What to do on a pre-winter break? ( when still not comfortable taking plane rides or crossing the border). Rediscover some eastern Ontario towns and make it a food trip. We spent the days driving through the rolling highlands of Ottawa Valley while stopping for sandwiches, soups, salads and sweet treats homemade from fresh farm grown ingredients.
On our arrival we revisited NEAT Cafe in Burnstown (part food/part music) and had our fill of the smoked sandwich with coffee. NEAT is a former schoolhouse converted into a cafe that holds intimate concerts on some weekends. Their wood fired pizza is also something to consider when around the area.
We drove to Pembroke on our second day, passing by wide farmlands and just enjoying the scenery even without the fall colours. We toured the town just to see the murals (again) and stopped by Madawaska Cafe for some sweets. Madawaska Cafe is not only about serving locally grown coffee but also supporting local art. When we were there, there were artworks and gift items made by local artists.
Window shopping in the picturesque town of Perth made us crave for some good food. The newly opened Gather in Perth did not disappoint. My egg salad on the freshly baked croissant was heavenly paired with the soup of the day. Husband had the house sandwich and we were one in saying everything was perfect. All these super delicious creations was coupled with excellent service.
We also ventured to the village of Pakenham to see the Five Arch Stone Bridge – the only five arch stone bridge of its kind in all of North America. The bridge was a beauty! Then we proceeded to the St. Peter Celestine Catholic Church, one of the most architecturally interesting and impressive churches in rural Canada. The church is widely known among connoisseurs of heritage architecture for its fine building and but in particular for its superb original interior décor, which survives intact from over a century ago. It was closed but the outside was still impressive.
In Pakenham we tried the unpretentious Centennial Restaurant. The place looked like a regular eatery but when my barley beef soup and husband’s baby beef liver were served, we were totally impressed. The fries, salad and sandwich that came with our orders were also very delectable. I deliberately did not order coffee at Centennial as I planned to drop by Keepers Coffee & Botanicals a few steps away. Another unique and very pretty place in Pakenham.
Too late for the fall colours and too early for the snow – but just in time for good food, anytime.
Ottawa Valley Area – November 20-25, 2021
