Openings in the Hills

Forage

After an extended sojourn in Victoria, B.C., chef Matthew Jamieson, former owner of the popular Woodside in Hockley, is back behind the stoves in his new Orangeville restaurant, Forage. With partners Jennifer Grant of Harmony Whole Foods and his wife Wendy as pastry chef, Matthew describes the venture as “casual fine dining.” The 60-seat restaurant features all things local and seasonal and specializes in superbly prepared fresh fish. Matthew’s signature shrimp curry, a favourite at Woodside, is back, as is Wendy’s legendary key lime pie. Forage also has a takeout section featuring a wide selection of salads and prepared meals. The juice bar serves fruit smoothies and healthy wheat grass drinks. (At press time, the resto was set to open in early September in the same plaza as Harmony Whole Foods.) 163 First St, Orangeville; 519-941-8961

Creemore Kitchens

Food lovers in and around Creemore will have to wait until December to try out the village’s much-ballyhooed new restaurant. Located where the bookstore once resided (it has moved up the street), Creemore Kitchens is the brainchild of owners chef Caesar Guinto and his partner Sam Holwell. Caesar describes it as “a place where you can drop by in your wellies, or put on that new summer dress, and you’ll still feel comfortable.” As for the food, Caesar and Sam’s mantra is “seasonal and local. There are so many wonderful producers in this area.” At press time, the website was still under construction. 134 Mill St, Creemore

Wicked Shortbread

Keirstyn Eric has taken her Wicked Shortbread on the road and opened a shop of the same name in Orangeville. 
In addition to the three flavours of her melt-in-your-mouth cookies (classic, chocolate, toffee), Keirstyn has added lemon twist, maple walnut, and cheddar cheese, among others. The shop also carries organic fair trade coffee and an array of desserts, squares, cheesecakes and pies. Sweet! 96 Broadway, Orangeville; www.wickedshortbread.com