Natura eatery opens in Fenelon Falls
Owner offers comfort food, focusing on fresh ingredients, hearty appetites
Jackelyn Lagda is thrilled to be back in the kitchen, sharing her favourite comfort food dishes and recipes infused with the Philippine flavours of her childhood.
She recently opened the doors to Natura, at 12 May St. in Fenelon Falls, after being out of the culinary game for a few years.
Lagda and her family came to Canada from the Philippines in 1999, joining her sister who had immigrated three years earlier.
Although Lagda had trained as a midwife, her passion was cooking. “It was just a hobby at first, a way to look after my family and be creative,” she said.
In 2006, the family moved to Fenelon Falls and opened The Signature Restaurant on Lindsay Street. Lagda honed her cooking talents, serving a variety of items, from comfort soups and sandwiches to entrees with an Asian influence.
Shortly after Lagda had her youngest child, she decided to take time off and focus on her family. She was contemplating a return when COVID-19 hit. Lagda decided to sell the restaurant, but continued to work
there up until last fall when her daughter started school.
With a little more time on her hands, Lagda wanted to get back into the restaurateur game. “But I didn’t want to take on too much; the other restaurant was a lot of work,” said Lagda. “I looked for a smaller place. This is perfect.”
Lagda has continued to offer up a variety of Canadian comfort food items with a focus on fresh ingredients and healthy eating. “I make most things myself,” said Lagda.
Natura’s menu features several breakfasts — which include home fries, toast and coffee — pancakes, French toast and omelettes.
Lunch options include homestyle burgers, sandwiches, triple-decker clubs and salad, while dinners run the gamut of chicken, port and steak entrees, “Natura Specials” and pasta.
To order, make reservations or for information, call 705887-0887.