Peterborough and the Kawarthas

[PoppiYYZ]

With all the restaurants and shops fighting over business from the Students, Residents, Part Timers, and Vacationers, Peterborough and area has a surprisingly active and good food scene.

Thought we should start a new thread to update the DOs and DON'T's.

[peppermint pate]

Bumping this thread - am heading to the Bancroft area sometime in the next couple of weeks for a few days. Interested in one or two chow stops along the way, ideally a lunch/coffee spot within 60-90 minutes of Toronto on the way there and then a snack/lunch/coffee spot within an hour or so of Bancroft on the way home. I'm not too familiar with this area but assume we'll be driving to Peterborough and north on 28 from there. Not sure who's open this time of year and would prefer not to go into Peterborough. Thanks!

[PoppiYYZ]

I'm sad to say that after being open for six months, I finally visited Le Petit Bar on Water at Hunter and it was excellent !!

The place is small with communal high top tables along with more private booths and side tables. Tried the small charcuterie with fantastic pork rillettes, delicious herb sausage, cheeses and other very tasty accompaniments (like dressed greens, excellent cornichons, house made mustard, bread and oilives). Good music, attentive service, nice selection of wines, specialty cocktails with house made bitters (!), and very reasonable prices.

Le Petit Bar is definitely worth a visit soon for an after work drink, pre-entertainment appetizer, or relaxing lighter dinner.

[foodinspace]

I agree with you 100%. Le Petit Bar is a gem. Curious, have you tried Kettle Drums yet? I have yet to be disappointed with their pizza.

FYI, the bread served at Le Petit Bar/St. Veronus is house-made. They sell it to the public every Wednesday at Sympathy for the Rebel, the clothing shop a couple of units south of Le Petit Bar on Water. Also, I learned recently that the Asian store across from Goodies on George brings in Chinese food from Toronto every Thursday including roast duck and steamed pork buns. I haven't yet gone myself but have heard from friends.

[PoppiYYZ]

Can't say enough about Franz's thick cut, house smoked bacon.

Karrie is using it at the Riverhouse in Lakefield, and I know I mentioned it as a Caesar ingredient, but using it on a Spinach Salad and in the Dressing is mind blasting (and mind blasting is good!!).

Also tried Franz's hot smoked salmon (I think the un-spiced maple smoked) and although it was expensive, it was fantastic with scrambled eggs and next day with a Caesar salad lunch.

Regulations are making it tough for these small guys to smoke in house, so enjoy it while it lasts...

[wiggy.]

Lakefield's woodburning pizza place is showing a "For Lease" sign. Doesn't appear there's any action imminent. Maple Moon on the bend in the road is closed down and that building is also for lease. Revolution BBQ is open again (Thu-Sun) after their winter break and they now have a liquor license. Beer and ribs. Mmmm. Lakefield Bakery still making delicious cinnamon buns.

[orphish]

The pizza place did re-open briefly as "Nero's Joy" (same owner, new self-service model and lower prices) but it was very short lived -- maybe 2 weeks. It is indeed for lease, so let's hope someone makes a go of it.

[kawarthagirl]

Good grief.

[testid]

Just curious ...What kind(s) of beer? . I told them they needed some tasty micro brews in there to complete the place.

[wiggy.]

I've not been into the place since they acquired their liquor license, so I couldn't say what they have on for beer. I'm hoping they put forward some interesting stuff, but I also understand that can be tough economically, because it's simply easier to sell the big 5-6 brands. I'd be content even if they went with a couple of decent micros alongside the usual suspects.

[PoppiYYZ]

Micro beers don't do anything for me. However, a real CASK beer would have me stopping in much more frequently !

After going to Ritz Deli North 2-3 times a month for years, I've only been back a couple of times since they dropped their CASK ESB beer...

[PTBOGourmet]

I've had great luck at RiverHouse Co in Lakefield, Rare Steakhouse (Get the bone marrow!), and Viamede on Stoney Lake.

Viamede's great because, if you're willing to make the drive, the Inn at Mount Julian is a great fine dining option, and then head to the Pub for drinks. Lots of locals too, so it's a fun place.

It's also one of the few places in the area that offers a tasting menu.

[PoppiYYZ]

Viamede was featured on Restaurant Makeover. Been to there once for lunch and it was meh, but I'll have to give it a try again.

[PTBOGourmet]

I hear that a lot, although there was a change of ownership last year, so maybe new owners, better service?

When were you there?

[PoppiYYZ]

It was last summer, maybe June(?).

Try the Old Mill in Youngs Point when it opens again this summer. Dumpy place, but with a deck on the water and great food.

