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Road Trip Local

September 22, 2015

As summer approached its inevitable end, days melting faster than a July double scoop, I cast thoughts back to our August long weekend road trip, Tobermory bound.compasslions head lighthouse

Supporting local when travelling outside of my community matters to me; with the ease that I read and follow a map, my internal compass inherently directs me to local.

First stop was prearranged; having discovered the amazing Casero Bus taco stand at Sauble Beach last year, I had my sights set on their Owen Sound Restaurant, “Casero Kitchen”. My most capable copilot ordered our take out dinner while we were on the road.

casero insideSimple signage directs, inviting umbrellas enhance, the Casero Kitchen vibe starts in the parking lot. Once inside my sensory system was suitably teased; the scent of cilantro, the stunning turquoise fridge, the murmur of contented diners, all signals indicated we were in for a treat. I was tantalized by the aroma as we zoom zoomed to our cottage destination. Local Georgian Bay whitefish tacos, quesadillas and churros with Mayan Mexico sauce, dinner was wickedly tasty.

I was decidedly pouty upon learning that Casero Kitchen wasn’t open on holiday Monday for a return drive through delish for my trip home. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for hours and daily specials!
Casero Kitchen Table

tacos

We arrived too late for the Lions Head farmers market, but this community knows how to throw a party. Their annual long weekend festivities include a street dance; great fun for locals
and tourists alike. https://lionsheadmarket.wordpress.com/

Tobermory bound I was craving a leisurely lunch while darling daughter was taking the glass bottomed boat tourist ride to photograph the sites. This being the day of shelf clouds and torrential downpour I wasn’t sure said boat would launch, but I knew I would find sustenance. How to find to find fresh local foods? Ask the locals; a gaggle of girls carrying take out containers confirmed that following my nose to Moli Nari’s Italian Cuisine & Espresso Bar was the place for lunch.

molinari food

The casual exterior hides the bustle inside, tables are full, waiters are hustling, kitchen is loud and the food is great. My deconstructed Caprese salad included pesto, a flavourful addition. Merluzzo Alla Norma was a pan seared cod served with Mediterranean risotto, and citrus ricotta. Stellar!

I don’t usually indulge in dessert at lunch but the Tiramisu was recommended and provided a perfect photo op alongside my espresso. While the storm was fierce, my food was fantastic.molinari dessert

http://www.themolinaris.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=91

On the return trip my thoughts turned to practicality, finding The Barn Co-operative Network in Meaford was serendipitous; this pit stop allowed me to shop for fresh organic food for my fridge and find inspiration for my writing. This co working community, yoga studio and farmers market cooperative is a treasure.

http://themarketmeaford.com/the-barn/the market

 

Next up was a stop at Blue Ridge Meats in Collingwood where I ordered a pork belly cut to size for pick up at their Wasaga Beach store on my next road trip.

http://www.blueridgemeatscollingwood.com/

 

 

On our long weekend road trip, each community we visited held a fabulous treasure-trove of local food and events to discover.

I put my money where my fork goes at home and on the road!

 

 

 

 

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2 Comments

  • Reply Dan Hurley September 23, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Thanx for making me hungry again less than an hour after I had supper. ;-)!
    Fast paced and mouth watering writing!

  • Reply Sandra November 4, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Lovely blog, can’t wait to read more.

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