The evolution of the coffee industry has been one of steady growth since the 1960’s when brands like Sanka, Folgers and Maxwell House became a recognized household names. The first wave brought increased popularity. The second wave introduced us to the readily available big-name cup of coffee, such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons.

Today’s third wave coffee culture is flying high with an ethical and progressive movement towards better control over the process of sourcing, testing, roasting, and brewing. Untraceable coffee is no longer acceptable practice and mass-produced over-roasted beans are being cast aside in favour of high-quality, small batch specialty coffee. 

With a much-needed resurgence of quality over quantity, coffee enthusiasts can now enjoy individually crafted brews, made fresh to order. Artisanal coffee roasters are passionate, and as with any other artistry, they believe in the delicate quality of their product, and hope the true flavour of their coffee beans can be fully experienced.

Our local roasters are working to provide consumers with some truly delectable choices in coffee and cuisine.

Detour Coffee

2234 Harold Road, #2, Burlington  |  Café at 41 King Street West, Dundas

905.331.7800  |  detourcoffee.com

Detour Coffee Roasters believe in reducing their environmental footprint while simultaneously creating an enhanced community experience. They view the customer as an integral part of the creation chain, and readily admit to obsessing over the art of getting their roasting perfected, “to the point of mild insanity.”

They recently travelled to Rwanda to enable social changes by supporting procurement from women-owned coffee farms. Detour is equally as serious about their Loring Kestrel roaster, the masterpiece of the operation, and clearly the Ferrari of the roasting world. It’s self-contained and smokeless, reducing emissions by 80% compared to traditional machines. Their seasonal coffees are also complemented by a full-scale bakery and restaurant, Dear Grain, serving slow ferment artisan breads, jams, and pastries by Master Preserver Camilla Wynn.

The Detour Café in Dundas also serves a gluten-free brownie bar adorned with crunchy cocoa. Resistance is futile.

Firebat Coffee

407 Speers Road Back #7, Oakville

289.400.9551  |  firebatcoffee.com

Firebat Coffee is owned by husband and wife team Gustavo and Leena. They describe their coffee as a “unique transfer of energy and flavour from source to cup”, made possible through meticulous micro farming, clean production methods, and a focus on fostering respect for the environment.

In Mayan mythology, the bat, or Sotz, was a guardian figure of protection, spreading seeds and furthering growth.  Firebat similarly strives to guard the quality of their coffee forests. Gustavo and Leena’s dedication and fiery passion for honest craftsmanship culminates in their impressive flavor-based portfolio of coffee that originates solely from El Salvador.  Working with producers to ensure direct trade and fair prices, Firebat always pays farmers far above commercial prices for their delicate shade-grown Arabica varietals. They stand by three main principles: flavour, transparency, and sustainability. Firebat’s slow-roasting techniques extract subtle notes from their beans, and successfully deliver coffees rich in both history and flavour. Buy beans directly from their roastery on Speers road in Oakville.

Brothers Coffee Roasters

2172 Wycroft Road, #6, Oakville |  298 Kerr Street, Oakville

289.837.1535  |  @brotherscoffeeroasters

Shaun Waitzer opened Kerr St. Café with his partner Alex Flye in 2010 which was then followed by Brothers Roasters in 2014. The “small batches, good vibes” mantra has been a lucky one for them; business has blossomed into a popular full-service event company where quality coffee, clean eating, and environmentally sustainable practices are a way of life.

Shaun furthered his roasting knowledge at Vermont’s Coffee Lab and is currently planning trips of origin to increase direct trade partnerships with farmers.  

Brothers recently switched to 100% biodegradable take-out cups and compostable packaging.  You can easily find information online about their selection of specialty coffees from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, with the added bonus of reading uniquely diverse information about altitudes, varieties, and specific producers. Word has it that they serve a delicious medium dark roast espresso, made from a complex four-origin blend, and tasty single-origin coffees that are rotated regularly. Stop by Kerr Street Cafe and try one for yourself!

