HUB

These are long-respected

proponents of the “buy

local” and “farm-totable”

movements, with a

demonstrated commitment

to sustainable farming and

growing practices. The good

folks at The Hub stock their

market with a well-curated

The Highest Quality Local Meats variety of local, organic and

unique artisanal and gourmet

food products. The butchery program supports area farmers while

offering the highest quality meats. A full café offers breakfast, lunch

and dinner. This is truly “The Hub” of Stratford’s culinary scene!

The Scene

Centrally located on Stratford’s historic Market Square, The Hub Fine

Foods Market and Butchery is a funky industrial space. The Café

has a warm and welcoming vibe, serving locally-roasted coffee and

freshly made treats from the bakery. The Deli offers pre-made artisanal

sandwiches, wraps, salads, charcuterie and hot bar options, or make

your own culinary masterpiece, with inspiring choices available. Enjoy

your meal in the cozy café or take away the perfect picnic. The Hub is

also fully licensed on both floors.

Market & Menu Highlights

Join us in our café for freshly made treats from our bakery that pair

perfectly with cappuccinos and lattes. Local draft beer and wines pair

perfectly with the deli menu. Prepackaged

lunches include a sandwich,

hearty side, fresh fruit and a treat.

Chef also features healthy prepared

dinners for grab-and-go, as well as

side dishes to take your BBQ to the

next level.

The Hub Butchery offers a full range

of local meats, including freshly ground

chuck and brisket burgers, smoked

sausages, Cajun pork belly, high-end

Full Butchery Program


steaks, freshly prepared meat pies and

so much more.

PERTH COUNTY

Stratford

Market, Café &

Butcher Shop

31 Market Place (on Market Square)

MAP E p83: 43 519-508-2337

HOURS: MON–THURS 8 am–8 pm

FRI & SAT 8 am–9 pm

SUN 8 am–6 pm

Closed Mondays Dec.–May

MENU: From $8

thehubstratford.com

Local, Organic & Unique Products

Full Butchery Program

Full Café and Deli

Farm-to-Table Local Ingredients

Fully Licensed

Located Below The Hub Pub & Patio

Central Market Square Location

Quality Foods & Artisanal Choices

Farm-to-Table Café Open Daily

Local Butcher Shop Quality Meats

localflavour.ca 95

Stratford

Traditional Candy

& Chocolate Store

55 Albert Street (E of Downie)

MAP E p83: 44 1-800-271-6910

HOURS: MON–SAT 9 am–5:30 pm

SUN 11 am–3 pm

(May through December)

NOTE: Extended evening hours

around the holidays

rheothompson.com

50 years of Candy-Making Tradition

Home of the Famous Mint Smoothie®

Small-batch Production at

Onsite Candy Factory

Handcrafted Confections

Seasonal Gifts Wrapped by Hand

Stratford Culinary Trails Participant

Tours & Tastings Available

Follow Online for Special Events

Assorted Mint Smoothies®

A Variety of Small Batch Candies

Scotch & Chocolate Tasting Events

96 localflavour.ca

Real Chocolate

Since 1969

RHÉO THOMPSON

CANDIES

“We make but one thing, and we do

that well. CANDY.” This company

adage sums up Rhéo Thompson’s

traditional, time-tested approach. They

have been using the same recipes,

techniques and tools for the past 50

years. In the business of putting smiles

on people’s faces since 1969, that is a

whole lot of happiness.

The Scene

Co-owner spouses Marc Johnstone and

Kristene Steed take hands-on roles in the

business. Marc leads the kitchen staff, who make all 152 confections

in traditional copper kettles, stirred by hand with wooden paddles, in

small batches each day. Kristene heads up the busy retail store and

ensures exceptional customer service to help you find old favourites and

new delights. An in-store design team creates ornate displays for every

occasion and season. Hundreds of people turn out every year on the first

Sunday in November to see the new Christmas displays unveiled. The

hand-wrapped gifts are also works of art. Rich cherry wood displays

evoke days past, and in a throwback to old fashioned candy stores, you

can select your favourite treats from a large glass showcase.

Mint Smoothies ® and More

The signature item is a Mint Smoothie® — a glossy chocolate shell containing

the mouth-filling mint “smoothie” centre, soft without being gooey, fudge-like

without being overly sweet or too dense. Just … smooth. And unforgettable.

This spawned a variety of partnerships with local businesses to create unique

Mint Smoothie® products. such as: Coffee with the Baden Coffee Co.; Liqueur

with Junction 56 Distillery; Ice Cream with Harmony Organics; Tea with Tea

Leaves Tea Tasting Bar; and

Hand Lotion & Lip Balm with

Coconut Theory. The wide

range of other confections

includes traditional hard

candies like Humbugs

and Horehounds, classic

buttercream centres enrobed

in chocolate, and an entircing

array of nuts and caramels.

PERTH COUNTY

Hand-Wrapped Gifts

Mint Smoothies in

Vintage-style Tins


Awaken Your

Tastebuds!

Over 50 Fresh Olive OIls

& Balsamic Vinegars


OLIVE YOUR

FAVOURITES

Nestled in Stratford’s historic

downtown on charming York

Street since May 2012, Olive Your

Favourites offers the freshest and

finest (and largest!) selection of Extra

Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO), flavoured

olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Guaranteed Fresh

Olive Your Favouries carries EVOO

from both the Southern and Northern

Hemispheres ... always fresh and first

pressed! All of the Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils are third party lab

tested to verify authenticity, quality and purity. The crush date is noted on the

fusti (storage vessel) tag

along with the chemistry

breakdown. This allows you

to make a fully educated

decision when purchasing.

Balsamic vinegars from

Modena Italy begin with a

grape must, cooked over

an open wood fire, and

are made without added

thickeners, sweeteners or caramel colour. This ensures both a healthy

alternative and delicious salad dressings. Sample from over 50 different

oils and vinegars. Proprietor Michelle

Hern and her friendly, knowledgeable staff

are happy to suggest over 40 different

recommendations for balsamic vinegar and

olive oil pairings. Taste for yourself. Their

favourites may soon become yours!

You will also find a curated selection

of delicious rubs, flavoured salts, pesto,

a variety of stuffed olives from Greece,

truffle salt, beautiful and locally made

cutting boards and serving trays,

Australian Olive Oil Soothing Balm (made

More Delicious Products

with lemon and tea tree oil) and a variety of

exciting cookbooks.

PERTH COUNTY

Stratford

Olive Oil & Balsamic

Vinegar Tasting Bar

21 York Street

MAP E p83: 45 519-508-1757

MAY– DECEMBER SUMMER HOURS:

TUES–THURS 10 am–5 pm

FRI 10 am–6 pm

SAT 10 am–5 pm

SUN 12 noon–4 pm

closed monday

jANUARY–APRIL WINTER HOURS:

TUES–THURS 10:30 am–5 pm

FRI 10:30 am–6 pm

SAT 10:30 am–5 pm


Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flavoured Olive

Oils (fused & infused), White and

Dark Balsamic Vinegars $14–$34

Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar

$15–$36

Speciality Oils $15–$40

oliveyourfavourites.com

Convenient Parking

Daily Tasting Experience

Private Tasting Parties

Free Bottle Rewards Program

Stratford Taste Trails Partner

Sample & Gift Packs Available

Free Daily Tasting Experiences

localflavour.ca 97

Stratford

indulge

Feast on delicious eats,

inhale the historic charm,

and savour the splendour

of our beaches.

Once indulge

you visit Goderich,

your heart will never leave.

Feast on delicious eats,

inhale the historic charm,

and savour the splendour

of our beaches.

Once you visit Goderich,

goderich.ca / 1.800.280.7637

your heart will never leave.

goderich.ca / 1.800.280.7637

98 localflavour.ca

PERTH COUNTY


Map F — HURON COUNTY

Lake Huron

86

4

Goderich

48

Blyth

68

Bayfield

8

21

46

Zurich

Grand Bend

Exeter

47

Stratford

4


HURON COUNTY

localflavour.ca 99

Where Heritage is

Infused into Every

Vine and Vintage

HESSENLAND INN

In an idyllic location halfway between Grand Bend

and Bayfield, steps from the Lake Huron Shore,

Hessenland Inn offers historic charm with modern

comfort. Second-generation owners/innkeepers Chef

Frank Ihrig and Event Co-ordinator Liz Ihrig have

added a vineyard (now producing!) to an impressive

list of onsite amenities.

Long Table Vineyard Dinners

100

The Scene

Sprawling lawns and

gardens and a five-acre

vineyard lead to private

beach access. An inviting

saltwater pool and indoor

whirlpool are available

for guests. Vintage

“European Country

Inn” features with

stylish updates create

a warm ambiance, making this a popular locale for weddings and other

celebrations. The Coach House Reception Hall is available, along with a

panoramic Garden Room, and the Inn’s Dining Room is a welcoming spot for

a comfortable meal any time.

Menu

Highlights

“Surrounded by qualitydriven

producers and

farmers and bountiful Lake

Huron, we truly live in the

bread basket of Ontario,”

says internationallytrained

Head Chef Frank

Ihrig. Hessenland, Feast

ON-certified, features

traditional German fare favourites and celebrates innovative local cuisine.

Signature dining events — such as the summer’s Mongolian Grill evenings,

Long Table Vineyard Dinners, Soulitude Retreats, Novemberfest and

more — offer a range of menus and

experiences, from intimate tables

to grander group experiences.

Recommendations include:

• Ontario’s West Coast Lakefood

Chowder featuring fresh Lake

Huron fish;

• Rouladen, a German speciality,

thinly sliced beef rolled with

vegetables and double-smoked

Metzger’s bacon;

• Pork Schnitzel, handmade on a

Co-owner & Head

Chef Frank Ihrig


daily basis, breaded, sautéed and

served traditionally with lemon or a

housemade sauce.

HURON COUNTY

Zurich

German-inspired

Farm-to-Table,

Winery & Inn

72981 Bluewater Highway (Hwy 21)

MAP F p99:

47 519-236-7707

or 1-866 -543-7736

OPEN APRIL–DECEMBER

Refer to Website for Hours

Average: $12 apps, $22 mains

hessenland.com

Steps from Lake Huron

Private Beach Access

Modern & Heritage Accommodations

Saltwater Pool, Indoor Whirlpool

Coach House Reception Hall

Panoramic Garden Room

Wine Tours & Tastings by Appt.

The Best of Local Ingredients

Fresh Housemade Desserts

Group Dining Experiences

localflavour.ca 101

Exeter

Contemporary

Farm-to-Table

Cuisine &

Farmers’ Market

527 Main Street (Hwy 4)

MAP F p99: 46 519-235-3030

LUNCH: TUES–SAT 11 am–2 pm

DINNER: TUES–SAT 4:30 pm–9 p

LUNCH: $8– $18

DINNER: $16– $40

eddingtons.ca

Menu Changes Seasonally

Fully Covered Heated Summer Patio

Live Music Friday Nights

Adventure Culinary Tours

Eddington’s Premium Craft Beers

Ample Free Parking

Close to Theatres

Fresh from Eddington’s Farm

Covered & Heated Summer Patio

Proudly, Truly,

Farm to Table.

EDDINGTON’S

OF EXETER

For over two decades, Eddington’s

of Exeter has maintained a

dedicated focus on personalized

service, seasonally-inspired

menus and a value-driven

customer experience. Expect

quality ingredients at their peak of

freshness at any given time, fresh off

the vine, picked from the tree, foraged

from the forest or dug up from the earth.

The Scene

Local, Delicious

Ingredients

The yellow brick Italianate-style mansion on Main Street stands out with

decorative bracket eaves, large bay windows and a well-manicured lawn

with mature maple trees. This is the original Carling homestead (circa

1870s), a designated historic landmark. Contemporary updates from

two extensive renovations, including an additional 20-seat dining room

to ensure well-spaced tables and a tri-level fully-shaded seasonal deck

for up to 60 people, blend smoothly with original features such as the

elegant 12-foot ceilings upstairs and down.

Menu Highlights

Eddington’s team —Chef/owner James Eddington, Chef Patrick Grogan,

and Chef Lori Debrower — is known for contemporary, casual fine cooking

with a rustic charm. Eddington’s is Feast ON-certified, and Chef Eddington

farms 16 acres on the shores of Lake Huron, and other land with extensive

gardens, growing over 25 varieties of fruits and vegetables that get on the

menu at their peak freshness. Signature dishes include Lake Huron Pickerel

with herb salsa verde, gourmet confit potato fry and vegetables, and an

exquisite Seasoned Breast of Chicken with Brie and caramelized apples,

new potatoes and vegetable.

Also recommended are the

Local Filet Mignon with shallot

merlot au jus, garlic potato mash

and vegetable, and the vegan

Legume Vegetable Wellington

with puff pastry, roasted beet

risotto and market vegetables.

Father’s Day BBQ with

Chef James Eddington (right)

Seasonal from-Scratch Menus

and Chef Patrick Grogan

102 localflavour.ca HURON COUNTY Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

As Always,

Like Never Before

BENMILLER INN & SPA

Nestled in the rustic hamlet of Benmiller, just outside Goderich

on the Maitland River, Benmiller Inn & Spa is an ideal setting for

a weekend getaway, a

romantic retreat or a few

restful days away from the

city. The lovingly-restored

19th-century woollen and

grist mills are secluded and

peaceful, while providing

every modern convenience.

Autumn at Benmiller Inn


The Scene

The historic Woollen Mill used

to manufacture wool blankets in

the early 1900s and is now home to 12 unique guest rooms, as well as Guest

Reception, Jonathan’s Lounge, and the Ivey and Miller Dining Rooms. While

enjoying dinner, you can take in the beautiful sight of Sharpe’s Creek and the

meticulously manicured gardens. After dinner, relax with drinks in the Lounge

beside the roaring fireplace. The River Mill, a former grist mill, overlooks the

Maitland River and houses 21 rooms, an indoor heated pool and sauna, as

well as the Petit Aveda Spa, offering aesthetic and therapeutic treatments.

