Food + Drink Autumn 2024

Sourdough startup

At 19, Stefano Galati is the youngest of the third generation behind Caledon produce haven Rock Garden Farms. And he’s the baker responsible for their sourdough bread, the latest addition to the shop’s array of homemade baked goods. This season’s sourdough hits include loaves studded with jalapeño cheese, sundried tomato pesto, caramelized onions and cheese, cranberry pecan or olives and herb. 

“I experiment all the time and it’s cool how it all comes together from nothing and turns into something so good,” says Stefano. A must-try before Rock Garden Farms closes for the season.

A Nordic Novelty

Not a fan of the ubiquitous pumpkin spice drinks this time of year? Savour a more subtle take on fall with a Nordic Spice Latte at the Tin Roof Café in Erin. It’s infused with fragrant cardamom, sweet honey and rich vanilla.

“We’ve never been a fan of pumpkin spice over here, so we have lots of other options for those looking to branch out,” says owner Rachel Craven, who recommends pairing this drink with their soft and chunky pumpkin white chocolate cookie.

Mark Your Culinary Calendar

Don your lederhosen and get your schnitzel on at Caledon Hills Brewing Company’s 4th annual Oktoberfest in Palgrave from September 13 to 15, with German-inspired cuisine, live bands, craft beers, and the classic Bavarian contest of (giant) stein holding, which is guaranteed to test your upper body strength.

Stock up on locally grown goodies at the annual Honey & Garlic Festival at Albion Hills Community Farm on September 14, complete with farm tours, food vendors, fields of blooming sunflowers and dahlias, and fresh produce. 

The Feast or Famine exhibition at the Museum of Dufferin showcases snapshots from Dufferin County’s early days of food production, including images of a “Dufferin Old Boys” picnic in Orangeville in 1900, Walker’s Beverages, established in 1891, and one of Canada’s oldest beekeepers, who kept an apiary in Mono/Amaranth for six decades. The show runs until November 2.

A decade to celebrate

Not all dishes can stand the test of time, but RustiK Local Bistro’s house pâté – served with homemade mustard, fruit compôte, pickled vegetables and crostini – has been pleasing local palates for a decade now. It’s been on the menu since July 2014, when Brett Jaggard opened her doors at the corner of Broadway and First Street in Orangeville. “I can’t believe it’s been ten years,” laughs Brett, who adds that she has worked in the building even longer. Her first gig there was as a server at the locale’s predecessor restaurant, 199, in 2006.

In addition to the pâté, mushrooms, duck and venison have always appeared on the menu in some variation – and the sticky toffee pudding has been another beloved nosh from day one. A more recent innovation? Rotating varieties of must-try pillowy spaetzle noodles. Cheers to a decade of RustiK, Brett.

In Dining Out News

After a round of golf at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley near Alton, tuck into a smash burger made with two three-ounce chuck and brisket patties and served on a toasted brioche bun. It’s one of the hearty “Sandwedges” on the menu at Two Brothers, the club’s swank new restaurant and terrace bar. Wash it down with a Two Brothers Lager or a Two Brothers IPA. 

And roti lovers, don’t despair. Mrs D. Jerk, Roti and Pastry has not gone for good; she has simply moved a little north to a new location at 634041 Highway 10, opposite the 10 & 10 Garden Centre.

Gobble Them Up

Adorable turkey truffles with a rich ganache filling from Debora’s Chocolates in Erin are almost too cute to consume, but they are a clever Thanksgiving dessert bite.

Other seasonal treats include pumpkin pie fudge, chocolate leaves and ornate chocolate cornucopias using the finest Belgian chocolate – all handmade here for over 30 years.

Soup-er Yum

Warm both body and soul with a bowl of sweet and creamy butternut squash soup, a seasonal speciality at Lost Bear Market in Inglewood. Chef Victoria Simon prepares each soup, stew and chili from scratch. The bell pepper and smoked Gouda soup is another of her cooler-weather crowd pleasers.

Trivia Pursuit

Trivia nerds, rejoice! Many local eateries are serving a side of brainteasers with dinner and drinks. Gather your best know-it-all friends and put your heads together over sizzling garlic butter shrimp or mozzarella sticks before competing for The Holy Ale trophy at The Dufferin Public House in Shelburne, usually on Thursdays. Head underground for a burger and fries at Peter Cellars Pub’s monthly trivia nights in Mono Centre – previous themes have included Star Wars and The Office. Or grab a cold flight at Caledon’s GoodLot Farm & Farmstead Brewing Co. and Name That Tune while fuelling up on pizza from Alton’s Gather Cafe. Orangeville’s Main Street Station gets in on the action with Wednesday quiz nights, starting September 11. A smoky brisket sandwich with aged cheddar on sourdough will propel you and your team. Check restaurants’ websites and social media for details.