[kawarthagirl]

The new owner is really making changes.......... We're going to check it out soon.

[PoppiYYZ]

Old Mill in Young's Point has new owners again. Same menu but no liquor license as of yet. Found the food last year had slipped, but will try again soon.

Old Mill's previous owners have opened a new restaurant, called Island Grill, in the Burleigh Island Lodge (which is still closed). It's a big space, and hopefully they can make something of it.

[wiggy.]

Time for a wintertime update for places in the Lakefield/Bridgenorth area.

Many places are on winter hiatus or on abbreviated seasonal schedules. Maple Moon is open Thursday to Sunday. Revolution BBQ is re-opening January 24 (!). Kazabella is looking rather derelict and is either history or has made a poor job of letting folks know when they'll be back at it. The bakery on the main drag is still rockin' it with fresh cinnamon buns and other tasty treats.

Out Bridgenorth way, the KFC is open again after a short break to start the new year (that's Kawartha Fried Chicken, y'all). Tequila's (in the old Wimpy's space) is gone and replaced with something called the Red & White Diner.

Now, I'm not much missing Tequila's after they served me microwaved chicken wings that we're still cold/frozen in the middle. But Red & White managed to out do them in a short sad visit earlier this week.

I faced up to a plate full of baby carrots that were nuked to some weird consistency and re-heated roast beef that had that characteristic curl of something irradiated for too long. Lots of gravy couldn't hide the weird funk of meat gone bad. Sorry guys, but I can get leftovers at home and at least I know enough not to serve myself something that doesn't look/smell right and is gonna leave me reeling and puking. Major fail.

The french fries were good, but if you're gonna repeatedly refill that Heinz ketchup bottle coz it looks so iconically sexy, at least wash the carmelized goo out of the lids once in a while. Ick.

[PoppiYYZ]

Thanks wiggy,

Shame about Kazabella. There is still stuff inside, but with the signs covered up and no notice of return, my guess is that she's gone. Too bad, I kinda liked it.

Tried to stop into Ralph's Butcher in Norwood again yesterday on the way back from Ottawa. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to find them open (they were closed Mondays, holidays, or whatevers), the place was finally open. But, bad luck continued. Dumpy place had basically nothing to offer. They are closing for a month or two and had no inventory...

On a happier note ! As a result of Ralph's ongoing bad luck, stopped into Franz's butcher on Landsdown. Tried their London Broil (flank steak stuffed with seasoned ground pork) and it was excellent. Also tried their thick cut house smoked bacon - it's fantastic. At 7.99 a pound, this bacon is better than other "gourmet" bacon I've had in the States costing double or even triple. It was outrageous sprinkled on a Caesar salad. Give them both a try.

[orphish]

Walked by Kazabella earlier today and I suspect some sort of re-opening. The sign over the porch was gone for a while, and it's now back, and under the wrapping you can see that it's different colour (bright red) than the old sign. Under the wrapping of the sign on the line you can see matching bright red. So, either Kazabella has picked a new colour scheme for re-opening, or somebody else is taking over. The anticipation is high... The Loon REALLY needs some competition.
Thanks for the tip on Franz's. I haven't been there in ages. I'm finding the prices a bit much (especially on lamb!) at Flannigan's.
Has anyone eaten at Cassis recently? I haven't gone back since a series of disappointing meals last year, but Riverhouse was fully booked tonight.

[PoppiYYZ]

Never been to Cassis. Tried getting in a couple of times and got some very serious attitude. That, plus mediocre reviews from others = a Riverhouse reservation.

Speaking of lamb however...

There are a few good local farmers raising lamb. I only buy lamb direct from them. Half a lamb packaged is about 25 - 30 lbs at $4-5/lb. Use the Kawartha Choice website and "Find Local Products" link, then filter for lamb. Great source for local chicken, turkey, eggs, and excellent maple syrup...

http://www.kawarthachoice.com

[wiggy.]

One of the maple syrup sellers at the Ptbo Farmers Market - family by the name of Staples - was the champion syrup maker at the Royal Winter Fair 2-3 years ago. They also sell at the farm gate off Hwy. 7 in Cavan. Mmmm.

For sausage I'm still liking King St. Market. Good bacon and butcher, too.

[PoppiYYZ]

Maple Drive Farms just east of Lakefield won the 1st Place Maple Syrup Ribbon under the category "Medium grade" at the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. They usually sell out of their best grade quickly, so plan on buying in the Spring.

Must be some good maple trees around here...