Menu Highlights

The culinary team is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience

while still offering the comfort of a home-cooked meal. They use fresh, local

ingredients to prepare in-house soups, sauces, dressings and desserts.

To complement the natural setting of The Benmiller, brunch at the Inn is

a seasonally-changing affair drawing inspiration from the farms of Huron

County and their bounty. The Ivey Dining Room is a winner of the CAA Four

Diamond Award and has garnered high praise from Toronto Life magazine.

Recommendations include: Metzger’s Seared Beef Tenderloin and Butter

Poached Shrimp with potatoes, seasonal vegetables and maple-whisky

spiked hunter sauce;

Steamed PEI Mussels with

smoked-tomato pepperade,

chorizo sausage and

scallions; Maple-glazed

Ontario Duck with tiny gem

potatoes, seasonal vegetable

and Schilby maple syrup; and

Sunday Brunch

Ivey Dining Room

The Big Benmiller Burger

with delicious hand-cut fries.

HURON COUNTY

Goderich

Four Diamond

Dining, Inn & Spa

81175 Benmiller Line (Hwy 1)

MAP F p99: 48 519-524-2191

BREAKFAST: MON–FRI 7 am–10 am

SAT 8 am–10 am

BRUNCH: SUN 9 am–1 pm

LUNCH: MON–SAT 12 noon–2 am

DINNER: MON–SUN 5:30 pm–8 pm

LUNCH: $8 – $16

DINNER: $10-$40

benmiller.ca

Historic Country Inn

55 Guest Rooms

Renewing Petit Aveda Spa

Minutes from Lake Huron, Theatre,

Shopping, Golf Courses

Getaways, Conferences & Weddings

Perfectly Prepared Mussels

Select Room at Gledhill

Historic Maitland River Location

localflavour.ca 103

Map G — SARNIA-LAMBTON

Grand Bend

50

Lake Huron

82

Thedford

21

74

Sarnia

22

402

66 67 Plympton-Wyoming

40

79

80

Alvinston

49

21

2

21

Lake St. Clair

40

401


SARNIA-LAMBTON

localflavour.ca 105

Sarnia-Lambton’s Cheers to the Coast Trail is expanding and we are so

happy to help welcome the four new breweries opening across

Sarnia-Lambton. Experience new and adventurous avours, share some

of your favourites and sample award winning wine, craft beer, hard

cider and mead, while visiting some of the most scenic and historic

locations in the beautiful county.

Accommodations should be more than just a place to lay your head.

Sarnia-Lambton offers a selection of unique settings, whether you are

enjoying a Lake Huron cottage, boutique-style hotel, Victorian bed and

breakfast or a state-of-the-art chain hotel. With so many options to t

your budget, you can guarantee a comfortable and memorable stay.

Alvinston

Honey Farm

& Meadery

3115 River Street (N of Hwy 80)

MAP G p105: 49 519-847-5333

JANUARY–MARCH HOURS:


APRIL–DECEMBER HOURS:

MON–SAT 9 am–5 pm

munrohoney.com

Honey and Hive Products

Mead & Melomel (Fruit & Honey

Wine)

Giftware and Gift Baskets

Observation Hive

Demonstration Video

Knowledgeable Staff

Ample Free Parking


Honey from

Hive to Table

MUNRO HONEY

& MEADERY

The Bryans family invites you to visit Ontario’s

sweetest secret. Munro Honey & Meadery is literally

buzzing with activity, and is one of the largest

producers and packers of pure Canadian honey and

hive products in the province. A fascinating video

showcasing honey production — from hive to table

— complements an active observation hive to watch

and learn about the magic of the honeybee. You’re

guaranteed to get a sweetened appreciation of bees and honey.

The Scene

Back in 1914, Warren Munro captured his first swarm of bees. His business

thrived, and in 1958 young beekeeper Howard Bryans purchased the

company from Munro.

Howard’s sons, Davis

and John, took over the

operation in 1989. Today,

a modern 12,000-squarefoot

Honey House utilizes

the latest in modern honey

production equipment. The

100% Natural Ontario Honey

gift shop offers a wide

variety of premium Munro

Honey food products (liquid and creamed honey) in a variety of sizes and

containers, hive products like beeswax candles, and an assortment of

practical and whimsical bee-themed giftware.

A Land of Mead & Honey

Dry, Semi-Sweet

For centuries, honey has been used to

& Sweet Meads

produce Mead, also known as Honey Wine.

Cranberry Melomel (Fruit & Honey) Munro Honey launched Ontario’s first

meadery in 1999, and has developed a unique

selection of premium meads — winning

international awards for quality and taste.

Sample a variety of traditional meads as well

as melomel (fruit blend) flavours, such as

raspberry and black currant.

Be sure to also try the gourmet honeys

(cinnamon, apple- cinnamon, chocolate and

jalapeño), honey butters and single-source

Retail Store & Gift Shop

nectars (like blueberry blossom). Delicious!

108 localflavour.ca SARNIA-LAMBTON Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Mighty F.I.N.E.

for 15 Years!

F.I.N.E. A RESTAURANT

Owner/Chef Erryn Shephard,

shows no sign of slowing

down or of losing her love of

French cuisine. Her brilliant

touch, alongside Chef Ben

Sandwith over the past 15 years,

has made F.I.N.E. a beloved

Southwest Ontario destination

for those looking for a special

experience. An active volunteer

Chef Ben Sandwith (left) &

Owner/Chef Erryn Shephard


and fundraiser for numerous

charities, Chef Shephard’s

generous spirit is also evident

in the kitchen. While she loves

workng with rich ingredients in classically-inspired dishes, she has

respect for customers who prefer lighter or vegetarian fare.

The Scene

The restaurant is divided into two sections, each for about 40 people. A

seasonal patio seats 24 and there’s a private room upstairs for 12. Think

elegant cabin with stunning artwork and funky seasonal decorations. Front-ofhouse

is managed by the invaluable Susan Tebrugge.

Menu Highlights

Daily soups may include the popular Coconut Curry Sweet Potato or Cream

of Celery Root soups. While the Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin is a

perennial mainstay on the menu, chefs Shephard and Sandwith also give a

nod to fish as a customer choice. While the Pan-Fried Pickerel from nearby

Lake Huron is outstanding, so is the fresh Pan-Seared BC Halibut, served

with lemon cream, spring peas, homemade gnocchi, and a light salad. Daily

Specials are inspired by

seasonal availability of

the best ingredients.

Your F.I.N.E. visit

simply must include

dessert. Shephard’s

cheesecakes are deep

and creamy, and she’s

playful with surprising

Elegant Cottage Appeal & Seasonal Patio

twists and sweet sauces,

cookies and candies.

SARNIA-LAMBTON

Goderich Grand Bend

Contemporary

French Bistro

42 Ontario Street South (Hwy 21)

MAP G p105: 50 519-238-6224

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER

Days & Hours Change Seasonally

Always Closed Mondays

MENU: $12–$43

finearestaurant.com

Steps to the River & the Beach

Lunch, Dinner, Desserts

Comfortable Dining Room

Seasonal Patio

Local Wines & Craft Beers

Special Seasonal Menus

Catering Always Available

Fresh Pan-Roasted BC Halibut

Crostini-of-the-Day: Jumbo Shrimp

Hot Banana Won Tons & Ice Cream

localflavour.ca 109

Urban Surf Co. | Tecumseh

Discover new and unique ways to explore our

beautiful waterways.

There are many great ways to experience our 100 mile coast - by

paddle board, canoe, kayak and more. Visit us online to see all the

ways you can make a splash in Windsor Essex.

#PLAYQG

visitwindsoressex.com/experiences

Map H —


Lake St. Clair

Windsor

22

401

9

3

401

77

20

Amherstburg

84

8

3

76

50

80

Harrow

77

20

75

Kingsville

64

79

Lake Erie

78

Pelee Island



localflavour.ca 111

The Grove Hotel | Kingsville

The comforts of home, memorable experiences

and places as unique as our guests.

From boutique hotels to 4 diamond experiences to rustic retreats, we

have a bed for every type of head. Guests can get picturesque views

of the Detroit river, explore award winning wineries, and discover

beautiful trails and unique boutique shops.

#STAYQG

visitwindsoressex.com/stay

Antonino’s Pizzeria | Windsor

Windsor, the pizza capital of Canada.

Windsor-Style Pizza can be best described as medium-thick, and

similar to a New York-style. Our famous Classic Super uses staple

items like shredded pepperoni, green peppers, canned mushrooms

and the very best local Galati cheese. Come taste how our passion

for pizza put us on the map for foodie and pizza enthusiasts.

#CULINARYQG

visitwindsoressex.com/eat

Map I — CHATHAM-KENT

51

21

Thamesville

40

Kent Bridge

Lake St. Clair

Chatham

81

53

54

2

55

3

401

1

Lake Erie

52

Wheatley

3


CHATHAM-KENT

localflavour.ca 115

Taste the Sunshine!

SUNSHINE FARMS

Claudia and John Jaques started growing

asparagus in 1982. The family loved Claudia’s

recipe for pickled asparagus spears and soon

realized, “You just can’t keep something like

that all to yourself.” The business sprouted

nicely from there, and it now offers 33 types

of pickles, including a “zesty” version of

asparagus, enhanced by jalapeno peppers!

116

A Family Farm Approach

This fifth-generation (and counting!) Chatham-Kent family farm retains a

down-to-earth approach despite the tremendous growth in processing

and marketing their delicious

products. Claudia and John

Jaques, with their sons Josh,

Ben and Adrian, have grown the

Sunshine Farms product line from

the original Pickled Asparagus to

over 33 types of pickles, most of

which are certified organic. Adrian

Jaques is taking a leading role in

expanding the legacy his parents

created and is now managing the

family farm and business. He’s

also the man to see if you want a

Promptly Packed from Field to Jar


personalized

behind-thescenes

tour. We

suggest booking between May and August to witness

the operation in full production mode.

Regular, Zesty & Extra Zesty!

The recipes remain family secrets, but even kids can

read the labels and understand the simple list of

ingredients. There are no preservatives, fillers, dyes

or additives, and all vegetables are hand-picked fresh,

processed and jarred by hand, sometimes all in one

day. Additional herbs and spices are locally sourced, supporting other

family farms. While both the traditional and organic Pickled Aparagus

(crisp fresh asparagus taste enhanced by garlic and dill) remain family

faves, the Zesty Pickled Asparagus, with extra pop from jalapeno

peppers, is particularly popular as the ideal garnish for a great Caesar.

Many products are jarred either sliced or speared, great for sandwiches,

garnishes and as a snack straight

from the jar! The farm’s Sunshine

Shoppe is a great way to purchase

directly, and it’s the only source for

some products — like “Extra Zesty.”

Visit Sunshine Farms for exclusive

in-store-only products, discounts

and promotions. Preorder for pickup,

Fresh Cucumbers for Pickling

or home delivery is available. You’ll

also find Sunshine Farms products at

better retailers across the country.

CHATHAM-KENT

Thamesville

Agricultural Farm

& Pickle Processor

30043 Jane Road (Hwy 23)

MAP I p115: 51 519-692-4416

HOURS: MON–FRI 9 am–4:30 pm

Check website for seasonal changes

$3.50 – $11 per jar

picklesplease.ca

Locally-sourced Ingredients

Family Run & Owned

Traditional & Organic Product Lines

Nationwide Shipping & Product

Availability

Over 33 Pickle Products Available

Guided Tours by Appointment

Acres of Delicious Asparagus

33 Varieties of Local Pickles

localflavour.ca 117

Delivering Freshness,

Every Day of the Year

DOCKSIDE FISHERIES

Brothers Claudio and Paul Adragna are the men

behind Kimmy Sue — the 26-metre fishing boat that

plies the waters of Lake Erie to bring back the fresh

local catch for Dockside Fisheries. The Adragna

family’s love for fishing inspired the formation of the

business, which has expanded to bring an incredible

variety of fresh and frozen seafood to local markets.

118

The Kimmy Sue

A Seafood Platter


A Humble Start

In the beginning, the Adragna

family began their fishing

company as Four Brothers, which

then expanded into Dockside

Fisheries, as we know it today.

The family enjoyed fishing on

Lake Erie and imagined a life

spent supplying fresh fish to local

customers. Launched in 2010, the

family-operated company started

selling the most prized catches

— Lake Erie perch and pickerel

— at local farmers’ markets and to a few restaurants around Windsor and

Essex County. Although one of the smallest operations in the area, the

Dockside Fisheries name became well known

and a permanent retail shop was added in the

lakeside village of Wheatley, tucked into the

southern corner of Chatham-Kent.

A Better Fish Story

In addition to yellow perch and pickerel (also

known as walleye), Dockside soon added Lake

Erie whitefish, white perch, white bass, and

smelts. Fish are available fresh or frozen,

in a variety of sizes, whole or dressed, with

different cuts according to the kind of fish. A

Fresh Halibut!

connection was formed to source fresh trout

from Georgian Bay, and today Dockside Smoked Trout is a signature item.

The wholesale business also expanded, with regular delivery to a large

number of restaurants.

Further growth in the business has

allowed Dockside to meet strong local

demand for imported ocean fish and

shellfish — including fresh oysters

sourced from Canada’s West and East

Coasts. The popular Josie’s Premium

Fresh Wild-Caught Salmon

Seafood Salad contains Spanish octopus

and whole non-bleached squid and

cuttlefish. The wide selection of seafood

at Dockside Fisheries now includes a

thousand different products! But the

Kimmy Sue still fishes Lake Erie daily,

bringing home the local catch of the day.

CHATHAM-KENT

Wheatley

Wholesale & Retail

Fresh Fish & Seafood

913 3rd Concession Line (Drovers Rd)

MAP I p115: 52 519-825-3474

HOURS: MON 10 am–4 pm

TUES–FRI 9 am–5 pm

SAT 10 am–4 pm

closed sundays

docksidefisheries.com

Local Fresh Fish

Fresh and Frozen West and East

Coast Fish & Seafoood

Wholesale with Delivery to Southwestern

Ontario Restaurants

Smoked Trout from Georgian Bay


Some of the Dockside Crew!