Cloud 9 Coffee

81 Florence Dr, Oakville

905.510.0509   |  cloud9coffeeroaster.ca

Located in Kerr Village, Cloud 9 Coffee Roastery was born from the passion Lynn Roberts held for drinking coffee made from the freshest beans possible. Beginning as a hobby, she began roasting green beans at home and experimenting with both time and temperature, as well as different varieties. That hobby soon turned into passion, as she discovered the amazing flavours that could be obtained by roasting the same bean to a light, medium, medium-dark and dark level. She opened Cloud 9 Coffee Roastery in March of 2013, and encourages people to drop by on Saturdays or Sundays to taste the various beans she has sourced, and find their personal preference.

Vereda Central

310 Kerr Street, Oakville

905 842 0887  |  veredacentral.com

Vereda Central’s mandate it to find the best possible coffee beans from a variety of Colombian veredas, or small villages. Their coffee is personally sourced, and all processes of milling, roasting, and packing are done themselves.

Their attention to detail is evident in the close relationships they build with their farmers. Through honest connections with growers, complete traceability, and a focus on direct trade, they work to improve crops with training and feedback to achieve the best quality harvests.

Vereda believes in better control over their hand-picked beans, following the standards outlined by The Specialty Coffee Association of America. They use smaller roasters for their 5 kg batches, compared to some of the bigger 60 kg machines that roast much larger amounts. The owners Juan and Laura Sarmiento believe large batches can often result in defects.

Vereda’s coffee is 100% natural with no additives.  Juan understands the importance of indulging individual tastes, as each customer is unique, and he experiments with brewing techniques to find just the right blend for his clients. Vereda is available online, in coffee shops, and wholesale in restaurants and bakeries. Visit their cafe on Kerr Street in Oakville.

by Adrienne Roman

The first Thanksgiving began as a celebration of the harvest and seasonal bounty that is available during the autumnal season. From root vegetables, preserved summer berries, hearty greens and meats – so much can be harvested right in your own backyard.

Though, of course, times have changed since the first Thanksgiving celebrations, there are still many ways to enjoy locally grown foods during fall, from roast turkey and stuffing, to cranberry sauce, root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie

For those in the Burlington area, there are many locations to pick up a locally-sourced meal.

Denninger’s Foods of the World can be found in both Burlington and Oakville, and can offer some delicious options for your meats, produce, and sides. With their own in-store butcher counter, they are able to assist you with anything you are looking for and with over 60 years in service, they know what they’re doing!  If you’re looking for something a little bit different for your main, their signature sausages are the way to go. They also offer a produce section which is ideal for seasonal root vegetables.

Offering fresh turkeys and ham orders during the Thanksgiving season, Ernie’s Meat Market is a favourite in Burlington due to their extensive knowledge and friendly customer service team. Carrying a wide selection of beef, pork, and chicken as well – the options for your  
Thanksgiving dinner are quite vast at this local butchery. Ernie’s is also known for their famous meat pies, which are made by hand, in-store, and baked daily. A perfect addition to your family Thanksgiving!

Another option for your main is Farmway Foods, who provide home delivery for high-quality, naturally raised Ontario meats. Usually specializing in beef, chicken, pork, and fish, they add turkey to their well-rounded selection in the fall. Farmway Foods takes the stress out of the Thanksgiving meal so you can focus on having fun with your family and friends.

The Burlington Mall Farmer’s Market is open right until the end of October, providing a wonderful opportunity to purchase locally-grown produce, baked goods, meats, cheese, and much more! From root vegetable favourites like sweet potatoes, beets, and traditional potatoes – the Burlington Mall Farmer’s Market is an easy way to get most of your Thanksgiving shopping done in one place. 

For those in the Oakville area, the options for purchasing local meats and produce are extensive.

