Taste of Burlington - Prix Fixe Dining Event

If you love good food, great atmoshere and a sweet deal then the Taste of Burlington is the dining event for you.  This summer twenty-four of Burlington's finest restaurants have put together 3 course menus that are sure to tempt and delight your tastebuds.  With a wide variety of cuisines and a continuing focus on local food this program is the perfect opportunity to get out and try something new or re-visit an old favourite. In commemoration of the War of 1812 this year lunches are being offered at $18.12 and dinners remain at $30, $35 and $40.  It doesn't get much better than this!

Don't take our word for it, we asked Allie Hughes, a food and drink writer from Niagara to head out and try some of the taste menus and so far it appears that they do not disappoint.

We couldn't provide the entire reviews for each restaurant but we will give you a "taste" (I know, so witty) of each and a link to the entire review.

Red Canoe Bistro was first up for my Taste of Burlington adventure, and lets start by saying that things kicked off on a high note. I was greeted by Josie, who is nothing short of all things wonderful. Her hospitality was appreciated and she must be mentioned for being exceptional at her job. We were given a quick intro to the culinary school of thought at Red Canoe Bistro and were delighted to discover the passion and commitment to all things local. Dinner menus change every 2-3 weeks and tasting menus change every few days. An ever evolving menu is indicative of someone who believes in the farmers market: my kind of people.We settled into the corner table and were surrounded by preserves of local fruit and veg, elegantly displayed throughout the dining area. Walls were adorned in creative and travel inspired pieces and tables were set with minimal and modern flare. Easy to feel comfortable and right at home.  Dining off of the prix fixe Taste of Burlington menu, my guest and I chose to eat the exact opposite of each other, maximizing the tasting potential. In the meantime we indulged in a glass of wine off of the, Ontario industry supportive, wine list that is expansive at more than several pages long. On this evening, we selected the 2010 Tawse Echoes Chardonnay, with some chicken and trout in store, it only seemed appropriate!
Course 1:

Cucumber, Cantaloupe and Aged Pine River Cheddar Salad with Mint Basil Emulsion
This dish is embodiment of a sweet and savoury balance. With the bright cantaloupe flavours offering a fresh fruitful spin and the aged cheddar performing the balancing act, it really did work beautifully together. The cucumber was julienned and marinated in a vinaigrette with pulled out the delicious fresh basil from the emulsion. All in all, a hit. With two tasters diving in, this was nothing short of a delicious start to the meal.
Read the rest of the review here


As we arrived to The Martini House the rain began to all and as I was racing up to the Martini House I soaked up the exterior which appears to be the spot to enjoy libations on a patio. A big spacious deck with seats aplenty… this is a good place to be. Upon opening the restaurant door, my assumptions were confirmed as good vibes poured out of the place with the ambient sounds of cheerful banter and laughter making us feel welcome and ready to join in!  My guest and I sat in the dining room, which is a cozy spot, elegantly dressed with dark walls, beautiful adornments and crisp white linens. There is something about white linen that screams “get ready, you’re in for something good!” And so, we readied ourselves, indulging in some VQA goodness right out of the gate and our ver lovely server Jennifer explained the menu carefully ensuring we were ready to make our decisions. I availed of the Megalomaniac Homegrown Riesling, crisp and off-dry with mouthwatering acidity. My guest dove into a glass of Peninsula Ridge Cabernet, a blend of deep berry flavours and the perfect amount of spice. As I discuss our dinners, the wine choices will make perfect sense!  The Taste of Burlington menu at The Martini House boasts selection, and for a prix fixe menu they have gone over and above, offering a plate for each style of taster. So, while I can’t give you the details on each and every, I will discuss the decadent gourmet that we feasted on. And we did indeed feast!

Course 1:Asian Bowl – Supreme of orange, edamame, sesame seeds and crisp lettuce tossed with house vinaigrette
Crisp, fresh, light, flavourful: all words to describe this delicious start to my Martini House experience. The lettuce was mixed greens and sat with mandarin oranges and edamame. Bright green veg flavours were fresh and reminiscent of a summer garden! The vinaigrette packed some citrus punch and was the right amount of sour to work beautifully with the sweet orange. All of this was topped with white and black sesame seeds: not only a winner on the palate, but also on the plate!
Read the rest of the review here.

