A Taste of Prince Edward County: A Guide to the People, Places & Food of Ontario's Favourite Getaway

by Chris Johns

Overview

Explore Prince Edward County, its rich local history, gorgeous scenery, and delicious food and drink, in this new guide to the "gastronomic capital of Ontario" (The Globe and Mail).

Prince Edward County's reputation as a picturesque region of award-winning wineries, quaint and eclectic hotels, rustic restaurants and fine dining establishments makes it the perfect getaway destination. Within driving distance of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, the county is an ideal place both for city slickers to escape and unwind, and for locals to relish and preserve the region's history and farmlands.

This comprehensive, elegant guide covers hotels, restaurants, wineries, local attractions, and much more, along with itinerary suggestions showcasing the best of what Prince Edward County has to offer. With profiles of key people behind some of the county's most beloved establishments, this book goes beyond typical guidebook territory. A Taste of Prince Edward County also includes a selection of recipes and wine pairings from chefs and restaurateurs based in the area, all inspired by the culinary bounty PEC has to offer. And with his signature warmth and humour, food and travel writer Chris Johns teams up with local county photographer Johnny C. Y. Lam to provide readers with a stunningly beautiful insider's look into one of the top travel destinations in Canada.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780147530684
Publisher:	Appetite by Random House
Publication date:	06/12/2018
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	7.08(w) x 9.01(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

CHRIS JOHNS is one of Canada's most respected food critics and food writers. His writing has appeared in en Route, The Globe and Mail, Wallpaper, Toronto Life and many international publications. He is the co-author (with Derek Dammann) of True North, a cookbook celebrating the food, traditions, and fascinating history of Canadian cuisine.

JOHNNY C. Y. LAM is a Canadian portrait, travel, and food photographer based in Prince Edward County. He has contributed to top national and international publications such as Food & Drink, Food & Wine, House & Home, Toronto Life, The Globe and Mail, CBC, Vice, GEO and Time. This is his first book.

Read an Excerpt

Foreword
David McMillan, Co-owner of Joe Beef, Liverpool House & Vin Papillon

The moment I cross the bridge over the Bay of Quinte, a warm sense of “I’ve been here before” comes over me. The déjà vu feels like a famil­iarity with the spirits, the ancestors, the landscape and the trees of this slice of Canadiana. I’ve lived in France, and my whole career has been spent working in Montreal, but the county, although it’s not my home, feels like home.

When Chris told me he was writing this book I immediately said: “I want to contribute something.” I’ve known him for a long time, ever since we first opened Joe Beef, and I can’t think of anyone better suited to do justice to this place that neither of us are from, but both love. And I can’t imagine a better pairing for Chris’s writing than Johnny’s photographs. Johnny’s a transplant, as is most everyone who hasn’t been here for 10 generations or more, but he knows the county, its people and its rhythms as well as anyone, and his images capture the essence of this special place.

I have met a vast collection of friendly, like-minded people in the county: hard workers, dreamers, farmers, every one of them with a deep love of this island that feels forgotten somewhere in time. There are the born-and-bred county folks who have been here for generations, who know every road, every pasture and every family. Then there are the newcomers: the people who picked up from wherever they lived, who saw what I see, and ultimately made significant life changes to move to the county. For so many, this is a place where people can come to start anew, be part of something, and work and contribute to the community.

And whether I’m talking to longtime locals or brand-new residents, I have great discussions all over the county. I often find myself dwelling on the idea that I work and live in Montreal in a very urban setting, but enlightening exchanges in the city are few and far between. I find myself craving the county and those conversations at the Legion, or the various watering holes around the island, on main streets or at wineries. I always feel the need to get one point across during these chats. In almost every conversation, you’ll hear me say: “Do you realize how lucky you are to live here and be a part of what is going on?” I usually follow up by stressing how jealous I am of the beauty that fills the eyes and hearts of this amazing community. Prince Edward County, to me, offers a chance to start a community or join an existing, robust one, and that isn’t something that happens everywhere or every day.

I’ve driven along every road and explored every corner of the county during my stays. I fantasize about opening a restaurant, a B&B, a cider house, a winery, of farming goat or lamb. But I can also support, tour, explore and live the county life through visits, too, and I hope you will do the same with this book at your side. Visit Prince Edward County! #CountyUp

Table of Contents

Foreword 3

History 9

Maps 18

Hotels 27

Restaurants 51

Wineries, Breweries & Cideries 71

Attractions 104

Natural 107

Man-Made 127

Farm Stands & Farmers' Markets 159

Suggested Itineraries 181

Recipes 197

Appendix 233

Tourism Boards & Online Resources 235

Directions 236

Calendar of Events 239

Further Reading 243

Acknowledgements 245

Index 247

Editorial Reviews

Explore Prince Edward County, its rich local history, gorgeous scenery, and delicious food and drink, in this new guide to the gastronomic capital of Ontario.” —The Globe and Mail

From the Publisher