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.
J&W Farms
42 Murphy Road, Milford
jwfarms.ca
Who knew dips made from sunflower seeds could be so, so good? Gus Wenceslau, a journalist turned farmer, and Mark Jermolow, a chef who’s worked at the Sydney Opera House and Massimo Capra’s restaurants in Toronto, launched their plant-based products and local home-delivery service for people to enjoy wholesome foods. They’ve added hearty homestyle meat options as well, like Bolognese sauce and full-on roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, asparagus and homestyle gravy. Come the cooler weather, you can’t go wrong with their heat-and-spoon chipotle black bean and lentil chili. Hungry?
Killa Cupcakes
127 North Street, Stirling
killacupcakes.com
Just think about this delectable treat: a coconut cupcake with fresh lemon curd filling topped with old-fashioned vanilla buttercream! Or a rich chocolate option with chocolate ganache and peanut butter buttercream icing? Sweet dreams come true at Killa Cupcakes dessert shop and catering in Stirling, a must-try for home-baked goodness. Kayla, the talented pastry artist behind all the tasty whimsy, started her business as a side project during college in 2014 when she was studying travel and tourism. Luckily for us, her Plan A career didn’t work out, and here she is.
1840 Farmhouse & Vineyard
3775 Ganaraska Road, Orono
1840vineyard.ca
The popular Farmhouse Reds and Chardonnays are what draw visitors to Philip and Natasha Lawrence’s winery in the hills of Orono. But a day at their farm is also an opportunity to explore, see the animals and just spend time outdoors (and eat tacos and other great bites when Krumbs Breadery from Newcastle is onsite). The winery also hosts special events – family yoga, ladies’ night yoga and wine, the harvest long-table dinner, and a winter marketplace for local makers and artisans on November 19.
George & Orange
67 Orange Street, Cobourg
georgeandorange.ca
This teeny tiny resto in downtown Cobourg has a great following and a warm, fun-loving vibe. Big isn’t everything! They do “small” perfectly with plates for sharing, like panko-breaded coconut shrimp, P.E.I. mussels, and apple and gorgonzola flatbread. This is where craft beers and inventive cocktails are celebrated – some are named after town landmarks like the Homelike Inn, a long-time bar, and Hoo Lee Gardens, a former iconic restaurant. Owner Jenna Fitzgerald is a fabulous mixologist with a passion for all things local. photograph by Vanessa West
The Village Pantry
27 Main Street, Warkworth
thevillagepantry.ca
Gourmet groceries, ice cream from Central Smith Creamery in Peterborough, and kitchenware so pretty it must turn out wonderful flans and frittatas! This Warkworth gem is owend by Raquilda van Zoeren, whose welcoming presence will leave you smiling (and ready to cook). She’s originally from Holland, where her family lived above their bustling bakery. And now she hand-selects every item for her shop, including local features like the artisan goat cheeses from Crosswind Farm. Try them with the Montreal St.-Viateur bagels she brings in every week.
The Russ & Co.
222 Main Street, Picton
therussandco.com
For late-night drinks, head to this boutique cocktail bar next to the historic Regent Theatre on Picton’s main street. The stunning interior has a speakeasy feel with intimate lighting and a sweeping marble countertop for sitting at the bar (because you might want to watch the bartenders do their thing). The signature cocktails are made to impress: Isn’t She Lovely is a gin-based sipper with strawberry hibiscus, lemon and elegant egg white. The classics are here too, from martinis to margaritas, but the Shrunken Head will more likely pique your curiosity! photograph by Christine Flynn
The Blue Sail Seafood Market & Restaurant
266 Main Street, Picton
thebluesail.ca
This downtown Picton mainstay market offers fresh and frozen gourmet seafood that includes oysters, lobster, clams, Ontario rainbow trout, Canadian snow crab legs, octopus, in-house smoked fish and a number of Blue Sail pre-made items. The choices are as delicious as they are abundant. Drop in at the restaurant for an East Coast Lobster dinner, Seafood Risotto, or the Chef’s Seafood Pasta, finished off with the Best Carrot Cake ever!