Atmosphere aplenty, Ivy Bar and Kitchen is a feast for the eyes and for the palate. Before I divulge the details on my meal, it must be mentioned how incredible the décor is at this location. Walls are adorned with modern birch trees, sleek black tile, smooth charcoal and rich wood. They have also installed two living walls that pour lush flora… just beautiful. The interior is spectacular, but Ivy Bar and Kitchen has a patio that dreams are made of. Outdoor bars, comfortable and sleek outdoor furniture and so much space. Tip from one who has, like this restaurant on Facebook. They put out great offers and have lots of weekly features that make a trip very easy to justify!  Amanda, who gave us the goods on this new Burlington hot spot, which has been open for about four months, was our server. Their Taste of Burlington menu is full of delicious options in a range of culinary styles… something for everyone! Our dining experience started with a glass of California Fume Blanc, and I will note, gently, that the VQA wine supporter in me shed a tear when I noted the presence of impressive international bottles and not much love for the local players. I will also note that I hail from wine country and love a local bottle! My guest ordered a pint of Mill St, and it should be fairly noted that this is a Canadian beer hailing from Toronto, well done Ivy!
Course 1:

Mushroom and Leek Pot Stickers – roasted Portobello, garlic miso, toasted almond crunch, citrus ponzu
Ordered by my guest and generously shared, these are a delicious must-try on the menu. The soft leek flavour inside the pot sticker is unreal and caramelized to perfection inside the ideal crispy exterior. Made even better by the generous slices of roasted Portobello, it is an incredible blend of savoury and earthy topped off by the sweet and salty soy. Each flavour compliments the other and was devoured with smiles all around.
Read the rest of the review here

Walking up to Walkers Fish Market, you quickly realize that this is a destination on theme, and in a very elegant way. Just in the door we were feasting our eyes on an oyster bar, fawning over a wall of wine and soaking up the nautical accents in every direction.
There is an anecdote about our experience that I have to share with you, it put a big smile on my face. The best-dressed couple in the joint were a pair of 70 somethings, she in her floor length coral dress and he in his khakis and navy blue dinner jacket. They were seated and greeted by every member of the Walkers team that walked by, evidently regulars one server stopped and looked at the gentleman delivering a salute which he promptly returned. It was awesome and not rehearsed, but definitely a tradition of sorts. That is the kind of place Walkers Fish Market is, the staff care and a busy dining room was indicative of this. I am, evidently, not the first to notice this.  Our meal began with a glass of wine from their expansive wine list; I indulged in a Cabernet Sauvignon, and my guest a beer from Burlington. My guest is a lover of micro-brews and so this was a gold star highlight of his evening… well his evening so far. As I continue you will learn that with each course of night got better!

Course 1:Cup of Lobster Shrimp Bisque
A cup of creamy goodness, the fresh seafood flavours were undeniable. With bites of lobster and shrimp settling at the bottom of the bowl, we were literally digging in to indulge in each bite. The creamy flavours were balanced with the savoury seafood and a slight sweetness that made this soup a must repeat. One of the most delicious bisques I’ve tried.
Read the rest of the review here

A Sunday evening in Burlington found the downtown core alive with bustling bodies indulging on patios. La Costa Nuova was no exception with a lively chat happening at a happy table as we approached. Upon entering the restaurant it became clear that this is a mainstay at La Costa Nuova as each table seemed just as happy and pleased to be dining there. I felt spoiled as the table with the view was reserved for our dining experience and grateful when we sat and began our evening of indulgence.  Our server for the evening was Jenn, and she was great. Overflowing with personality and knowledgeable about her menu, we were guided through the Taste of Burlington culinary selections with ease. Following our plated orders I was treated to a tasting opportunity with the General Manager of the Guest Experience and certified Sommelier, Sharon. I indulged in two decadent sips before making my selection. The wine for course one was the Lilly Pilly Sauvignon Blanc. Mouthwatering tropical flavours with bright and refreshing acidity. Just perfect. My guest indulged in a French beer, Kronenbourg, and we were off!
Course 1Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Risotto with aged balsamic and young seedlingsIf heaven were plated, this is exactly what it would look like. The risotto was the perfect amount of creamy and had a decadent cauliflower flavour. Something about warm cauliflower makes it the ultimate comfort food and this example did not fall short. The aged balsamic poured on the edge gave a bright punch of flavour to balance the cream and the parmesan shards that lay atop the dish packed the strong savoury nuances that rounded out the dish. Server Jenn smiled eyes wide when she asked how it was and following our hearty nods not wanting to break from the experience she gushed about hoping it would be on the menu again and again. It appears the staff are also fans… a great sign when you really hope to return to a dish! (and we do!)

Read the rest of the review here

This is just a small sampling of our many stellar restaurants and if you don't make it out during Taste of Burlington which runs to Monday August 6th, be sure to visit them anytime as their menus are always first rate and their chefs, servers and entire team will welcome you.