Florence Meats has been offering top-notch quality and service to the Oakville community for over 35 years. Though they have the knowledge and know-how of the big guys, they keep their butcher shop small – focusing on the customer. Place your order for their local and fresh grain-fed turkey for this special occasion, or if you want to put an interesting spin on your Thanksgiving meal, why not try a Cornish Hen or Pheasant

If ham is more your thing, Just an Olde Fashion Butchery specializes in just that, serving up meats and seafoods in the Oakville area since 1986. Their spiral-cut glazed ham has been a favourite among Oakville families since their opening date. Looking for something in particular? Their knowledgeable staff is sure to help you find something amazing! 

The one-stop-shop for produce and sides, the Dorval Crossing Farm Market has been providing fresh, local produce to the community for over 35 years.  Located on the corner of Dorval and North Service, the market runs right until November 25th and offers those who live in Oakville an opportunity to purchase straight from the farmers
and growers. 

These are just some of the many options we have available to support local businesses and local growers.  Happy Thanksgiving!

by Heather Peter

Apples are so versatile! You can enjoy them as crunchy crudités, or cover them in caramel, or lovingly load them into pies and other baked goods. Even if we don’t always eat them prepared in the healthiest fashion, they always taste so good. With the number of different varieties grown – and available – right here in southern Ontario, it’s easy to pick some up right from the orchard and bring them home to enjoy however you wish. In fact, going apple-picking makes for a picturesque and healthy outing the whole family can enjoy.

Finding Forbidden Fruit

Apples are indeed an ancient fruit.  They’ve been growing since prehistoric times and have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years.  The ancient Greeks, Etruscans, Romans and Egyptians were some of the early cultivators – likely knowing that an apple a day was good for something.

Did you know that during the California Gold Rush apples were a hot commodity? They sometimes fetched more than $100 a bushel because they were versatile, durable and easily dried and preserved.

Home Grown

Here in Ontario, we’re lucky to have close to 20 different homegrown varieties to choose from.  Apples are grown on nearly 16,000 acres of precious land in major apple producing areas ranging from the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.  Our Great Lakes are prime growing areas because they help moderate the temperature, so it’s true that “Good Things Grow in Ontario”.  The top five types grown here are Empire, Gala, McIntosh, Northern Spy, and Red Delicious.

Don’t forget that, in addition to including them in apple strudel, apple muffins, or apple crisp, they are delicious in salads and sandwiches too (especially grilled cheese). Two classic desserts are homemade apple pie (sometimes accompanied by a slice of old cheddar cheese), and apple pudding – served with warm brown sugar sauce – definitely the easiest to make of the two, and equally as tasty.  This fall, a Sunday dinner complete with an apple-inspired finale is definitely
in order.

Which of these globes of goodness are great for baking, and when are they available? Find out below:

Empire Apples 
(available October to July)
are slightly tart, juicy, firm and crisp.  They’re perfect for snacks and making applesauce.

Gala Apples 
(available early September to February)
are best eaten fresh, perhaps even topped with peanut butter or dipped in caramel.

McIntosh Apples 
(available mid September to May) have a white, juicy flesh, are mildly tart but sweeten as they ripen.  Use them in sauces, pies or eating fresh after a day of apple picking.

Northern Spy Apples 
(available October to May)
are large, crisp and firm.  They’re perfect for pies and old-fashioned baked apples just like Grandma used to make.

Red Delicious Apples 
(available October to July)
are firm, sweet and juicy.  Perfect for salads.  They’re not recommended for cooking.

Where to buy and pick your own apples

Andrews Scenic Acres, Milton
andrewsscenicacres.com

Myers Family Orchard, Copetown
myersapples.com

Chudleigh’s Farm, Milton
chudleighs.ca

Stonehaven Farms, Milton
stonehavenfarms.com

Willis Family Fruit Farm, Milton
willisfarm.com

Hutchinson Farm, Burlington
hutchinsonfarm.ca

Frootogo Orchards, Waterdown
frootogo.ca

Springridge Farm, Milton
springridgefarm.com

by Becky Dumais

Summer has begun, and with that comes the sweltering heat and humidity that can only be resolved with an icy cool treat. From classic cones to modern gelato desserts – the Halton area has it all! No matter if you fancy a single scoop bubble gum with rainbow sprinkles in a classic cone, or a Ferrero gelato in a waffle cup, if you’re looking to treat yo’ self, here are some delicious options that will curb those sweet cravings.   

