My love for Stratford Ontario runs deep, and has a history dating back to my childhood. As long as I can remember I have been visiting this sleeping, yet full of life town, that is under two hours from Toronto, to see shows at the Stratford Festival and enjoy the food in this culinary destination located in the heart of some of the best farm land in the country. As an adult, my perspective on the town has skewed, but only slightly. Well, the town has grown and this leads me to my love for everything culinary and gives me more of a reason to make the trip out more than once or twice a year. My most popular post on my blog, by a long stretch, was my post on my very first visit to Savour Stratford, one of the best food festivals in Ontario. I also posted a series of photos from last years event as well, located here and here. 

One of my many friends from Stratford, Steve Stacey

Photo from Steve's blog: http://local-come-lately.blogspot.ca/ 

There are so many things that have caused me to fall in love with Stratford and the surrounding area, and a lot of it has to do with the people. Some of these great folks have asked me to show you all what it is that I love so much about the region, and to take you all on a little day trip including some of these highlights. What a great honour for me, and an opportunity to introduce you all to some of these friends as a part of Gourmand Trails. I hope you will consider joining me on July 28th, for what will be a fantastic time. 

Here is what we will get up to:

9:00 am  Depart from Toronto

Enjoy the scenic drive to Stratford while your host, Joel Solish, shares why Stratford is one of his favourite places to visit. 

11:00 am Feeding the Wild Boars at Perk Porth Products 

Tour the de Martines' farm and visit the Tamworth, Berkshire, and Wild Boar in the pasture. Perth Pork Products are a favourite amongst many Toronto and area restaurants and after hearing Fred de Martines' passion you'll see why. www.perthporkproducts.com 

12:30 Lunch at Boomers Gourmet Fries 

Boomers Gourmet Fries is famous for its take on the traditional poutine and burgers. Indulge in the menu while you chat with owner Sue Pasquale about being recently featured on the Food Network's “You Gotta Eat Here.” www.boomersgourmetfries.ca

2:00 pm Theatre Production at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival 

Stratford is, of course, famous for its Shakespeare Festival currently celebrating its 60th year. Cynthia Dale stars in 42nd Street, featuring spectacular dance routines that drive this jubilant celebration of the spirit-lifting power of musical theatre. www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com

4:30 pm Chocolate Making with Derek Barr at Chocolate Barr's Candies Inc 

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make candy with one of Stratford's best. Chocolate Barr's Candies invites you into the kitchen to explore the techniques of hand crafting a favourite candy recipe in an exclusive custom designed workshop. No licking the spoon! After learning the candy maker's secrets hands-on, indulge yourself in a take away selection of favourite candies and chocolate treats. www.chocolatebarrs.com

5:45 pmThe Best Little Pork Shoppe 

Include a stop at The Best Little Pork Shoppe for your favourite pork products and baked goods to take with you back to the big city!

6:15 pm  Depart for Toronto 

--------------------------------------------------

The link to buy tickets is here, and you can also get information on tours being run by my good friends Suresh Doss and Jamie Drummond, here. Two amazing guys that I look up to, and you should consider joining them as well to get their perspectives on Stratford.