Remember if you are hoping to visit any of the restaurants during Taste of Burlington, reservations are recommended and it is best to check with the restaurant for hours of operation.  A list of participating restaurants, menus and pricing can be found on the Taste of Burlington website.

Allie Hughes, Guest Blogger

Allie Hughes is a Niagara based food and wine writer and Partner at Hughes & Co. Her culinary tourism writing has been featured in local publications and large scale publications including WineAlign and Palate Press and she is the resident wine lover on NaturallyInNiagara.ca. Find Allie tasting at a local winery, "plugged in" for her clients or enjoying the local bounty of Niagara with friends and family.

Taste of Burlington (Ontario) Prix Fixe Dining Program

As a foodie and wine lover by nature and by trade there are few things more inspiring than a room full of people who are equally as passionate in these fields. The Taste of Burlington media launch was a successful event guided by the thoughtful details attended to by their team of experts. The truth of the matter is, I ate my way around a room and stopped in the middle for libations, all the while soaking up the enthusiasm for locally farmed and sustainable food and wine. Awesome.

I first toured the room and was overwhelmed with the smells of gourmet fare, the sound of sizzling oil in pans and the familiar grumble that was my empty stomach. I could not justify attending this event sporting anything less than a hearty appetite. Ready to perform a gastro tour of epic proPORTIONS, I decided my approach would be in the order of set-up. My culinary adventure began. Because my appetite knew no bounds, the amount of food I consumed is shocking, and so my highlights are listed below. The comprehensive list could be considered for publishing as a short novel. What does that really mean, though? That each restaurant is offering exciting and innovative dishes that drew me in for a taste. I couldn’t help but want to hear the chefs explain their food and introduce me to their culinary creations.

My highlight list begins with one of the first items I sampled at the event. Brought to the event by Ivy Bar & Kitchen, the shitake leek pot stickers were incredible. They were served on a bed of Asian noodles topped with a sweet soy and black sesame seeds. Decadent. The flavours were very well balanced and with an extra piece of shitake placed on top, the dish over delivered on delicious.

The second dish that I can’t help but share with you was prepared and served by La Costa Nuova. Part of a restaurant group represented by three establishments, La Costa Nuova brought their A-game with a 12 hour braised short rib topped with a fresh cucumber slaw on crostini. Decadent. The meat melted in my mouth and the cucumber slaw was a beautiful accompaniment, adding a freshness to the savoury short rib. Costa Nuova’s sister restaurants in attendance were Walkers Fish Market who served up fresh pacific oysters from P.E.I., and Pepperwood Bistro who mastered butternut squash perfection with a mulligatawny soup.

The next dish was the standout of the day, in my opinion. When I saw the sign that read Queen’s Head Pub I was prepared to dive into some classic pub fare. To my delight, the culinary team behind this establishment is not only creative but incredibly skilled. The dish was a sampling from their new menu which is more focused on creative gastronomy and will debut at the pub this week. I had the pleasure of eating slow braised beef backribs on a bed of chestnut chilled orzo with Moroccan salt spice, pumpkin seed oil and edible flowers. It sounds complicated and it looked beautiful, but what I can tell you is that it was so right as I enjoyed every last bite. I have never been to Queen’s Head Pub, but they can consider me their newest regular.

And finally an item that comes from the dessert end of the spectrum. It is on this plate that my farm to table sensibility was best satisfied by local flavours. The Water Street Cooker brought dessert, and not just any dessert. A strawberry rhubarb crumble, an amalgamation of some of my favourite flavours. The perfectly moist cake was topped with locally sourced strawberries and rhubarb and finished with a delicious crumble that added a nice sweetness to the tart rhubarb flavor. With each bite this dessert became all the more tempting, and I must say that sponsor winery Flat Rock Cellars’ 2011 Pinot Noir Rose was the perfect pairing.

This event was a delicious success, and with the dishes I enjoyed as an indication of what is to come, it is clear that A Taste of Burlington is a must-add to your social calendar. Affordable price-points for creative gourmet (and in some cases, locally sourced) fare, paired with delicious wines and all in your very own backyard.  For a list of participating restaurants, pricing and menus visit the Taste of Burlington website. This is the definition of a fabulous life, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting the restaurants that are making it happen.

Allie Hughes, Guest Blogger, Hughes & Co.

Allie Hughes is a Niagara based food and wine writer and Partner at Hughes & Co. Her culinary tourism writing has been featured in local publications and large scale publications including WineAlign and Palate Press and she is the resident wine lover on NaturallyInNiagara.ca. Find Allie tasting at a local winery, "plugged in" for her clients or enjoying the local bounty of Niagara with friends and family.

