Beerology, a cider tasting, wine and chocolate pairings, farmers markets, chef demos, and the ultimate in epicurean delights; this is Savour Stratford.

One of my favourite day trips from Toronto, ever since I have been a wee thing (yes, I was once wee), has been to go to Stratford. I have posted on this before (here & here). Theater, music, food, and good, solid people make this a great day trip or weekend getaway. Stratford is tuned in and turned on, and they have many great festivals throughout the year to allow for great reasons to come visit. Part of their Culture Days, the Savour Stratford Festival is a great kick off to Fall in Perth County and a bunch of friends packed up and took the trip to see what all of the noise was about. Set up on the banks of the Avon River, this is an idyllic setting for some enchanted experiences. 

Isn't she cute?

The excitement was palpable when we arrived on Friday night, but there was no time to rest because the festivities had already been in full swing for almost a week. Kicking off the Saturday prior with the annual Garlic Festival and there were events going on every day. Grabbing a quick bite at Boomers Gourmet Fries, for a wild boar burger and some poutine, Friday night saw those of us who were in town checking out Beerology, with Mirella Amato. Mirella is a Certified Cicerone, a beer sommelier who specializes in Ontario and Quebec beers, and her mission is to preach the word of beer wherever she goes. This is a hard sell for me, beer is not my favourite.  I did come out of this tasting with a better appreciation for the history and process behind beer, but I dont htink you will see me at the pub any time soon ordering a pint.  

BeerologyToasted hops

I did come out from the tasting with 2 favourites, if I had to make a choice. The porter was nice, dark and rich flavour, the espresso (almost Tiramisu) flavour covered up the hops in the beer. It had depth and backbone to it, and I could likely choke down a small glass of this on a cold and stormy night. Also, the Pumpkin Ale was really interesting. While you could still taste that hop flavour that I so dislike, there was a spice and real earthy pumpkin flavour that shone through.

After the Beerology, the accommodation host for the weekend, Fosters Inn hosted the opening party. Some of us were staying at Fosters, which made this the ideal place to party (all except Chris from Château des Charmes whose room was right above the band). I really enjoyed Fosters, both the room, the food, and the staff are all top notch. A great band banging out some great blues, some Generation Seven wine courtesy of Château des Charmes, the weekend’s wine sponsor, and some great snacks from Fosters. A great start to the weekend. 

The weather wasn't looking great when we all woke up on Saturday morning, but that wouldn't stop us as we had a mission to fulfill. A mission of highest import: eat, drink, learn, rest, repeat! It was off to the farmers market for a snack and some of Ontario's bounty. 

For those of you who know me, you know that I love cider. Not as much as wine, but man cannot survive on wine alone. You must have variety in life. Speaking of which, in the cider tasting we learned all about process and varietals that are suited to making a good cider. They look for bitter astringency in cider and it is the skin that provides a tannic nature. Neat, right? Just like wine. They chose a blend of apple varieties to provide the consistency they seek. For example they could use Russet for sugar and Ida Red for its complex flavour and acid. Perhaps some Cortland for a splash of fresh and tangy. 

First, we tasted apples on their own. The Empire was tart with a crisp texture and a nice bite. Royal Gala, one of my personal favourites, is sweet and quite firm. While the Cortland shows a milder sweetness, while being very juicy and possessing a softer flesh. As for the process, they let the apples sit for the flesh to break down and then they press the fruit after 4-6 weeks. Peter Lavoie, who was leading the tasting, explained that it was quite a manually intensive operation. So, what did we taste? Here are my notes, in the raw:

Peeler. Funky. Yeasty. Light. Simple. Clean and fresh but not much flavour. 

Waupoos Premium. Darker colour. More carbonation. Heavier aromatics. Deeper flavour. Longer length on palate. Food friendly. 

Twin Pines. Artisan. Richer colour. Sweet fruity nose. Higher carbonation but finer bubble. Palate mismatch. Mild bitterness. Gentle fruit. 

Spirit Tree Traditional. Fruity apple nose. Golden colour. Apple is front on palate with mild pear ad a nice carbonation. Tannic.

William Premium. Smaller artisan. Dark golden. Bitter nose. Burnt caramel. Vanilla. Light carbonation. Sweet light flavour. 

Spirit Tree Reserve. Light gold colour. Funky undertone with a mild fruity palate. Oaky vanilla lightness. Good to food pair.

I am actually thinking I have to go to the LCBO right now to get some of the Williams, I really enjoyed it. Very similar to the Bulmers from England, which is my current favourite. Too bad it isn't available in Toronto. What's up with that LCBO?

Some more wandering around the farmers market, and back to the hotel to chill for a bit before heading to County Food Co. to try some wine for #30DaysLocal.  This place is beyond adorable, with so much personality. Exactly what I expect from Stratford.

The County Food Co.The layout

Our food shop always has counters full of fresh, ready-to-go prepared foods. Come for lunch or dinner. Mix and match à la carte entrées from the extensive menu or combine with an item from the equally bountiful salad bar. There are also delicious dessert squares, seasonal fruit pies, unique dips, local preserves and canning.

Next it was on to taste some wine and chocolate. Wait, sorry, I forgot to ask if you were sitting down before I put those two words together. My bad.

Chris Giuliani from CDC, and Candy Maker Christene Steedof from Rheo Thompson Candies presented us with the ultimate tasting of great wines and handcrafted chocolates. What a great experience. Not everything paired, but it was a lot of fun. 60% chocolate seemed to go well with wine, but not all of the flavour combinations worked for my palate.  

Saturday night there was an event that brought everyone together to have a great time, Perth County style; "BBQ Blues and Brews". Good food, great music, and amazing people. The next morning, it was up early for me, grab a coffee, and walk around the sleepy town while the sun burned through the haze. I can see the allure of small town life, and though I'm not sure how long I could live away from my beloved Toronto, it is sure great to be away. Another fantastic breakfast at Fosters, and it was time to prepare for the main event. 

Savour Stratford TastingHickory Smoked Lake Huron Whitefish and Pickerel w/ Wasabi Mayo Slider, Soiled Reputation Greens

I think these pictures speak for themselves, and demonstrate the spectacular food that was presented to guests at this event. They came from all over Perth County to feed us, and people were well satiated. I love the concept of pairing producers with chefs, and making it approachable from a cost perspective. Try everything, try what you like, match it with some wine or beer, and voila. When you were done there were plenty of desserts to choose from, as well as some great coffee and tea. Happy tummies.

• Shawn Hartwell, from Simple Fish and Chips' smoked whitefish
• From our friend Antony John and Chef Avigdor from Down the Street, Potato Pooris with Heirloom Tomato Ginger Chutney and Assorted Seasonal Vegetable Pickle
• The Manchu BBQ Perth County Pork Belly in Steamed Bun and Fresh Vegetables and Herbs, from The Parlour, Perth Pork Products,  and Caveman Crops 
• Another standout was from Waterloo based Nick & Nat's Uptown 21, paired with duck from Everspring Farms for their Duck Fantastico
• Can't for get the chocolate. Chocolate Barrs and Rheo Thompson both wowed the crowd with their offerings

I was so full at the end of the tasting that I didn't get to try everything, but believe me when I say I tried. I truly believe it is not possible but I am sure I could be bested. Thank you to everyone in Stratford for being so wonderful, and generous.

Who will join me next year?