A Variety of Lobster Tails

Fishing in All Kinds of Weather

localflavour.ca 119

Chatham

Modern Bistro,

Caterer & Event

Centre

22 William Street South

(at King Street West)

MAP I p115: 53 519-354-7818


: SAT 8 am–9 pm

: SUN 8 am–2 pm

BREAKFAST: $6.95 – $17.95

LUNCH: $7.95 – $18.95

DINNER: $13.95 – $49.95

chilledcork.ca

Creative Casual Fine Dining

4 Event/ Meeting Spaces Available

Located In Historic Retro Block

Attached to Retro Suites Hotel

Close to Theatres and Brewery

Crème Brûlée

Prime & Pork Belly Burger

Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli

120 localflavour.ca

Unforgettable Dining

THE CHILLED CORK

RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Nestled within the Retro Suites Hotel’s

century-old building, located in

Downtown Chatham’s charming

“retro block,” the Chilled Cork offers

an inspiring culinary experience for

locals and travellers alike. An eclectic

ambience and a contemporary “from

scratch” approach to classic favourites

— combined with unparalleled service —

truly make this a food lover’s haven.

The Scene

Guests are captivated by the welcoming

atmosphere. Exposed brick walls enhance the

heritage feel of the space, while iconic pop-culture pieces, original modern

art and stunning neon offer a contemporary vibe. The balance is perfect

for a special meal, a casual business lunch, or just a quiet respite with a

glass of wine and a nibble of something delicious. Bar specialties include

local craft beer, frozen cocktails, loaded Caesars and a strong list of scotch,

spirits, and local and international wines. Professional consistent service is

delivered with a dash of small-town hospitality.

Menu Highlights

The Chilled Cork culinary team offer a modern take on classic cuisine. They

source the freshest ingredients Southwest Ontario has to offer and pair

them with exceptional quality steak and seafood from around the globe.

Exquisite desserts are made in-house, such as Vanilla Bean Cheesecake or

gluten-free Chocolate à la Mode. Other recommendations include:

• Crème Brûlée French Toast composed of vanilla, cream, brown sugar,

whipping cream and

fresh fruit;

• Hand-cut Calamari with

house seasoning and

spicy aioli dip;

• Perch and Fries served

with coleslaw and house

tartar sauce;

• Hand-carved Prime Rib

with signature jus and

seasonal vegetables.

CHATHAM-KENT

Harvest Salad


A Step Closer to Italy

MAMMA MARIA’S

RISTORANTE

From the moment you enter, you are immediately immersed in

old world atmosphere.

You are in another

place, another time, a

step closer to Italy ...

a step closer to home!

Mamma Maria’s is an

intimate, relaxed and

welcoming restaurant

that has built a strong

reputation specializing

in traditional Italian food with style and substance.

The Scene

The dining room and bar feature warm interlocking stone tiles, red brick

and stucco walls with murals and frescos, eclectic lighting fixtures and

overhead fans. Tucked in the back of Mamma Maria’s, a stunning private

dining area is perfect for special events, celebrations and parties. There are

street-side tables and a 50-seat patio with red-checkered tablecloths and

umbrellas off the private room that overlooks the Thames River.

Menu Highlights

The regionally-inspired menu offers well-presented Italian comfort foods

to whet every appetite. Expect a wide variety of classic pizzas, bruschetta,

pastas and risottos — along with an extensive, well thought out wine list.

The from-scratch kitchen is purist about its ingredients but not afraid to

break Italian food rules, sometimes infusing more local ingredients. At lunch

there’s a broad selection of paninis, rustic flatbreads and a charcuteria

board, and favourites like Vitello Parmigiana or Pollo Toscano, a chicken

breast layered with garlic cream sauce, spinach, roasted peppers and

mozzarella. Dinner might

be Pollo Di Campagnia,

or Spaghetti Pescatore

with fresh mussels, tiger

prawns, scallops and

calamari. Salmone is

stuffed with pistachio

nuts and honey, finished



Gracious Old World Ambiance

with a maple glaze.

Buon appetito!

CHATHAM-KENT

Goderich Chatham

Authentic Italian

231 King Street West (at Forsyth St.)

MAP I p115: 54 519-360-1600


FRI 11 am–11 pm

SAT 12 noon–11 pm

SUN 4 pm–9 pm

LUNCH: $8 – $18

DINNER: $15 – $34

mammamariasristorante.ca

Family-Friendly Hospitality


Fresh, Authentic Food

Seasonal Riverside Patio


Classic Menu Options

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Inspired Wine List

localflavour.ca 121

Kent Bridge

Country Farm

Butcher Shop

& Caterer

10910 Northwood Line (at Mull Rd.)

MAP I p115: 55 519-351-7711

HOURS: TUES–FRI 9 am–5 pm

SAT 9 am–3 pm

Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays

LUNCH: $12 – $18

DINNER: $18 – $25

rmeats.com


Escorted Barnyard “Walk Abouts”

Crops & Egg Grading Station

Group Tours & Meals Served by

Prearranged Reservations

Pig Roast Specialists

Full Menu Catering Available —

Windsor to London to Sarnia

Roesch-Raised Pork Products

More Than Just a Butcher Shop!

Family-Focused

Fresh Farm Products

ROESCH MEATS

AND MORE

Just outside Chatham, Louis and Clara Roesch and family have

been providing the highest quality meat available since 1995.

Whether you are looking to stock your freezer, feed a crowd, or

just prepare a healthy delicious family meal, Roesch Meats and

More should be

your destination.

The Scene

The quiet farm

location is a 10-minute

drive from Chatham

on paved roads.

Barnyard tours and

meals are available

by appointment and

school tours are welcomed. The retail shop offers an impressive display of

fresh meats, pre-packaged or cut to your specification, in quantities most

suitable for your family. Prepared foods use traditional family recipes,

cooked from scratch with modern twists.

Menu Highlights

Fresh Ontario pork, beef, chicken are offered. Roesch pork is raised onsite

on grains grown on their farm, without medications of any kind. Processed

to be lean and low in salt yet preserved perfectly, it doesn’t retain excess

water, which can lead to shrinkage when cooking. Choose from more than

40 different varieties of sausages, from honey garlic to hot and spicy

to sun-dried tomato and basil. Try something new! Their assortment of

Kielbasa is excellent, especially the Smoked Cheddar and Cranberry. Also

recommended is an excellent country-style bone-in ham, five styles of

bacon, and perfectly smoked pork chops.

Graded, fresh brown eggs from the farm’s free-run chickens are always

in stock. Farm-raised free-run meat chickens are also available. Clara’s

homemade meat pies, famous for their flaky crusts and special blends of

meat and vegetables, are

available in single- and

family-size servings. Choose

the perfect steaks or

hamburgers for your next

barbecue. Feeding a crowd?

Full catering, including pig

roasts, is also available.

Enquiries are welcomed!

Superior Quality

Pork, Beef & Chicken

Basil Pesto & Cream

Cheese Boneless

Capicola Roasts

Graded Fresh Free-Run Eggs

122 localflavour.ca CHATHAM-KENT Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Map J — ELGIN COUNTY

N

3

2

401

402

3

58

401

61

St. Thomas

4

56

Port Stanley

Belmont

57

Lake Erie


ELGIN COUNTY

localflavour.ca 123

Modern Farmhouse Cuisine,

Old Fashioned Hospitality

THE WINDJAMMER INN

Exuding a warmth and ambiance only found in genuine

heritage buildings, the Inn provides the perfect setting

for dining on fresh produce from the lake and garden,

expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

124

Chef de Cuisine & Owner Mark

Graham and his wife Cathy

Owner/Chef Kim Saunders


The Scene

A block from Port Stanley’s charming

harbour, the Inn was built in 1854 and

has been lovingly restored. Cozy seating

arrangements include a vintage harvest

table for large groups or Chef’s Tastings.

In season, there are additional tables on

the wraparound veranda. For overnight

stays, the Inn has three tastefully appointed

rooms with modern amenities and two

Premium Jacuzzi Suites next door.

Menu Highlights

Owner and accomplished chef Kim

Saunders sources her ingredients from

the large Elgin County farm network,

seeking local and organic, ethicallyraised

products. Saunders also grows many of her own herbs, edible

flowers and heirloom vegetables in the gardens surrounding the Inn.

Chef notes her Feast ON-certified seasonal menu is subject to change

“at the whim of the Kitchen Spirits and Mother Nature !” Exceptional finds

are the basis of Daily Specials, while the regular menu has been developed

within innovative Flora and Fauna Collections. The Flora Collection is

predominantly plant-forward dishes and most can be prepared fully plantbased

upon request. Recommendations here include the Harvest Bowl

with local veggies, grains, beans and “daily fixin’s” and Southern Crunch

Cauliflower with an Alabama tailgate sauce and siracha maple drizzle.

The Fauna Collection ranges from

delicious Pan-Seared Scallops with brown

butter corn purée and bacon & tomato

salsa, to Sterling Silver Beef Tenderloin

with Yukon Gold savoury wedges and a

smoked onion “steak sauce.”

At Weekend Brunch, expect to find

a hearty Farmer’s Breakfast of perfect

scrambled eggs with chives, herbed

home fries, bacon, farmer’s sausage

and ancient grain toast. The Fisher’s

Breakfast substitutes cornmeal-crusted

perch for the Farmer’s meats. Plantbased

options are also available, and the

The Harvest Table & Bar

market-inspired Soup of the Moment is

reliably inspired and delectable.

ELGIN COUNTY

Port Stanley

Farm-to-Table

Cuisine & Inn

324 Smith Street

(Over the bridge, before the beach)

MAP J p123: 56 519-782-4173

DINNER: WED–SAT from 5:30

BRUNCH: SAT & SUN 9:30 am–2 pm

BRUNCH: $7.95 – $17

DINNER: $14 – $34

thewindjammerinn.com

Menu Changes Seasonally

Recommended in Where to Eat in

Canada for 14 Consecutive Years

Gourmet Breakfast Included with

Overnight Stays

The “BLT” Benny

Lake Erie Line-Caught Pickerel

Housemade Desserts from Scratch

localflavour.ca 125

Replenish. Revitalize.

Relax... Naturally.

FROM THE MEADOW

What started out as a wild idea has turned into a

20-year-old success story. With the belief that Mother

Nature provides more than enough wholesome

ingredients to give us beautiful and healthy skin for

life, this family-owned and operated rural business

handcrafts an extensive range of skincare products

in their “Farmacy” — each 100% natural. Visit "The

Farmacy" and Jenny, the free-ranging donkey!

126

The Farmacy

A Fresh Herb Workshop


The Farmacy

The Farmacy is the heart of From the

Meadow, a vintage barn con verted

into a production centre and business

headquarters. An amazing variety of natural

products, made from local ingredients,

are handcrafted onsite, manufactured to

the highest standards. Most of the herbs

contained in each cream and lotion are

grown and hand-picked on the family farm,

where the second generation is now taking a

leading role.

The Doctrine of Signatures

The key to herbalist wisdom is to understand what Mother Nature

provides for us. All of the herbal ingredients in From the Meadow products

are present in sufficient quantity to ensure efficacy. They are combined

to produce their desired effects based upon the theory known as “The

Doctrine of Signatures.” The plant’s appearance frequently reveals its use

to the body, such as the fuzzy leaf of Mullein indicating its value to the lungs.

As the majority of the products are created with medicinal and complete

body health in mind, this theory has

been invaluable in their preparation.

All products are made from the

highest quality natural ingredients, such

as The Secret Facial Moisturizer. This

facial cream is fresh, luxurious, and

softening to all skin types, and provides

a gentle, age-defying lift that will help

you look and feel amazing all day.

Sometimes described as “Pure Skin Food,” it is a magical blend of flowers,

mushrooms, roots and pure essential oils. The healing plants have antioxidant,

antiseptic and ant-inflammatory properties that stimulate and enhance

blood circulation, plumping skin and

smoothing wrinkles. It’s also great

for acne-prone skin! (Hint: The Secret

cream is in the new “Our Secrets”

Beauty Gift Set and the Facial Kit.)

Check out the website for details

on the exciting variety of natural

products available. Each and every

one is fully backed-up with the From

the Meadow no-questions-asked

satisfaction guarantee.

ELGIN COUNTY

Belmont

Organic Skincare

Farm & Producer

3881 Avon Drive (Hwy 37)

MAP J p123: 57 519-269-3961

THE FARMACY:


SAT 10 am–2 pm

THE MARKET at Western Fair:

SAT 8 am–3 pm

SUN 10 am–2 pm

fromthemeadow.com

Extensive Line of 100% Natural

Skincare Products

Available Onsite and through

Better Retailers Everywhere

Natural Cosmetics & Nail Care

Shampoos & Conditioners

Cleansers, Toners & Soaps

Men’s Line & Valentine Specials

Gift Sets & Baby Collection

Natural Deodorants & Lip Balm

Scented Candles

Natural Handcrafted Soaps

Drying Harvested Plants

Family Farm Herb Production

localflavour.ca 127

Port Stanley

Pick Your Own

Apple Orchard,

Market & Café

5111 Union Road (Hwy 20)

MAP J p123: 58 519-782-3433


SUN 11 am–5 am

Hours Change Seasonally

Check Online for Updates

greatlakesfarms.ca

Apples, Peaches, Strawberries,

Pears, Pumpkins & More

Bakery & Café

Fun Family Farm Activities

Corn Maze & Tractor Rides

Huge Play Area for All Ages

Ample Free Parking

Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin

Fun Zone Giant Pirate Ship

Tractor-Pulled Wagon Rides

128 localflavour.ca

Locally Grown

Family Fun

GREAT LAKES FARMS

Great Lakes Farms brings families, fun, and farming together. The

Van de Gevel family have been

growing high quality Elgin

County fruit for generations,

just minutes from scenic Port

Stanley. Throughout the year,

Great Lakes Farms hosts

a wide variety of activities

including weddings, hall

rentals, group dinners, farm tours and pick your own apples,

strawberries, peaches, pears, and pumpkins.

