LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2022

INSIDE SCOOP

TO DRINK These spirited cocktails, beers, wines and ciders are only-in Ontario summer-fresh sips.

9+ Things to Eat (and Drink) in Ontario SUMMER HOT LIST

Summer is an ideal time to explore our province: its parks, lakes, beaches, charming rural towns and unknown cities are at their sunny best. And this year, more than ever, we want to get out and support the local producers, farmers and makers who define Ontario’s edible culture. To spotlight this summer’s must-try tastes, we surveyed a broad group of Food & Drink contributors, those who have been sticking close to home and some who have ventured to nearby foodie hotspots. We identified some of the top taste trends for the season—from fermented foods to plant-based cuisine and elevated to-go food. Then we thought about drinks—both alcoholic and alcohol-free—and which ones were worthy of a refreshing stop: cream-top milk or a cobalt or amethyst-tinted cocktail, anyone? Cheers and bon appétit! — By Food & Drink Staff

Soif Co-Fermented Cider Revel Cider, Guelph Deliciousness happens when ciders made from Ontario strawberries and cherries spend time fermenting with Zweigelt grape skins. revelcider.ca The Paloma Quemada on Tap Bar Pompette, Toronto Poured straight from the tap into a chilled glass, this clarified tequila-mezcal charred grapefruit long drink is the ultimate refresher after a hot summer day in the city. barpompette.ca Amethyst Mine Cocktail Bight Restaurant,Thunder Bay Score some patio time on Lake Superior while sipping this elderflower liqueur cocktail, a salute to Ontario’s official gemstone, which is mined nearby. bightrestaurant.ca NV Madonna White Vermouth Traynor Family Vineyard, Hillier Don’t waste this complex, herbal and ever-so-slightly sweet vermouth in a Martini. It’s best enjoyed on the rocks with a twist or mixed with a little sparkling lemonade. traynorvineyard.com

HARISSA SAUERKRAUT Pyramid Ferments, Milford Not only is this bright and tangy raw sauerkraut good for your gut, it’s also got just the right touch of heat, thanks to the on-trend harissa (a red chili pepper paste used in traditional north African cuisine). Pyramid has other innovatively flavoured “gateway ‘krauts,” known to win over reluctant tasters to this world of elevated and bold fermented foods, which includes kimchi plus kvass, kombucha and “gut shot” drinks. pyramidferments.com LOBSTER ROLL BOXED LUNCH Tide & Vine, Niagara Falls No picnic by the Falls would be complete without this lobster roll: lemon aioli–dressed East Coast lobster stacked on a locally made bun slathered with butter and served with German potato salad. Tide & Vine is a decade-old institution, thanks to its abundant seafood platters and freshly shucked oysters, both highly suitable for summer celebrations. tideandvine.com

Pembroke Pils Square Timber Brewing, Pembroke

Crafted by an Indigenous owned brewery, this light, crisp pilsner (LCBO 65334, $3) has a rich, bready malt favour. Try it ice-cold, alongside barbecued ribs or chicken. squaretimber.com

26 FOOD & DRINK SUMMER 2022