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Introduction
In Norfolk County, you can "walk the crop" at a pick-your-own strawberry field. Learn about the many cultivars and differences among strawberries, then pick a quart to snack on. Or take a horseback ride through a shiitake mushroom farm, then enjoy a western-style barbecue on a picnic table in the woods, served with locally foraged woodland mushrooms.
Of course, there are dozens of ways to take part in a great Norfolk County culinary experience. Take a visit to The Causeway Restaurant and Marketplace in Long Point, where local Lake Erie perch is served all day. In Simcoe, you can dine in or fill up your basket with gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches and artisanal baked goods for a great picnic at Serafina, or enjoy fine Italian cuisine with ingredients sourced locally at The Barrel Pizza & Pasta.
Norfolk County has a diverse food culture and a rich local heritage with strong roots in agriculture. The county is strategically situated and easily accessible from the 400 series of highways and midway between the American border crossings at Fort Erie, Windsor and Sarnia. Among Norfolk's notable attractions are the picturesque hamlets, fishing ports, beach towns and lakeside villages that dot an idyllic stretch of the north shore of Lake Erie, including: Port Dover, Port Ryerse, Turkey Point and Long Point. Sport fishing is a key activity; this is a fishing enthusiast's paradise renowned for its plentiful perch, pickerel and bass.
Agri-tourism also draws excited visitors to Norfolk County.
The pace is slow enough to notice what's growing in the bountiful fields, and wandering the back roads, visiting farm gate retailers, you are well-rewarded with delicious tastes of the county when you reach your destination.
Farmers, growers, artisanal food producers, and a unique terroir and microclimate are all vital to Norfolk County's growing economic development and keys to promoting Ontario's South Coast as a culinary destination and emerging wine region.
Restaurant Sound Bites
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A number of interesting Norfolk County restaurants are sourcing the local terroir for the ingredients on their menus. In Port Dover, the Erie Beach Hotel Restaurant is famous for its Lake Erie Perch, and for many people, one of the first sure signs of spring is when The Arbor opens for the season.The Arbor has been a Port Dover -landmark for locals and
thousands of tourists every year since 1919, satisfying appetites with their famous Golden Glow (fresh fruit) drinks, fresh-cut fries, Ritz Red Hots (footlongs), and a large variety of homemade relishes. You can also dine on the beach overlooking Long Point Bay. Owned and operated by the Knechtel family, The Beach House invites you to enjoy their menu featuring "coastal cuisine."
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The Belworth House
The Belworth House is a handsomely restored 1872 Victorian home in Waterford, the heart of Norfolk County. At The Belworth House, they care about what you eat. Owner/operator Chef Tracy Winkworth is in the restaurant's kitchen each evening. Their mandate is to provide their guests with wonderfully flavourful cuisine while educating them about the local terroir — through taste. Ingredients are sourced through a network of local farmers, foragers, brewers and vintners. Winkworth also offers a seasonal schedule of cooking classes.
90 James Street South, Waterford
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Normandale Century Inn
Normandale Century Inn is located in a tiny picturesque hamlet by Potter's Creek on Lake Erie. Brenda Diehl sources local and homegrown ingredients for her menus. In addition to maintaining the four-room Inn, Diehl keeps her pantry stocked with homemade fare made with time-honoured techniques, serving it up for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the patio, comfortable lounge and rural dining in a pastoral setting. Normandale's historic general store is over a century old.
2326 Front Road, Normandale
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David's
David's is a fine-dining restaurant located five minutes from downtown Port Dover, with a panoramic view of Lake Erie. Chef John Crowley supports local agriculture and farmers, sourcing products and specialty ingredients from Fisherville Greenhouse, a hydroponic farm in Haldimand County, using Ontario lamb and pork, and working with local Black Angus cattle farms , along with Norwich Packers, who are putting a program together for prime grade steaks for the restaurant. The wine list also has a strong selection of Canadian vintages.
168 New Lake Shore Road, Port Dover
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The Blue Elephant
Established in 1992, Simcoe's The Blue Elephant Pub, owned and operated by Heather Pond-Manorome, first became popular with locals seeking the restaurant's signature curry dishes and other iconic menu items. One of the most idiosyncratic refined casual dining establishments in this neck of the woods, the restaurant is split into two distinct areas. The dining areas, open for dinner, feature a Thai Room decorated with pachyderm-themed statuary and Asian accents. Another, Bell's Room, features Pond-Manorome's grandmother's paintings.
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As well, there is the more casual, British-themed, Tuskers Pub, which serves lunch and dinner. Two outdoor patios are open in season. Pay specific attention to items marked "Norfolk Feature" – menu offerings sourced from 50 different area farmers. These change weekly in the summer and biweekly the rest of the year.
