From The Executive Editor

When Max Yasgur stepped onto the stage at Woodstock, he greeted the half a million strong by saying, “I’m a farmer,” and received a more thunderous ovation than Jimi Hendrix drew the following day. Today, farmers are the rock stars. Farmers do more than feed our cities; they cultivate our land. Chefs, the really good ones, are their interlocutors. From Southern Europe to Southern California, from the Japan seaside to each coast of Canada and every province in between, local culinary traditions and farming practices are defining our cultures and our economies like never before. Today’s savvy restaurateurs are buying locally and sustainably. We care where our food comes from; we care that it’s appropriate to the season. When we travel, we want to know where and what to eat that distinguishes each destination. Fresh is in. Exotic is whatever grows in our own backyard. Regions across Ontario are brimming with authentic experiences true to our roots. We’ve discovered that not only do good things grow in Ontario; but also that acclaimed chefs have recognized “we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.”

So, raise a glass of VQA wine or Canadian whisky, and make a toast to our Canada’s 150. We hope you’ll enjoy our stories and recommendations in this issue of DINE and Destinations. À votre santé !