The 20 Best Tastes of Simcoe County

Author: Katherine Elphick

1. Garraway’s Bistro’s crème brulée. French for “burnt cream,” this luscious dessert has a rich custard base topped with a crackle-crisp sugar crust. The custard base is usually enhanced with vanilla, but Garraway’s puts a twist on the show-stopping classic by offering it three ways (three small ramekins create one serving). Pumpkin, white chocolate and toasted pecans are currently on the menu, but flavours do rotate. $7 per serving. Garraway’s Muscovy duck also deserves honourable mention. 31 Maple Ave, Barrie, 725-8015. www.garrawaysbistro.com
2. Cravings Fine Food Market and & Catering’s curried pumpkin dip. The yummy dip served with Craving’s homemade toasted pita chips is a definite crowd pleaser. $4.99 for 250 ml. 516 Bryne Dr., Unit A., Barrie, 734-2272.
3. Robert Simpson’s Brewing Company’s Confederation Ale. Back in 1836, Barrie’s first mayor and renowned brew master, Robert Simpson, built one of our nation’s first steam kettles on the shores of Lake Simcoe. This award-winning handcrafted ale pays homage to his craft. Brewed in small batches in a beautifully restored downtown Barrie historical building, this ale is a must try. $12.34 for six bottles, 107 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 721-8989,
www.robertsimpsonbrewery.com.
4. Johnny’s Fresh Fish & Seafood Market’s Cajun shrimp. Freshly peeled and steamed daily, these lip-smacking treasures are splashed with Johnny’s secret Cajun sauce and pan-seared to perfection. Delicious chilled (with a side of cocktail sauce) or warm. $18 – 22 per lb. The shop’s smoked rainbow trout (smoked on-site) also deserves honourable mention. 516 Bryne Dr., Barrie, 730-0769.
5. Oscar’s organic maple syrup smoked salmon. This succulent appetizer created by chef Randy Feltis became so popular it’s now sold at gourmet food shops, including Pusateri’s in Toronto. “It’s so good that we just had to package it,” says Feltis. Available locally at Oscar’s or Cravings. $9.00 per 6 oz filet, 52 Bayfield St., Barrie, 737-0522., www.oscarsrestaurant.ca.
6. Arabesque’s falafel. A popular fast food in the Middle East, Arabesque’s tasty falafel consists of fried chick pea patties stuffed into a pita with organic greens and homemade tahini sauce. These delightful “made from scratch” falafels are a favourite among local vegetarians. $5.50 per falafel (take-out), 43 Maple Ave., Barrie, 739-2343.
7. Barrie Hill Farm’s fresh asparagus and berries. For over 25 years, this local farm has treated residents to mouth-watering field fresh asparagus, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Pick-your-own, or already-picked options. Seasonal. Don’t miss the farm’s 6th annual blueberry pancake festival, July 26-27, 2008. 2935 Barrie Hill Rd., Barrie, 728-0571, www.barriehillfarms.com.
8. Universal Game Farm’s elk sausage. Now here’s something you don’t come across everyday. These lip-smacking sausages can be purchased in various styles from freshly seasoned raw (mild Italian, or honey garlic, etc.) to totally cooked smokies. Since the animals are farm-raised the meat is anything but gamey tasting. $7 per package of 4 raw sausages. The farm’s elk and buffalo burgers also deserve honourable mention. 1551 Upper Big Chute Rd., Coldwater, 686-3989.
9. Carpe Diem Orchard’s fresh apple cider. Along with sweet and juicy apples, this Innisfil orchard is famous for its fresh cider. Jamie, my five year-old son, loves the stuff. “It’s like drinking an apple from a glass,” he says. The 100% pure cider is additive-free, unpasteurized and freshly squeezed every other day. $4 per 2 litre jug. 8252 Yonge St., Innisfil, 722-3366. Also available at the Barrie Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.
10. Nicholyn Farm’s peameal bacon on a bun. This quintessentially Canadian sandwich is simply delicious! Served on a home-baked bun, the all-natural and local peameal bacon can be dressed up with various homemade condiments. Try the zucchini relish and maple BBQ sauce. Best in the summer when barbequed. $4 per sandwich. 3088 Horseshoe Valley Rd.W., Barrie, 737-4498. Also available at the Barrie Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.
