LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

INSIDE SCOOP

9 THINGS Summer Essentials

From eco-friendly dinnerware to picnics to go to the best charcoal, our editors roundup nine things for better eating, drinking, travelling and entertaining this summer.

1 Peak Perch If you haven’t tried

3 It’s Lit One of the best brands of charcoal is made right here in Canada. Maple Leaf 100% Hardwood Lump Charcoal (8 kg, $26.99, canadiantire.ca) burns clean and slow, while imparting a wonderful flavour. It’s the charcoal of choice at Toronto’s iconic Barberian’s Steak House, helmed by F&D contributor chef Jesse Vallins. –Eric Vellend

Ontario yellow perch yet, then put it on your summer bucket list. It’s best coated in flour or cornmeal then pan-fried in butter and served with a squeeze of lemon or nestled into a mayo slathered brioche bun. Look for it at fishmongers like Steelhead Food Co. (steelheadfoodco.ca) in Port Stanley. –Victoria Walsh

2 Basket Ball Online market Farm2Door (northsimcoe.farm2door.ca) curates Georgian Bay picnics with local goodies including trout pâté, Ontario cheese and charcuterie, and Belicious honey-sweetened soft drinks from around $75 for two people. Rent a picturesque wicker basket with real plates, cutlery, glasses and napkins, or request a cooler bag. –Charlene Rooke

4 Frozen in Time A Thunder Bay institution, Merla Mae ice cream par lour (merlamae.ca) has been around since the 1950s, which is obvious from its drive-in-style building, where you can still cruise up and order a milk shake. It’s only open during the summer months, when they offer up dreamy soft-serve, scoops and plenty of nostalgia. –VW

22 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2024