Prince Edward County, ON – The early spring pantry can often feel bare, with canned and cold-stored food running low while tender shoots hint at the promise of coming produce. Chefs in Prince Edward County are rising to the task, preparing three-course meals designed to highlight seasonal fare at this year’s Spring Countylicious, running April 6-29.
Participating restaurants include Amelia’s Garden (Waring House), East and Main Bistro, The Merrill Inn, Portabella, Pomodoro, Public House at Jackson’s Falls, The Drake Devonshire, Gazebo Restaurant (Waupoos Estates Winery) and Hartley’s Tavern. For the first time, The Mill PEC in Consecon will also join.
“We’re extremely fortunate to be surrounded by farm-to-table producers who are continually finding ways to extend their seasons and meet the needs of County restaurants,” says chef Sebastien Schwab of The Mill PEC, whose Spring Countylicious menu features heirloom carrots and beets from Thyme Again, Fiddlehead and Northport organic farms, mushrooms from Highline Mushroom Farm and microgreens from Cloven.
A list of local growers and producers supplying ingredients for Spring Countylicious can be found at countylicious.com, alongside full menus. Each meal costs $40 per person, plus taxes and gratuities.
Giving back to the community
In an effort to support food security locally, $1 from each Countylicious plate sold during the first week of the promotion – up to $500 – will be donated to student nutrition programs offered by the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation.
The program helps ensure all students have daily access to breakfast, lunch or snacks while at school.
“Food for Learning programs ensure that students have daily access to school breakfast, lunch and/or snack programs at no cost. When students eat better, they can learn better,” said Maribeth deSnoo, Executive Director of the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation. “Food for Learning Programs help students by increasing concentration and the ability to focus, decreasing negative behaviours, providing positive role models, providing a safe and welcoming environment, and the nutrition needed for optimum health. Community support tremendously helps to make providing quality, nutritious food possible.”
Weeknight promotions
Weeknight diners (Sunday – Thursday) will also have a chance to eat on the house, with each of the 10 participating restaurants offering a free dinner-for-two to randomly selected diners over the four week promotion.
For more information, contact Karen Palmer, Destination Development and Marketing Coordinator, County of Prince Edward, at 613.476.2148 ext. 2505 or kpalmer@pecounty.on.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact Mark Kerr at 613.476.2148 ext. 1009 or by email at mkerr@pecounty.on.ca.