To inspire your next edible adventure, we asked nine Toronto food experts what they most want to eat the next time they have a free day and a full tank of gas. Some are worthwhile waypoints on a long journey, while others are the destination in their own right. Here are the best places to pull over and feast within a few hours of Toronto and what to try when you get there.
The Food: Apple fritters from the Big Apple
Favourite of: David Adjey, chef-owner, Bouffe by David Adjey
Where: Colborne, 262 Orchard Rd. thebigapple.ca
Why it’s worth it: “If I’m driving towards Kingston or Ottawa, I don’t care what time of day or night it is, I have to stop at the Big Apple for apple fritters. I buy a box for my family and there are always like three left by the time I get home. It’s the best apple fritter I’ve ever had.”
The food: Brisket tacos from Casero Taco Bus
Favourite of: Miki Ferrall, co-founder, Crafty Ramen
Where: Sauble Beach, 316 Main St. caserofood.ca
Why it’s worth it: “They have great tacos and a great vibe. They converted a bus into a kitchen, which is super cute. The brisket tacos are our go-to — usually with a piña colada. It’s a beach town, so sitting outside and eating their tacos really adds an extra touch and takes the summer experience to the next level.”
The food: Chicken pot pie from Valley Farm Market
Favourite of: John Sinopoli, owner/chef, Ascari Hospitality Group
Where: Elmvale, 2457 County Rd. 92. valleyfarmmarket.ca
Why it’s worth it: “It’s just outside Wasaga, so we love to stop here when we’re going to a cottage along Georgian Bay. We always pick up a chicken pot pie for that one night we know we won’t want to cook. They make a real dough crust. I’m pretty sure it’s made the old-fashioned way with shortening.”
The food: A cheeseburger from Webers
Favourite of: Ted Corrado, corporate executive chef, Scale Hospitality
Where: Orillia, 8825 ON-11. webers.com
Why it’s worth it: “Whenever I go up north, I have to hit Webers. I keep it simple and get a classic cheeseburger. I grew up in Toronto, so it’s a nostalgic thing. I’ve done that drive up the 400 highway many times, and now I’ve been able to introduce my daughters to the tradition.”
The food: Butter tarts from The Elmbrook Farm
Favourite of: Aaron Chen, chef, Frenchy Toronto
Where: Picton, 339 Elmbrook Rd. theelmbrookfarm.com
Why it’s worth it: “They carry these sourdough butter tarts that are out of this world. The pastry is still firm and crispy, but it’s not a traditional dough. The sourdough makes the crust kind of savoury and sweet at the same time, which is a great combination with the nutty butter tart filling.”
The food: Cold smoked pork chops from Metzger’s Meat Products Inc
Favourite of: Ben Gundy, owner, Taverne Tamblyn
Where: Hensall, 180 Brock Ave. metzgermeat.com
Why it’s worth it: “It’s a small meat processing plant run by a German guy who came to Canada 40 years ago. I’ve been going there for years. He smokes and cures and does everything there. I always get his cold-smoked pork chops to take home or to the cottage because they’re unusual — not many people prepare them that way.”
The food: Mozzarella sticks from Rizzo’s House of Parm
Favourite of: Pay Chen, food writer and television host
Where: Ridgeway, 2 Ridgeway Rd. rizzoshouseofparm.com
Why it’s worth it: “I think about these mozzarella sticks more often than I think a normal person should. They’re perfect in every way. I love the cheese and then they have this crispy coating. Mozza sticks are not something I would normally order, but these are spectacular. I could eat 10 orders of them on my own.”
The food: Bulgogi from Sujeo
Favourite of: Moeen Abuzaid, chef/owner, Arbequina
Where: Picton, 172 Picton Main St. unit 104. @sujeo_koreanrestaurant
Why it’s worth it: “I’ve been driving to this spot for a little over two years now. It’s a perfect little gem. I have an affinity for places that are family-run, since it’s just like my wife and I with our restaurant. The bulgogi is my favourite. It has great depth and it feels like a family recipe.”
The food: Carrot cake from Crossroads
Favourite of: Ali Khan Lalani, owner, General Assembly Pizza
Where: Rosseau, 2 Cardwell Rd. crossroadsrosseau.com
Why it’s worth it: “It’s the best carrot cake I’ve ever eaten in my life, and I eat carrot cake everywhere. They make it in-house. I think it’s a family recipe from a generation or two ago. It’s moist and full of shredded carrots. The frosting is perfect. I’ve never had a better slice.”
