Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant
86 John St, Port Hope
905-885-5500
hotelcarlyle.ca
By reservation: Open Thursday - Sunday, 11:30 am - 9 pm
Dine on regional food made from scratch at the Hotel Carlyle, an elegantly restored gem, which holds a special place in Ontario heritage.
A Taste of History
Operated in 1857 as a branch of The Bank of Upper Canada, the Victorian era architecture shines through the Hotel Carlyle's latest restoration. Of note are the careful, eclectic touches of the Herman family, owners of this 10-bedroom boutique hotel. Dine in the conservatory (with open air patio in the warmer months) – or sink into a seat in the plush but relaxed dining room with elegant bar. The cocktails, such as a perfect dry martini served straight up with a twist, provide a great introduction to a dining occasion with old-world charm.
Inspired by Local
Chef Ray, a Red Seal Chef who grew up in the area, has a strong love of local food. His creative dishes at Hotel Carlyle are full of regional touches. The menu changes based on seasonal choices. Start with the Carlyle Crisps: dill pickle-brined potato thins that can be served with cheese curd, garlic aioli, tomato jam and pickled radish – or try them with maple, bacon, cheddar, scallions and pickled jalapenos. The gourmet burgers are a delight. Sautéed mushrooms, crisp prosciutto, red wine caramelized onion, gouda and horseradish cream is one decadent combination. While the other burgers, such as the crisp French onion or field version, all draw on regional influences. The crab cakes are delicious as a starter, or a meal, and come with house-made sherry tomato gazpacho and spiced brandy aioli. A crusted rack of lamb (with sweet potato garlic mash and braised celery and leeks) is perfect for a heartwarming main. Desserts change daily due to what is made in house. Call ahead for reservations and Elise Herman will take care of you.
The Dockside Bistro
67 Queen St, Campbellford
(705) 653-3737
thedocksidebistro.com
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 12 pm - 8 pm; Sundays 12 pm - 7 pm
The hospitality is warm here, the setting along the Trent-Severn Waterway – a breath of fresh air – and the food is made with love by owners Sarah and Sandy Sanyal. Dockside has made its home in a completely renovated former church, with an accessible restaurant entrance and very spacious patio.
Food with Heart
The Sanyals, who uprooted their lives to move out of the Toronto food industry, are happy to be serving up their version of artfully prepared meals with fresh ingredients in this welcoming community. During the pandemic, the couple had a surplus of food supplies from their catering company. To put it to good use, they created 150 hot meals a week for those in need, delivered by Campbellford community volunteers. When the Sanyals were finally able to open the doors to The Dockside Bistro in November 2021, Sarah says, “The response was just overwhelming!" After months of closures and social distancing, the restaurant received reciprocal support and interest from the residents of Campbellford. Boaters were also happy to start frequenting this welcoming waterfront stop. Catering events, as well as "Heat It & Eat It" meals to go are also becoming popular here.
Fresh & Diverse
From crispy vegetable spring rolls, to their mammoth Dockside burger, to savoury butter chicken, the menu here is incredibly diverse. Sandy is from India. Sarah learned how to make classics like Rogan Josh from Sandy's sister. As well as serving some great Indian dishes, salads and hearty soups are fresh and plentiful, with a delicate dessert plate option offered by Sandy at the end.
The Lass & Ladle
10831 County Rd 2, Grafton
905-349-0344
thelassandladle.ca
Open Monday - Sunday, 8 am - 7 pm
Homemade and local are at the top of the menu here. The Lass & Ladle is the grassroots creation of Terry Carruthers, who is committed to supporting the local agricultural community, its culinary artisans and producers.
More than Soup
Terry started SOUPS2GO first to make tasty, healthy fare available to the local community. An entrepreneur with drive and vision, Terry's business flourished. Today her sustainably-minded shop and takeout kitchen provides locally sourced fine foods, provisions, coffee, tea and delicious baked goods. The Lass & Ladle restaurant first came into existence out of necessity during COVID-19, and then by the expansion to an empty heritage building sold to Terry by local entrepreneur and owner of Ste Anne’s Spa, Jim Corcoran, who also believed in Terry's vision.
Culinary Outpost
Located in the quaint town of Grafton, Terry is delighted to serve people from near and far, just stopping by to browse and take her creations home. Here, large glass-fronted fridges are full of soups like Curried Sweet Potato and Creamy Tomato. Shelves are stocked with local products such as Saucy Dotty's Sweet Heat Hot Sauce (made in Brighton), The Shortbread Company's jars of cookies (made in Cobourg), and Tallboots Farm Pickled Asparagus and Red Raspberry Jam. And counters are brimming with fresh-baked cookies and scones. The friendly staff in the modern commercial kitchen whip up smash burgers made with local Black Angus Beef, or Power Bowls with local greens and harvest veggies. Open 7 days a week, The Lass & Ladle is worth a stop for a delicious meal and tasty, local provisions to-go.
Villa Conti Oak Heights Estate Winery & Restaurant
337 Covert Hill Rd, Warkworth
705-924-1820
villaconti.co
By reservation: Open Monday - Sunday, 12 pm - 10 pm
Reserve your table with a view at this farm-to-table restaurant, serving fresh, organic, and locally grown ingredients. Savour your visit here. It provides the experience of tasting a full array of plates prepared by Italian-born Chef Tommaso.
The Harvest
Tommaso Conti and Bambina Giannitti bought the property in 2015 and harvested the grapes to produce their inaugural vintages the same year. They include Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Marquette and Frontenac Gris. Each fall, they invite others to join in the harvest. Tommaso will happily tell you that Villa Conti has been a lifetime dream. He trained to be a chef in Italy and comes from a fourth generation winemaking family.
Sharing Local Food
Before or after your meal, you are welcome to stroll through the 35 acres (14-ha) of vines – or see the cows, sheep, goats, and other animals on this 100-acre (40-ha) piece of property. Villa Conti produces some of the fruit and vegetables served in the restaurant. Tommaso and Bambina also use locally-grown produce, as well as meat and cheese that is made in Ontario. The hand-made pasta at Villa Conti includes egg noodle pasta, fettuccine, manicotti, gnocchi and lasagna. Freshly-made cannoli are a specialty, but should be pre-ordered. Bring a small group of friends and savour an afternoon here. White linen table cloths, polished silverware, and an additional large menu of cellared wines set the tone. Due to the open-concept, rustic and magnificent, timber dining room, plus the beauty of the property that makes up Villa Conti, this is an ideal spot for a special event, such as a wedding.
FARMERS' MARKETS
From May through October, stop by one of our Farmers’ Markets for fresh, local produce in season. Take home local arugula, beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, currants, gooseberries, heirloom veggies and strawberries. Is your basket full yet? Don’t forget to look for fresh baked goods, cheeses, honeys and more.
Campbellford Farmers’ Market
66 Front St S, Campbellford
Open Saturdays, 8 am - 12 pm
Campbellford Farmers Market
Cobourg Farmers' Market
Albert St & Second St, Cobourg
Open Saturdays, 8 am - 1 pm
Cobourg Farmers Market
Codrington Farmers' Market
2992 County Rd 30, Codrington, ON
Open Sundays, 10 am - 1 pm
Codrington Farmers Market
Hastings Village Market
Front St & Bridge St, Hastings
Open Saturdays, 8 am - 1 pm
Hastings Village Market
Port Hope Farmers' Market
56 Queen St, Port Hope
Open Saturdays, 8 am -1 pm; Wednesdays, 1 pm - 5 pm
Port Hope Farmers Market
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