Food, Fitness, Fashion & Fun!

Once again this year my friend and I are planning to attend the Burlington Women’s Show since it is a do not miss annual girls outing!  This year we are eager to see some of the new features at the show including a fashion show hosted by style expert for City Line Lynn Spence and the volunteer models from the community.  There are going to be interactive demonstrations including Moksa Yoga, so wear something comfortable!  To top it off the event is going to be M.C.’d by Annette Ham CH TV personality.

We enjoy having hair consultations, seeing new fashions, trying various foods and beverages from local restaurants and learning about new products.  In the past there have been so many samples we were glad we didn’t eat lunch! Here are some of the restaurants confirmed to participate this year which we are keen to check out; Rayhoon, Jack Astors, Water St. Cooker, Gator Teds, Coffee Culture, and Tim Horton’s.  Shopping, of course is always a priority for us and we usually bring home some great items for gifts (or treat ourselves) such as jewellery and other accessories. 

We already have our tickets as the event is coming up soon, Sunday February 26^th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Tansley Woods Community Centre.  We found that it is best to take the shuttle from Mainway Arena, as the parking lot last year was full when we arrived.  Visit the website for more highlights and details on how to get tickets. 

Need an added incentive?  The first 200 attendees will receive a gift bag full of goodies, samples and offers.

Be a Burlington Ambassador and invite your friends and family to attend the show with you.  See you at the show.

-TourBurl Girl

While our co-worker and friend are out exploring the Women’s Show, I will be getting together with friends to enjoy a Taste of Burlington.  This prix fixe culinary event runs until March 11th at twenty-five of Burlington’s finest restaurants. 

Taste of Burlington runs both a winter and a summer programme which means I always have a great reason to get out and try my favourite restaurants and we try to get out to at least one new one each season.  This year so far we are planning visits to LaCosta Nuova (I must try the Lobster Mac & Cheese) and Martini House.  Last summer we visited Honey West and Paradiso which are both great choices and we have visited The Stone House, Eatalia, Pepperwood Bistro, Siam Dish and more over the years.  We are always impressed by the quality of the food, the generous portions sizes (no skimping here) and creativity of the menus which get better every time!

This winter we are happy to see new additions to the Taste of Burlington including Rayhoon Persian Eatery, Local Eatery & Refuge, Earls, and the Garden Café at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Red Canoe Bistro

Like many diners these days we are always conscious of trying to incorporate as much local Ontario food into our dining as possible and this winter many of the Taste of Burlington restaurants are adding local Ontario ingredients to their menus including Downtown Bistro, Jake’s Grill & Oyster House, Local Eatery & Refuge, Martini House, Paradiso, Queen’s Head Pub, Red Canoe Bistro, Rude Native Bistro & Lounge, Spencer’s at the Waterfront, The Water St. Cooker and West Plains Bistro.  Look for the Foodland Ontario logo on the website and menus.

For those with a sweet tooth be sure to visit Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Royal Botanical Gardens, then consider lunch at the Garden Cafe or head down the road to the West Plains Bistro for lunch or dinner. For those exploring the Burlington Chocolate Trail there are lots of stops along the way close to participating Taste restaurants that will feature chocolate on their menus including the downtown core (Alex Restaurant, Beaver & Bulldog, Martini House, Paradiso, Queen’s Head Pub, Rayhoon Persian Eatery, Red Canoe Bistro, Rude Native Bistro, and the Water Street Cooker.) In mid-town you can enjoy Local Eatery & Refuge, Jake’s Grill & Oyster House or Walker’s Fish Market and in North Burlington be sure to head to The Purple Heather. 

Whatever you choose be sure to go hungry, with 3 full-courses (appetizer, entree and dessert) you may need to bring a “doggy-bag” home.  Lunches are $15 or $20 and dinners range from $30, $35 or $40.  For individual menus and pricing be sure to visit the website and make your reservation today.

Eat Well!

Tasty Burlington

One of the benefits of working at Tourism Burlington is that we are in the know about things such as the wonderful fixed price dining program – A Taste of Burlington. Since we coordinate this program with the restaurants we try to get out and try some of the fare as secret shoppers, a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!

This week several of us have had a chance to try some the Taste menus and wanted to share some of these culinary experiences.

