From Farm to Your Table

Before diving into this topic, I want to acknowledge my perspective on food and health. I firmly believe that what we eat has a major impact on our well-being, and I favor naturally raised and organic whole foods. With various diets and approaches to eating, I don’t claim to know what’s best for everyone, but I think it’s essential to consider how food choices impact both health and sustainability when discussing farm-to-table options. One of the great advantages of living in an agriculturally rich region is having access to local farms and fresh produce. While supermarkets and curated grocers offer convenience, visiting local farms lets you source food directly. Below, I highlight some of my favorite local farms that not only provide incredible products but also promote sustainable, regenerative farming practices. These include Good Family Farms, with their diversified organic operations, Sideroad Farms’ certified organic vegetables and flowers, Twin Creeks Farm’s grass-only livestock, Higginson Farms’ sustainable beef production, and Harvest Moon Farm’s dedication to healthy soils and community connections. Supporting these farms means making healthier food choices while contributing to a sustainable food system. Good Family Farms I’ve known the Goods since they opened with an old painted sign and a freezer in their drive shed. Now, their operation spans over 600 acres, offering beef, pork, chicken, lamb, eggs, and a wide variety of produce at their Farm Store in Meaford, Ontario. They also sell at the Collingwood Farmers' Market and offer delivery. Good Family Farms operates on regenerative principles, certified organic, and focused on healthy soils. By rotating livestock and crops, they create a symbiotic environment that nourishes both the land and the animals, minimizing the need for harsh chemicals and ensuring sustainable production. https://goodfamilyfarms.ca/     Sideroad Farms Patrick and Amy Kitchen established Sideroad Farm in 2013 in Walter’s Falls, Ontario. Their 60-acre farm produces Certified Organic vegetables, pasture-raised chickens and eggs, and cut flowers. They are deeply committed to sustainability, using regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping and livestock integration to improve soil health. You can find their produce at local farmers' markets, through their CSA programs, and at their farm store. Sideroad Farms also partners with local retailers and restaurants, helping to spread their values of environmental stewardship and healthy eating across the community. https://sideroadfarm.com/         Twin Creeks Farm Located on the beautiful rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment, Twin Creeks Farm produces grass-only beef and lamb, as well as pastured pork and poultry. Their farming philosophy goes 'Beyond Organic,' ensuring animals have full access to fresh grass during the growing season. They employ sustainable practices that nurture both their land and their animals, providing customers with naturally raised, high-quality meat. Twin Creeks is committed to growing food for their family and community with the highest standards of environmental care. https://www.twincreeksfarm.ca/     Higginson Farms Dedicated to raising sustainably produced beef, Higginson Farms focuses on grass-fed, grain-finished cattle. Their humane farming practices aim to minimize environmental impact while producing tender, flavorful beef. Offering everything from individual cuts to pre-packaged boxes, Higginson Farms is committed to transparency, ensuring their customers receive ethically raised, high-quality meat. Whether you're visiting their farm or ordering for delivery, they make it easy to bring farm-fresh beef to your table. https://shophigginsonfarms.com/         Harvest Moon Farm Nestled just outside of Meaford, Harvest Moon Farm specializes in providing fresh, organic vegetables to the community. Known for their hands-on approach to sustainable farming, they offer not only produce but also educational workshops and consulting services. Their mission is to connect people to their food, from seed to plate, while emphasizing the importance of healthy soils and sustainable growing practices. By empowering their customers with knowledge and fresh, local ingredients, Harvest Moon Farm helps build a stronger, more connected community centered around wholesome, nutritious food. https://www.farmharvestmoon.com/  

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Small Town Living with a Big City Food Scene

One of the biggest misconceptions about moving from the city to a more rural area is the belief that fewer people equate to fewer options—whether for shopping, entertainment, the arts, or dining. While a big city like Toronto may offer a vast array of restaurants, it doesn’t guarantee that the majority are exceptional. Southern Georgian Bay, on the other hand, proves that quality can outweigh quantity, offering an impressive selection of top-tier culinary experiences that rival any urban hotspot. Despite the challenges the restaurant industry has faced, particularly during the pandemic, Southern Georgian Bay has become a food lover's paradise, delivering high-quality dining experiences that showcase local talent and ingredients. From intimate tasting menus to cozy taverns, the region continues to defy expectations with its culinary excellence. Markdale, ON – Down Home RestaurantOne of the most extraordinary dining experiences in Southern Georgian Bay can be found at Down Home Restaurant in Markdale. Formerly Sumac and Salt, this establishment is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Joel Gray and Hannah Harradine. Nestled on their country property, Down Home offers a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the rich agricultural bounty of Grey County. In the warmer months, guests are welcomed to dine outdoors, beginning their experience in the garden. The menu is a surprise, evolving with the seasons, and guests can expect to be fully immersed in the experience for at least three hours, making it a truly memorable outing.  Visit www.downhomerestaurant.com to make a reservation   Creemore, ON – The PineRelocated from Collingwood, The Pine now calls Creemore home and continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity. Chef Jeremy Austin and his wife Cassie have crafted an immersive tasting menu that draws on the surrounding landscapes for inspiration, using local ingredients to tell stories that transport diners far beyond the immediate locale. Recently named one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, The Pine's reputation as a culinary destination is well-established, and it has earned a place in the Michelin dining guide alongside Down Home. This is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for innovative and elegant cuisine. Visit www.thepinecreemore.ca to make a reservation.   Flesherton, ON – The GateNew to the Southern Georgian Bay food scene, The Gate is helmed by acclaimed Chef Jonathan Gushue (formerly of Langdon Hall and Fogo Island) and his partner, Jennifer Bélanger. This restaurant blends modern European cuisine with seasonal, local ingredients. The setting is cozy and casual, with a limited-space kitchen counter that allows diners to watch the culinary magic unfold. The dining room, with its historic brick walls and natural lighting, creates an inviting ambiance, and the curated wine list enhances the overall experience. The Gate’s relaxed yet refined approach makes it a standout in Flesherton. Visit www.thegategreyhighlands.ca to make a reservation.   Kimberley, ON – Hearts TavernIn Kimberley, Hearts Tavern combines the charm of rustic countryside dining with sophisticated culinary craftsmanship. Housed in a historic red brick farmhouse, Hearts Tavern offers a French and Italian-inspired menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes like steak tartare and applewood-smoked heritage chicken showcase the flavors of Grey County. With its chef’s garden and scenic views of the Niagara Escarpment, this two-acre property offers a perfect retreat for diners seeking both tranquility and top-notch food. Owned by Teo Paul, Hearts Tavern blends old-world charm with modern culinary finesse. Visit www.heartsgreycounty.ca to make a reservation.   Collingwood, ON – Tremont CaféTremont Café, located in the heart of Collingwood, is known for its fine dining with a Mediterranean flair. Set within a historic building that also houses the Tremont Studios, the café offers a warm and elegant atmosphere that is ideal for both casual and celebratory occasions. With dishes like steak tartare, halibut, and a variety of vegetarian options, Tremont Café prides itself on fresh, high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation. Signature items like duck confit and Wagyu striploin ensure a memorable dining experience, where impeccable service and a cozy environment are always part of the package. Visit www.thetremontcafe.com to make a reservation. Southern Georgian Bay might not have the sheer number of restaurants found in larger cities, but what it offers is an extraordinary culinary scene that thrives on creativity, quality, and local pride. From intimate, farm-to-table experiences to elegant, world-class cuisine, these small towns deliver big flavors that satisfy even the most discerning palates. 

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