The Scene

There’s fun available year round but the fall season is the peak of excitment!

Start your visit with a weekend wagon ride around the farm. The Fun Zone

adventure park includes an animal barn, a giant pirate ship, a sand box with

diggers, a zip line, a tile slide, and a corn

maze. Grab a push-wagon and head into

the orchard to pick a bushel of fresh, crisp

apples straight from the tree. Feel free to

add a couple of homegrown pumpkins from

the patch. After your harvest time, relax in

the café and enjoy soup and a sandwich and

delicious fresh-baked treats.

Farm & Menu Highlights

You’ll find fresh strawberries early in the

summer. Pick your own or purchase a flat.

By late summer, juicy tree-ripened peaches,

pears and some early apples are available. After Labour Day, Great Lakes

Farms is in the peak of harvest with over 13 varieties of crunchy delicious

apples. The apples as well as

pumpkins are available picked

or U-pick. Don’t forget to visit

the apple barn to enjoy some

delicious baked goods. Follow

online for seasonal hours —

picking dates vary, due to

weather and species — and

special events, such as Peach

Fest and Pumpkin Fest.

ELGIN COUNTY


Local Craft Beer

Craft Beer Brewery

& Local Food Focus

TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.

With a state-of-the-art craft brewery in the basement,

a chic farm-to-table brew pub on the main level, and

an inviting seasonal patio upstairs, Toboggan Brewing

Company immediately made an indelible mark on

London’s craft beer and culinary scene. Ten Toboggan

beers are regularly available, in addition to seasonal smallbatch

specials. Two Gold Medal-winning Toboggan ciders

are also on tap. Enjoy a pint or a tasting flight in-house or

take some home with you.

130

The Scene

The basement

houses the brewing

equipment, with

sparkling stainless

steel brewing tanks

decoratively lit

on the north side

wall of the main

level. A long bar —

featuring a total of

36 different beers


Gourmet Sandwiches with House-Smoked Meats

on tap — flanks the opposite wall, with flat screen TVs behind it and a large

moose head anchoring one end. The 519 Kitchen runs across the back

of the room, capped by the curled end of the large woodwork evoking

a toboggan on the ceiling. The Beer & Gear Store near the exit offers a

regular and rotating selection of Toboggan beers to take home, and all the

accessories you might need.

Menu Highlights

“We’re focused on as many foods as we can from the 519 area code,” says

owner Mike Smith, describing the 519 Kitchen. The emphasis on local

ingredients is in sync with the craft beer options. The open kitchen allows

visitors to see the staff in action with the blazing stone pizza oven and a

large BBQ smoker. Chef Mike Smith (same name, different person) cooks

up Neapolitan Pizzas, from traditional favourites like the Margherita to

modern choices like the Cajun Chicken & Brie or the Beef Brisket. There

are also plenty of vegetarian options, more than usually found on a typical

pub menu. Other recommendations include:

• House Smoked Meats, in a variety of gourmet sandwiches or in the

popular Street Tacos, served with flour or gluten-free soft corn tortillas;

• Small Plates Pub

Fare, perfect for

sharing, such as Pot

Stickers or fresh-cut

shoestring Frites

served with roasted

garlic mayo, ketchup

and sriracha aioli;

• Cheese and

Charcuterie Boards,

featuring local

producers.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

London

Brewery, Farm-to-

Table Pub & Retail

Beer Store

585 Richmond Street (at Central)

MAP B p16: 59 519-433-BEER (2337)

OPEN: SUN–WED 11:30 am–10 pm

THURS 11:30 am–11 pm


RETAIL BEER STORE HOURS:

SUN–WED 11:30 am–10 pm

THURS–SAT 11:30 am–11 pm

LUNCH: $8– $15

DINNER: $15 – $30

tobogganbrewing.com

10 Different Toboggan Craft Beers

& Seasonal Small-Batch Specials

Two Toboggan Craft Ciders on Tap

Vegetarian & Gluten-free Options

Store Open Daily, incl. Holidays

Assorted Tasting Flights

Thin-crust Neapolitan Pizzas

A Variety of Fresh Salads

localflavour.ca 131

Ask for Anderson

ANDERSON CRAFT ALES

Fully independent and family-run, Anderson Craft Ales

takes pride in crafting small batch, handcrafted, premium

beers without compromise. Under the rigourous watch

of Brewmaster Gavin Anderson (bottom, second from

the left) and his crew, and reliance on Canadian-grown

barley, North American hops, crisp clean water and

yeast, comes top-quality award-winning beer.

132

Tasting Flights

The Scene

Located in London’s Old

East Village, Anderson

Craft Ales has warmed an

industrial building with

a friendly bar and retail

space, a social space and

game area on the second

floor that overlooks the

gleaming tanks and

brewing process, and an inviting seasonal patio.


The Anderson Family

A locally-sourced and thoughtfully curated menu is served out of the new

in-house kitchen by a team of local chefs, known as EatOA! Think Smoked

Beef Tacos with peppercorn gravy, sauteed mushrooms, crispy onions

and blue cheese crema, or “Hungary Butcher” Bratwurst simmered in

Autumn Ale with a warm potato salad, sauerkraut and beer mustard. Hint:

check the social media

channels for kitchen

hours and specials.

The brewery is a

strong community force

and recently celebrated

its third year of business.

EatOA! Chefs:

Bridget Atkinson-Fee, Matt Rice & Kyle Fee

The team believes in

maintaining a familyfriendly

environment

and loves the social aspect of the craft beer community. Check out the

hugely popular year-round Run Club and the taproom events calendar.

Beer Highlights

Anderson IPA (pleasantly hoppy, stronger) and Anderson Amber (ruby red,

maltier, lighter) were the first two beers launched, and quickly established

a following. Cream Ale (straw-coloured,

unfiltered & CBA Gold Award Winning), Brown

(toasty, chocolate and espresso notes), Stout

(coffee and chocolate notes, stronger) and a

quarterly seasonal: Winter (spiced ale); Spring

(dark lager); Summer (pilsner) and Autumn

(märzen), round out a core of six flagship beers.

A 2019 expansion on the production floor

has opened up many more rotational beers,

allowing 12 beers on tap with a dedicated nitro

line. You can find Anderson Craft Ales at the

Beer Store and lcbo in cans, and on tap at an

ever-growing number of bars and restaurants.

Award-Winning Beers

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

London

Craft Brewery

1030 Elias Street (East of Dorinda)

MAP B p16: 60 548-888-ALES

(2537)

HOURS: TUES–SAT 11 am–9 pm

SUNDAY 12 noon–5 pm

andersoncraftales.ca


Retail Store with Fun Swag and

Growlers & Cans To Go

Beer Flights and Tours Available

Friendly Bar & Indoor Seating

Seasonal Patio

Group-Friendly Social Space

Overlooking the Brewery

Approachable Beer-Friendly Food

Friendly Bar/Retail

Second Floor Brewery View

A Quality Canadian-Built Brewery

localflavour.ca 133

Small Batch Brewed.

Hand Crafted.

RAILWAY CITY

BREWING CO.

Established in 2008, the brewery takes

its name from St. Thomas’ extensive

railway history. Heritage is important to the

town, and Railway City Brewing is proud to

celebrate that through their beer names

and by supporting cultural initiatives

within the community.

134

AN INSPIRED ESCAPE

St. Thomas

Craft Brewery,

Taproom & Retail

Store

130 Edward Street (at Currah Road)

MAP J p123: 61 519-631-1881

HOURS: MON–WED 11 am–8 pm

THURS & FRI 11 am–9 pm

SAT 11 am–8 pm

SUN 11 am–6 pm

railwaycitybrewing.com

The Scene

Railway City’s brewing operation features a

20-hectoliter system comprised of a kettle,

mash tun, hot liquor tank, and a number

of 10, 20 and 40HL fermentators and

conditioning tanks. A welcoming taproom

provides the perfect spot to grab a bite

and try new releases and your favourites

with other beer fans. A retail store offers

the best selection of cold beer, including

limited releases, as well as fun brewery

swag such as T-shirts and glassware.

Highlights

Railway City Brewing Co. has won

numerous awards and medals turning

Ontario-grown grains and hops into

small-batch craft beers. After more than

ten years in business, each offering is still

crafted the same way, using only the finest ingredients, with no artificial

adjuncts or preservatives, and never dulled through pasteurization. These

uncompromising standards complement environmentally sustainable

practices, such as dispensing refillable glass growlers and donating spent

grains to local farmers for livestock feed.

Besides popular brews such as Dead Elephant IPA (inspired by Jumbo

the elephant, in turn inspiring the

release of Double Dead Elephant

every autumn, brewed with twice the

hops), Crew Premium Lager, Juice

Caboose Juicy IPA, Black Coal Stout

and Honey Elixir, the company also

concocts seasonal beers, such as

Orange Creamsic Ale, Steampunk

Mixed Berry Sour, and Cranberry

Festive Lager. Watch for interesting

one offs, including barrel-aged

limited release brews. Ultimately,

taste for yourself. Staff would love to

show you around and demonstrate

the brewing process. Samples are

encouraged with every tour!


A tribute to Jumbo, a

historic St. Thomas icon

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Small-batch Craft Brewing Since

2008

Retail Store with Growlers, Bottles

& Cans to Go


Welcoming Taproom

Indoor Seating & Seasonal Patio

Established in 2008

Seasonals & Limited Edition Beers

Brewery Tours & Tastings

localflavour.ca 135

Made Right. Here.

UPPER THAMES

BREWING CO.

& BRICKHOUSE

BREWPUB

The first and only independent craft

brewer in Oxford County, UTBC produces

award-wining, high quality beer entirely

in-house, in two Woodstock locations. The

brewery opened in 2016 and Brickhouse

Brewpub, featuring a full kitchen offering

beer-infused pub fare, opened in 2019.

136

Brickhouse Brewpub Taproom

The Scene

The beautiful Upper Thames Brewing Co.’s open concept taproom features

a Canadiana outdoor theme. Sit at the live-edge bar for a full view of

the brewhouse in action. Want to see more? The Upper Thames Brewed

Exploration Experience Brewing From Grain to Glass takes you backstage.

Compare flavour profiles of each grain in a blind beer-tasting test. Bottle your

own Dark Side Stout and cap it by hand. Create a customized label. Then

head back out to the taproom to enjoy a signature paddle featuring three

locally-sourced ingredients and one awesome “partnership” brew. Custom

experiences are available. There are also Food Truck Fridays and live music

on Saturdays. Be sure to check the website for upcoming events.

Woodstock

Craft Brewery

& Brew Pub

UPPER THAMES BREWING CO.

9-225 Bysham Park Drive

(at Landsdowne Ave.)

MAP D p79: 62 519-290-0053

HOURS: MON 11 am–5 pm

TUES–THU 5 pm–10 pm


SUN 12 noon–6 pm

upperthamesbrewing.ca

Food Truck Fridays

Live Music Saturdays

Brewery Tours & Retail Store

Available for Weddings & Events

BRICKHOUSE BREWPUB

190 Fairway Road (E of Vansittart)

MAP D p79: 63 519-290-5347

HOURS: SUN–THURS 11 am–11 pm

FRI & SAT 11 am–LATE

MENUS: $5– $20

upperthamesbrewing.ca/brewpub

Full Kitchen, Counter Service

Beer-Infused Traditional Pub Fare

24 Taps, Full Bar (Spirits & Wine)

Beer & Merchandise Retail Store

Upper Thames Brewery Taproom & Event Space

Across town, Brickhouse Brewpub is an extension of Upper Thames

Brewing Co., set in a historic powerhouse for an old hospital. A Canadiana/

Industrial motif with live-edge tables and bar and a large secluded patio offers

a warm place to enjoy an interesting draft, with 12 UTBC taps and another

dozen taps rotating other Ontario craft beers, along with a full bar and

wine options. This is a production facility too, so there’s a store for bottles

and growlers to go. A full kitchen offers traditional beer-infused pub grub with

local twists. Try the Brickhouse Burger — a fresh groundchuck patty with

beer-braised onions, bacon jam, Gunn’s Hill cheese curds

& Timberbeast Brown Ale gravy on a soft brioche bun.

Highlights

An ever-changing assortment of special releases and

seasonal offerings are supported by UTBC’s six core

brews: • Backpaddle Blonde Ale, light, sweet, malty;

• Portage India Pale Ale, citrusy, soft bitterness,

subtle malt; • Dead Reckoning Ontario Pale Ale, light

amber, hoppy, malty backbone; • Take a Hike Dry-

Hopped Pale Ale, light hop, grapefruit, mango, peach;

• Timberbeast Brown Ale, caramel, coffee, no bitterness; • Dark Side

Chocolate Stout, award-winning, rich, roasty, smooth.


LOCAL CRAFT BEER

The Brickhouse Burger

Upper Thames Brewery Patio

localflavour.ca 137

Passion for the Craft

THE GROVE HOTEL

& BREW HOUSE

Encountering a distinctly unique mix of vintage

touches and modern wit, visitors enjoy friendly

service and consistent attention to detail, with

award-winning beers, an adventurous menu,

and stylish themed hotel rooms.

138

Kingsville

Craft Brewery,

Restaurant & Hotel

12 Main Street East (Hwy 20)

MAP H p111: 64 519-712-8812

HOURS: MON–THURS noon–11 pm

FRI noon–12 am

SAT 11 am–12 am

SUN 11 am–11 pm

LUNCH: from $12

DINNER: from $15

BrewEatSleepRepeat.com

The Scene

Located in the heart of downtown Kingsville, The

Grove Hotel & Brew House is a top destination.

The impressive 2016 renovation of a classic

historical building makes for a memorable experience.

Professional staff are genuinely friendly

and welcoming. The craft brewery gleams like

a steampunk cityscape, with state-of-the-art

equipment producing award-winning beers.

Vintage pipes are incorporated into the bar, and

reclaimed oak tables enhance the historic vibe.

Highlights

Brewing with a thirst for flavour puts a

premium on procuring only the best “fresh” and “local” ingredients. Enjoy

a hand-crafted brew from the historically-inspired core Brewmaster Series,

including the award-winning George The

Ghost Hefeweizen and Clubhouse Stout.