[freia]

I remember a restaurant being redone for the TV show "Restaurant Makeover". I think it was Karma's Cafe. Is it still in business, and is it any good?
Inquiring minds need to know!
:)

[orphish]

Yup, Karma's is still in business, and still worth a visit.

[freia]

Thanks! I'm just down the road and I must confess, I've been intrigued. Sounds like its time for a road trip!
:)

[PoppiYYZ]

Karma's has added a second room to the restaurant which is quite austere, so be sure to make a reservation and specify a table in the renovated section (the window table is for two). That guy can cook, get the sampler appetizer to share.

[freia]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to make time for this in the next couple of weekends! I appreciate it :)

[PoppiYYZ]

Gotta tell you about Captain George's at 91 George Str N - a family style joint that is cranking out some good food. Kind of a Greek / Fish and Chip combo place with fantastic fish and chips, excellent battered scallops and shrimps, and decent salads. I went in reluctantly the first time but have been back repeatedly.

They break down their own halibut and batter to order (other fish is available too). Decent Greek salad (has lettuce but uses a home made dressing), very good Caesar, and a fantastic huge grilled Mediterranean Salad. The small salads are a good size, and you can get 6 plump grilled shrimp or a proper grilled chicken breast (no nukes here) for about 9 bucks.

Nuthin fancy, but mostly scratch made (fries and rings are bought in, but good), reasonably priced, and very good. Give it a try.

[PoppiYYZ]

Lakefield now has Neapolitan Pizza !!

Kazabella has opened and their wood fired oven is cranking out authentic Neopailtan style pizza. Christine, the pizza chef / owner has done her homework, trained with a pizza chef, and installed a medium sized hardwood heated 750C+ pizza oven. The dough is house made with Caputo OO resulting in light fluffy charred goodness.

No pepperoni to be seen on the menu, but pizzas are available with spicy sausage, prosciutto, or pancetta. Limited menu with a handful of great pizzas, one salad (Caprese), Bruschetta, one soup, and a Gelato for desert. I tried the standard Margherita and it was excellent (they also have a Margherita with Bufala Mozzarella but unfortunately they were out). Went in very hungry and the small (approx 8") was very filling and only $10. Licensed with beer and wine.

Done Terroni, Libretto and Queen Margherita (plus many in NYC and Naples). This ranks second in Ontario just behind QM IMHO. Fairly busy on a Wednesday night and everyone there was making positive comments.

PS This is definitely NOT take out pizza. It must be enjoyed right out of that blast furnace of an oven, so plan on eating it there.

[orphish]

Thanks PoppiYYZ for starting this thread! I too have tried and enjoyed Kazabella -- my only complaint is that the 8:30 closing time means that they're not open late enough to linger and order another bottle of wine.

Looking forward to some good exchanges on the local food scene, including sourcing ingredients and such. One thing I've had trouble finding a consistent supply of is corn tortillas so I'm glad you mentioned the place in the market that sells masa dough, but does anyone know where you can find a tortilla press in Peterborough?

[PoppiYYZ]

BTW As a little history, many good spots were already covered in a previous thread :

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/780809

but I wanted to mention another fantastic find. At the Peterborough Farmers market on Saturday, there is a little booth selling simple tacos made with real fresh made corn tortillas. The flavor and texture are incredible. The masa (corn dough) is also available to purchase.

[1sweetpea]

Riverhouse Co. in Lakefield has impressed me on three separate visits, two being last summer and the most recent one last week. My DH and I shared an appetizer of king crab and micro greens strewn over an avocado half. For mains, I had the venison tenderloin with a wild blueberry sauce, sided with small savoury French toasts with cambozola and basil sandwiched in between with a handful of dainty green beans. It was decadent and delicious. DH had a very generous portion of rack of lamb (from New Zealand, I believe), smashed new potatoes and the same green beans as on my plate. We enjoyed a very nice bottle of wine as well. I can't remember the name, but it was very reasonably priced and not a bottle I recognized from the LCBO.

[PoppiYYZ]

Great new burger joint just opened in the west end (1840 Landsdowne Street West - in the plaza next to No Frills).

The Apollo Grill has moved out of the Montreal House into a shiny new location and resurrected the legendary Royal Burger. Tried it yesterday and have to say, hands down, it's the best burger in Peterborough. Rings and fries are very good too.

The burger falls a little short of the old MoHo version though. Maybe the flat top isn't as hot or maybe it just hasn't seasoned yet, but the "crust" wasn't as good. Hopefully time will make things even better...

[bluespace]

I agree! Consistent, delicious, super fresh and great prices!