Align Coffee Roasters
309 Beatty Road, Stirling
aligncoffee.ca
It’s true, no two coffees are the same. Zach Reid is on a mission to show off the diverse flavour profiles of specialty beans. An electrician by trade, he powered through early mornings with coffee and became fascinated by the effect different origins and processing of beans had on the final invigorating sip. Try the nuanced, sweet-forward brew with notes of orange, caramel and spice from Finca La Guadalupe in Honduras. Calling all connoisseurs and Tims fans who want to change it up.
The Elmbrook Farm
339 Elmbrook Road, Picton
the-elmbrook-farm.square.site
What is it about microgreens that can uplevel any salad to new heights of deliciousness? They’re so fresh and fancy – which makes a custom order and pickup at Elmbrook Farm in Picton a culinary delight. It’s where Rob Greatrix returned to his childhood stomping grounds to put down new roots and grow field produce. He and his wife Marie also have a lively bunch of chickens, a four-season yurt for glampers, and handcrafted organic sourdough bread and bagels on offer. Oh my!
Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
50 Centre Street, Warkworth
centreandmainchocolate.com
Forget the Oompa-Loompas. Chocolate is an unexpected adventure at this boutique in Warkworth where chocolatier Angela Roest combines ethically sourced chocolate from around the globe with local foods, herbs and inspiration. Her first aha revelation that she was onto something unique was the discovery that saffron is grown just a few kilometres from her shop! You’ll find seasonal creations with berries, lavender and fresh-milled spices from a nearby organic gardener. Sesame Za’atar and Saffron, Strawberry & Rhubarb, anyone?
Barn and Country Catering
1344 Minto Road, RR1 Stirling
barnandcountry.ca
Epic BBQ is the big draw for events catering from the Foley family’s 14-acre headquarters in Stirling, where 15 kids and 8 grandkids launched the business in 2016. Big family, big food! Choose from saucy ribs and chicken, brisket or pulled pork on a bun with sides like cumin-spiked potato salad. And the handheld Fry Pies are flaky pastry heaven, stuffed with seasonal fruit, deepfried and glazed. Best news? The roadside takeaway food truck is back this April in Belleville – 6992 Hwy 62.
Saigon Restaurant
11 Prince Edward Drive, Wellington
saigonrestaurant.wordpress.com
For fresh, homemade Chinese takeout made to order by the Saigon family’s unstoppable mom, this tiny Wellington spot is a must. The Cantonese Chow Mein is overflowing with shrimp, pork, chicken and crunchy broccoli and cauliflower florets on slurp-worthy egg noodles. And the fan-favourite General Tso Chicken is perfectly sweet and sticky with aromatic ginger and garlic, set off nicely with steamed rice and can’t-resist spring rolls.
Tip: order well in advance!
Lola’s Café
74 Main Street, Brighton
lolascafe.ca
Tracy Sutherland and Dave Perkin have made Lola’s a true farm-to-table experience where healthy, local ingredients shine. Tracy’s organically grown vegetables from her farm are featured on the daily menu and for purchase from the retail fridge. Bonus, there’s some homemade goodness (oh those brownies!) for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. The grilled cheese on spelt sourdough is a gourmet fantasy. Get ready for lunch and lattes on the patio.
Dooher’s Bakery
61 Bridge Street E., Campbellford
doohers.com
Get there early! This homestyle, four-generation family bakery in Campbellford makes more than 5,000 of their legendary donuts on Saturdays, and they sell out before noon. The original is the classic honey dip, lightly crunchy on the outside, split in half and filled to bursting with fresh cream, then dusted with icing sugar for an unforgettable yum. Everything has been made from scratch and a lot of love since the get-go in 1949. The Dooher heart is just as big as the giant toonie monument in Old Mill Park.
