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Travel Ontario

A Taste of Prince Edward County

A Guide to the People, Places & Food of Ontario's Favourite Getaway

by (author) Chris Johns

Publisher
Random House Canada
Initial publish date
Jun 2018
Category
Ontario, Canadian, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780147530684
    Publish Date
    Jun 2018
    List Price
    $29.95

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Where to buy it

Description

Explore Prince Edward County, its rich local history, gorgeous scenery, and delicious food and drink, in this new guide to the "gastronomic capital of Ontario" (The Globe and Mail).

Prince Edward County's reputation as a picturesque region of award-winning wineries, quaint and eclectic hotels, rustic restaurants and fine dining establishments makes it the perfect getaway destination. Within driving distance of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, the county is an ideal place both for city slickers to escape and unwind, and for locals to relish and preserve the region's history and farmlands.

This comprehensive, elegant guide covers hotels, restaurants, wineries, local attractions, and much more, along with itinerary suggestions showcasing the best of what Prince Edward County has to offer. With profiles of key people behind some of the county's most beloved establishments, this book goes beyond typical guidebook territory. A Taste of Prince Edward County also includes a selection of recipes and wine pairings from chefs and restaurateurs based in the area, all inspired by the culinary bounty PEC has to offer. And with his signature warmth and humour, food and travel writer Chris Johns teams up with local county photographer Johnny C. Y. Lam to provide readers with a stunningly beautiful insider's look into one of the top travel destinations in Canada.

About the author

DEREK DAMMANN was born in Campbell River, B.C., the salmon capital of the world. After studying cooking in Nanaimo, chef Dammann worked in one of Canada’s great Italian restaurants, Zambri’s, in Victoria, before making his way to the UK to work with Jamie Oliver in developing the concept behind the restaurant 15, and later becoming the corporate chef of Sweet Candy, Jamie’s private production company. He came back to Canada and settled in Montreal where he opened DNA, one of the most exciting nose-to-tail dining establishments in North America. He partnered with Jamie Oliver again to open Maison Publique, a hugely popular and highly regarded gastro-pub.

CHRIS JOHNS is one of Canada’s most respected food writers. He spent his early years in the Northwest Territories before moving south and eventually finding his way to Toronto. He has written extensively for en Route, The Globe and Mail, Wallpaper, Toronto Life and various international publications. His work has been translated into three languages and has appeared in the Best Food Writing compilation.

Chris Johns' profile page

Excerpt: A Taste of Prince Edward County: A Guide to the People, Places & Food of Ontario's Favourite Getaway (by (author) Chris Johns)

Foreword
David McMillan, Co-owner of Joe Beef, Liverpool House & Vin Papillon

The moment I cross the bridge over the Bay of Quinte, a warm sense of “I’ve been here before” comes over me. The déjà vu feels like a famil­iarity with the spirits, the ancestors, the landscape and the trees of this slice of Canadiana. I’ve lived in France, and my whole career has been spent working in Montreal, but the county, although it’s not my home, feels like home.

When Chris told me he was writing this book I immediately said: “I want to contribute something.” I’ve known him for a long time, ever since we first opened Joe Beef, and I can’t think of anyone better suited to do justice to this place that neither of us are from, but both love. And I can’t imagine a better pairing for Chris’s writing than Johnny’s photographs. Johnny’s a transplant, as is most everyone who hasn’t been here for 10 generations or more, but he knows the county, its people and its rhythms as well as anyone, and his images capture the essence of this special place.

I have met a vast collection of friendly, like-minded people in the county: hard workers, dreamers, farmers, every one of them with a deep love of this island that feels forgotten somewhere in time. There are the born-and-bred county folks who have been here for generations, who know every road, every pasture and every family. Then there are the newcomers: the people who picked up from wherever they lived, who saw what I see, and ultimately made significant life changes to move to the county. For so many, this is a place where people can come to start anew, be part of something, and work and contribute to the community.

And whether I’m talking to longtime locals or brand-new residents, I have great discussions all over the county. I often find myself dwelling on the idea that I work and live in Montreal in a very urban setting, but enlightening exchanges in the city are few and far between. I find myself craving the county and those conversations at the Legion, or the various watering holes around the island, on main streets or at wineries. I always feel the need to get one point across during these chats. In almost every conversation, you’ll hear me say: “Do you realize how lucky you are to live here and be a part of what is going on?” I usually follow up by stressing how jealous I am of the beauty that fills the eyes and hearts of this amazing community. Prince Edward County, to me, offers a chance to start a community or join an existing, robust one, and that isn’t something that happens everywhere or every day.

I’ve driven along every road and explored every corner of the county during my stays. I fantasize about opening a restaurant, a B&B, a cider house, a winery, of farming goat or lamb. But I can also support, tour, explore and live the county life through visits, too, and I hope you will do the same with this book at your side. Visit Prince Edward County! #CountyUp

Editorial Reviews

“Explore Prince Edward County, its rich local history, gorgeous scenery, and delicious food and drink, in this new guide to the gastronomic capital of Ontario.” --The Globe and Mail

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