Did not set to check them out but in the end was able to sample a few.
Remarkably, and that is from comments I heard, PEC has a very high density of high-end, “haute cuisine” restaurants. That is a reflection of a number of things, in part because of the bent towards the quality of local produces, the winery factor, the fact that well-known chefs have come here, from Toronto or elsewhere, and most of all the affluence of those who visit, or more to the point, who have moved here, mostly from Toronto
First great (and only as it turned out) meal was at Blumen Garden Bistro. The chef and owner is Swiss. The place is packed and has been like that for weeks, one of the (only three) servers tells me – they did not even bother answering the phone when I called twice a few hours before, or for that matter checked the messages I had left asking for a reservation! I saw why – too busy and short staffed! Large garden seating, but I decided to move in...the mosquitoes coming out just before it gets darker...
I had as an appetizer their shrimp and lobster ravioli – excellent but it could have been warmer – with a glass of Baco Noir (a varietal that you find in cooler growing areas of North America – I think it is “banned” in France or Europe for some reason...), which was delicious (from the Sandbanks Estate Winery.) The main course, a local pickerel served on a bed of spinach coulis, with a filo filled of sautéed vegetables, was divine; mismatched it though with a local Pinot Gris (the Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery)that was way too light to sustain this very flavour fish – a Chardonnay, may be, but they did not serve it by the glass (I remarked this to the staff). Nice conversation with the couple sitting beside me: probably typical of the new “immigrants” – retiring professionals (?), selling the house in Toronto, coming to a nice area to enjoy the pleasing surroundings, the food, the wine, the good restaurants, the culture – there is apparently a lot; studios for residing and visiting artists and artisans, glass blowing, music festivals, etc. – and to live nearby friends and associates that have already moved in here; not too far from the city (and in their case equidistant to Montreal and Ottawa where they have children)...probably traveling abroad some, and spending the winter in the south under warmer latitudes. Life is good!
Cynthia and I had gone first at The Inn-Lake on the Mountain Resort. Very busy again. Sat outside and we stayed there. Located in an old vintage house, the restaurant is operated by French Canadian Gilles Chrétien and his wife. The place is sitting by that local curiosity, the Mountain Lake, which is at some 50 metres above the neighbouring, in sight, Lake Ontario or one of its adjoining waters, seemingly hanging there. (Dispute as to why; almost lost the argument, until it was recognized that lakes just don’t sit there: the water comes in from somewhere – inner sources as it turns out in this case – and goes out somehow, and yes, there was an outlet for the water flowing from the upper lake to the lower one – it used to be falls, now it is piped...)
Food wise, we thought ordinary, nothing exceptional. The Chrétien tourtière could have been more “assaisonnée” believed Cynthia (probably better used to her father’s spicier recipe!), and my supreme of chicken was good but nothing memorable. I enjoyed the very hearty tomato soup though. The wine, a bottle of Bergeron Pinot Noir, too light but promising...http://www.lakeonthemountain.com/
Had a last dinner, while in the County, at Portabella. Full. Went again for the pickerel, the special of the day, but I should have stuck to pasta, their known specialty. Not that the dish was bad, but it was served with a cream sauce (vodka and lemon) that was too rich for my stomach, aside from the fact that the fish was several notches below the wonderful version of the pickerel I had the night before at Blumen. Their soup of the day (puree of tomato and eggplant) was very tasty though. Savoured a Pinot Noir with it (the Grange winery) – light and spicy; very rusty in colour. Not so lucky with the white to go with my fish: same mistake as last night and went for the Pinot Gris by default (Grange, again). Was discouraged from having the Chardonnay (oaky I was told) but that was wrong as I discovered from the taster the manager (or owner?) brought me (after the meal): not oaky at all, but fruitier than one would expect (lots of apple traces) and would have been decidedly an improvement over the Pinot Gris. Well, it would be for another time...
P.S. ever heard of a “honeysuckle” varietal? One was on the offering by the Waupoos winery. It’s a white and apparently a blend of some kind; currently very “trendy” in the County I am told...
