Tag Archives: local food

Benmiller Inn – Local Food, Great Atmosphere

8 Mar

benmillerfeb-5 benmillerfeb-3

by Diva Jenna

A couple of weeks ago the divas met at Benmiller Inn to chat about 2013 blog story opportunities and to meet each other!

The meal was seriously awesome. They started us with an amuse bouche – which I just call happy mouth – which had smoked salmon, cream cheese, wasabi and was served on a small potatoe pancake. We all wanted more!

benmillerfeb-1

The menu is seasonal and Chef Spencer Vail changes it up fairly often. They also highlight the local producers and farmers of the area, which is something a foodie loves to see. A couple of the Divas ordered off the the prix fixe menu, which is three courses (a couple of choices for each course) and the price point was $29!

We had soups and salads to start and moved on to the main course. We had a variety of dishes including: Chicken Supreme Risotto – Sun dried tomato, roasted red pepper, spinach, chevre, parmesan ($24), Metzger’s Cast Iron Roasted Beef Tenderloin – pommes sarladaise, spring vegetables, whisky spiked hunter sauce ($28) and Willowgrove Hill Pork Chop – sweet and sour cabbage, potato rosti ($28). We were all very pleased with our meals and a couple of the girls even moved on to dessert!

If you are looking for a nice evening out and an excellent meal, Benmiller Inn will definitely impress. Oh and did I mention they also have a great Inn and a spa, but I’ll save that for another story!

For prices, menu or to book please visit – http://www.benmillerinnandspa.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fridays are Pasta & Fish Nights in Bayfield

5 Jul

By Diva Trista Russell

Last week I noticed a Facebook post by Ontario’s West Coast about a pasta and fish night on Fridays in Bayfield. It sounded like an interesting combination, so I thought I would go check it out. I made a reservation online through their website, and while I was a bit nervous making a reservation online since I’ve never done that before, I was pleasantly suprised the next morning when I had email in my inbox asking what time I would prefer for dinner.

It took me a little while to find it, but tucked away from the historical main street is the ArtSee Cafe & Bistro. It’s on the lake side of the street, near the Red Pump restaurant. I was able to eat outside on their patio in front of the restaurant, which I would definitely recommend as it has the advantage of being semi-secluded from the street. The cafe is beside a courtyard area surrounded with balconies, so it kind of feels like you are in New Orleans!

The waitress explained the ordering process–basically it’s like a create-your-own meal adventure. First you select the type of pasta, second you select the type of sauce, followed by the type of meat or seafood, and any additional ingredients you want thrown in. If pasta is not your thing, they also have a fish dinner special, which last Friday was ginger glazed salmon with aztec rice and broccoli. I decided upon the fettucini tossed with alfredo sauce topped with shrimp and kalamata olives. My pasta creation was yummy! They give you a hefty portion, so as a bonus I had enough leftover for lunch the next day. Score! For dessert I had the gelato, which was refreshing treat on a warm summer evening.

Also worth checking out is the ArtSee’s culinary expeditions where each Saturday night they feature food from a specific area of the world. Just to tempt you, here’s the upcoming dinner schedule (subject to change, of course):

  • July 7th – Indonesia
  • July 14th – Umbria, Italy
  • July 21st – Burgundy, France
  • July 28th – South Carolina
  • August 4th – Greece
  • August 11th – Costa Rica
  • August 18th – Loire, France
  • August 25th – Lazio, Italy
  • September 1st – Argentina
  • September 8th – Burgundy, France
  • September 15th – Spain
  • September 22nd – Alabama
  • September 29th – Mediterranean
  • October 6th – Morocco
  • October 13th – Germany

Detailed menus for each weekend are available on their website. If you are planning on attending one of the culinary expeditions dinners, they kindly ask that you make reservations online or by phone the Tuesday prior as the series of culinary expeditions are offered on a reservation only basis.

Website: www.artseecafe.ca

Phone: 519-565-2200

Email: enjoy@artseecafe.ca

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: , , , ,

Turkey: My favourite grilling meat

28 Jun

By: Diva Jenna Ujiye

For the past couple of years my choice of meat for grilling and BBQ’ing has been turkey. I do like to BBQ almost anything, but have had great luck and mouthwatering meals with turkey! Many people think of it as a holiday meat, where the menu usually consists of a full bird filled with stuffing, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.  There are many parts of the turkey you can use for everyday and every occasion!