11. Butter tarts by Home Baking by Linda. For the past 12 years, Linda Desroches has been delighting customers with fabulous baked goods. Her butter tarts, courtesy of an old family recipe, are particularly scrumptious. Linda often sells out, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. $3.50 for a tray of six. Available at the Barrie Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.
12. Pine House Farm Organics’ maple syrup. This local certified organic syrup is rich in flavour and perfect for any pancake, crepe or waffle. $12 per 500ml. The Hillsdale farm’s certified organic produce also deserves honourable mention. 4274 Penetanguishene Rd., Hillsdale, 835-2911. Also available at Nicholyn Farms or every Saturday morning at the Barrie Farmers’ Market.
13. Local honey. When it comes to this sweet treat, two local producers in Simcoe County stand out. A variety of 100 per cent pure and unpasteurized honey and honey products are available at both farms. Prices vary. Dickey Bee Honey, 2720 Wildwood Place, Innisfil, 431-1257, (open seven days a week), www.dickiebeehoney.com. Tannenhof Farms, 840 Line 6 north Oro, (located at the corner of 15 th/16th Sideroad and Line 6 north), 487-2758 (open by chance or appointment).
14. Kestrel Farm’s organic produce. The organic gourmet greens and vegetables grown on this solar powered farm are sure to delight. Crops include heirloom tomatoes, mixed lettuce and spinach, various coloured carrots, candy cane beets, and many other herbs and vegetables. These epicurean veggies can be sampled at various local eating establishments including Shutters, the Village Inn, Cravings (sells mixed greens directly when in stock), Holly’s Sweet & Eats, Gio’s Italian Ristorante and La Plancha Diablo. Grows year-round with exceptions. 5479, 8 th Line, Essa Township, 458-0508.
15. Green Mango Tree Thai Fusion’s salad rolls. Wrapped in rice paper and served with a sweet peanut sauce, these heavenly salad rolls are truly delish. Choices include vegetable, shrimp, or chicken or beef. The restaurant’s Tom Yum soup also deserves honourable mention. 75 Barrie View Dr., Unit 102, Barrie, 719-7888.
16. Weber’s Burger on Highway 11. Located between Barrie and Orillia on Highway 11, this burger shop is a true Ontario landmark. Since 1963, Webers has been a must stop for north (and south) bound cottage traffic. Endless line-ups and a highway bridge can only mean one thing – these charcoaled barbequed burgers are good! Prices vary. Seasonal. www.webers.com.
17. Chelsea Chocolate’s ice wine truffles. For the past 13 years, this bustling Craighurst chocolate factory has supplied Niagara wineries with custom-made ice wine truffles. Shaped like small grape clusters, these melt-in-your-mouth treats will satisfy any chocoholic. Be sure to check out the local sweet shop’s full line of gourmet chocolates. $9.25 for a box of 9 ice wine truffles. Open to the public. 3471 Penetanguishene Rd., Craighurst, 725-9210.
18. Sigrid’s Café & Fine Bakery’s cheese bread. This savory bread is great for sandwich making or even served plain with butter. The bakery’s Florentines also deserve honourable mention. Sigrid’s cheese bread is $5.25, Florentines are $2.75 each. 10 Ross St., Barrie, 726-0121. www.sigridsbakery.com. Closed for vacation until Feb. 5; will forward further info once they re-open.
19. Michael & Marion’s/Side Door Café and Bar’s sour apple martini. Made from sour apple liqueur, vodka, lime juice and topped off with sparkling wine and sliced apples, this divine drink is sure to please. $7.25 per martini, 89 Bayfield St., Barrie, 721-1188. www.michaelandmarions.com
20. Local sweet corn. No vegetable says summer in Simcoe County quite like this one. Two of the most popular farm-stands for this sweet treat can be found just beyond the hustle and bustle of Barrie’s city life. Seasonal. Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Rd., 721-1547, www.chappellfarms.ca; Brown’s Farm, 1809 Penetanguishene Rd., Barrie, 726-8017.

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