Try one of the brewmaster’s latest seasonal

“One Hit Wonders” or dive deep by enjoying a

limited release “One & Done” weekly brew.

An approachable dining menu offers the

comfort classics you love, with just enough

Grove creativity and uniqueness to call

them their own. The focus is on fresh, local

ingredients that pair perfectly with the Grove

brews. Recommendations include:

• El Diablo, a beef burger with a spicy pepper

blend, chipotle cream cheese mousse,

smoked bacon, crispy tortilla chip, local

tomato & lettuce (Named Windsoreats.com Must Have Burger). Pairing

Suggestions: Lupulin Express APA, Division IPA

• Butcher’s Thin Crust ’Za with fire-roasted tomato sauce, prosciutto,

bacon, capicola, chorizo & mozzarella. Pairing Suggestions:

Paradise Lager, Westcott

Cream Ale

• North Erie Lake Erie

Panko Breaded Perch

with coleslaw, lemon aioli,

avocado, pickled onions

and local micro greens.

Pairing Suggestion:

Room 04: “Brew Master Suite”


Peachy Motherpucker

Gose Kettle Sour

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Handcrafted, Award-Winning Beer

Approachable Menu with Classic

Offerings

Retail Beer Sales – Better Beer,

Better Hours

Award-Winning Boutique Hotel

Award-winning Beers

Classic Thin Crust ’Za

Authentic Street Tacos

localflavour.ca 139

A Storm is Brewing

STORM STAYED

BREWING CO.

This neighbourhood hub is the perfect place

to spend quality time with friends, family, and

fellow fans of craft beer no matter the weather.

While “Storm Stayed” refers to poor conditions

keeping people in, here it’s more about

community that forms through shared events.

So grab a stool at the bar, gather around a

table, or enjoy a spot on the patio. This bright,

spacious venue is inclusive to everyone.

140

The Scene

Nestled between The Coves and Old South neighbourhoods, an easy walk to

many London attractions, Storm Stayed Brewing Co. is a popular gathering

place known to host seasonal farmers’ markets, trivia, and other events. The

bright spacious taproom is the first sign that this is an environment that fosters

community, with large sharable tables that are great for enjoying a bite and

a brew. Simple, clean

lines and contemporary

styling put the focus on

the people, and you’ll find

friendly, knowledgeable

staff eager to welcome

you, your group of friends,

or your family.

Retail Shop with Beer-to-Go & Merchandise

Beer Highlights

The focus is on hop-forward ales and fruited sours,

along with a core lineup of modern and traditional

styles, from crisp and clean, malty and sweet, to

dark and roasty. A one-barrel pilot system exclusively

dedicated to experimentation, guest taps,

and a Sunday Beer Cocktail keep things dynamic.

Recommendations include: Sunburst — a New

England Pale Ale— citrusy with subdued bitterness,

hazy and crushable; Patina — an Irish Red Ale —

easy-drinking with notes of caramel and light toast;

Shook — a Milkshake Kettle Sour — refreshing with

Boards Feature Local Meats & Cheeses


Full, Half,

& Sample Pours

massive additions of fruit, vanilla and lactose; and The Hunter — an American

Porter — nearly black with dark roast coffee and chocolate flavours.

Food Highlights

The menu at Storm Stayed changes seasonally, with a consistently careful

curation of food options that pair perfectly with beer. Last summer, part of

the menu featured Tacos

(think barbacoa beef,

crispy chicken, refried

bean, etc.) Now, you’ll

find delicious sandwiches

with a notable standout

being the French Dip,

with shaved beef,

horseradish aioli, au jus,

and housemade chips.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

London

Craft Brewery &

Beer-Focused Food

169 Wharncliffe Rd. S. (at Bruce)

MAP B p16: 65 519-601-7829

TAPROOM: WED & THURS 4 pm–10pm

FRI & SAT 12 noon–12 am

SUN 12 noon–6 pm

RETAIL: MON–THURS 4 pm–10pm

FRI & SAT 12 noon–11 pm

SUN 12 noon–6 pm

MENU: $6– $32

stormstayed.com

Spacious Taproom & Patio

Beer Flights Available

Retail Shop with Beer to Go

Free Parking & Bike Racks

Short Walk from Wortley Village

2 Block Walk to Hyland Cinema

17 Taps with Rotating Styles

The Brewery

localflavour.ca 141

Historic Sarnia,

Fresh on Tap

THE TIN FIDDLER &

RIVER RUN BREW CO.

Downtown Sarnia’s new brew pub restaurant

includes an in-house brewery with authentic

historic charm. Extensive renovations in a neglected

12,000-square-foot building (circa 1890–1910)

revealed long-hidden architectural features such

as 16-foot plaster ceilings, block brick walls and a

beautiful terrazzo floor.

142

The Scene

Mark Woolsey and Mia Clarke are partners in the new Tin Fiddler Brew Pub.

The beautifully renovated old building enhances a communal, yet intimate,

dining experience. The basement houses an innovative craft brewery, River

Run Brew Co., owned by John

Tidball and Woolsey. The beer

is exclusively available upstairs

in the brewpub. The industrial

decor features largescale murals

and canvases, a copper-top

bar, tufted bench upholstery,

Edison bulb lighting and plenty

of corrugated steel. Recent

expansion increased seating

capacity and created space for

private parties and a stage for

Sophisticated & Shareable Pub Food


bands. Historic artifacts from

the building are incorporated

throughout. An antique safe serves as a reception desk, draft taps are installed in

a vintage pump organ, and an iconic dual-sided clock hangs in a prominent spot.

A nicely appointed outdoor courtyard is used seasonally as a music venue.

Menu Highlights

Two Head Chefs — one in charge of preparation, the other in charge of

daily operations — share responsibities for a menu that offers an interesting

selection of sophisticated pub food. The focus is on shareable items such

as gnocchi-poutine, traditional fish and chips, and onion rings battered

with puffed quinoa. Try the Lamb Tacos or the Asian-spiced Crispy Chicken

Sandwich. A regular rotation of daily features includes seasonal soups and a

pasta feature. With perfect beer pairings available, menu recommendations

also include:

• Spicy Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

with chipotle marinated

jackfruit, tangy slaw, bell

peppers, vegan pumpkin seed

sour cream;

• Sriracha Tempura Bites with

crispy cauliflower & sweet

potatoes, Asian-style BBQ

sauce, scallions & sesame

seeds;

• Chorizo and Sweet Potato

Flatbread with pickled onions,

pumpkin seeds & goat cheese.

Exclusive River Run Brews on Tap

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Sarnia

Brew Pub &

Craft Brewery

146 Christina Street N. (at Cromwell)

MAP G p105: 66 519-491-7844

HOURS: SUN–WED 11 am–10pm

THURS 11 am–11 pm

FRI & SAT 11 am–midnight

Hours may vary or be extended.

LUNCH: $8 – $16

DINNER: $11 – $22

thetinfiddler.com

Beer Brewed in House

Live Music Every Weekend


Close to Local Theatre

Vintage Industrial Chic Decor

Chorizo & Sweet Potato Flatbread

Courtyard Patio Music Nights

localflavour.ca 143

Beer from Here

IMPERIAL CITY BREW HOUSE

Mike Barker, Kyle Blandford, Craig Brodie and Matt Whitney — Sarnia

friends who spent years home-brewing together and sharing samples

with friends and family — have finally answered the question about

why they don’t do something more with their excellent beers. Cheers!

144

Sarnia

The Scene

Great beer and comeraderie brought them together, and both remain key

for the foursome behind Imperial City Brew House. The open concept was

carefully planned and

is fully in keeping

with the owners’

philosophy. “Our

primary focus is to be

a community meeting

space,” explained

Matt Whitney, in

conversation with

Louis Pin of The

Sarnia Observer.


“We want people to

be able to walk up

to the tanks, touch

them if they want.” The result of an extensive renovation process — only

half-jokingly referred to as “Blood, sweat and beers!” — is a generously

spacious taproom. An open-concept upper

level on top of the 1000-square-foot cooler

is planned, for overflow and a private event

space, and will bring total capacity to 220

people. The industrial vibe is enhanced by a

full view of the arrays of gleaming tanks and

the brewing process.

Beer Highlights

Imperial City Brew House will pay homage

to Sarnia with the names of its beers once

they are fully established. Launching in

January 2020, the initial flagship beers will

include: Canadian Pale Ale, Cream Ale,

Bohemian Pilsner, Hazy NEIPA, English

Brown, Blonde Ale, Light Lager, and an Irish Stout on nitro. Seasonals

and rotating taps will fulfill the brewers’ desire to also craft a wide variety

of fun, niche products.

As they explain on

every can, Imperial City

is “Four friends who

let passion pave the

way to bring you the

very best selection of

deliciousness.” We’ll

The Tank Farm

Blood, Sweat & Beers!

drink to that!

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Craft Brewery

& Taproom

1330 Exmouth Street

(at Lambton Mall Road)

MAP G p105: 67 519-491-5191

Hours will change seasonally.

Follow online for updates.

imperialcitybrew.com

Original Brews for Everyone

Large Groups Welcome

Across from Lambton Mall

Ample Free Parking

Tank Arrival Day

Cool, Sharp Industrial Design

Spacious Open Concept Taproom

localflavour.ca 145

Craft Beer

that Rings True

COWBELL BREWING CO.

This destination craft brewery is a true showstopper. Opened

in 2017, it has garnered rave reviews for its family-friendly,

fully-accessible and ecologically-sustainable farm setting,

stunning architecture, local farm-to-table menu choices, and

impressive range of great craft beers.

146

The Scene

Take a guided or self-guided tour and enjoy unobstructed views of almost

everything, including the state-of-the-art brewhouse. The 26,000-squarefoot

venue also features a restaurant and taproom, with indoor and

outdoor seating and unique event and private dining rooms. The

restaurant sits centre

in the expansive

stone and wood barnstyle

facility. Other

elements include an

open kitchen, a stone

fireplace, a woodfired

pizza oven and

an enormous screen

Cowbell Kitchen Restaurant


for special events. A

retail space sells beer

in cans, growlers and

kegs, as well as Cowbell gear, kitchen items, beer-inspired candles and

chocolates, with a focus on locally-produced merchandise.

Beer & Menu Highlights

Guests at Doc’s Bar sit directly in front of the elevated Cowbell brewhouse

— an outstanding vantage point serving a variety of taps. Cowbell

creates exceptional beer recipes using highest quality, globally-sourced

ingredients. Beers on offer include six stalwart Founders’ Series beers:

a Country Kolsch, a West Coast Red Ale, a New World Hefeweizen,

an IPA, a Nitro Oatmeal Stout, and a Honey Brown Ale. The talented

brewery team further express courage

and creativity with small batch limited

releases in the Renegade, Farm

Feature, and Homestead Series.

The Feast ON-certified restaurant

at Cowbell Brewing is about fresh,

local, and fun. The Cowbell team works

with like-minded local producers to

create delicious appetizers, shared

plates, burgers, wood-fired pizza and

housemade desserts. Recommendations

include a Cowbell exclusive: Huron

County Smoked Chop, Metzger’s 12 oz

bone-in pork chop with roasted garlic

Inspired Architecture

fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetable

& blackberry demi jus.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Blyth

Craft Brewery

& Local Farmto-Table

Dining

40035 Blyth Road (Hwy 25)

MAP F p99: 68 844-523-4724

HOURS: SUN–THURS 11 am–9 pm


cowbellbrewing.com

Closed-Loop, Carbon Neutral


Retail Store with Brewery Swag,

Kegs, Growlers & Cans To Go


Indoor & Outdoor Seating

Gluten & Dairy Free, Vegan Options

Exclusive Huron Cty Smoked Chop

Meet the Founders!

Work Hard. Shindig Harder.

localflavour.ca 147

Shakespeare

Craft Brewery

& Taproom

2178 Line 34 (Hwy 7/8)

MAP E p83: 69 519-777-5469

OR 519-276-7638

OPEN: WED–SUN


shakespearebrewingcompany.ca

Well-stocked Bottle Shop

Cozy Taproom

Ample Free Parking

Seasonal Beer Garden

100% Ontario-grown Hops

Comfortable Taproom

Seasonal Beer Garden Seating

Discover Your Favourite!

True Ontario Taste

SHAKESPEARE

BREWING COMPANY

As part of a mission to redefine what “local” means to craft beer,

Shakespeare Brewing Co. is fully committed to using Ontariogrown

ingredients for a true Ontario

taste. Adding this agricultural

component to its artisanal approach

supports farmers and other small

local businesses.

The Scene

Located in the quaint town of

Shakespeare, 10 minutes from

Stratford, the brewery is located on

the main highway through town in a

building once used as a school bus

garage. Husband and wife team Ayden

and Katie were inspired by travels in

Europe in 2014 and saw this could be

the perfect space for a welcoming and

kid-friendly (they have two youngsters)

brewery. The brew house includes a small retail space where beers are

available to purchase in 500ml bottles, 473ml cans, or growlers. Enjoy a

free sample or a glass inside the cozy English-style taproom. In warmer

weather grab a seat on the beer garden patio, surrounded by cascading

hops. Snacks are available or you can bring your own food!

Beer Highlights

Six core brands and a variety of limited releases and seasonal brews

ensure there is something interesting for everyone. Favourites include: The

Reckless Rooster —

Ontario Pale Ale, mildly

bitter with balanced

malt character and

100% Ontario-grown

ingredients; The Classy

Cow — Milk Stout,

creamy smooth, dark

malt with sweet finish;

The Grumpy Goat —

IPA, strong, bitter pinelike

flavour from extra

Zeus & Chinook hops.

A Cozy Spot

for a Beer


148 localflavour.ca LOCAL CRAFT BEER Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Fresh Beer Brewed

at The Blue!

