Countylicious
a culinary showcase of Prince Edward County
What would be better than spending your Sunday afternoon savouring a delectable feast, crafted from a bountiful harvest of local farms? Arth and I decided to visit the Drake Devonshire for Fall Countylicious in Prince Edward County, an event in which participating restaurants use sustainable and fresh ingredients grown locally. The menus are always unique and are changed every season, offering a variety of delicious choices.
I ordered Cabernet Merlot from Rosehall Run to enjoy with Root Vegetable Salad, Herb Roasted Prinzen Chicken Breast, and County Cheese Selection, as a finishing dish. Arth, on the other hand, opted for Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, Seared Chinook Salmon, and a mouth-watering Butterscotch Pudding for dessert. We couldn’t wait to taste the dish we had ordered.
Arth and I have been attending Countylicious every spring and fall since 2018. The event has become one of Prince Edward County’s signatures, showcasing the seasonally fresh ingredients from the region. The menus revolve around the farm-to-table concept to promote the use of local products, freshly from the producers, in local restaurants
This cooperation, shown during Countylicious, between farmers and local restaurants in the community emphasises the equally importance role of farmers, food producers, and restaurants in the region.
Farm Showcase
The waterfront view of Lake Ontario is an appetizer in itself while waiting for the food to be served. The beauty of the county always draws us in. We also love experiencing the prosperity of the area. Three years ago, we were aware of the importance of nutrition in our food. The nutrition of fresh ingredients is at its peak at the time of harvesting and gradually decreases over time.
This discovery made us decide to only obtain our food from farm stands dotting across the region. By choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables, we can enjoy the benefits of fully ripened produce that were not stimulated by chemical or gas. This makes the produce not only safer but also more flavourful, as it is allowed to mature naturally.
Agriculture is the backbone of Prince Edward County, and farms are the predominant land use of this region. From the glory days of Barley’s day to the canning industry era to the present, farming practices have been transformed from industrial agriculture to small-scale operations. Lately, farmers have focused on producing high-quality products that add value to the community instead of large-scale production of crops and animals.
This has opened up opportunities for new faces to experiment with innovative practices, ranging from sustainable organic farms to greenhouses. Shopping at farm stands and farmers’ markets is a great way to support local farmers. It also allows us to have conversations with the producers to truly understand where our food comes from. With a wide selection of products at affordable prices, knowing that every dollar we spend goes directly into the hands of the farmers brings us immense satisfaction.
Food Showcase
The first dishes were served along with my wine. My Root Vegetable Salad, served with local carrots, beet, and feta in green labneh, and roasted shallot vinaigrette was a perfect appetizer. Arth’s Jerusalem Soup with Artichoke chips looked equally delicious. It didn’t take us long to finish our plates and eagerly await the main course.
Prince Edward County has long been known as “The Garden County of Canada” due to its vegetable processing industry.
In the early 20th century, the canning industry flourished, with millions of tonnes of canned products being shipped worldwide. The primary crops include sweet corn, peas, tomatoes, green beans, and pumpkins. The region’s temperate climate, abundant water resources, and fertile soil contribute to the production of high-quality fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
But the culinary delights of Prince Edward County go beyond just produce. The region has also become Ontario’s fourth official wine region. Sharing the same latitude as Burgundy in France, the county boasts distinctive limestone soils that are quite rare worldwide.
The combination of clay and limestone-rich soil, along with the unique climate, creates the perfect conditions for producing exceptional wine.
Pinot Noir from the region is light-body, swift, and crisp with an exquisite mineral profile. Thanks to the creativity of talented winemakers, their wine has reached a new height. With close to 40 wineries across Prince Edward County, each with its specialties, charm, and characters, there is always something new to be discovered.
I do not consider myself a wine enthusiast as I simply drink what I enjoy. The unique Pinot Noir wine from both The Old Third Winery and Norman Hardie Winery consistently tops my list. The Chardonnay from Closson Chase Vineyard is also unique and complex. It’s two of the vineyards, Churchside and South Clos, have their distinctive character. And when I crave a sparkling wine, Hinterland’s is perfect for quenching my thirst on a long summer day. As you can see, my list goes on and on.
Chef Showcase
As our main courses were presented before us, anticipation filled the air. I eagerly waited for the moment when I could savour the flavours of the Herb Roasted Prinzen Chicken Breast, perfectly complemented by velvety squash puree, tender carrots, and delightful apple butter sauce. Meanwhile, my husband was delighted by his choice of the Seared Chinook Salmon, accompanied by a bed of fregola, a medley of rutabaga, and a captivating two-colour sauce combining the freshness of cilantro pesto with the boldness of miso gochujang sauce.
The county chefs are the ones who bring the magic to these plates. Many talented chefs, from traditional to fusion cuisine, have made the County their home. The privilege of having access to fresh and high-quality ingredients allows them to bring their creativity to life. Many restaurants in the County have formed bonds with local farmers and work together to make the most out of these ingredients. We can find unique vegetables like mizuna, kohlrabi, purslane, rapini, and shishito pepper in the county.
As someone who has been cooking for my family for years, I appreciate the opportunity to let the professionals take the reins and elevate the flavors and characteristics of the ingredients to new heights.
Finishing my plate
It’s time to finish our journey with some sweet treats. I’ve got the County Cheese Selection, served with fresh fruit, apple preserves, and Joey seedy crispy giving a light and satisfying finish. Arth’s butterscotch pudding, topped with drunken cherries, fluffy Chantilly cream, and crispy pear chips is the perfect ending to our meal.
Countylicious is not only a delightful journey for Prince Edward County but also a wonderful experience for us. The farm-to-table concept relies on the support of both producers and consumers to thrive, and the support of the community is essential to make this concept sustainable. The journey is still long, but it is filled with the delights of fresh, locally-grown ingredients and the passion of the people who bring them to our plates.
Further reading
Johns, C. (2018). A taste of Prince Edward County: A guide to the people, Places & Food of Ontario’s Favourite Getaway. Random House Canada.
Wollenberg, Natalie, and Leigh Nash. County Heirlooms : Signature Recipes and Stories from Prince Edward County. Halifax, Invisible Publishing, 2020.