Culinary reasons to holiday in Ontario
Tuesday, 28, Apr 2009 10:54
The Canadian province of Ontario offers an incredible variety of ways to tempt traveller's taste buds - from farmers' markets to award-winning wineries and restaurants, delicious regional fare, fabulous cooking schools and the region's sweetest offering - maple syrup.
Here travelbite.co.uk examines the region's claim to culinary fame.
Which Jamie?
The Canadian's even have their own version of Jamie Oliver, a certain Jamie Kennedy. Toronto's very own answer to Britain's young master chef, Kennedy is currently one of Canada's most celebrated chefs.
From 1994 to 2003, he was at the helm of his restaurant, J.K. ROM at The Royal Ontario Museum. In 2003, JK Kitchens was successfully launched to include an event space and the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar. In June 2006, Jamie Kennedy at The Gardiner was opened in the newly renovated Gardiner Museum.
Jamie now divides his time between Toronto and Prince Edward County where he has bought a farm and plans to open a new 30 seat dining room. For more information on this local culinary hero head over to the official website.
Learn to Cook
For those looking to emulate the work of Jamie Kennedy, there are many acclaimed cookery schools within Ontario, including: Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Ottawa, which was the first of its kind outside of Paris.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa operates out of a Tudor style heritage mansion which is equipped with five state-of-the-art kitchens. Classes are taught by a team of highly skilled, classically trained French chefs who emphasize the rich heritage of French cuisine.
Also on offer is the Wine Country Cooking School at Strewn Winery based in Niagara on the Lake, the Chez Soleil in Stratford and the Bonnie Stern School of Cooking in Toronto.
Ontario's cookery schools are open to visitors and locals alike with courses ranging from one day to a full week. Many offer accommodation and restaurants, with more information here.
The Lake Effect
Ontario has four wine regions; Niagara, Lake Erie Shore and Pelee Island, Prince Edward County and Toronto's York region. These areas alone are home to over 70 wineries.
Niagara is the largest and most significantly established, benefiting from what has been labelled the 'Lake Effect' which creates the region's unique microclimate.
The 'Lake Effect' is the culmination of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario acting as 'hot- water bottles' over the vineyards by storing up heat during the summer and releasing it in the winter months. This ensures a longer growing season into the autumn.
The Niagara Escarpment also creates a protective ridge over the region, which is on the same latitude as France and Italy, ideal for grape growing.
For more information on the local wineries and details on how to visit, take a look at the Wine of Ontario website.
Plates with a view
Ontario offers a range of places to enjoy a 'plate with a view'. For example, how about a chance to experience the dramatic skylines from the tallest structure in the world at the 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower in Toronto, or the Merlot Rooftop Grill, looking out across Parliament Hill in Ottawa?
For a more adventurous dining experience, take the Algoma Central Railway to the Agawa Canyon. The train's deluxe art deco dining car dates back to 1913.
This is the best way to see the unique Fall Colours and the beauty of Ontario's snow covered wilderness in winter. Alternatively, the fine dining room at the remote Arowhon Pines Resort in Algonquin Park offers wonderful lake views.
Local Markets
What is the local produce of Ontario? And where can you buy it? Ontario's produce is internationally famed for its bountiful and varied food regions. The Province is synonymous with delicious, seasonal produce across all food groups.
In celebration of this, an abundance of festivals and events are organized throughout the year.
Uniquely, Ontario's regions specifically produce many different food products. For instance: Leamington - tomato; Winona - peach; Sudbury - blueberry; Alliston- potato; Bala - cranberry. Furthermore, Canada is among the largest suppliers of mustard.
However, if you cannot visit these places specifically, head to one of the Province's many farmers markets where the freshest produce is plentiful. Ottawa's Byward Market and Toronto's St. Lawrence and St. Jacob's Farmers' Market are all a must.
Prince Edward County
Finally, Prince Edward County is a beautiful, rural peninsula which is a newly emerging wine and culinary destination. Ninth generation farmers and hi-tech winemakers work side by side.
The agricultural communities cater to sophisticated tastes with organic farms, artisan cheese, chocolatiers, wineries and incredible produce. The region is home to The Waring House Cookery school which focuses on local county and Ontario produce, paired with Prince Edward County wines.
The Waring House also boasts a fine dining room that features a delicious five-course tasting menu. Visitors can experience the "Taste the County" tour which includes a County Exploration Kit (box lunch, map, winery guide, and Taste Trail guide).
Top Culinary Events
There are also a host of top one off events taking place across the region later this year. For example, how about the Krinos Taste of the Danforth taking place this August? The event showcases the best of Hellenic food, culture, and music our multicultural Toronto has to offer - from souvlaki to mezes, authentic Greek music to interactive children's games
Later in the month the Leamington Tomato Festival celebrates the harvest of the most perfect fruit that exists with a pageant, parade, live stage shows, food booths and a craft sale.
Moving into September, the Niagara Wine Festival encompasses more than 100 events - including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars, live entertainment and one of Canada's largest street parades.
In October, the annual Pumpkin Fest will arrive in Saugeen Shores at Port Elgin, while the Oktoberfest and Bala Cranberry Festival take place the following month.
Finally, the Royal Fair Agricultural Fair is celebrated between November 6th and 15th.
Chris O'Toole