Earlier this week myself and a colleague tested out the lunch menu at Red Canoe Bistro at 398 John St. (just north of Lakeshore). Red Canoe features modern Canadian cuisine that includes regional ingredients. We have attended several functions here in the past and the food has always been fabulous! Tobias the owner/chef greeted us when we arrived and indicated that the weekends have been a busy time for the Taste program. We settled into a great table overlooking the street and studied the menu for some time before deciding on our choices. We both opted for the Shaved Market Vegetable Slaw with Niagara Vineyards Vinaigrette,Toasted Walnuts and Frutis　which was the local food option. We received ample portions and the slaw was crisp, and had a refreshing bite. My colleague chose the vegetarian option the Smoked Gouda, Mushrooms and Spinach Quiche with house made Pastry with tossed field greens and she said it was very good. I enjoyed the Pulled locally raised Pork Pasta Penne which was also local food option, with Spiced Tomato Sauce, Roast Sweet Peppers. Again it was a fairly large portion and I savoured every bite of the melt in your mouth pasta and pork with a nicely spiced sauce. After the first two courses we couldn’t do justice to the dessert so we took it to go and I treated myself later to the Citrus Gateaux with mascerated local berries – heavenly!

Last night I joined a friend at Nonna’s Cucina Ristorante which is located at 127 Plains Rd. E. west of Waterdown Rd. This home style Italian cookery is connected to Bernadino’s Gourmet Foods and is owned by husband and wife team Jose and Elena Geada. When we arrived it was fairly quiet but by the time we left there was hardly a seat left in the place. The décor was very pleasant with large family photos taken in their trips to Europe giving the space a warm, personalized touch. After reviewing the taste menu we both decided on the Caesar salad, Veal Picata with sautéed onions, capers, and lemon sauce with a side of penne in pomodoro. The salad was crisp with a slice of Italian style bacon and freshly grated parmesan and came with fresh bread and olive oil for dipping. The penne was light with a tasty tomato sauce and the vela was tender with slivers of lemon zest and capers in a light sauce. Our dessert was a melt in your mouth custard tart dusted with icing sugar. It was a very enjoyable meal with great company, atmosphere and food, we will be back again!

Our summer travel counselors have also managed to swing by a few restaurants for the "Taste" program, and have a few experiences of their own to share.

On Thursday, Kat and Linda C. took a well deserved break from coordinating the Taste of Burlington to actually try it out, and Kat had only good things to say about Honey West:

My meal began with the lobster bisque that was creamy and rich with plenty of chunks of lobster accompanied by that tried and true appetizer classic, garlic bread. The chicken apple brie panini with romaine lettuce and garlic aioli was my mouth-watering second course and the side of fries were a special treat - hot and lightly salted with sea salt and topped with parmesan. Finally, I was treated to a fantastic cheesecake for dessert with a hint of lemon that did not overpower, simply delicious. Linda had the peanut butter crème brulee and raved that it was not only decadent but the peanut was not overpowering but an unexpected flavor treat. The server was great and was attentive without being overbearing and all the courses came out promptly which is great if you are "on lunch". The meal was delicious, however, as an employee of Tourism BurIington, I feel obligated to offer you one warning. If you’re dining at Honey West, make sure you come on an empty stomach! You will be getting your money’s worth of food, and then some! There’s a very good chance you’ll have some delicious leftovers!

Alright, change of pace. Natalie here reporting on a trip to one of Burlington’s newest restaurants, the Alex, located on the south end of Brant Street. When my handsome gentleman friend and I arrived, we were told they were lucky to have a table without a reservation. And believe me, there’s a reason why this little place is getting so busy. From the Taste of Burlington menu, we shared the duck confit appetizer, the butter roast black cod with spiced tomato and lobster orzo entrée, and finished our meal with a tangy and delicious summer berry cobbler with lemon curb brulee. Sounds good right? Like really good? I promise you this meal was even better than it sounds. Not to mention that, in addition to the "Taste" meal, we also ordered the duo of bacon. This dish consisted of bacon-wrapped duck fat fries, and (brace yourselves) bacon wrapped bacon. Bacon. Wrapped. Bacon. Nuff said. I highly recommend the Alex. Try it out, but make sure you call for reservations!

There is still time to enjoy A Taste of Burlington as it is on until Civic Holiday Monday August 1^st. Visit the website to check out the 21 restaurants participating this summer and their great menus. Diners who order from the Taste menu at each location receive a ballot to enter into a draw for a gift basket filled with gift certificates from some of the participating restaurants. Bon Appetite!

From Our Own Backyard

Guest Blogger: Niki from Springridge Farms

We are looking forward to all of the local, seasonal foods Ontario has to offer over the summer! At Springridge, we can’t get much more ‘local’ than enjoying the strawberries grown right in our own backyard on Bell School Line. Even though strawberry season is winding down for us in July, we hope our Springridge friends will continue to “eat local”.

