Gourmet Food Trucks & Farm Fresh To-Go

I spent a lot of my youth playing baseball and hockey in the Grafton, Colborne & Brighton areas. I was always intimidated. The kids seemed stronger. My guess is because they   were helping out on the farm while me and my friends were working on mastering Mario Kart™. I get nostalgic when I drive through these areas now. But I’ve learned so much about the region in my adult years – and about strong farm families. 

This is farm country. Apple orchards line the country roads and open-air markets are everywhere (in season). But things are also changing. The population is increasing, and new families and retirees are arriving for a taste of the good life.

My family loves the drive along County Rd. 2. In this eastern part of Northumberland, there are a lot of opportunities to stop, even in the chill of February when searching out the best in comfort food. 

Here are my recommendations for a short road trip, with great food to taste or take home along the way. 

Driving east to west, stop into Brighton first for Lola’s Cafe’s very best. Tracy and Dave are skilled at featuring delicious food made from local ingredients. They have also perfected the warm beverage. I suggest the Chocolate Hazelnut Flat White. While there, grab one of their very generous (and generously frosted) Cinnamon Buns. They are the best around.

In the heart of Brighton, check out Timber House Resort. It’s a timber frame dining room with 35 foot ceilings. All the cooking, however, is done out of a refurbished 1968 Airstream trailer. You can satisfy your poutine cravings here with any number (suit yourself) of seven options they have, including Classic, Cheeseburger and Sweet Potato and S’mores. Pardon? While you’re there, pick up some William Street Beer Co. Farmstand Lager. William Street may be located in Cobourg, but its brewers, Sean and Karen, live near Brighton, so you could kind of say it’s the hometown beer.

In Colborne, check out the newly-opened, Lofty Kitchen on King St. Started by the duo behind the Lofty Butter Co. (Ontario’s first artisan produced cultured butter). You can expect a selection of baked goods, dairy, produce and pantry staples. But what you really want is the butter. It’s sensational. Also, grab some of the freshly-baked Happenstance Bakery bread they carry because there are fewer things better than great bread and perfect butter. 

It’s a real test, but try not to eat all of the bread in your car. You’ll be rewarded by how well it pairs with the Potato Bacon Cheddar soup from Soups 2 Go, based out of Grafton. Their brand new shop is open in downtown Grafton (The Lass and Ladle). You can also pick up Soups2Go at the Foodland in Colborne, at the Ste Anne’s Bakery, or shop for entrées and soups on the Soups2Go website. 

And as a last stop, simply because you deserve it, head north to the Ste. Anne’s Food Truck for their chicken wings. I grew up in Niagara and we would head to Buffalo often to get the real deal, so I’m a bit of an expert. Even though it may be freezing out, the truck should be open and ready to serve you. And, the wings are truly great. This is also an opportunity to stop into Ste. Anne’s Bakery (on site) for a chocolate truffle or award-winning butter tart. The Bakery is gluten-free in all the best ways. It’s still decadent and delicious.

Let me know if you’re satisfied with this short road trip. It’s great to get out for a winter drive, to marvel at our snow covered farmers’ fields and picturesque landscapes – and to bring home some great comfort food 

Please note: While I have done my research to confirm that these businesses are open and offering safe and considerate options for curbside pick-up or take-away, it’s still in your best interest to check that they will be open when you plan to visit.

By Jeff Bray