 

Waffle bowl sundae? Yes please!

A post shared by Easterbrooks Hotdog Stand (@easterbrookshotdogs) on Aug 10, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT

Easterbrook’s Ice Cream

694 Spring Gardens Rd,  Burlington

A family favourite for many years, Easterbrook’s has been serving up hot dogs and fries, and scooping up ice cream for over 85 years. Mable Easterbrook opened the store as a tea house in 1926. In 1930 Easterbrook’s began serving hotdogs and the family has been running it the same way for 4 generations. Located just near the Royal Botanical Gardens, Easterbrook’s is a great stopover before or after one of those weekend hikes with the family. Their retro diner offers a rotating menu on the chalkboard of many different ice creams that they source from Central Smith ice cream in Peterborough. Prepare for a line-up, but it’s worth it! Customer favourites include: Chocolate Peanut Butter, and traditional like Bubblegum and Cotton Candy.
easterbrooks.ca

 

4 MORE DAYS left to get your hands on our #CHARCOAL ICE CREAM 🖤 This all natural detoxifier gives ice cream an extra rich and creamy texture! Who’s coming in this weekend to try?! 🖤 #charcoalicecream #dairyfreeicecream #veganicecream #burlont #hamont #yyz

A post shared by Kelly’s Bake Shoppe (@kellysbake) on Jun 6, 2018 at 5:59pm PDT

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe Vegan Ice Cream

401 Brant Street, Burlington

Gone are the days when vegans were only able to enjoy a salad for their meals, because Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is here, heading the burgeoning vegan scene in the area. Owners Kelly Childs and Erinn Weatherbie create mouth-watering baked goods and desserts that anyone could enjoy – even those under gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, butter-free, vegan and peanut-free diets. Customer favourites include their health-friendly ice cream tubs, soft serve ice creams and cookie sandwiches with ice cream.  Kelly’s offers seasonal flavours of their vegan ice cream, like chocolate or charcoal. All of their ice creams are made in house by the Kelly’s team.
kellysxo.com

 

 

 

 

 

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🍦Soft serve ice cream is BACK friends! While we aren’t open for walk-ins just yet, you can order at the door! Friday and Saturday 10am – late! . . #oakvillebakery #oakvilleicecream #icecreamsammie #affogato #kerrvillage

A post shared by The Sweetest Thing (@thesweetestthingcake) on Jun 4, 2020 at 10:14pm PDT

The Sweetest Thing

282 Kerr St, Oakville

This iconic boutique bakery located on Kerr Street in Oakville offers scratch-made cupcakes, cookies, cakes, ice cream treats and more! Stop by The Sweetest Thing for a refreshing softserve cone or one of their ice cream sammies!  
thesweetestthing.com

 

Victoria Day Weekend Store hours: Saturday: 11 to 9 Sunday: 11 to 9 Monday: 11 to 10 …. 📷 @theflavourfox …. #theflavourfox #brontecommunity #brontepark #bronteevents #canadaicecream #oakvilleeats #homemadeyogurt #homemadesorbet #homemadeicecream #homemadegelato #chocolatechipcookies #nutellagelato

A post shared by The Flavour Fox (@theflavourfox) on May 19, 2018 at 4:41am PDT

The Flavour Fox

103A-77 Bronte Road, Bronte

Specializing in hard ice cream, hand-crafted gelato, shakes, homemade cookies and gourmet hot chocolate – The Flavour Fox team took over an existing ice cream store and renovated it to become the new and improved ice cream spot in Bronte. On top of their original Kawartha Ice Cream available in cones or cups, The Flavour Fox offers 16 different milkshake flavours and Belgian waffles. Best of all, The Flavour Fox is located right at the Bronte Harbour  – so you can enjoy watching the boats go by while you lick on your cone!
theflavourfox.com

