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Mardi Gras in Elgin County Week
Sixteen Elgin County businesses and organizations brought a Mardi Gras party to the 2010 London Wine & Food Show in January. They shared music, beads, fun and plenty of good tastes. Thirteen of the participants invited visitors to come experience more "Southern Hospitality" during Mardi Gras in Elgin Week, February 13th – 21st. Even if you weren't able to attend the London Wine & Food Show, you are extended a special invitation to visit these businesses during the week.
Here is a quick rundown on your hosts.
Farmgate Markets is a full-service meat shop located in St. Thomas. The business is a collaboration between Sandy Lyle, an Elgin County beef, pork and cash crop producer and Ray Coddington, a certified butcher specialist. The shop offers customers a full selection of Ontario-only fresh meats and an innovative line-up of processed meat products developed and produced at the shop. Deli meats and sausages contain no filler, no by-products, and no phosphates for maximum "real" meat flavour and texture. Sodium, nitrate and fat levels are as low as government regulations allow. Stop in and taste the Farmgate quality. Find out more www.farmgatemarket.com.
Heritage Line Herbs is an herb farm, summer outdoor tearoom, and retail store. Deb and Tom Benner specialize in potted and dried herbs, drying them slowly to preserve flavour and aroma. The Heritage Store, open year-round carries gifts and a profusion of herbal teas, jellies and blends. The farm hosts many popular special events throughout the year, as well as classes on growing and cooking with all kinds of herbs. Find out more at www.heritagelineherbs.com.
The Kettle Creek Inn restaurant presents a satisfying balance of good food, local product features and pleasant atmosphere. Chef Mike Robbins favours butters and understated seasonings. His watchwords are fresh and light and he aims for contrasting textures and flavours to create dishes which are a delight for all the senses. The cozy inn also has ten guest rooms and five romantic suites, the ideal spot for a special occasion. Visit www.kettlecreekinn.com.
Donelda, owner of Killer Desserts & Much, Much More takes pride in offering the best - her cheesecakes, cakes and cookies have the wonderful taste of recipes made from scratch with the best ingredients. Deli style sandwiches and salads and soups made from scratch round out the menu. You will also find unique and attractive specialty serveware items to help make your get-togethers a success, and a selection of fine gourmet products. Check out www.killerdesserts.com for information on Killer Desserts and their extensive product line.
Visitors to Lavender Blue can stop to admire the horses, and then follow the pathway to the serenely beautiful little shop. Since the business opened in 2007, Suzanne has developed a number of tasteful products for bath, body, home and garden, as well as tasty preserves, condiments and other lavender-laced foods. The shop is closed from Christmas to Mother's Day – except for this one special opportunity during Mardi Gras week. Be sure to stop in. Then come back in summer to stroll the lavender gardens. Find out more at www.lavenderblue.ca.
M.E. & Suzie's menu uses only Ontario product, much of it from the north shore of Lake Erie. Chef Earl has a flair for taking those local ingredients and creating tasty dishes with an international twist. He came to Port Stanley for a summer and ended up putting down roots (literally) - he grows some of his own herbs and vegetables at his nearby farm. From Earl's famous Ale & Cheddar Soup to a range of other creative and seasonally updated menu selections, there's no taste like home on Lake Erie's North Shore. Find out more at www.meandsuzies.com.
Meadow Lane Winery is a charming country winery situated on a 45-acre farm just east of St. Thomas. They specialize in fruit and grape wines with a European flair. The farm produces a variety of different berries that are used to make some of their wines, and their retail space offers both wines and an assortment of home, garden accent and gift ideas. Visitors to Meadow Lane are greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who will give you the opportunity to taste some of "life's simple pleasure." Check out the website at www.meadowlinewinery.com.
Pinecroft Pottery celebrates it 62nd anniversary this year. The studio is the oldest continuously operating pottery studio in Canada. The Green Frog Tearoom began in 1978 as a celebration of 30 years in business. Originally it offered tea, muffins and homemade bread. Now fresh baked bread and rolls, soups, salads, sandwich features, delicious desserts and more fill the luncheon menu. It's country fare – homemade and fresh in a tranquil pine forest setting. Visit www.pinecroft.ca.
Roberto Quai and his wife, Lisa opened the doors to the winery and retail operation at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in 1990. Their son Jamie has recently taken on the role of vintner, bringing a new dimension to the winemaking process. Join them as they celebrate 20 years of fine quality wines at reasonable prices, and return in the summer for one of their very popular signature summer events. Visit www.quaiduvin.com for winery and event information.
Railway City Brewing Company opened in St. Thomas in Spring 2008, offering Iron Spike Blonde Ale, followed by Iron Spike Copper, Amber and Light. Brewer Barbara Ziola has a passion for beer and its creative possibilities. Once the foundation brews were in place, she set out to bring forward some treats for those looking for something a little different. Since fall of 2009 Railway City Brewery has introduced Dead Elephant Ale, Pullman Porter and Cranbeery Ale. Stop in at the brewery to try one of their signature line-up, or check out the newest special brew. Find out more at www.railwaycitybrewing.com.
The Windjammer Inn in Port Stanley has a strong focus on "Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable." Chef owner Kim Saunders creates ever-changing and inspired menus and flavour-packed dishes that were recognized by "Where to Eat in Canada" 2008 to 2010. In addition to award-winning cuisine, The Windjammer Inn is set in a pre-confederation home and also features comfortable B&B accommodation and luxury Jacuzzi suites.