Take-Out Comfort Food with Charm on the Side

On our drive through Trent Hills, we discovered that Warkworth is home to about 600 of the world’s luckiest people. In the small stretch of downtown in this charming arts community, you can get some of the best pizza, world-class chocolate and beautiful, locally-roasted coffee beans.  

Just up County Rd. 30 in Campbellford, there are a few more folks, but a similar abundance of food and drink choices. You’ll find unforgettable hardwood-fired pizza, “Canada’s Best Bakery”, and award-winning beer brewed in a former church.

A road trip in Northumberland County to gather up some great take-out would be remiss without some stops in Trent Hills. Here’s what I recommend.

As is tradition, start with a hot beverage. Our Lucky Stars in Warkworth is a charming café and roastery making remarkable espresso-based coffees, hot cider, and spiced cocoa. Make any selection. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, order a Northumberland Apple Crumble to go, made with whey butter, Northumberland-grown oats and, of course, also local apples.

Just down the road, pick up a chocolate bar from Centre & Main. I’m not talking about an Oh, Henry! ™. I’m talking about award-winning artisanal chocolate, featuring ingredients from the growers and producers of Northumberland County. It’s a “true taste of place experience.” That’s how Centre & Main’s chocolatier Angela describes Centre & Main’s unique chocolate bars on its website (a site great for ordering as well). I recommend their gold medal-winning Coffee Roasters chocolate bar, made with the beans roasted by their friends at Our Lucky Stars. Now that’s harmony. 

Before heading out of Warkworth, you’ll need to make a hard choice. Would you prefer a hearty, New York Style, thick-crust pizza – or pizza with a thin crust, that’s wood-fired, Neapolitan style?

If you prefer the thicker crust style, stay in Warkworth and head to Pizza by The Bakery. It’s run by husband and wife team Jess and Jay. They stone bake incredible pizzas topped with ingredients that can include pulled chicken, fresh basil or bocconcini cheese. All are made by hand with lots of love, and are great value too. 

If a thin crust pizza is your thing, head north to Campbellford. In the back of That Little Pub, you’ll find a stationary food truck. It’s complete with a crackling hardwood fire at 800 degrees that can pump out ‘za in less than two minutes. The chef and owner, Mark, makes the mozzarella himself, and rotates his menu based on seasonality and availability, but it’s always bang on. 

Just over the bridge in Campbellford, you must pick up as many doughnuts as you can from the famous Dooher’s Bakery, busy making over 5,000 donuts on Saturdays in 17 varieties. (Pre-orders are a good idea.) I don’t suggest you eat them all, though that’s up to you. It would be lovely is if you popped around to those closest to you (and my house) and dropped off a couple. Whether an ooey-gooey Boston Cream or perfectly-sweet Apple Fritter, a Dooher’s donut can make anyone’s day. 

From Dooher’s you can head to church. Just follow the Trent River to County Rd. 38. For over 20 years brewmaster John has been making beer at a Methodist church he converted into the Church-Key Brewing Co. Award-winning beer like Church-Key’s Holy Smoke Scotch Ale is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before, and great at the dinner table. Also pick up some of Church-Key’s flagship Northumberland Ale. I always like to have a few bottles of it in the fridge. I find it to be crisp, clean and delicious. Perfect to drink anytime.  

For foodies and food lovers alike, Trent Hills is a delightful and decadent part of Northumberland County. Try this short drive and send me your thoughts. I think you’ll find the experience to be packed with charm, not to mention some of Northumberland’s tastiest, award-winning treats. 

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