 

Strawberry season is here !👌🏼🍓

A post shared by LDV Gelato Cafe (@ladolcevita_22) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:25am PDT

La Dolce Vita

22 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville

Located just steps to the Oakville waterfront, La Dolce Vita offers up artisanal gelato flavours that they make in-house – featuring traditional flavours like pistachio or lemon, and modern favourites like bubble gum and passion fruit. On top of enjoying gelato the classic way, they also offer gelato desserts like gelato pops, gelato cannolis, gelato paninis and gelato cake!
ladolcevitaoakville.com

 

Come join the @piazzabistro street team for fresh fruit smoothies and gelato in heart of midnight madness !!! #downtownoakville #midnightmadness #oakville #piazzabistro #gelato

A post shared by Piazza Bistro (@piazzabistro) on Jul 17, 2015 at 3:44pm PDT

Piazza Bistro

94 George Street, Oakville

Not only does Piazza Bistro serve up amazing lunches, dinners, handmade pizzas and cappuccinos, they also offer an extensive gelato menu! Carrying 16 flavours per season, there are so many creamy options to choose from. Customer favourites include the Mango and the Chocolate Hazelnut.
piazzabistro.ca 

 

Try our blueberry swirl frozen yogurt! . . . #soundofmusic #icecream #toronto #ontario #the6ix #nikon #35mm #canada #boardwalk #icecream #burlington #summer #905burli #hamont #instapic #picoftheday #photooftheday #instalike #instafood #eatfamous #lovefood #Gelato #Burlington #Lakeshore #Dessert #instagood #instaicecream #retro #fun #oldies #delicious 📸@alsgrubs

A post shared by RCs Boardwalk Icecream & Fries (@rcsboardwalk) on Jun 14, 2018 at 12:09pm PDT

RC’s Boardwalk Fries & Ice Cream

2013 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

As you’re strolling the Burlington lakeshore, the neon lights of RC’s Boardwalk will call to you – reeling you in like a fly to honey. And yes, similar to the metaphor, a sweet treat waits at the end. Offering 32 flavours of ice cream, along with milkshakes, flurries, sundaes, floats, funnel cakes and banana splits (plus savoury food), RC’s is a retro restaurant through and through. From the pink walls to the checkerboard flooring and tin signage, RC’s is the ideal place to get that classic cone and feel like you’re living in a simpler time. If you’re more about the modern options and looking for something super Instagram friendly, try their Frozen Yogurt twist cones!
@rcsboardwalk

 

Even though the wind is blowing, the shop has been busy all night long. Stop by for a scoop. Featured here is our classic Ferrero Rocher flavour 😋

A post shared by I Love Gelato (@ilovegelatoburlont) on May 4, 2018 at 5:09pm PDT

I Love Gelato

1477 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Aiming to bring back the memories of childhood in Italy, the family-owned I Heart Gelato creates authentic made-in-house gelato…with everything from gluten-free to sugar free and vegan options. The only thing that could make their gelato even better? Their location! When you grab your cone or cup, walk right out the front door and stroll the Burlington Waterfront. Try their Ferrero or Pistachio, but get there early – because they may sell out!
@ILOVEGELATOBURLONT

by Heather Peter

Eating local and in season isn’t as daunting a task as it seems when you live in the greenbelt and catch wind of some of the amazing local food programs we have in the area. From our independent grocers to our many farmer’s markets and CSA Food Box programs, our farmers really can – and do – feed cities! 

In Halton, we are blessed with such wonderful farmers’ markets, with fresh, local products that are just waiting to be eaten. But, if you’re looking for even more opportunities to eat seasonally and conveniently, Food Box Programs can be a great option! 

So what is a food box program?