The first 2012 Taste of Huron Food for Thought dinner is taking place on July 10 at the Little Inn of Bayfield. The topic they have chosen is turkey! I can’t wait. If you are looking for local food or Taste of Huron information, visit here – www.tasteofhuron.ca of and book your tickets soon, these dinners always sell out!

 

Here are the details:

Turkey Tales

Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $40 per person (does not include: beverages, taxes or service). Wine flight (optional) to match courses is an additional $20 (1 glass with each course; all grape styles that will be grown in the County).
Hosted by: The Little Inn of Bayfield
Reservations: 1-800-565-1832

Details:
Learn about the history of the wild turkey in Huron County! Mike Malhiot, a biologist from the Ministry of Natural Resources will discuss our native wild turkey from its historic origins to its extirpation from the forests of Southern Ontario to its return through the highly successful provincial restoration program. You will also learn about the biology of the species and the origins of the domestic turkey industry.

Menu:
First Course
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho/Blue Cheese Powder/Red Sorrel/EVOO Gelato

Second Course
Charred Hayter’s Turkey Tenderloin/Sweet Corn Sabayon/Heirloom Vegetables/Blueberry Miso

Third Course
White Chocolate Panna Cotta/Local Peach Gazpacho/Blackberry Caviar/Cotton Candy Floss

Location: The Little Inn
26 Main Street North, Bayfield, Ontario N0M 1G0

 

There are five other dinners to come this summer and fall!

Tags: , , , , , ,

Berries and Breakfast

15 Jun

By Travel Diva Jenna Ujiye

On a quick trip to pick up home-made rhubarb muffins at the Bayfield Berry Farm, I took a peek around the store and also checked out the brunch! Owner Marlene, makes some of the best canned items, jams and jellies around, so I never seem to leave without picking up a few items. I picked out some red pepper jelly and pickled asparagus and then went over to the fresh picked items and got some asparagus and rhubarb.

While I was shopping the brunch was on, there was fresh fruit with whipped cream, eggs, sausage, toast and all of the fixings. There were many people in for the brunch and enjoying the great food. Bayfield Berry also offers catering, baked goods, gifts, u-pick berries (when available) and more. This year the crop was partially ruined due to late frost, but there should still be opportunities for picking.

The Bayfield Berry farm also has many functions going on in 2012:

Starting May 12th – October 7th, 2012 we are offering:

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffets  8am – 2pm  – $10.95 (excluding special function dates below)

Holiday Mondays Breakfast Buffet 8am – 2pm – $10.95 (May 21-September 3)

**Please keep in mind that by popular demand we are serving our buffets & brunches first with menu orders possible thereafter**

So if you are looking for a great breakfast made with fresh local food visit this great spot on Orchard line.

Website: www.bayfieldberryfarm.on.ca

Hours of Operation:
March 30 – May 13 Thursday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
May 13 – Sep 3 7 days a week 8 am – 4 pm
8 am – 8 pm (during picking season)
Sep 11 – Oct 7 Tuesday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Oct 7 – Oct 28 Wednesday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Oct 28 – Dec 24 Thursday – Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
** Closed Mondays – Sept 10 – Oct 1, 2012 **
**Subject to weather**

77697 Orchard Line

Bayfield, Ontario

N0M 1G0

Tel: 519.482.1666

Fax: 519.482.8268

Email: berryfarm@hurontel.on.ca

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

My $6 dollar hot lunch

18 Mar

By Diva Trista Russell

Hello Travel Diva blog readers! This is my first post as a new Diva, and I’m excited to share my travels with you!

On Friday I stopped in the little village of Zurich for lunch at Jerry Rader’s Homestyle Market. On Fridays, hot lunches (take-out style) are only $6.00…including tax! They had an awesome array of home-cooked food to choose from, and I decided to try the swedish meatballs, scalloped potatoes and baked beans.  To top it off, since the weather was so warm Friday afternoon, I was able to sit outside!

After my tasty lunch, I browsed the rest of the market. I was even greeted by Sam, the market’s resident cat, who was wandering around. Jerry Rader’s is famous for their delicious meat pies, but I discovered that they also have a variety of fresh salads and meats in the deli, frozen entrees, baked goods, and unique giftware and home decor.

The giftware is definitely worth checking out…they have everything from scarves, purses, and jewellery, to wall art, flameless candles, and wine accessories. I will definitely go back to pick up some gift items. I also hear that you can get a free slice of pie and coffee on Saturday mornings!

Jerry Rader’s Homestyle Market is open year-round, and is located at 38110 Zurich-Hensall Road. Check out their Facebook page for updates on new products and Friday’s hot lunch menus.

Tags: , ,

Fresh, Local Produce at 40% off?

