FORKS ON THE ROAD
To inspire your next edible adventure, we asked eight Toronto food experts what they eat when they have a free day and a full tank of gas. Some are worthwhile stops on a long journey; others are destinations 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
Brisket tacos from Casero Taco Bus
Favourite of Miki Ferrall, co-founder, Crafty Ramen
Where Sauble Beach ( 316 Main St.)
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.”
Apple fritters from the Big Apple
Favourite of David Adjey, chef-owner, Bouffe by David Adjey
Where Colborne (262 Orchard Rd.)
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.”
Chicken pot pie from Valley Farm Market
Favourite of John Sinopoli, owner/ chef, Ascari Hospitality Group
Where Elmvale (2457 County Rd. 92)
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.”
Butter tarts from The Elmbrook Farm
Favourite of Aaron Chen, chef, Frenchy Toronto Where Picton (339 Elmbrook Rd.)
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.”
Bulgogi from Sujeo
Favourite of Moeen Abuzaid, chef/owner, Arbequina Where Picton (172 Picton Main St.)
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 bulgog is my favourite. It has great depth and it feels like a family recipe.”
Cold smoked pork chops from Metzger Fine Quality Meat
Favourite of Ben Gundy, owner, Taverne Tamblyn Where Hensall (180 Brock Ave.)
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.”
Mozzarella sticks from Rizzo’s House of Parm
Favourite of Pay Chen, food writer and television host
Where Ridgeway (2 Ridgeway Rd.)
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.”
Carrot cake from Crossroads Restaurant
Favourite of: Ali Khan Lalani, owner,
General Assembly Pizza
Where Rosseau (2 Cardwell Rd.)
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.