Farms or organizations around the area will set up a program to help their customers eat ‘in season’, while also ensuring a regular source of income for the producers. It may be subscription-based, or a one off, but the box is ordered ahead of time. At a specified date, you will pick up (or receive a delivery of) a box of amazing, local fruit and vegetables. Usually the cost is a bit cheaper than traditional grocery stores, plus you know exactly where the produce is coming from and that you are supporting your local food-producing economy.  
You will also bring more vegetables and produce directly into your home – reducing the temptation to purchase processed foods at the grocery store. Plus everything provided in the box is right in peak season, which means high quality and delicious tasting food items.

Some of the local Food Box Programs include:

Plan B Organic Farms CSA Box

Plan B Organics is a 30-acre farm that has been around since 1997, growing vegetables, fruits, greens and herbs using Certified Organic farm management practices. Their food share boxes are available in two sizes (plus some smaller snack sizes) – either weekly or biweekly.  The produce inside the box changes each season with products like asparagus, radishes, beets, spring peas and baby salad greens available during this time of year.

A small share is $30 a week and contains about 10 items; a large share is $45 with about 12 – 14 items. They are available for pick up in over 30 locations around the GTA, or via home delivery for Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville for just $5. Melanie Golba and Irene Matys of Plan B Organics also add in some wonderful additions for subscribers, such as recipes using the produce inside the “share’.

June’s box will contain items such as: lettuce, spinach, salad mix, green garlic, kale, radishes, broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, green onions, garlic scapes, snap peas, and chives.

Halton Fresh Food Box

The Halton Fresh Food box is open to all residents of the Halton region, but particularly those living on limited incomes, seniors and new Canadians. They are offered in three different sizes: $10, $15 and $20, with the Summer and Fall box full of 100% locally grown produce. During the Spring and Winter, the fruit and vegetables are locally grown where available – sourcing from local farms such as Andrews Scenic Acres, Oliveria Fruit Farm, Fisher Farms and more. Boxes in the summer can include everything from corn, zucchini, peppers, field tomatoes, plums, peaches and much more.

Ordering is very simple! Use their website: haltonfreshfoodbox.com to find the closest pick up location to you. Order your chosen box size, prepay and then on pick-up day, you are ready to go! Boxes are enjoyed on a one-off basis, rather than subscription based, so you can try it out and see how you like it. The Halton Fresh Food Box is open to anyone.

by Heather Peter

Local Links

Halton Fresh Food Box, Oakville
haltonfreshfoodbox.com

Plan B Organic Farms, Hamilton
planborganicfarms.ca

In celebration of nature’s bounty – and the wonderful selection of Ontario wines – we’ve curated three recipes you’ll want to cook up this spring. Each recipe uses fresh ingredients that are in season at this time of year, and combines them with a selection of Niagara wines.

Recipes are courtesy of The Ontario Table, written by Lynn Ogryzlo – a food, wine and travel writer and international award winning author. Wine pairings are provided by Trent Mayers of Wine Journeys, Barrie.

And let’s not forget Cinco de Mayo! Check out Lynn’s fabulous fresh Rainbow Trout Tacos below, as well as the tasty Sopes De Chorizo Con Papa recipe here (courtesy of Nostalgia Latin Market), and the Hot & Smoky Mezcal Margaritas recipe here

Asparagus Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS

•  2 tablespoons (30ml) country fresh butter
•  1 leek, white part only, washed and chopped
•  1 bunch fresh asparagus, washed and chopped
•  2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
•  1 garlic clove
•  1/3 cup (80ml) milk or whipping cream
•  Ontario salt

METHOD

In a large soup pot, heat the butter over medium heat until foam subsides. Add the leek and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the asparagus and cook for another 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and garlic to the pot, then bring to a boil. Lower heat, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the asparagus is tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth and return to the pot. Stir in the milk or cream and season well. Serve warm or cold. Serves 4 to 6. 

