Prince Edward County

Aside from the Milford Bistro, does anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants in and around Prince Edward County?

[Googs]

I found the Waupoos wines to be undrinkable. It makes dining there pointless.

I don't know if the two companies are related, but I like Waupoos cider and especially the ice cider.

[bogie]

I agree, they really should stick to their cider business. Also, I find that their cider on tap is far superior to the bottled. You can get it at Rebel House.

[Googs]

All right, you've convinced me. I'm going to Rebel House for brunch & cider on tap. Thanks.

[HenryT]

It's confusing. "Waupoos Estates" is a winery. They've reputedly changed winemakers between 2004 (some prize winners) and 2005 (big differences). Some of the 2005 are indeed undrinkable!, but I bought the De Chaunac, which I rather like. One wine steward remarked to me that Waupoos Estates was growing too many grape varieties, and would be better to pick a smaller set and do them really well.

The 2005 Baco Noir had a burnt nose and an off-taste - I've dumped batches of home-made that went that way, and think that they should have done the same. It wasn't the only spoiled wine I was offered in the County, either.

Just up the road is the County Cider company, who make Waupoos Cider, and who've just started making grape wines as well! But their wine label says "County", not "Waupoos".

So, Waupoos Cider and Waupoos Estate wines have no relationship, other than being grown or fermented within a couple of miles of each other.

[HenryT]

Enjoyed the lunch at the new Gazebo retaurant at Waupoos Estates Winery. We started with a chilled fresh pea soup with mint. This was based on a good chicken stock, as for a vichyssoise, with cream. Not low calorie, but delicious. I had a really nice burger with blue cheese. Dessert was fresh blueberries and cream. The blueberry farm is next door. Coffee from Cook's - the Kingston food store has a Picton branch.

[mgs]

Found that lunch at Waupoos to be on the pricey side, I had their shrimp lunch special which consisted of 4 shrimps with small chorizo garnishes for $13, no sides (well, mesclun mix)... it was more like an appetizer than "lunch". My partner's portobello sandwich was OK, and my parents had the mussels, which were judged to be too sweet... won't be going back i don't think...

The Merrill is better than the Milford where there is along wait between courses .an old country store setting and a dark drive home.The food at the Merrill is a step above also

[kawarthagirl]

Milford is closed anyways and re-opened recently in Picton as Harvest Restaurant.

[HenryT]

I have a reservation for Harvest on Friday. Report to follow.

[Googs]

I've said this before on this site and I'll say it again: Please do not waste your money on the tasting menu. The service isn't up to the task. They will not deliver the goods with any sense of timing or pairing whatsoever. Our night took 3 and a half hours (not that we're in a hurry when dining) and to add insult to you know, was the largest bill of our adventure in PEC.

The food is great (of course), so I'd say try your luck with the regular menu and a bottle of wine instead of waiting for pairings to arrive. They might not be able to get that as wrong.

Please, please, please do try Carriage House in Bloomfield. You will love it.

The 2 best restaurants in the County along with Milford Bistro are the new Carriage House in Bloomfield (the chef is formerly of Crush in Toronto) and Angeline's, which is also in Bloomfield.

[HenryT]

Had a very good dinner at Angeline's on the August long weekend. Classic, not innovative, but perfectly executed.

Our cottage is out there.
Our two fave spots are Currahs in Picton and the Waring House just outside of Picton; there is also a pub next door if you are into live (albeit loud)music. My sister recommends The Hidden Bistro.

Currah's is pretty good, although the atmosphere is just OK. It's on the main street in Picton.
Also on the Main Street was another restauarnt, can't remember the name but the owner was the same as the Hidden Bistro. There was a fire but it's slated to re-open in October. It doesn't look like anything special, looks like it was once a doughnut shop or something, but the food is amazing and reasonable prices. Service was good, owners were very welcoming. I got the recommendation from some locals last year and was very thankful I went there.
Allycatz (across from Currah's) is good for live music.
Make sure you try Slicker's Ice Cream.
The Bean COunter Cafe has good coffee and gelato.
The Painted Peppercorn has a wonderful back patio and lunches.
I'll seach for the name of the resto and try and post.
If you're looking for higher end, romantic, there are lots of options at the resorts and B&Bs. The Waring House perhaps?

found it - I always forget the name.

Main Street Market Grill
166 Main St., Picton - 613.476.7441
www.hiddenbistro.com

If you want more info on 'The County' let me know. I've been a number of times and am a huge fan.

I second the rec for Currah's! There's also an unassuming place in Wellington (right beside a channel leading to the lake -- doesn't look like much from the outside) but they serve a great gourmet pizza and microbrew. The Barley Room Pub at the Waring House is also quite charming and often has live Irish/Scottish/folk music.

Picton's my hometown. The Merrill Inn is getting rave reviews. The Chef is ex-The Fifth.

Angeline's is still the best. Be sure to meet Chef Willie Fida.