Welcome to our first instalment of Sip, Sample & Savour, the best of Stratford and Perth County presented from an epicurean perspective.

Whatever the season, Stratford and Perth County offer exciting culinary experiences, inviting you to explore our beautiful city and its surrounding countryside.

You can sip an ice-cold beverage on one of downtown's many outdoor patios, sample fare from Perth County farmers and artisans, and savour the finest in fine dining - all in one day! And, to extend your culinary exploration into the next day, stay at one of Stratford's fabulous hotels, inns or bed & breakfasts.

And if you're looking for a taste of quintessential Stratford and Perth County within walking distance from downtown, then you'll want to check out our two-day Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival on September 26th and 27th.

Live music, farmers and artisans markets, kids activities, chef demonstrations, tastings, street food vendors and a Perth County pork barbeque are just some of the highlights of this year's programming.

As the seasons change, so too do the culinary attractions and fresh foods produced by our farmers and artisans. There's always something new to Sip, Sample & Savour so be sure to check our Culinary Calendar.

For our first issue, we're featuring an excellent culinary cross-section of places to eat, sleep, learn and celebrate. With a focus on local food and drink, these businesses offer a genuine taste of Perth County, whose terroir sets the stage for some of the tastiest produce in the world.

In each segment, you'll learn about how local food and drink is being incorporated into menus and events to create delectably successful results. Some of the businesses featured have put together special offers for our readers, so we encourage you to take advantage of exclusive offers and promotions included in this issue.

So join us this month. Whether you're here for a quick visit or a long and leisurely stay, we invite you to sip, sample and savour the best we have to offer!

Othello's
Restaurant & Bar

Local Strawberries at Megens Family Farm

County Food Co.

The Caversham House
Bed & Breakfast

Fall Culinary Festival
Update

What, Where & When
 to eat this month

STA Members interested in being featured in an upcoming issue of Sip, Sample & Savour, click here.

OTHELLO'S RESTAURANT & BAR

Located in downtown Stratford’s Market Square Othello’s is a lavishly appointed 150-seat restaurant and bar. Additional seating is available on a sunny, beautifully decorated seasonal patio bursting with colourful potted flowers, vegetables and climbing vines. The front room’s large windows provide a flood of natural light and a view of market square, and are kept open all summer. 

Chef Jason Love, who attended Stratford Chef School, takes great care in preparing dishes using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Paired with a beer from the largest on-tap selection in Stratford, or with a glass of wine from their recently updated wine list, Othello’s classic pub fare and delicious entrees are sure to delight.

Othello’s is pleased to announce that 75% of their wine list is comprised of Ontario and VQA wines, a conscious decision that supports culinary tourism, environmental sustainability, local farmers and the Ontario economy in general. A couple notable facts about choosing Ontario wines:

• When Ontarians choose local wine they are supporting more than 6,900 jobs in the Ontario wine industry.

• Every litre of Ontario wine purchased puts more than $8.48 back into the economy to support jobs, industry growth and government revenue versus 67 cents per litre from foreign wine purchases.¹

OTHELLO'S INVITES YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR FEATURES & SPECIALS:

Thursdays: 1/2 price burgers and wings

Fridays: 1/2 price fish & chips

Saturdays: Prime Rib

Sundays: Kids eat free with the purchase of an entree

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1 Findings from a 2006 KPMG study on the economical impact of Ontario Wines within the province.

LOCAL STRAWBERRIES AT MEGENS BERRY FARM

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive $1.00 off with a minimum purchase of $10.00. Click here for printable coupon.

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THE OLD PRUNE

The three artistic rooms in a century building are crowned by a Garden Room overlooking a courtyard, providing a stimulating ambiance.  Service is warm and professional, setting just the right tone for a memorable experience.  

With the razor-sharp technique and flawless execution of Chef Bryan Steele and his team, the cuisine is energetic and inspiring.   At the heart of the cooking is a bountiful array of fine ingredients available from local growers and suppliers.

Intuitive wine pairings suggested by Sommelier Peter Lavoie strengthen the gastronomic experience.

Watch for appearances by Chef Bryan Steele on CTV's...

What’s FRESH and SEASONAL (and what we're cooking up):

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THE OLD RECTORY BED & BREAKFAST

Kim and Kevin welcome you to their home.

They both have enjoyed success as chefs in the past. Kim, a native of Stratford, travelled extensively throughout the islands and crossed the Atlantic to the Mediterranean onboard a private yacht as cook, enjoying the many different cultures whilst sourcing local ingredients for crew and guests alike.

Kevin took the old world route out of Ireland and worked from apprentice to chef at The Savoy, The K Club then onto Michelin starred restaurants such as Gidleigh Park Hotel in the UK amongst others.

Originally intended to pursue a life together running an Inn, Kim & Kevin decided that the B&B was a better way to get to know their guests, raise their son and have a more hands-on approach in all that they strive to do.

The Old Rectory is their home but they want guests to feel ‘at home’ as well. They focus on preparing great breakfasts at The Old Rectory and enjoying the company of their guests - both new & repeat - in the summertime. Dinners are added to their service offerings, available only in the off-season, from late fall to early spring.

Kim & Kevin take great pride in cooking with local produce, and feel very grateful to be able to help their friend plant his organic vegetable garden and reap the benefits of this harvest, which they then share with their guests. They find that creating interesting dishes with this produce is always fun and each year present new challenges.

Many of the couple’s best breakfast recipes are derived from recipe exchanges with their guests and they can’t thank them enough. The more popular recipes are posted on their website so that others might try their hand at, and enjoy some of the delicious recipes they prepare for their guests.

Together Kim & Kevin hope to nourish your body and soul through good food, comfortable accommodations and warm and friendly service, all in the relaxing atmosphere of The Old Rectory.

Kim & Kevin invite you to stay with them for a winter getaway to Stratford this upcoming season, and are pleased to share the following special offer:
 

WINTER PROMOTION - 2nd night at half price (Nov 8th 2009-March 31st 2010)
 

Click here to book your stay at The Old Rectory Bed & Breakfast.

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CULINARY FESTIVAL UPDATE

Planning began in January for this year's Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival. This exciting two-day event is scheduled for September 26-27, 2009. Expanding on last year's inaugural event, the showcase of food producers, chefs and the culinary community will celebrate the best of Perth County's abundant harvest season.

We're expanding and enhancing this year's festival with more participants, music, activities, community partnerships and programming that will offer something for everyone and every taste. With many notable food producers, chefs and members of the entertainment industry already on board, we are well on our way to a phenomenal second year.

Save the date for this event and plan to attend some (or all) of the following attractions:

- Farmers and Artisans markets;

- Live music and entertainment;

- Barbequed street food served up by local non-profit organizations;

- Guest speakers including chefs and food writers;

- Kids tent with loads of fun and educational activities;

- a York Street Carnivale featuring York Street merchants;

- a delicious pork barbeque coordinated by the Stratford Perth Museum; and

- a Savour Stratford Tasting event featuring local food producers and chefs.

This is just a small taste of what's in store for you at this year's festival. Additional participants are coming on board and new ideas are developing daily. Programming is robust, so be sure to mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event.

Stay tuned next month for more details about the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival!

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Stratford Tourism Alliance
1-800-561-7926
47 Downie Street
Stratford, ON N5A 1W7

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