Over the next few months, Farmer John and Farmer Tom will keep our barn market stocked with the freshest produce, grown in Ontario, by some of their farming friends. The first sweet peas of the season are now available in our market and soon we will have sour cherries, sweet cherries, new potatoes, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and corn.

In celebration of local food, we are hosting an Evening with Lynn Ogryzlo, culinary expert and author of The Ontario Table. With a background in Niagara’s wine industry, Lynn has shared her knowledge as a food, wine and travel writer. She has developed more than 1400 recipes devoted to local and seasonal food. Her latest book, The Ontario Table is more than a cookbook; it is an agricultural journey designed to introduce you to the people, food and culture of Ontario’s local food.

Lynn Ogryzlo will also highlight her Buy, Eat, Drink and Think Local Challenge. She is rallying for consumers to adjust their shopping habits and make an effort to spend just $10 of their grocery budget on local food each week. This will lead to an influx of money staying in our own communities. 

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, July 13 from 5:30pm-8:00pm for an evening of hors d’oeuvres featuring local, seasonal farm foods, special guest Elizabeth Baird - Food Editor Emeritus of Canadian Living, after hours shopping and an exclusive book talk and signing. RSVP to events@springridgefarm.com as space is limited.

We are also welcoming our friends from A Taste of Burlington at the event. This summer they are focusing on local food promotion and encouraging restaurants to include Ontario ingredients on their menus. This summer’s A Taste of Burlington is taking place from July 18 – August 1 and is a wonderful opportunity to sample some of Burlington’s finest restaurants that help make the city a growing culinary destination. Look for the ‘Eat Local’ logo on menus.

Eat local all year ‘round! Try freezing or preserving your Springridge strawberries so you can enjoy them in the depths of winter. Just hull the berries, place whole on a cookie sheet and freeze. Package quickly and return to freezer. Or try Foodland Ontario’s recipe for Freezer Strawberry Jam.

Bon Appetite!

Culinary Experiences in Burlington and area

Tourism Burlington hosted a free Culinary Tourism workshop last week featuring keynote speaker Rebecca LeHeup Executive Director from the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA). This is the first step in positioning Burlington and Halton as a culinary tourism destination.  There were 36 attendees including restaurants, hotel catering staff, farm markets, local farms, downtown business associations, attractions with food services and culinary events.  

The true taste of a place is rooted in its terroir. It starts with agriculture and the people who grow our food. It moves to the artisans that craft the food into tastes such as wine, cheese and beer. It travels to the plate through the craft of cook and chef. We celebrate it at our tables, and in our communities through festivals and events. To create a culinary tourism destination, in the eyes of the world, Ontario’s agriculture and tourism sectors need to tell the story of our unique region with pride. 

Rebecca shared her experiences developing the Taste and Arts Trails in Prince Edward County and how that area is now a recognized culinary destination.  She also talked about how culinary tourism has grown in the past 5 years and gave some excellent examples of initiatives that have generated great returns on investment in places like Stratford and Price Edward County.  The participants talked about what culinary products that we currently have in the region including numerous farm markets, many local farms such as Springridge and Chudleigh’s and culinary events such as A Taste of Burlington, Downtown Dining and Ribfest etc.

The participants were enthusiastic about further developing culinary experiences in the area so the next steps will be to complete a culinary inventory and strike a team to review this information and help develop a culinary strategy.  It was also agreed that the local culinary businesses would benefit from participating in a social media workshop in the fall delivered by OCTA which will encourage more networking and cross-marketing of activities. 

Burlington offers a wide variety of sustainable markets, farms and restaurants featuring local products grown and produced here in the Region of Halton. From Burlington Mall Farmers Market, Busy Liz’s Farm Shop, Harvest Goodies, Our Father’s Farm, Halton Region’s Simply Local, Red Canoe Bistro, Spencer’s at the Waterfront, Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership, Royal Botanical Gardens and Springridge Farm, there is enough to peak interest and make palettes salivate as we explore the notion of making Burlington a Culinary Tourism Destination and how we can promote our region through healthy and sustainable products.

If you are interested in further information about culinary tourism in the area, contact us.  Check out the OCTA website for their article on the workshop and for more information about their services.

Tourburlgirl

Myrtle Beach S.C. and Burlington ON has 20 year Friendship

What does Myrtle Beach South Carolina and Burlington Ontario have in common?  Well besides both being on the water, having a beach and being beautiful places to visit, these two cities have had a friendship that has spanned 20 years. 

This friendship began with Burlington’s Teen Tour Band performing in Myrtle Beach annually during Canadian American Days from the late 1970’s to the late 90’s.  As a result of these visits, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce approached the City of Burlington more formally recognize this relationship.  On March 11, 1991 Burlington’s Mayor Roly Bird visited Myrtle Beach and signed a Declaration of Friendship with Mayor Robert Grissom, the Mayor of Myrtle Beach. 