THE BLUE ELEPHANT

CRAFT BREW HOUSE

In 1992 Heather Pond-Manorome

opened the Blue Elephant, serving

up fresh local and international

cuisine using ingredients from

Norfolk’s renowned agricultural

riches. Over the years it became

a local landmark, consistently

evolving the Blue Elephant

experience. In 2012 the doors

of the Blue Elephant Craft Brew

House opened, Norfolk County’s

first and only “Tied House” (Pub

+ Microbrewery). Blue Elephant

handcrafts beers that employ

the same commitment to fresh,

locally-grown ingredients as the restaurant, which is Feast ONcertified

as an authentic taste of place in Ontario.

The Scene

One of the most idiosyncratic refined casual dining establishments in this

neck of the woods, the restaurant is split into two distinct areas. The dining

areas include The Thai Room, decorated with pachyderm-themed statuary

and Asian accents. Another, Bell’s Room,

features Pond-Manorome’s grandmother‘s

paintings. The more casual British-themed

Pub serves lunch and dinner, and two

outdoor patios are open in season.

Highlights

Menu offerings, made to order, are

sourced from a wide variety of area

farmers. Spent Grain Pizzas are

signature items, utilizing products from

the brewing process while being original

and delicious.

Fresh ales, lagers, pilsners, and

specialty brews are available on tap at the

pub, and for retail sale in the Brew Store.


The Pub Bar

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Simcoe

Craft Beer & Farmto-Table

Restaurant

96 Norfolk Street South

MAP D p79: 70 519-428-2886

TAPROOM: WED & THURS 4 pm–10pm

HOURS: MON & TUES 11:30 am–10 pm

WED & THURS 11:30 am–11 pm


closed sundays

blueelephant.ca

Several Distinct Dining Area


Two Seasonal Patios & Shed

Rotating Craft Beer Selection

Beer Flights Available

Seasonal & Special Releases

“Brewed Biscuits” Pet Treats

localflavour.ca 149

London

Worker Owned

Organic Craft

Brewery & Taproom

521 Burbrook Place (at Princess Ave.)

MAP B p16: 71 226-667-6363

HOURS: TUES-THURS 11:30am–10pm

FRI 11:30 am–11 pm

SAT 11 am–10 pm

SUN 11:30 am–6 pm

londonbrewing.ca

Full Tasting Room with a View of

the Brewing Process

Fully Stocked Retail Store

Tours & Tasting by Reservation

Four 4-oz Flights Available

Snack Food Options

Outdoor & Indoor Seating

Favourites & Special Releases

Fully Stocked Retail Fridge

Enjoy the Patio!

150 localflavour.ca

From Plough to Pint

LONDON BREWING

London Brewing cares deeply about the quality of their ingredients

and the sustainability of their product. They’re one of two Certified

Organic craft breweries in Ontario and

one of less than 20 in all of Canada. This

is a democratic enterprise, owned by its

employee members, who seek to create

great beer and good jobs and have a

positive impact on their community.

The Scene

London Brewing is located in the heart of Old

East Village. The decor, complete with overhead

cranes, reclaimed metal roofing, and reclaimed

furniture throughout, celebrates local ingredients,

sustainable practices, and the manufacturing

tradition of the building. Enjoy the welcoming

Taproom, with snack food options, classic pinball, board games, and a

full view of the brewing process. There is both indoor and outdoor casual

seating and a fully-stocked Retail Store. Check out the Facebook Events

page for details such as Open Mic, Euchre, and Live Music Nights.

Beer Highlights

This is the epitome of local beer. All of London Brewing’s beers feature

Ontario-grown ingredients (most coming from within 117 km of the

brewery) and it was the first Craft Malt Certified brewery in Canada.

Visitors can purchase 4-ounce tasting flights and 12-ounce drinks or

grab growlers, bottles, and cans to-go. Notable flagship beers include

London Organic Lager, clean tasting for hot summer days but complex

enough to be enjoyed all year long, and Front Porch Organic Session

IPA, a bright, lively, and light sessionable mosaic IPA with subtle notes of

juicy citrus throughout, perfect for both casual and dedicated craft beer

drinkers. More certified organic brews are in development and awaiting

certification. Working

with farmers and

maltsters and moving

toward a complete line

of organic products

is central to London

Brewing’s mission to

be sustainable and

support Ontario’s

farming communities.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Brewing with Local Ingredients


Something’s Brewing

in Market Square

HAMLET HALL

BREW CO.

There’s a fresh well-crafted taste of a proud past in every glass,

can and keg at Hamlet Hall Brew Co. The entire beer selection is

inspired by historical Stratford personalities and area memories,

and incorporates local ingredients

from the vast surrounding

agricultural community. The

brewery is employee-owned by 10

workers, staff and management.

The Scene

Many of the Victorian-era architectural

details remain, including tin ceilings,

decorative arches and columns,

sandstone window lintels, and a

parapet gable topped with finials.

There is a welcoming, laid-back ambience, as you sip on your beer and

enjoy a bite to eat beside the massive brewing vessels or on the sidewalk

patio overlooking Market Square.

Beer & Menu Highlights

Brewmaster Jeff MacDonald and Head Brewer Jon Zippel utilize quality

local ingredients in their innovative craft beer lineup. Dingman Dark Lager

(named for The Herald newspaper proprietor) is a malt-forward lager that

showcases local midnight wheat.

Signature Dingman

Dark Burger


Perth County Conspiracy APA (named

to honour a beloved local band) is a

hop-forward pale ale with reserved but

perceivable bitterness. H2 Golden Ale

(named to honour The Herald Building’s

revitalization) has a slight haze and a

discrete malt backbone.

A creative pub-style menu is

prepared by The Hub kitchen next door.

The highly-recommended Chicken

Wings come in a variety of flavours —

many beer-infused — or try the Shaved

Prime Rib Sandwich, topped with

horseradish mayo and mixed greens.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Stratford

Worker Owned

Craft Brewery

& Taproom

21 Market Place (on Market Square)

MAP E p83: 72 519-508-1890

HOURS: TUES–THURS 11 am–9 pm


SUN 11 am–6 pm

MENU: From $10

hamlethall.com

Heritage-Inspired Brewing

Farm-to-Glass Local Ingredients

Central Market Square Location

Full Menu Available from The Hub

Enjoy Delicious Local Wines

Available in the Taproom, The

Beer Stores & LCBOs

An Innovative Line of Craft Beers

Available in Select Restaurants

Favourites & Seasonals On Tap

localflavour.ca 151

Stratford

Craft Brewery

& Taproom

45 Cambria Street (at Dufferin St.)

MAP E p83: 73 519-305-3335

HOURS: TUES–WED 11 am–8 pm

THURS–SAT 11 am–9 pm

SUN 12 noon–7 pm

closed mondays

MENU: $15

jobsitebrewing.ca

2 Blocks South of Downtown

Open Concept Historic Building

Next Door to Junction 56 Distillery

Wines, Cider & Craft Beers

Wood-fired Pizza Oven

Family-Friendly Ambiance

Wood-fired Pizza Oven

Enjoy a Brew and a Bite!

Next Door to Junction 56 Distillery

Building Better Beer

JOBSITE BREWING CO.

Just two blocks from downtown, this is definitely the best time

you’ll ever have at a jobsite! Owners Dave Oldenburger and Phil

Buhler worked together for years

as carpenters on a wide variety

of projects. A construction site

conversation sparked the brewery

name and concept. After a look at

the former lumber yard portion of

Stratford’s old Pounder building,

they were soon pouring concrete

and their style of craft beer.

The Scene

The large and family-friendly brewery

retains the exposed and raw interior

of the historical building, allowing

full access to the taproom and an

events space in the production area.

Reclaimed lumber was used for doors and tables, and the decor picks up

the construction theme throughtout. A wood-fired pizza oven helps make

this a warm place to enjoy great beer, craft drinks, and a delicious bite.

Beer Highlights

There’s a craft beer for every drinker, with

core brands including the very light and

easy drinking 2x4 Cream Ale; the Big Pour

Stout, smooth with hints of chocolate smoked

bacon and a gentle vanilla finish; Impact IPA,

with large hits of hop aromas and medium

bitterness; and the Wrong Nail Amber Ale,

with rich amber colour and deep flavours

that hit the nail on the head! Cocktails, wine

and ciders are also available. Enjoy a Three

Cheese, Spinach & Mushroom, or Pepperoni

pizza with your choice of beverage.

152 localflavour.ca LOCAL CRAFT BEER Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Local Wines

Pioneers of Huron Shores!

ALTON FARMS

ESTATE WINERY

Family-owned and operated by husband

and wife team Marc Alton and Anne Kurtz-

Alton, Alton Farms Estate Winery recently

celebrated its sixth anniversary. Literally

pioneers in Ontario’s newest emerging wine

region of Huron Shores, Marc and Anne

have handcrafted excellent wines with taste

and quality their primary focus. Most have

received the coveted vqa Ontario status.

154

Plympton-Wyoming

Winery

5547 Aberarder Line

(Hwy 11, just west of Hwy 21)

MAP G p105: 74 519-899-2479

May–Oct, WED–SUN noon–6 pm

Nov–April, FRI–SUN noon–6 pm

Or by appointment.

See website for seasonal updates.

altonfarmsestatewinery.com

The Scene

There is a strong commitment to using sustainable farm

practices on the 90-acre property, with six acres of producing

vines. This includes extensive composting and a herd of Shetland

sheep and lambs who eat the ground cover between the rows

of vines and fertilize the soil. The winery utilizes a century-old

wooden drive shed, and the welcoming and warm tasting

room and a retail store are located downstairs in the family

home. A summer patio features a wood-fired pizza oven,

and the grounds are home to a number of special events,

including a harvest time Grape Stomp!

Highlights

A former engineer, Marc is a self-taught winemaker and

grape grower who is learning, adapting, and challenging

traditional

winemaking

practices. He

is willing to experiment and

every year he handcrafts

13–17 exceptional wines,

ranging from traditional

Chardonnay and Bordeaux

blends, to unique blends

including new hybrids such as

Frontenac.

Follow the winery on social media to keep up with events held

throughout the year to sample the wines, including Wine Tastings &

Pairings, fundraisers Grape Stomp (a family-friendly competition) and

Weinfest (a family-friendly German tradition celebrating the new wines

in production), and Wine

Wednesday Dinners

featuring some of the

region’s top chefs.

Alton Farms Estate wines

are available in the tasting

room, at many restaurants,

select lcbos and at farmers’

markets in Bayfield and

Sarnia.


Sustainable Farm Practices

LOCAL WINES

Most Wines are Ontario vqa

Tasting Room & Tours Available

Seasonal Patio

Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Wednesday Evening Dinners

Follow on FB for Special Events

Available for Private Events

Trails for Hiking & CC Skiing

Seasonal Wood-fired Pizza Oven

Wide Variety of Local VQA Wines

Welcoming Tasting Room

localflavour.ca 155

Patience is the Root

of Good Taste ...

OXLEY ESTATE WINERY

Nestled on 38 acres in the heart of the Lake Erie North

Shore Wine Route, Oxley Estate Winery showcases the

beauty of every season. Open year round, there is a

small, intimate wine shop and an excellent restaurant.

Spacious grounds and gardens, a generous Wine Garden

patio and a light-filled barn and loft can accommodate all

kinds of events with comfort and style.

156

Harrow

Winery & Farm-to-

Table Dining

533 County Road 50 East

in the hamlet of Oxley

MAP H p111: 75 519-738-3264

Winery Hours: daily, 11 am–6 pm

Restaurant Hours: lunch daily

dinner on weekends

See website for seasonal updates.

DINNER: $28– $50

oxleyestatewinery.com

The Scene

In the scenic and historic

hamlet of Oxley, the Oxley

Estate Winery vineyards are

blessed with long, sunny days,

light lake breezes, and rich

sandy loam soil over a 30-footdeep

limestone ridge. Comfy

Muskoka chairs allow visitors to

sit and relax while basking in

the sun, listen to live music or

cuddle near the outdoor woodburning

fireplace. In season,

the tented patio is the perfect

spot to taste and enjoy great wine and conversation and to meet new friends.

Wine & Menu Highlights

Oxley makes small-batch award-winning wines that include Riesling,

Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Bianca, Hibernal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet

Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Regent — the German

wunderkind — a fruity, light-bodied red. Eco-friendly farming practices,

including reduced chemical intervention, encourage a healthy and

sustainable environment. Vines are planted in a north-south direction,

spaced to maximize morning sun exposure and provide protection from

evening overheating. Plantings follow the European model, using various

rootstocks to avoid a mono-culture and to maximize the imprint of Oxley’s

unique terroir. The rewards are in every bottle.

The Oxley restaurant embraces the

bounty of ingredients grown, raised and

caught right down the road, including

beautiful produce, and fresh perch from

Lake Erie. Chef creates enticing lunch

and dinner entrées that are full of flavour.

Remember to save room for the Crème

Brûlée! Other recommendations include:

• Lake Erie Yellow Perch with house-cut

fries, Oxley slaw and tartar;

• Sticky Pickled Duck Wings, with a

honey & Szechuan vinaigrette, sugared

chilis, toasted sesame, radish & scallions;

• Freshly Shucked Oysters, with lemon,

house mignonette or fresh horseradish.


Award-Winning Small-Batch Wines

LOCAL WINES

Daily Wine Tasting & Wine Shop

Beautiful Outdoor Gardens

Wood Burning Fireplace, Live Music

Indoor & Outdoor Event Spaces

Eco-friendly & Sustainable Farming

Fresh Local Menu Options

Inviting Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

localflavour.ca 157

A Wine Destination

Paradise!

SPRUCEWOOD SHORES

ESTATE WINERY

Siblings Tanya (Winemaker) and Steve Mitchell (Sales

& Marketing) have been crafting wines for 13 years on

their beachfront farm. Grapes were planted in 1991

by their parents and their family opened the Winery

together in 2006. Today they have over 20 different

wine styles to choose from, available to sample at

their beautiful winery every day 11 to 5.

