Watershed is on the road… In this issue, it’s all about decking the halls, bundling up and embracing the colder weather and supporting the businesses that are working hard to create the food we savour. Let’s keep things local and source those special ingredients to create a comforting, decadent winter’s meal.
Ste. Anne’s Bakery
252 Academy Hill Road, Grafton
steannes.com
If you’ve been to the famous spa for first-class pampering, you’ll know that you can expect the very best from Ste. Anne’s Bakery, just a kilometre from the main inn. You can even walk from the inn to the bakery and then let your indulgences run wild. Bonus! It’s all certified gluten-free and made with natural ingredients (some grown on the property), so you can enjoy if you have a gluten sensitivity or just want to avoid processed foods. Don’t miss the can’t-live-without chocolate chip cookies.
Eduardo’s
268 Queen Street, Unit 2, Port Perry
Eduardosfinefoods.ca
Bomba paella rice from Spain, England’s world-famous Maldon salt, Takesan’s Kishibori Shoyu soy sauce from Taiwan made with roasted wheat… The list of imported specialty ingredients goes on, thoughtfully curated by culinary enthusiast Eduardo Sabate. His Port Perry shop, Eduardo’s Fine Foods, celebrates his philosophy that great food begins with quality ingredients. Stop by for a chat and some inspiration to whip up a fabulous meal – there’s a simple (and delicious) recipe for fettuccine with jarred Terra Maris pesto and semi-sundried cherry tomatoes from Italy that you’ll find in-store.
U92 Spice House
49 Mill Street South, Port Hope
U92spicehouseandtakeaway.ca
Chef Rey Bolis likes to kick up the heat at his takeaway restaurant U92 Spice House in downtown Port Hope with flavourful crowd pleasers like jerk chicken and spicy masala wings. The extensive menu offers homestyle items from India, the Caribbean and the Middle East (try the shawarma and falafel wraps). All are freshly prepared to your level of spice, whether that’s mild or scorching. Just ask! Another plus at U92: vegans, vegetarians and people who’d like to eat more plant-based dishes have so much to choose from.
Harry’s Charbroiled
13633 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
harryscharbroiled.com
Craving an incredible burger, the kind you daydream about? Juicy and seared to perfection with tasty toppings and a perfectly toasted bun? Harry’s Charbroiled burgers – the green and red chorizo patties, the classic Plain Jane beef – have been a Toronto legend since 1968. Following its popular food truck launch in the County in 2021, the permanent, year-round location in Picton is a happening destination, especially when you add in the old-fashioned country cut fries and creamy milkshakes, oh my!
photograph by David Gillespie
Wild Lot Farm Distillery
1990 Fry Road, Picton
wildlot.ca
Life partners and marketing executives Ryan Fowler and Taylor McIndless (who is also a talented chef) left their Toronto cubicles behind for the wide-open skies and a new business venture in Prince Edward County. The two innovators opened their Wild Lot Farm Distillery this spring on 35 acres of scenic farmland, converting a dairy barn and tractor shed into a production facility and tasting room for tempting small-batch creations and peameal on a kaiser. Try their gin, vodka and ready-to-drink cans of fruity vodka sodas.
Closson Chase Vineyards
629 Closson Road, Hillier
clossonchase.com
The local terroir of the County is an incredible asset for producing standout wines for casual sipping and collecting. Keith Tyers started out as a vineyard hand at Closson Chase in 2003 working the vines and learning the art of viticulture. Now he’s head winemaker of the operation located on what was once the Closson family farm, early settlers to the area. The winery, established in 1998, helped spearhead the PEC wine industry and set the bar high. Just sample the amazing Pinot Noir!
photograph by The Storytellers MTL
Garden Hill Farmers Market
3402 Ganaraska Road, Garden Hill
gardenhillfarmersmarket.com
The experience of shopping for fresh, local fruits and vegetables has just expanded in the aptly-named community of Garden Hill, just north of Port Hope. With more than 10 years of seasonal market success, the Garden Hill Farmers Market recently opened a year-round location to meet the demand for farm-to-table products. Adjacent to the market is a farm where you can literally pick your own produce and then drop in for a home-baked treat in the café. The kitchen is also turning out savoury spicy pickled asparagus and sweet strawberry jam.
