Guest Post By Angelie Sood
If you ask me, the best way to really get to know a place is through the local food and drink. While most people visit Niagara to see the awe-inspiring falls (one of the top tourist attractions in the world), I recently went on a different kind of adventure: one that had me sipping exceptional wines and tasting delicious cuisine at five unique restaurants along the Niagara Parkway (Ontario’s only 56 km outdoor museum). Here is a recap of the mouthwatering journey…
1. Queenston Heights Restaurant
A walk down a quaint path will take you past a fountain and to the doors of the Queenston Heights Restaurant. From the dining room, you can take in a truly spectacular view of the Niagara River while enjoying the culinary creations of Chef Bill Greenan paired with a delicious glass of vino. When you visit, make sure to enjoy a relaxing walk after your meal and check out the Laura Secord Monument (the first monument dedicated to a woman by the Canadian Government). The restaurant is nestled in a park so it’s a beautiful place to wander and explore during any season!
Tasted: Sundried Tomato and Arugula Risotto with Shaved Pecorino Cheese
Sipped: Trius Merlot (aromas of dried cherry, red plum, vanilla, mint and cranberry)
Located at the Whirlpool Golf Course (one of Canada’s top ranked public golf courses), this spacious dining room offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Chef Tim VandeLaar is known for his pub-style cuisine but you will also find some lighter options as well. Head here during golf season and look out onto the 18th hole from the large, retractable dining room windows. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy patio season on the Parkway.
Tasted: Asparagus and Forest Mushroom Soup with Quinoa Salad and Micro Greens
Sipped: Reif Estate Pinot Grigio (pear, apple, hints of lemon – light bodied wine)
This restaurant is located south of the falls inside the Legends on the Niagara Clubhouse. The venue has an interesting history as the building borders on the historic war of 1812 grounds. Rolling greens, a tranquil pond and a large covered outdoor patio are some of its special features. The highlight, however, is definitely the innovative fusion of flavours by Chef Chris Brown who features classic Ontario ingredients in a unique way.
Photo credit: Legends on the Niagara.
Tasted: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Rosemary Chutney and Spicy Pad Thai Noodles
Sipped: Creekside Syrah (wild raspberry, strawberry, cedar and white pepper finish)
4. Queen Victoria Place Restaurant
This restaurant was constructed in 1904 and was actually the former residence of the Commissioners of Niagara Parks. Located in the main pavilion area of the falls, you are upfront and centre to one of nature’s most majestic creations: our table had an amazing panoramic view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls! Here you will be served fare from Chef Sidney Krick’s menu which features locally-sourced foods as well as craft beers and Niagara VQA wines.
Tasted: Chef Sidney served us a delicious Northern Rainbow Trout with a spinach and sweet potato strudel and shoal lake wild rice. I loved the fried capers which added just the right amount of salty goodness.
Sipped: Jackson Triggs Reserve Chardonnay (spice, apple, vanilla and a buttery oak finish)
Located in the main Table Rock Pavillion, this restaurant has a stunning view of Horseshoe Falls. Take a look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and you’ll feel like you’re dining right on the brink of the water (well, almost). But what is truly breathtaking here is the presentation of the dishes. Chef Elbert Wiersema served us a delicious and equally beautiful array of vegetarian and vegan options where pulses were the star of the show. This is a great restaurant to wow a date on a special occasion as the food and the view take centre stage.
Tasted: Timbale of Spaghetti Squash and Bean Pulses with Hemp Seed Ratatouille and a Maple Drizzle. The piece de resistance? A decadent dessert served under a white chocolate dome which melted away to reveal a raspberry and peach sorbet centre on a pear sponge cake.
Sipped: Chateau des Charmes, Gamay Noir (fresh berry, raspberry, cherry and a touch of spice)
Feasting through the region was a delectable and special experience. I felt like I truly got a better sense of the natural attractions, locally-sourced flavours and deeply rich history of the area. Do you guys have any favourite restaurants along the Niagara Parkway? Share in the comments below!
A special thanks to Niagara Parks Tourism for inviting us to #FeastONtheparkway. All views and opinions expressed are our own.
No Comments