28 Feb

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Apples from Laithwaites Apple Park

I’m sure many of you receive or have heard about the Huron Good Food Box by now, but I thought I would take a bit of time and tell you about it!

The website says, “The Good Food Box provides Huron County residents with local vegetables and fruits monthly. It is a community-based project that relies on volunteers. Buying in large quantities from our local producers allows us to get better pricing.” To me the program suits almost anyone who would like to get mostly local fruits and vegetables, without having to drive around the County to get them! You support local farmers and eat healthy, yummy food!

Now the program gets even better, you save up to 40%! For $15 you get almost $30 worth of fruit and vegetables. To top off this awesome deal, co-ordinator Brittany Fry, includes recipes and a monthly newsletter in the box! This program is really great and you can share it with friends and family, plus gift certificates are available!

What you need to know to get your Huron Good Food Box:

  • You can place an order at the a neighbourhood host site (see list below) by the first Friday of each month.
  • All orders must be pre-paid in cash ($15) at the time they are placed.
  • Bring your own boxes to transport your orders.
  • Pickup times may vary, PLEASE check with your site.
  • All unclaimed orders will be donated to a local food bank.

For more information visit http://www.huroncounty.ca/health/food/gfb.php. You can also follow the “Huron Good Food Box” on Facebook.

Neighbourhood Host Sites

Community Payment Location Pickup Location
Bayfield Nancy Scotchmer
Tel: 519.565.2596		 Anglican Church Bayfield
Tel: 519.565.2790
Blyth Blyth Public Library
Tel: 519.523.4400		 Blyth Public Library
392 Queen Street, Blyth
Tel: 519.523.4400
Clinton Clinton Public Library
Tel: 519.482.3673Huron County Health Unit
Tel: 519.482.3416Huron County Social Services
Tel: 519.482.8505		 Jacob Memorial Building
(located next to the Huron County Health Unit)
Exeter Exeter Public Library
Tel: 519.235.1890		 Exeter Public Library
330 Main Street, Exeter
Goderich Goderich Public Library
Tel: 519.524.9261		 St. George’s Anglican Church,
87 North Street, Goderich
Grand Bend Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre
69 Main Street East, Grand Bend
Tel: 519.238.1556 Ext. 222		 Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre
69 Main Street East, Grand Bend
Tel: 519.238.1556 Ext. 222
Hensall Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre (Hensall Site)
122 King Street, Hensall
Tel: 519.262.3459 Ext. 229Hensall Major Appliances
107 King Street, Hensall
Tel: 519.262.2728		 Hensall Major Appliances
107 King Street, Hensall
Tel: 519.262.2728
Seaforth Sally’s Consignment Store
Tel: 519.527.0550		 Municipality of Huron East
72 Main Street, Seaforth
Tel: 519.527.0160
Vanastra Vanastra Recreation Centre
Tel: 519.482.3544		 Vanastra Recreation Centre
26 Toronto Blvd., Vanastra
Tel: 519.482.3544
Wingham Wingham Public Library
Tel: 519.357.3312		 Wingham Public Library
281 Edward Street, Wingham
Tel: 519.357.3312
Zurich Zurich Public Library
Tel: 519.236.4965		 Blessings Community Store
45 Main Street, Zurich
Tel: 519.236.4376

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Taste of Huron is over :(

13 Sep

Hello all!!!

Alright so just this past weekend, Taste of Huron came to an end… I had mixed feelings about this. I was slightly saddened. For two weeks I ate the best food that Huron County had to offer. A minimum of three courses, all which included a fantastic dessert! I ate at the Blyth Inn, the Black Dog, the Little Inn, Eddingtons, Hessenland, the Fireside Cafe and finally I finished the Taste of Huron of with the Gala. All the restaurants were so fantastic and I enjoyed them all.

I am however feeling a slight sense of relief.. I ate soooo much in the last two weeks, I wont lie to you. I may have gained a few pounds, but it was totally  worth it!

I will provide a short slideshow of just a few of the delicious things I was able to consume ..

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Jealous?

YOU SHOULD BE! that was only about a quarter of what I got to eat! But no worries my friends, the Taste of Huron is an annual event and now you KNOW that you MUST come and attend Taste of Huron next year!

-Kaylie

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Taste of Huron Kicks off at Hessenland

31 Aug

Hello everyone,

On Monday evening Taste of Huron kicked off at Hessenland in St.Joseph’s. Unfortunately the majority of the Taste of Huron had to be cancelled due to the unfortunate incidents in Goderich. However many of the dinners are still going as planned, which means there are still a number for people to attend. Wednesday there is a dinner in Wingham which still has openings. It is being held at the Fireside Cafe from 7-9. Just call Fireside if you would like to make a reservation.