158

Amherstburg

Winery &

Event Centre

7258 County Road 50 West

(just East of Holiday Beach)

MAP H p111: 76 519-738-9253

HOURS: DAILY 11 am–5 pm

LUNCH: $28 2-person Picnic Basket

Wine Tastings $4pp (Fee

waived with bottle purchase)

sprucewoodshores.com

The Scene

Ontario’s only beachfront winery,

Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery

handcrafts 100% Ontario vqa wines. A deep

love of wine, art and rustic architecture

influenced the Mitchell family to create a

beautiful Tuscan-style “old world” building

with large cellars. Extensive balconies offer

breathtaking views of the vineyard and

Lake Erie. The interior is accented by dark

wood trim, and warm wall and chandelier

lighting, with a 17-foot custom-made bar as

its focus. An elegant Reception Hall with

panoramic views was added in 2015. Full

service wedding and event planning services are available.

Taste wines, explore the property, or enjoy one of the iconic picnics on

the beach or patio. Picnic baskets include

gourmet cheese, deli baguettes, fruit,

vegetables, hummus, antipasto, dessert,

and all the necessary tools. Wine tastings

are available daily. Private and guided

group tours can be arranged.

Wine Highlights

With a focus on quality and small batch

production, they produce a series of

excellent vintages — over 20 different

Mulled Wine

vintage, available now), Sweet Select

Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet

Merlot (Lady in Red) are also available

at the lcbo. There is also a mulled wine

(Warm ’n Cozy) produced in November and

December, perfect for chilly nights.

Sprucewood Shores Appassimento

wines are the first and only wines

produced from dried grapes in the Lake

Erie North Shore region. These mindblowing

wines of excellent quality can be

opened now but have great aging potential

and will develop even more complexity in

5–7 years.


LOCAL WINES

Pinot Grigio

wine styles — all available at the winery

store. Sprucewood Shores Pinot Grigio,

Dry Riesling (Gold Medal Winner for 2018’s

Dry Reisling

Ontario’s Only Beachfront Winery

Wine Tastings & Tours

Picnic Lunches

Charcuterie & Cheese Baskets

20+ Different Wine Styles

Welcoming Family-Run Atmosphere

Full Service Wedding Venue

Spectacular Architecture & Grounds

Ontario’s Only Beachfront Winery

Popular Wedding & Event Facilities

localflavour.ca 159

When You’re at CREW,

You Are CREW!

CREW

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery

Owned and operated by the husband and wife team

of Bernard and Nancy Gorski, CREW boasts 12 acres

of distinguished vinifera varietal vines. The Gorskis

launched their winery in 2006, and after winning

many prestigious awards, they recently built an

exciting new CREW Winery & Gallery to enhance their

guests’ experiences of Ontario wine culture.

160

The New CREW Winery & Gallery

The Scene

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery —

generally known by its acronym CREW —

offers a unique experience in the Lake Erie

North Shore wine appelation. Expanded

in November 2019, the new CREW Winery

& Gallery is a two-story tasting room

and event space overlooking acres of

lush, well-tended vines. A picnic area is

available in season. The new facility offers

indoor seating for small or large groups

on two screened-in patios with sleek

tables, comfy lounge furniture

and panoramic vineyard views,

often graced with wonderful lake breezes. The Gallery features

artwork from owner Bernie Gorski’s private collection as well

as new works by accomplished local and international artists.

The welcoming Tasting Bar offers small-lot wines and tasting

flights alongside an enticing sharing plate menu.

Wine & Menu Highlights

This boutique winery demonstrates its strong commitment

to quality with each bottle of craft vqa wine. The primary

focus is on growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,

Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer grapes but you’ll find a

wide variety of outstanding wines. All the red wines are

barrel-aged, while various winemaking techniques create

interesting turns on the classicss. Knowledgeable staff

are available to answer questions and make suggestions

according to your personal preferences.

Hungry? The Winery also offers a menu that you can share

with your own CREW! It features a variety of flatbreads, cheeseboards

and tapenades, focusing on local artisansourced

items. Highlights include:

• Cheeseboard with your choice of

three artisanal Ontario cheeses

from a seasonal selection, with

accompaniments including stuffed

olives, prosciutto, flatbread crackers,

red peppers, fresh figs & baguette;

• Fig, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Flatbread;

• Caramelized Onion Chutney, Old

Cheddar & Bacon Flatbread.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are

available. Make your meal complete with a

CREW sommelier’s wine pairing suggestions.


Artisan-sourced

Sharing Plate

Menu

LOCAL WINES

The Barrel Room

Harrow

Winery, Gallery

& Restaurant

108 County Road 50 East

(near Erie Road)

MAP H p111: 77 519-738-9800

HOURS: DAILY 11 am–6 pm

Winter Hours May Fluctuate

LUNCH: $15 – $30

colchesterridge.com


Award-Winning VQA Wines

Gallery featuring Local and

International Art

Covered Screened-in Patio with

Panoramic Views

Daily Tasting Options

Sharing Plate Menu

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options

Distinguished Vinifera Varietals

Co-Owner Bernie Gorski

Ontario VQA Wines

localflavour.ca 161

Pelee Island.

Just a Sip Away.

PELEE ISLAND WINERY

Found at the southernmost inhabited point in

Canada, Pelee Island is home to 700+ acres of

vineyards for Pelee Island Winery and shares a

winemaking history dating back more than 150

years. With the vineyards and Winery Pavilion on

Pelee Island and a Retail Boutique along with the

main production facility in Kingsville, Pelee Island

Winery offers a unique experience to all who visit.

162

The Pelee Island Winery, Kingsville

The Scene

In the heart of the quaint village of Kingsville, Pelee Island Winery is

surrounded by amazing local restaurants, unique shops and seasonal farm

stands. Here you can learn about the “Vine to Wine” process through

interactive tours; shop for your favourite wines, apparel, culinary tools and

gifts; enjoy the sunshine

and live entertainment on

the patio with great food

and a glass of wine (check

the website event calendar

for show dates); or book

one of the event rooms for a

party, meeting, conference

or other private function.

The Pelee Island Winery

Pavilion encourages you

to reset yourself to island

time on the relaxing grounds, surrounded by vineyards and the shores of

Lake Erie, and enjoy treats from the Deli Hut that pair perfectly with the

chill vibe. The hour-and-a-half ferry ride to the island provides a perfect

opportunity to exhale and unplug.

In addition to the Winery Pavilion, Pelee Island offers visitors an

experience like no other. This is some of the rarest natural habitat in

Canada, home to over 10,000 unique species of wildlife, flora and fauna.

Birders witness seasonal migrations of hundreds of species. The main road

stretches around the perimeter of the island and provides an excellent

route to cycle or walk. If you plan to stay the night, there are beautiful inns

and bed & breakfasts to accommodate you.

Wine Highlights

Pelee Island Winery offers a diverse selection of approachable and awardwinning

wines that will exceed your expectations. The companay also

prides itself on producing exceptional wines in an ecologically-conscious

manner. As a founding member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario,

Pelee Island Winery is committed to enhancing the environment by using

sustainable practices

in its wineries and

vineyards. Having control

over its grape supply

allows them to grow and

care for each and every

vine to specifications

strictly outlined by the

World Wildlife Fund’s

Daily Tastings


Enjoy a bit of “Island Time”

strict sustainable

vineyard practice.

LOCAL WINES

Harrow Pelee Island

& Kingsville

Winery & Vineyard

1. PELEE ISLAND PAVILION

20 East West Road, Pelee Island

MAP H p111: 78 519-724-2469

OPEN DAILY MAY–OCTOBER


2. PELEE ISLAND WINERY

455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville

MAP H p111: 79 519-733-6551

1-800-597-3533


SUN 11 am–5 pm

peleeisland.com

Canada’s Southernmost Winery

Tours & Complimentary Tastings

Retail Boutique

Banquet Hall & Private Rooms

Seasonal Patio

Dine Alfresco

Daily Tours at Both Locations

Pavilion Pit Stop

localflavour.ca 163

Patience & Experience.

Modern Innovation.

COLIO ESTATE WINES

One of the first wineries to open its doors in

Southwestern Ontario and the first winery

licensed since Prohibition, Colio Estate Wines has

won over 500 awards in competitions around the

world since 1980. A pioneering spirit — patience,

determination, and perseverance — remains at

the heart of Colio winemaking practices, while

modern innovation ensures the quality and

variety that satisfy today’s wine enthusiasts.

164

Harrow

The Scene

The picturesque winery is located in

Harrow, in the heart of the Essex Pelee

Island Coast (EPIC) Wine Country. An

elegant Hospitality Centre offers the

perfect setting to learn about different

wine styles and varietals through

guided wine tastings year-round.

In warmer weather, enjoy a glass of

wine in the outdoor pavilion nestled

amongst the vineyards. Watch for

special events, some in partnership

with EPIC Wine Country

such as a Holiday Open

House, March Mac’ness,

and Dip Into Summer.

Highlights

Sample numerous wine styles and varietals, with expressive,

refreshing white wines from vineyard plantings of Sauvignon

Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. Excellent red wines are

created through extensive plantings of Merlot, Cabernet

Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Recent highlight vintages

include the barrel-fermented, Gold-Medal winning

Bricklayer’s Reward “20 Barrels” 2017 vqa Chardonnay,

and the Silver-Medal winning Bricklayer’s Reward 2017

vqa Riesling. The ever-popular Charmat method Lily

Sparkling vqa wine also earned a Silver Medal at the 2019

National Wine Awards of Canada.

Serving both the serious connoisseur and the more relaxed consumer,

Colio has built a number of successful brands including: Bricklayer’s

series of vqa wines,

Lily Sparkling, Back

Roads Wine Company,

International Series,

Colio House blends, and

Girls’ Night Out Wines,

a playful brand that

includes vqa table wines,

flavoured wines, and

sangrias, some available

in — dare we say it —

single-serving cans.


LOCAL WINES

Winery

1 Colio Drive (off Walker Road)

MAP H p111: 80 519-738-2241

1-800-265-1322

may–december



SUN 11 am–5 pm

january–april


SUN 11 am–5 pm

coliowinery.com

Free Parking

VQA Ontario wines

Wine Flights & Tastings

On Wine Route

Outdoor Pavilion

200 Acres Under Cultivation

Winemaker Allison Christ

The Outdoor Wine Pavilion

localflavour.ca 165

Chatham

Winery

9494 Pioneer Line

(East of Prince Albert Road)

MAP I p115: 81 519-354-9070

HOURS: THURS & FRI 11 am–6 pm

SAT 11 am–5 pm

PRICES: $14– $17 per bottle

earlyacresestatewinery.ca


Award-Winning Boutique Winery

Tastings Available

Stroll Charming Countryside Acres

Converted Grain Bin Stage

100% Canadian Grapes

Acres of Sandy Loam Soil

Wining is

Our Business!

EARLY ACRES WINERY

This is a passion come to reality for the Korpan family. After years

of growing grapes and refining their selection, Mike and Sue

Korpan, with their children Kristen and Bryce, made a transition

from farmers to vintners on their 97-acre farm in 2012. “We

believe in enjoying life’s special

moments with family and friends,”

say the Korpans. “The best way to

do that is with a visit to our country

setting winery and enjoying a glass

of Early Acres wines.”

The Scene

The vineyard sits on seven and a

half acres of the family farm’s sandy

loam soil, perfectly located inland

from the lake for warmer

temperatures that allow for an early start to the growing

season. The warm summers and cool fall weather provide

an ideal combination of flavour and body to the wines. The

Early Acres Retail Store operates out of the Korcan great

grandparents’ home, built in 1949. A grain bin has been

converted into a stage for special events.

Wine Highlights

All of the Early Acres wines, a pleasing mix of reds and

whites, are made from 100% Canadian grapes. After just

a few years the winery has produced a number of awardwinning

vintages. Recommendations include the Across

The Tracks Cabernet Franc, a rich medium-bodied red

wine that

exudes

succulent

berries.

A couple of local fruitwine

blends — On The

Lighter Side Riesling/

Raspberry and Sweet

Nothing Vidal/Black

Currant — round out

the delightful product

line.

Mike & Susan Korpan

Countryside Vineyard

Converted Grain Bin Stage

166 localflavour.ca LOCAL WINES Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

Cideries & Distilleries

Old Fashioned

Flavours & Fun

TWIN PINES ORCHARDS

& CIDER HOUSE

There is more than award-winning cider on the

50-year-old Vansteenkiste family farm. The beautiful

timberframe Cider House is the heart of the

operation, showcasing handmade country crafts and

gift items and the bounty of a busy kitchen: jams,

jellies, chutneys, sauces, pastries and baked goods,

including the signature Northern Spy Apple Pie.

168

Award-Winning Hard Ciders

The Scene

Embrace the best of each season as

you explore the trails and gardens

of Twin Pines Orchards & Cider

House, a 50-acre property located in

Lambton Shores. Forest trails reveal

a unique division point between the

Great Lakes and the Carolinian forest

regions, with wild berries and trees

from both, such as Shag Bark Hickory,

Tulip Trees, Butternut, Black Walnut

and several Oaks. Situated on a sandy

loam beach ridge with naturally

occurring aquifers, the land is ideal

for growing fruit. Approximately

40 acres are planted in orchard,

producing over one million pounds of apples, including 25 commercial

varieties and about 15 heritage apples, as well as specialty cider varieties.

Award-Winning Ciders, Wine and More!

Twin Pines is designated an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) orchard,

meaning staff are certified and trained to determine when (if at all) to

protect the apples with a spray, greatly reducing the use of pesticides. An

additional 10 acres are solely dedicated to fruits and vegetables, wholly

grown with no pesticides or herbicides, available for purchase by visitors

in season, to use in their own home kitchens. These are used in the Cider

House Kitchen as well, located in the handsomely-appointed timbered

structure. Grab a delicious lunch or handcrafted preserves or baked

goods. The spacious Cider House also showcases beautiful handmade

country crafts, home decor, and inspiring gift items.

Upstairs in the Cider House loft, you can sample and purchase awardwinning

sparkling Traditional British Hard Cider and apple wines in the

tasting area at the bar, or relax at communal harvest tables. Twin Pines’ range

of Hammer Bent label ciders (and an outstanding perry!) are made from

original recipes that bring to life the old-fashioned flavours of British Cider.