Over the years, this friendship has focused primarily on sport and youth exchanges.   Myrtle Beach has sent athletes to participate in the Burlington International Games (BIG) and have brought VIP’s to participate in the Sound of Music Festival Grande Parade and activities.  The local tourism agencies have worked together to cross market our cities by setting up information booths at one another’s events and posting information on websites.  Myrtle Beach has also sponsored various local Burlington events including the Mayor’s and the Teen Tour Band Booster’s golf tournaments.  This year they supported the Taste of Burlington, a popular fixed price dining program by sending a chef from Myrtle Beach to the media launch and by providing a trip draw prize for diners. 

This week (March 2011) Myrtle Beach is celebrating their 50^th anniversary of Canadian-American Days and the Teen Tour Band along with Burlington’s Top Hat Marching Orchestra and No Strings Attached are performing during these celebrations.  “Canada’s Musical Ambassadors” as the Teen Tour Band is known, took first place in the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade during this week’s activities. 

With over 500,000 Canadians travelling to South Carolina each year, many Burlington residents have bookmarked Myrtle Beach as one of their favourites.  In recent years with more direct flights to Myrtle Beach from Toronto and Niagara we hope to entertain more of our southern friends in the 3rd Best City to Live in Canada!  Our two cities have shared a long and prosperous friendship which will continue to grow in the future.

Pam Belgrade, Executive Director
Tourism Burlington 414 Locust Street, Burlington, ON  L7S 1T7
P: 905.634.5594 ext. 7241
Toll Free: 1.877.499.9989 F: 905.634.7220 belgradep@burlington.ca
www.tourismburlington.com

Taste of Burlington Restaurant Review

Bold tastes and good value could be the mission statement of Burlington’s winter food festival, A Taste of Burlington.  The city’s growing reputation as a dining destination is showcased as the fixed-price plates program hits its third year.  The three-week 2011 version running to March 13 has 24 restaurants on board, up from 17 in 2009 when it was introduced.  And that means many, many innovative tastes as chefs fashion fixed-price menus that cover a wide range of budgets and culinary styles.  It is well-timed, too, coming as winter is wearing out its welcome and bright new tastes hold the promise of spring.

For 2011, A Taste of Burlington teamed up with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on a promotion which gives diners a chance to win a week’s holiday, airfare included, at the popular Canadian destination. Entry forms for the contest are available at all participating restaurants.  And some of those spots picked up on the southern theme with the Taste of Burlington items they are offering. Others simply let their imaginations run with three- and four-course combinations running from $15 lunches to $40 dinners.  And with Wine Country Ontario as the program’s presenter, many of the restaurants are pairing dishes with local wines from award-winning vineyards.  Here are three of the 24 dining options available in the 2011 program which illustrate the range in food and pricing:

The Alex

480 Brant Street

905-220-0520

www.thealexrestaurant.com

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

The Alex is a sleek and stylish newcomer to Burlington which has drawn excellent reviews with a small-plates philosophy and plenty of imagination in the kitchen.  Chef Matthew Kershaw’s mission is spelled out on the restaurant’s website. It says “if you love chain restaurants, you probably won’t love us. And that’s OK.”  But it’s love at first bite for many. And the $40 Taste of Burlington dinner we checked out delivered with virtually every forkful.  And The Alex is kind on the eyes as well, with deep-wine banquettes, dark wood tables in long narrow space that seats 30. Big windows on two sides let the room breathe and the dark brown walls feature bold art for sale. 

Kershaw didn’t make the choosing easy with the opening options of pheasant truffle espresso with wild mushroom cigars, shrimp done a la Grecque, with avocado salad and bacon-wrapped or the Kitchen Sink Salad.  We love a mystery and the first listing was revealed as a small cup of a vibrant pheasant and truffle broth with choice chunks of the game bird loitering at the bottom.  The ‘cigars’, meantime, were two crispy wraps filled with sautéed mushrooms. They sat on a little salad of baby greens and julienne of zucchini treated to a mild vinaigrette.  The wraps came with a server’s suggestion they could be dipped in the lovely and sharp broth.  That worked just fine.  This right-sized starter featured lots of textures and tastes at work and was followed by sparking cranberry Sambuca as a palate cleanser. It proved a light and fruity interlude as preparation for the next course.  I opted for the pan-roasted skate wing dish, despite heavy competition from the petite tenderloin of beef, which came with Cambazola cheese potato gratin, French beans and truffle jus, and the roast Muscovy duck. It boasted an accompaniment of braised duck and mushroom risotto with roast garlic broccolini.  Fish just seemed right this night and the skate wing, a member of the shark and ray family, got the royal treatment with a ball of deep-fried lemon butter at the top of a heap of flavours.  The dish came in a deep bowl with two ‘wings’ of the lightly breaded and delicate fish draped over leeks, French beans, pink fingerling potatoes cloaked in a lobster finish and tiny and pristine green beans.  And that lobster component came with real chunks, by the way.

