We love living in Stratford for many reasons, but our favourite reason is the culinary scene. In this small town we boast many really great restaurants who are fuelled and supported by a plethora of local farmers. These farmers also fill the shelves of several really great small food shops like The Gentle Rain, Linley’s Food Shop , The Little Green Grocery. They also directly sell their fares at a weekly Saturday Farmers market and Sunday slow food market.
Our local Chef school students during their summer breaks are employed by local restaurants and if you put your detective hat on, you will come to learn that many of the owners and/or chefs are graduates of the school.
The Stratford Tourism Alliance issues a culinary guide every year with all of the local food events, food adventures, food festivals and culinary adventures. Most importantly, Stratford supports it’s community and helps fill the belly’s of those in need and the less fortunate with establishments such as The Stratford House of Blessing and The Local Community Food Centre.
In our house we like to shop as much in season and local as possible. We also eat a lot of vegetables. This vegetable and tofu potpie is a household favourite. It’s even enjoyed by our four and two year olds. We tend to switch up the vegetables with what is in season, and busy weeknights use a pre-made pie shell. The pie could be made ahead and enjoyed at room temperature, or re-heated. We usually prepare a simple green salad with oil and lemon juice dressing using Soiled Reputation greens to accompany.
Check back to my blog regularly for new family favourite recipes and other fun videos!
-Geoff