Chateau des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc 2017

$14.95 (LCBO)  |  ★★★★  

Look for delicate lemon and gooseberry, followed by cut grass notes paired with nice acidity.  The grassiness will stand up to the green notes in the asparagus and the acidity will cut through the rich dairy in the soup.

Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2016

$18.15 (Winery)  |  ★★★★  

It has green apple, yellow plum, and a little creamy richness that suggests some ageing on the lees.
The soup and this wine’s food friendly acidity and richness will work well together

Rainbow Trout Tacos

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup Ontario beer
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• Ontario vegetable oil for frying
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 Ontario rainbow trout fillets
• ¼ small white cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• Niagara verjus
• Fresh garden coriander

METHOD

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Gradually whisk in beer to make a smooth batter. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Mix the mayo and sour cream and set aside.

Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm through in the oven.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Remove the skin from the fillets by running a sharp knife along the bottom of the fillet in between the skin and the flesh. Season the fillets and cut each into 1-inch wide strips. Using tongs, dunk a few pieces in the batter. One at a time, drop 4 pieces into the hot oil. Deep fry for 3 minutes until crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add 4 more pieces to the oil, and repeat until all pieces of fish are fried.

To assemble, spread some mayo mixture down the centre of a warmed tortilla and scatter over a little cabbage. Place the rainbow trout pieces down the centre and spoon over some diced tomatoes. Drizzle with a little verjus. Top with coriander, roll up and serve. Repeat for each of the tacos.

Fishing season for rainbow trout in Ontario starts on the last Saturday in April.  May is prime season for catching your own tasty trout!

Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2014

$31.95 (Vintages + Winery)  |  ★★★★ 

This red showed integrated oak, dark cherries, cranberries, spice, and pleasant earthiness.  Pinot makes a nice match with rich fish like trout and its nature will play well with the taco spice, as well as stand up to the beer in the recipe.  If you can’t find the 2014, look for the 2015.

13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut NV

$27.95 (Vintages)  |  ★★★★ ½

Medium bodied, it has hints of strawberries, charming minerality and acidity, fine mousse, and is made using the traditional method (méthode hampenoise). The crispness of this sparkler will pair well with the fatty fried trout, yogurt, and sour cream.

Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine 2015

$39.95 (Vintages)  |  ★★★★ ½

Deliciously juicy, this icewine is a show stopper. It oozes strawberry, rhubarb, hints of spice, and a rich sweetness, yet remains balanced. The flavours in this wine will mesh perfectly with the strawberries in this dessert.

Cave Spring Cellars Indian Summer Riesling 2016

$24.95 (Vintages + Winery)  |  ★★★★ ½

A sweet late harvest wine that delivers limes, lemons, apricots, and peaches, with a honeyed sweetness and lovely acidity.  The fruit profile here will complement the berries nicely.  Please note that the LCBO Vintages stocks the 2013 and 2014 vintage of this wine.

Ratings are out of a possible 5 stars.

If you have any questions or ideas regarding the wine pairings, please contact Trent at itrent.mayers@gmail.com. Or you can check his Facebook page @itrentmayers for details. 

by Lynn Ogryzlo & Trent Mayers

The culinary scene is often thought to be a largely male-dominated industry. And the restaurant business is notorious for the long hours, tight margins, and stresses of an entrepreneurial life. But, like every industry in our modern world, the winds of change are coming… and women are making waves in the food industry and they are being recognized for it. Though there are many in the Burlington and Oakville area to talk about, here is an introduction to a few of our female makers and shakers in the culinary industry.

Juliana Berrio  Familia Fine Foods

Juliana Berrio has always found that time spent with her family, while enjoying a meal around the table, is incredibly valuable. Juliana wanted to create a space where other families would be able to enjoy this experience, feeling closer to their families over a meal.