All told, it met the high standards The Alex has established in ringing up unique taste combinations. Service was knowledgeable, fun and fast, meaning the apple croissant bread pudding came quickly after the fish dish. The two moist slices were slathered in a warm and decadent butterscotch sauce. So, ring up another triumph for The Alex.

Latitude

390 Brant Street

905-333-3309

www.latituderestaurant.ca

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to close Monday to Saturday for dinner.

Latitude owner Barry Michael chose to stick with a southern spirit with his Taste of Burlington menu at Latitude, beginning the four-course, $35-dinner offerings with blackened tiger prawn with spicy stewed tomatoes and sour cream, then offering options across the next three stages.  The jumped-up shrimp, which came on the heels of an opening bread basket with thick slices of excellent baguette and room-temperature butter, was a fine start.  The two seafood specimens were large, rich and juicy with slivers of lemon and the spicy tomato and sour cream playing off each other.

Latitude strikes a nice ambiance, embracing folks interested in fine wines, an appetizer or a full meal in a setting with a dark rich decor strategically lit with a soft glow.  Interesting photo art grace the walls, there’s a choice of low or high tables and bar seating and classic pop plays subtly in the background.

For a second course, field greens with southern ranch dressing won out over the house Caesar and it was presented as a three big cup-shaped radicchio leaves holding a mix of romaine, julienne of carrot and crisp spinach. The lighthouse-made ranch sidestepped the pitfall of the cloying commercial versions, letting the salad components sing out.

For course No.3 the options included blackened tilapia, chicken-fried steak, linguini with shrimp and a roasted chicken breast with a southern-accented sauce.  I selected the latter and the big boneless chicken breast was treated to a honey and hot red-pepper basting that was memorable.  It was semi-sweet and semi-spicy, not drowning out the protein and came with rich mashed potatoes sitting in the grasp of big leaf of radicchio and a crisp, lightly-buttered bundle of green bean, zucchini and carrot tied with a green-onion band.

The final course was the French Quarter Crème brûlée, a small but vivid conclusion. The burnt-sugar crust gave way to a decadent pudding with the surprise of a blackberry at its centre. An arc of ever smaller blueberries provided an arty garnish flanking the tub of dessert.

Latitude delivered excellent value with four courses, all offered with a flourish. 

Santa Fe Southwestern Grill

1235 Fairview Street

905-632-5666

www.santafeswgrill.com

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

This roadhouse operation offers some value pricing with $15 lunch combos and $20 dinner options in a setting featuring an adobe-look décor and country music.

On a visit for lunch, I took the soup over the salad and was rewarded with a nice minestrone that was chock full of crunchy green beans peas, carrots and pasta in a lively broth.  Bowls of corn tortilla chips are standard warm-up acts here and the bowl came with a mild salsa that held hunger off until the first of three courses arrived.

For Taste of Burlington mains, Santa Fe listed a wide range of options from a quarter-order of ribs to burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, fish and chips and steak sandwich.  I was swayed by the ribs option and in short order a reheated slab arrived at the table, sizzling on a vivid green plate with colourful bowls containing coleslaw, refried beans and a sharp BBQ sauce ranged around it.  The meat fell almost too easily from the bone, making for no-fuss eating and was mostly rich and moist save for a few overdone bits.  With the sharp slaw and moderate beans, it was a substantial meal. And dessert hadn’t yet been selected.  The apple dumpling seemed a bit more virtuous than the chocolate brownie and was a fine conclusion, a made-in-house blossom of pastry with filling containing chunks of apple. A dollop of ice cream closed the deal.

For the $20-dinner menu, Santa Fe offers a soup or salad start, mains like a half-rack of ribs, 10-ounce steak, lemon-pepper tilapia as well as the options of fajita, enchilada and burrito with a dessert choice to finish.

By JOHN KERNAGHAN, Guest Blogger

John Kernaghan is a food and travel writer based in Oakville. He was a restaurant reviewer for The Hamilton Spectator from 2000 to 2010 and has written about food and travel for 30 years. Visit his Taste of Burlington Restaurant Review Blog.