Here is the list of what is known as the “Fine Dining” places in the County (http://www.pec.travel/)
Claramount Inn & Spa
97 Bridge St.
Picton
innreception@claramountinn.com
(613) 476-2709
Toll Free: 1 (800) 679-7756 Overlooking picturesque Picton Bay, Claramount welcomes guests to a gracious 1906 Colonial Revival home.
Merrill Inn Restaurant
343 Main Street
Picton Ontario
merrillinn@bellnet.ca
(613) 476-7451
Toll Free: 1-866-567-5969 Intimate fine dining. Seasonal patio. Creative culinary specialties featuring local produce crafted by renowned chef Michael Sullivan.
Toronto Life ***, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
The Devonshire Inn on the Lake and Restaurant
24 Wharf St.
Wellington ON, K0K 3L0
(613) 399-1851
Toll Free: 1 (800) 544-9937 Enjoy simple yet elegant cuisine on the shore of a great lake.
Savour fresh county fare prepared by chef Colin Willams.
Waring House Restaurant, Inn, Conference Centre & Cookery School
Hwy# 33 and County Road #1
Box 20024, R.R. #1
Picton, Bloomfield
613-476-7492
Toll Free: 1 (800) 621-4956 A taste of old Ontario in the heart of Beautiful Prince Edward County.
The Inn at Lake on the Mountain Resort
264 Cty. Rd. 7, R.R#9
Picton
(613) 476-1321 Picturesque Lake on the Mountain, subject of legends, is located 200 feet above the Bay of Quinte. Enjoy the exquisite views, fresh water swimming and fishing, cottage life and delightful meals at our restaurant The Inn.
Open daily from April - November
Restaurant on the Knoll
at Isaiah Tubbs
1642 County Road 12, RR#1
West Lake , K0K 2T0
itr@isaiahtubbs.com
To contact The Restaurant directly call (613) 393-2063
Toll Free: 1 (800) 724-2393
The perfect dining location for quiet dinners for two or large parties and groups.
View our menu items and specials on our website.
Lakeside dining on our screened verandah, casual dining room, Sandbar Lounge and on our large patio!
Milford Bistro
3048 County Road 10
Milford
reservations@milfordbistro.com
(613) 476-0004
Toll Free: 1-866-576-0004 10 minutes from Picton in a picturesque location by the Mill Pond and the Black River, you'll find our charming 19th century Bistro.
We serve genuine County Cuisine, sourcing ingredients from farms within walking distance. A wide selection of local wines available.
Reservations recommended.
Bloomfield Carriage House Restaurant
located on Corey St, at the back of the marshmallow room bakery
260 Main St.
Bloomfield
info@bloomfieldcarriagehouse.com
(613) 393-1087
Award winning cuisine by chef Scott Kapitan featuring organic and local produce.
Sample local and international wines by the glass.
Reservations recommended, seasonal hours.
Angeline's Restaurant
433 Main St.
Loyalist Parkway
Bloomfield
angelines@angelinesinn-spa.com
For room or dinner reservations:
Phone/Fax: 613-393-3301
Toll Free: 1-877-391-3301 Innovative award-winning cuisine in a charming historical setting. Seasonal, local produce, and decadent, mouth-watering desserts. The ambiance is elegant and intimate.
• screened-in patio
• recommended by `Where to Eat in Canada`
• newly-decorated 9-room inn
• art exhibits and workshops
Currahs Cafe
& Restaurant
252 Main Street
Picton
(613) 476-6374 Fresh seafood, gourmet coffee and Ontario VQA wines are our specialty. Open early and closing late, we are only steps away from the Regent Theatre and downtown shops.
Lunch, dinner and catering.
Blumen Garden Bistro
647 Hwy 49
Picton Ontario, K0K 2T0
613-476-6841
Modern Homestyle Cuisine
by Andreas Feller.
Seasonally inspired menu.
Portabella
265 Main Street
Picton
613-476-7057 Lunch and dinner.
Voted favourite overall dining,
readers choice award.
Harvest
106 Bridge Street
Picton
cuisine@harvestrestaurant.ca
(613) 476-6763 Local gastronomic delights.
Seasonally inspired food.