Launching Familia Fine Foods along with her husband, Luis, and two daughters, she has tried to make a place that feels like home to her customers – enjoying laughs and sharing with them a taste of Colombian culture. While living far away from the rest of their family has had its challenges, it has shown them the importance of creating their own community in Canada, who now feel like family. Juliana wholeheartedly believes there is nothing more important than doing what you love, and enriching every experience with a touch of that passion.

17-3245 Harvester Road, Burlington
familiafinefoods.com

Kelly Childs + Erinn Weatherbie
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe

Co-founders of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe in Burlington, Kelly and Erinn, made their splash in the culinary industry in 2010 with their first restaurant Kindfood (now known as Lettuce Love Cafe). Their aim was to help others see how easy it is to adopt a plant-based, vegan diet, without sacrificing flavour. The demand at Kindfood was so great, that they expanded to the Bake Shoppe in 2012. Thousands flock through their doors weekly, and they are so grateful for all of their customers; their mantra is to ‘live a life of gratitude’. One dessert they can’t live without? Their Mile High Brownie.

401 Brant St, Burlington
kellysxo.com

Alexandra Kinsman
Saving Thyme catering & patisserie

Alex Kinsman, co-owner of Saving Thyme in Burlington, was drawn to the industry due to a love of working with her hands, not having a fixed schedule and discovering a love for local food. Starting in the pastry section of Dundas, Ontario’s popular ‘Quatrefoil Restaurant’ when they first opened, she was able to experience a start-up kitchen environment and be mentored by the talented culinary team at Quatrefoil. The knowledge gained during this experience led to the opening of Saving Thyme with her husband, Phil (plus his famous butter croissants!). Alex loves working with her family each day, bringing joy to her community through amazing food. Her biggest tidbit of advice: always stay true to the vision and leave the egos at the door.

450 Appleby Line, Burlington
savingthyme.ca

Courtney Colas  La Parisienne Crêperie

Like many others, Courtney Colas of La Parisienne Crêperie in Bronte fell into the industry as a part time job while in school. As the years went by, it became her career, with her working in almost every position you could hold within the hospitality industry. When the opportunity to revamp La Parisienne Crêperie came up, Courtney and her husband jumped on it. Courtney’s passion is creativity through food; she loves to cook and loves watching someone’s face as they try something you have created just for them – savouring every bite. Her current favourite dish: Courtney couldn’t possibly choose one, but loves their French Onion Soup, and their BLTCA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, avocado) Crêpe with a poached egg on top for brunch!

93 Bronte Road, Oakville
laparisiennecreperie.com

Nicky Leonelli  Di Mario’s Trattoria

Nicky Leonelli has been passionate about food for as long as she can remember. She was brought up enjoying the simple pleasures of cooking, and naturally gravitated towards it when she moved to Canada in 1988 – inspired to make a splash in the food industry by non-believers who thought she would not succeed in the culinary business. Though there was difficulty in the industry, Nicky learned resilience and how to be patient with the outcomes. She stuck to her vision for the restaurant and did not allow her visions to be swayed. The good stuff about the food biz: Nicky loves her staff, who have become like family to her, and her guests. If it’s on the menu as a feature while you’re visiting Di Mario’s Trattoria, try their Ravioli Lobster – it’s Nicky’s favourite to share with others!

1455 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
dimarios.com

Joanna Tomal  Piazza Bistro

Joanna, co-owner of Piazza Bistro in Downtown Oakville, was attracted to the restaurant industry because of her passion for well executed, simple, comfort food. She describes herself as ‘obsessed’ with cookbooks, personally owning more than she could possibly count. It was this obsession for food, combined with her love of home-made family-style cooking that led her to launch Piazza Bistro 5 years ago. After 5 successful years, she says her biggest lesson was learning the difference between cooking at home for family and friends, and cooking for a room full of customers. She says it was a learning experience, but the atmosphere of the restaurant when it’s humming with conversation and full of satisfied customers with smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile. Her favourite dish? A tie between her (famous) Dill Pickle Soup and her secret Meatball recipe.

94 George St, Oakville
piazzabistro.ca

by Heather Peter