Watershed is on the road… In this issue, it’s all about celebrating the harvest, supporting the businesses that are working hard to create the food we savour, sourcing special ingredients and being out in the fresh air at the markets and the shops we love.
Karlo Estates Winery
561 Danforth Road, Wellington
karloestates.com
Get toasty with fireside tastings in the wine lounge or patio at the heritage barn. The romantic setting at vintner Sherry Karlo’s winery in Wellington gets even better when you sip the single varietals or award-winning blends, crafted with a focus on sustainability. The wines are certified vegan and the delectable picnic box is vegan, too. Tip: Red lovers will appreciate the 2018 Triumvirate, a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a much-loved staple.
Tropical Blends Café
322 Pinnacle Street, Belleville
tropicalblends.ca
Aloha! Soak up the feel-good vibes with some nourishing bites at Emily Barnette and Charles Crews’ surf-style eatery Tropical Blends Café in Belleville. Yes, there’s a surfboard on the wall and you might luck out with a flamingo in cinnamon topping your latte. Inspired by sunny vacations, this is a mini-getaway from the everyday whirl where you can kick back with fresh daily pressed juices, homemade soups and poke bowls, tiramisu pancakes and yummy berry pop tarts.
Cricklewood Farm
14953 County Road 2, Brighton
cricklewood.ca
The fifth-generation Cricklewood Farm market and orchard is known for fresh seasonal produce and outdoor fun, like the straw mountain and sprawling corn maze that some say gets trickier every year! Owners Brent and Beth Siwicky ask for donations in lieu of admission to support a local charity. Pick your own apples (there are 60 different kinds!), fall raspberries and find the coolest pumpkin for Hallowe’en. And take home some specialty squash, like the sweet, smooth-flavoured Grey Ghost.
Toller Pizza
Cobourg Farmers’ Market
201 Second Street, Cobourg
Tollerpizza.ca
A visit to a farmers’ market is a great way to start your Saturday. All the colourful veg, fruit, flowers and crafters – and incredible pizza, thanks to Isaac Hall, self-professed “pizza nerd” of Toller Pizza. His handcrafted dough and quality ingredients are oven-fired on the spot to deliver a sizzling, saucy Neapolitan-style pizza for fans at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market. Try the bestseller Calabrese that he finishes with a drizzle of hot honey, and order his dough for home DIY.
Lil’ Tucks Donut Shop
91 Walton Street, Port Hope
Instagram: @liltucksdonutshop
“Why did the donut go to the dentist? To get a filling!” At Lil’ Tucks Donut Shop in Port Hope, you’ll get a bit of humour, a bit of nostalgia, and a tasty bite of warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The donuts are reminiscent of the little fried donuts at the fair – lightly crisped and coated in cinnamon sugar, so you can’t stop at just one. The shop is the creation of Colleen Imrie, the powerhouse behind The Nooks retail incubator for Canadian artists.
The Dockside Bistro
67 Queen Street, Campbellford
thedocksidebistro.com
Making the move that so many dream about, two über urban restaurateurs and caterers are now doing what they love in the quiet and charm of a small community. Sandy and Sarah Sanyal moved to Campbellford and opened their “forever” restaurant in the former Baptist Church by the Trent River. Try gourmet bites like mini potato patties with sriracha sauce, and handheld wonders including the Dockside burger topped with bacon, house-made maple-bacon jam and whiskey-mustard cheddar!
Metula Israeli Market Fare
Savon du Bois, 206 Main Street West, Picton
Instagram: @metula.israelimarketfare
If you haven’t tried shakshuka before, this is the one! The popular breakfast or anytime dish of gently poached eggs in a deep-flavour tomato sauce with Metula’s unique spice blend will “transport you directly to Israel,” says creator and owner Hadas Brajtman (it’s her favourite!). Lucky for us, she moved from Tel Aviv to the County a few years ago and now her tantalizing small eats are at Savon du Bois coffee bar in Picton or available for catering.