96 Norfolk Street South, Simcoe
Norfolk Festivals
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The Norfolk County Fair
and Horse Show
Marquee festivals include The Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show. In its 171st year, this is the fifth largest fair in Ontario, with over 100,000 visitors each year this fair features agricultural displays, craft exhibits, food vendors, art demonstrations, talent competitions, midway rides, free grandstand entertainment and many added special attractions. Yearly events include the Norfolk Wildlife Festival and Adventure Show, the new Eat & Drink Norfolk Food & Beverage Show, and other fund-raising initiatives.
October 4 - 10, 2011
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Eat & Drink Norfolk
Come and enjoy the annual Eat & Drink Norfolk event, held annually in April in the Auditorium at the Norfolk County Fair-grounds. Come to a relaxed atmosphere, mix and mingle, visit food and beverage displays with each one providing unique offerings of the many fine food products available right here in Norfolk County. Many well-known restaurants and food producers are eager to participate along with wineries and breweries. Look for a new Wine Garden area.
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Flavourfest
FlavourFest is an annual exhibit at the Norfolk County Fair featuring indigenous products for consumers to taste and purchase, plus cooking demos with the "The Two Fairly Fat Guys" and other celebrity chefs. And don't forget the Waterford Pumpkin Festival in October.
Farmers’ Markets
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Lions Club Silver Lake Market
In Port Dover, visit the Lions Silver Lake Market featuring local produce, cider,
honey, maple syrup, farm fresh eggs, homemade jams and jellies.
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 320 St. Patrick Street, Port Dover
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Simcoe Market
In 1849 George Kent donated land to be used for an open air market
in Simcoe. The area between what is now known as Robinson Head,
Talbot and Market streets was an outdoor market until 1868.Today, the
Simcoe Market has moved to the fairgrounds and offers market-goers the
opportunity to interact with 32 year-round vendors and an additional 20 farmers
and producers in season. There are organic and hydroponically-grown veg-
etables as well as heirloom cultivars, in-season fruit and berries, and a variety
of seasonal home baking and other traditional regional products.
Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Norfolk County Fairgrounds,
Home Craft Building, 172 South Drive, Simcoe
Getaway Culinary Packages
Enjoy one of these culinary packages that will
inspire and recharge you, from romantic
getaways to an escape with friends.
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Norfolk’s Foodie Fair Affair Recipe
Includes the following:
• Overnight accommodations for 2
• Passes to Norfolk County Fair (for 2)
• Guaranteed Chef Show Seating
• Fairgrounds parking pass
• $25 Fair Food Voucher
• $20 Flavourfest Voucher
• Continental breakfast for 2
• Direct From Norfolk Basket
Contact:
Comfort Inn Simcoe, 519-426-2611
Email: cn295@whg.com Please refer to code "PFAIR"
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$84.99
Per Person CAD plus applicable
taxes (based on double occupancy)
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Looking for a little more pizazz in your package?
opt to add A Taste of Norfolk Harvest Dinner
(only available on Oct 4, 2011):
2 Dinner Admission Tickets
• VIP Parking
• 2 passes to see Burton Cummings
For Reservations Contact:
Comfort Inn Simcoe, 519-426-2611
Email: cn295@whg.com Please refer to code "PFAIR"
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$210.00
Package price cannot be combined
with any other discount or promo-
tion. Packages and prices subject to
change without notice. All packages
subject to limited availability. Some
restrictions apply.
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The Grape Getaway
Need a great escape? How about a grape escape?
Explore Norfolk County and Florence Estate Winery
Enjoy a two night stay at St Johns Bed and Breakfast where each
morning you will be treated to a fine country breakfast. Choose which
evening you would like to enjoy your wine sampling followed by a
delicious dinner for two at one of our newest independent wineries.
The rest of your trip is yours to plan; lots to see and do along the
south coast of Ontario.
(includes $100 dinner voucher and 2 night double occupancy
accommodation)
For Reservations Contact:
St Johns Bed and Breakfast, 519 426-2949
(reservation required)
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$300.00
(Fri & Sat only) 5:30pm to 8:30pm
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Small Is Good
The smallest things in life bring the greatest pleasures and memories!
From tiny grapes are extracted great pleasure, enjoyment and
flavour! Discover Norfolk County’s newest independent winery
Florence Estate Winery. Enjoying a wine sampling before dinner
solves the dilemma of which wine to choose to have with dinner for
two. Later relax at St Johns Bed and Breakfast overnight where you’ll
be treated to a lovely full country breakfast the next morning before
you head home.
(includes $100 dinner voucher and 1 night double occupancy
accommodation)
For Reservations Contact:
St Johns Bed and Breakfast, 519 426-2949
(reservation required)
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$200.00
(Fri & Sat only) 5:30pm to 8:30pm
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For More Information Visit:
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Norfolk County Tourism
Local: 519-426-9497
Toll Free: 1-800-699-9038
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