Watershed is on the road… In this issue, it’s all about soaking up the summer,
supporting the businesses that are working hard to create the food we savour,
sussing out secret spots and getting out in the fresh air to the markets and
the shops we love.
Tyrone Mills
2656 Concession Road 7, Bowmanville
tyronemill.net
Scratch-made at Tyrone Mills even includes the flour! This historic water-powered mill dates back to 1846, and owner Robert Shafer produces premium flours and grains with timehonoured methods and machinery. You’ll get a country drive and a history lesson. A sawmill and a woodworking shop have been added to the property for custom work, and the family bakery offers treats, home preserves and the signature apple cider doughnuts (oh my!). Come on the weekend for wood-fired margherita and roasted veg pizzas baked in the outdoor oven and relax under the pergola.
Wild Things
Warkworth
Instagram: @wildthings.co
Long-time maple syrup producer Don Patterson of Cranbrook Farm and his daughter Jenna Dolley (who has a farm near her dad’s) are familiar faces at markets and pop-ups throughout Northumberland. They love the outdoors and foraging for reishi mushrooms, chaga and other finds from nature’s medicine cabinet. Jenna is bringing her all-natural Wild Things line to the booth as well. Look for chaga teas (the Breathe blend with added peppermint and echinacea is good for allergy season), Un-Coffee five-mushroom beverage, freeze-dried smoothie bites and handmade treats for pets. Say hello to her dog Tucker!
BayLeaf Belleville
182 Front Street, Belleville
Instagram: @bayleaf_belleville
DJ nights, spicy curries and fruity cocktails make for entertaining evenings and delicious dining. The new BayLeaf Belleville Indian restaurant is on a mission to bring diversity and positivity to the downtown, which is exactly what owner Hardik Patel is all about. The entrepreneur and founder of the Belleville International group to support newcomers and international students is passionate about community-building – and local food and drink. The BayLeaf kitchen turns out authentic dishes and garlic naan baked fresh in the tandoor oven. Fans of butter chicken and crispy samosas won’t be disappointed.
Cucina Rocca
1154 Northumberland Heights Rd., Baltimore
IG: @cucinarocca
You could call it sourdough heaven. Gina Rocca’s wonderful micro bakery does next-level loaves that simply must be sampled (and devoured). Classic loaf, rosemary and parmesan, chocolate and espresso – she’s a talent, dedicated to working with specialty artisan flours. No additives or preservatives here. The recipes are inspired by her Italian grandmother, so the breads are reminiscent of the family’s love of good food and the warmth of sharing it together. Order on Instagram for early morning pickup in Baltimore or through Foragers Farms outside Cobourg from their farm store.
Black River Market
913 County Road 13, Milford
blackriver.market
This landmark on the banks of the Black River was one of PEC’s first cheese houses, circa 1901, established as a dairy farmers’ co-op committed to producing quality cheeses with the best local ingredients. The original building burned down in 2001, but it was reconstructed and now the gourmet market is a hugely popular destination. While Black River Cheese was bought by Gay Lea Foods and is made elsewhere, the market still sells the cheese along with other Ontario cheeses, yummy local dips, baked goods, house-made gelato and sour cherry sorbet.
Sprigwich
284 Main Street, Wellington
sprigwich.ca
Grilled cheese croutons and creamy tomato soup! Since opening last December, the Sprigwich made-to-order sandwich shop in downtown Wellington has been making people happy – and full! Owners Steve and Bryna Sprigings have brought their farming roots to hungry customers in such a great way. Steve grew up on Sprigglen Farm just north of town, and the menu highlights the locally raised meat from Sprigglen Meat Market (don’t miss the house-made corned beef), Dooher’s Bakery buns, favourites from Empire Cheese and more. The focus is on clean County ingredients and a whole lot of charm.
the counter on King
Retro Rewind, 8 King Street East, Colborne
FB: @thecounteronking
Now you can eat, shop and chat with the folks at Retro Rewind, Colborne’s funky vintage and arts hub. Retro’s Geoff Davis and Colborne jewellery designer Krista Goddard are showing off their culinary skills at the counter on King breakfast and lunch bar inside the store. The changing and inventive menu includes flaky croissants and buns packed with delicious sandwich fixings, homemade soups, coffee and home-baked sweets like double-chocolate muffins, confetti cookies and crème brûlée (yes, really!). You can also join these two for “Coffee talk with Geoff & Krista” live on Facebook!