Hessenlands dinner was very very tasty! What I enjoyed about it was that it was very low key. it was buffet style and spread out between inside the restaurant and out in the beautiful backyard. The best thing about buffet is that I was able to eat as much as I wanted :) and believe me when you are at Hessenland, you want to eat as much as you can!

I really enjoyed the entire night, and from the surveys I had customers fill out it seemed that I was not the only one! In fact I did not have one person complain about anything! impressive I must say!

Anyways make sure you get out and head to at least one Taste of Huron event, experience the LOCAL cuisine. It is so refreshing eating a meal and knowing exactly where all the ingredients came from!

Hope to see some of you out at the events. Also just check out the Ontario Westcoast website to find out more information!

Kaylie

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: , , , ,

Eating at Eddingtons

24 Aug

Hey all, Obviously Jenna and I wont be able to post many things in the next bit due to whats happening in Goderich. Jenna is super busy trying to figure out things with the Taste of Huron and running around loving Huron County right now isnt really an option. I did however decide to post about events that happened before the tornado.

Last weekend, JD and I went out for dinner at Eddingtons in Exeter. I had been there for lunch at the beginning of the summer, and knew if dinner was half as good as lunch I had to try it.

We sat on the patio, which is really neat. it was formally a pool, that they took out and covered with wood.  It looks really awesome . Its tucked away from traffic and has a very private atmosphere.

The food was outstanding! Jd ordered a caesar salad to start, and I had lobster perogies! yaaaa baby!  So ridiculously tasty!

For our mains I had the local pork tenderloin, with garlic smashed potatoes and veg. Jd had,  oh wait for this one, a breaded chicken breast topped with a HUGE chunk of brie. O my goodness, amazing!

Everything about this place is perfect. The decor, the service, and food, and drink. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I think everyone needs to check it out when they are ready for a nice night out :)

 

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: , , ,

Foodie Favourite – 5 courses paired with 5 Ontario Wines

13 Aug

By: Diva Jenna Ujiye


I’m sure you have checked out the Taste of Huron website, but I thought I should tell you more about the Gala!

The Gala dinner is my all time favourite part of the 2 week long event. 5 courses, paired with 5 Pelee Island wines, plus an Amuse Bouche (One perfect bite appetizer) plus there is a shuttle from both Goderich and Bayfield, so you don’t need a designated driver from those two towns! This year the menu sounds absolutely scrumptious! Of course almost all of the food is locally sourced and prepared by local chefs. This is a one time per year opportunity to have a few local chefs working together to prepare a meal for you! On top of everything, we have great music playing during the evening. Andy McGuire is going to be performing in between courses. Andy just released his second album “Body of Work”, take a listen to his music at www.andymcguire.ca Check out the Gala menu below!

$100 for one meal probably does sound like quite a bit of money, but they way I look at it is that it would cost much more to order 5 courses and wine at a regular fine dining restaurant. If you really don’t think that this dinner is affordable for you, of course there are other opportunities! We have 7 Food For Thought Dinners (3 courses for $40), 2 Locavore Lunch and Learns (2 courses for $20), the Locavore Brunch N’Blues ($20 for a local fare breakfast and a blues concert) and the Tasty Blues Cafe ($10), oh and you might get a bit of food for free if you head to the Chef Challenge, where local chefs and Top Chef Canada chefs Rob Rossi and Andrea Nicholson will be participating!

I know… I am a relentless promoter, but its not because it is part of my job… I really believe in the things that I write about and I always speak the truth about the experiences! If you get the chance, head out to the Taste of Huron!

Menu:
Amuse Bouche
Local corn gelato with charcoal cone & butter powder
Pelee Island Wine: Blanc de Blanc

1st Course
Lake huron smoked white fish chowder
Pelee Island Wine: Lighthouse Reisling

2nd Course
Heirloom tomato”blt” with maple cured pork belly & foraged leaves
Pelee Island Wine: Lighthouse Reisling

3rd Course
Farro risotto with weth maitake mushrooms & garlic confit miso
Pelee Island Wine: Pinot Noir

4th Course
24 hour braised coleman farm black angus short ribs with celeriac aligot & bourguignon jus
Pelee Island Wine: Alvar Cab/Merlot

5th Course
Modernist local peach melba
Pelee Island Wine: Late Harvest Vidal

Tags: , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,373 other followers