Vegetables Grown without

Pesticides or Herbicides


They are always gluten free.

Twin Pines is open for three

seasons, and you will likely

find a Vansteenkiste family

member behind the counter,

bagging apples, lifting

pumpkins, making doughnuts,

directing parking and chatting

in the tasting room. They

invite you to see for yourself

what their farm is all about!


Thedford

Apple Orchard,

Cider House &

Estate Winery

8169 Kennedy Line

(East of Hwy 79)

MAP G p105: 82 519-296-5558

January–May 24 Weekend

HOURS: SAT 9 am–5 pm

SUN 1 pm–5 pm

May 24 Weekend–December


SAT 9 am–5 pm

SUN 1 pm–5 pm

twinpinesorchards.com


Award-Winning Hard Ciders

Beautiful Gift Shop

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Beautiful Spring Blossoms

Autumn Harvest Season

Enjoy Complimentary Samples!

localflavour.ca 169

Stratford

Craft Distillery

& Retail Store

45 Cambria Street (at Dufferin St.)

MAP E p83: 83 519-305-5535

HOURS: TUES-WED 10:30am-4:30pm

THURS–FRI 10:30 am–6 pm

SAT 10:30 am–5 pm

SUN 11 am–3 pm

closed mondays

junction56.ca

Distillery Tours

Guided Samplings

Mini Bottles & Gift Packs

Ample Free Parking

Spirit Sampling Anytime!

Stainless Steel & Copper Stills

Tour the Production Process

170 localflavour.ca

Keeping It Local

JUNCTION 56

DISTILLERY

What’s in a name? Junction 56 pays

homage to Stratford’s early history

as a railway town. The distillery,

located in a former 100-year-old

lumber yard, has a set of tracks

running directly behind it, with

another track a block away. The

junction of those two major railway

lines was built in 1856. The city was

built up around it and trains still run

by the distillery every day.

The Scene

Junction 56 Distillery’s heritage building is a perfect location to sample

great spirits. The retail store features an ever-evolving selection of

products. The distillery offers public and private tours, tastings, and

special one-of-a-kind experiences (announced on social media).

Spirits Highlights

Junction 56 Distillery uses only 100% Ontario-grown grains to produce

small batch, superior spirits including whisky, vodka, gin, and moonshine.

The corn and wheat used come from owner Mike Heisz’s cousin’s farm, an

hour north of the distillery. The grains are milled on site to ensure quality

control, and modern batch distillation techniques result in award-winning

handcrafted products. Junction 56 products have zero artificial colours

or flavours. What you see is what you get. Recommendations include:

• Mint Smoothie Liqueur,

created with local partner

Rhéo Thompson Candies,

a spirit that captures the

luscious qualities of a

Mint Smoothie;

• Pink Gin, subtly sweet

yet tart with floral rose

petal notes;

• Canadian Whisky, four

balanced grains aged to

perfection in oak barrels.


Small Batch Canadian Whisky

Mix & Match Mini

Bottle Gift Sets


Leading the Pack

WOLFHEAD DISTILLERY

Inspired by the history of rumrunning in the local area, owners

Tom and Sue Manherz and Larry Girard turned that interest into

a premium craft distillery. A craftsman operation, Wolfhead

Distillery incorporates distinct limestone-treated water from the

Amherstburg Quarry and locally-grown grains, producing unique

flavours that push the boundaries of Canadian Spirits.

The Scene

Wolfhead Distillery is a hidden gem in Essex County. Surrounded by

barrels, you’ll be invited into a rustic and charming world-class restaurant,

featuring an innovative menu with locally-sourced ingredients infused

with Wolfhead spirits. Recommendations include the Apple Whisky Pulled

Pork Sandwich — pork shoulder basted with Premium Wolfhead Whisky

and infused with Wolfhead Whisky barbeque sauce. Or try the Drunken

Shrimp & Scallops — sautéed with garlic, select spices and tomatoes,

then flambéed in premium Wolfhead Vodka. An inviting retail store sells

Wolfhead products and a selection of apparel and unique gifts. Public tours

and tastings are available Saturdays, with group tours by reservation. For

a truly unique experience, Wolfhead is an excellent venue for your next

special event.

Good Things Come In Small Batches

Wolfhead Distillery features small batch, double barrel Premium Craft

Whisky, Vodka and more, creating distinct spirits you won’t find anywhere

else. Popular flavoured spirits include Coffee Whisky Liqueur, Grapefruit

Vodka and Banana

Caramel Vodka. A must

try is the Wolfhead

Whisky Caesar.

Wolfhead Premium

Spirits can be found

in select LCBO stores

in Ontario or at the

Distillery. Follow

Wolfhead on social media

for updates or sign up

online to be a member of

the Wolfpack! You’ll be

the first to know about

upcoming products and

events.



Amherstburg

Craft Distillery,

Retail Store &

Restaurant

7781 Howard Avenue (Hwy 9)

MAP H p111: 84 519-726-1111

Retail Store

HOURS: MON & TUES 9 am–4 pm

WED–SUN 11 am–8 pm

Distillery & Restaurant

HOURS: WED–SUN 11 am–8 pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday

Hours may change seasonally.

drinkwolfhead.com

Public Tours on Saturdays

Farm-to-Table Dining

Available for Private Parties

Destination Craft Distillery

Tours & Tastings Available

Open for Lunch & Dinner

localflavour.ca 171

Farmers’ Markets

London

The Heart of London

COVENT GARDEN

MARKET

Eat local in the heart of London! Covent Garden Market is located

downtown at the junction of King and Talbot Streets. A strong

attraction for locals and out-of-town guests alike, this is one of the

city’s most venerated cultural landmarks and the heart and soul of

the downtown area.

Traditions

Old and New

Gourmet, artisanal and

wholesome, farmfresh

quality can be

found daily. Ask Bob

Usher, the market’s

personable CEO and

a past President and

still long-standing

board member of the London Downtown Business Association, about

some of the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats

(Chris’ Country Cuts and Mark’s Fine Meats), ethnic foods (a long list!),

the largest assortment of cheese (thanks to Glenda Smith) in Southwest

Ontario, confectionery, chocolatiers, market-roasted coffees, and a wide

selection of seasonal fresh cut flowers. You’ll be amazed with the variety

of ethnic, gourmet and specialty foods you can purchase, which showcase

the multicultural diversity of our community.

Outdoor Farmers’ Market

An outdoor Farmers’ Market offers fresh, local food on the Market Square on

Thursdays (May–October) and Saturdays (May–December). Share the passion

for locally-grown

food direct from local

farmers, growers and

producers. The vendors

selling here “grow

it, raise it, bake it, or

make it!” For current

news, recipes and

seasonal information,

visit coventmarket.

com and sign up for the

weekly newsletter.


FARMERS’ MARKETS

Farmers’ Market


MAP B p16: 85 519-439-3921


SATURDAY: 8 am–6 pm

SUNDAY: 11 am–4 pm

coventmarket.com

Underground Parking

Outdoor Farmers’ Market

In the Market Square

HOURS: THURSDAY 4 pm–7 pm

May to October

SATURDAY 8 am–1 pm

May to December

Winter Indoor Farmers’ Market

Upstairs on the Mezzanine

HOURS: SATURDAY 9 am–1 pm

February 1 – April 4

The Original Market Building &

Square, by Paul Peel, 1883

Covent Garden Market & Square

was rebuilt in 1999

localflavour.ca 173

BAKED GOODS

COFFEE, TEA,

• Cucina Italiana

CHOCOLATE

• International

The Farmers’

Bakery

& FROZEN DESSERT

Market hosts free cooking classes

• Sebastian’s

every Saturday in the Market

•

Kitchen

Better Blend

on the

Smoothie Bar

• Chocolate Factory

Mezzanine, from 11 am–noon, • Hasbeans February–March and

May–September. This is a unique • The opportunity Ice Cream Bowl to learn

a new BUTCHER, dish, featuring SEAFOOD • The Little Red Roaster

products fresh from the farmers’

& POULTRY

market. There is no Farmers’ Market in January.

• Chris’ Country Cuts

DRY GOODS & SPECIALITY

• Mark’s

Rain

Fine

or shine,

Meats

enjoy live music every Saturday,

• Olive-Me & Co.

10 • Seoul am–noon. Seafood Shoppe In the case of inclement • Snack ‘n Bake weather, the

music moves indoors, upstairs on the Mezzanine.

Thursdays, May–October, ORGANIC feature an / VEGAN Outdoor FOODS

Night Market CHEESE from 4 pm–7 pm. • Homeopathy The Farmers’ London Market

• Red Wolf

moves

• Smith

indoors,

Cheese Incupstairs on the

• Sacred

Mezzanine,

Earth Vegan

February

Market

1–April 4, Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm.

main level

Mark’s Fine Meats

Mona’s

Shawarma & Grill

FOOD

COURT

Pop

Up

Shop

Little Red

Roaster

Happy

Wear

The

Piping

Kettle

Soup

Co.

Rice Box

Hot Oven

Washrooms

Stairs to

Mezzanine

Cucina

Italiana

The Ice

Cream Bowl

Mercado

Burrito

Market

Lottery

Seoul

Seafood

Shoppe

Thai

Delight

Smith Cheese Inc.

Covent Garden Market also houses several

excellent restaurants, such as Olive R.

Twist’s, Waldo’s on King Bistro and Wine

Bar, and Tanakaya. Covent Garden Market

Executive Assistant & Events Co-ordinator Amy

Shackleton will tell you that arts and culture

are the focus of the market’s mezzanine,

where a number of local artists and cultural

organizations are located, and there’s even a

community kitchen, an art school and a theatre.

As in the days of old, market days are full

of enticing surprises, adding an element of

discovery to the consistent appeal and bounty

FOODS of OF Covent THE WORLD Garden Market. GIFTS & FLOWERS

• Cucina Italiana

• Glenda’s

• Hot Oven

• Kleiber’s Delicatessen

• Mercado Burrito

• Mona’s Shawarma & Grill

• New Delhi Deli

• Petit Paris

• Rice Box

• Thai Delight

• The Coop Rotisserie

• The Piping Kettle Soup Co.

• The Salad Bowl

PRODUCE

• Doris Family Produce

• Havaris Produce

Better

Blend

Smoothie

Bar

Sacred

Earth

Vegan

Market

Sebastian’s

Snack ‘n Bake

Chocolate

Factory

• Bloomers at the Market

• Collected Works

• Forget Me Not Flowers & More

• Happy Wear

• Pop Up Shop

• Tina’s Treasury

RESTAURANTS

• Olive R Twists

• Tanakaya

• Waldo’s Bistro on King

SERVICES

• Market Administration

• Market Lottery

• Mr. Kwik Fix

Tanakaya

Red

Wolf

Collected

Works

Homeopathy

London

Forget-Me-Not Flowers & More

Glenda’s

Havaris

Produce

Olive-Me

& Co.

Tina’s Treasury

CTV

Two

Hasbeans

Bloomers at

the Market

Havaris Produce

The Salad

Bowl

New Delhi

Deli

Doris

Family

Produce

Mark’s Fine Meats

Chris’ Country

Cuts

Kleiber’s

Deli

Olive R Twists

Waldo’s Bistro

on King

The Coop

Rotisserie

Petit

Paris

International

Bakery

Mr. Kwik

Fix

Market

Administration

UPSTAIRS: The Tea Haus

174 localflavour.ca

FARMERS’ MARKETS Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide

ARTS & INSTRUCTION COMMUNITY SERVICES COFFEE, TEA, SERVICES

WE ARE IN THE

HEART OF LONDON

Established in 1845, we are a 7 day a week Market located

services, a local farmers’ market twice weekly and an array

of cultural festivals and events!

MARKET HOURS

MON—FRI SAT SUN

WE HAVE FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING:

1/2 HOUR FREE MON — FRI • 2 HOURS FREE SAT & SUN

WITH VALIDATION • NO PURCHASE REQUIRED • DURING MARKET HOURS

130 KING STREET, LONDON | coventmarket.com

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Project Team

Bryan Lavery, Stacey McDonald,

Terry-Lynn “TL” Sim, Chris McDonell

Culinary Advisor & Writer

Bryan Lavery wrote many of the editorial

contributions and business profiles, helping shape

this guide in hands-on and consultative ways.

Copy Editor

Kym Wolfe

Publisher

Chris McDonell

Photography

Steve Grimes — grimesphoto.com

Alieska Robles — alieskarobles.com

Phong Tran — t5digital.com

Nick Lavery — laveryculinarygroup.ca

Steven Reaume — thedetroitilove.com

Thanks and credits to many of the businesses involved

for providing additional images for this guide.

Printer

Mi5 Print & Digital

Appreciation

Thanks for the assistance and support from the

following people and organizations: Jen Moore, Jim

Hudson, Ana Baxter and June Nussey from SWOTC;

Ann Cormier from Eatdrink; Bob Usher and Amy

Shackleton from Covent Garden Market; Chris Pinelli

from Lexus of London; Zul Karmali from Hotel Metro;

Todd Jackson from Mi5 Print & Digital; Sue Gordon and

Isaac McDonell-Gordon.

Copyright © 2019 Eatdrink Inc. and the businesses

listed. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or duplication of any material published

in Local Flavour: Southwest Ontario Culinary Guide is

strictly prohibited without the written permission of

the Publisher. The views or opinions expressed in the

information, content and/or advertisements published

in Local Flavour are solely those of the author(s) and

do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher,

SWOTC, or the Province of Ontario, who assume

no liability whatsoever for damages or loss arising

from errors, changes or omissions. All information

contained in this publication is believed to be accurate

at the time of printing, but is subject to change.

Printed in Canada.

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MARKET HOURS

MON—FRI SAT SUN

WE HAVE FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING:

1/2 HOUR FREE MON — FRI • 2 HOURS FREE SAT & SUN

WITH VALIDATION • NO PURCHASE REQUIRED • DURING MARKET HOURS

130 KING STREET, LONDON | coventmarket.com

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