Feast On at Two Local Favourites Two Forks in Port Stanley and Grassroots in St. Thomas have joined an exclusive list of Ontario restaurants recognized for their commitment to sourcing local. Both are now officially Feast On certified, and the only restaurants in their respective cities to hold the designation. The Feast On program, run by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, certifies restaurants that source a high percentage of their ingredients from Ontario producers. For owners Rob Lampman and Terrie Collard, the recognition is a meaningful milestone. “It’s a proud moment for our whole team, a recognition of the relationships we’ve built with our local suppliers and the care we put into every menu,” says Rob. “Since day one, local and seasonal flavours have been our priority, and we’re committed to continuing to support the farmers, bakers, brewers, and producers who make our community so special.” Currently, 90% of the ingredients at both restaurants come from local producers. That includes fresh vegetables from Burkes Produce, Lake Erie pickerel from Steelhead Food Co., same- day focaccia from Cobs Bread, and Ontario beef from suppliers such as Carve Premium Ontario Beef in Kitchener. Focusing on local means the menus at Two Forks and Grassroots change with the seasons, sweet corn and tomatoes in the summer, hearty root vegetables in the winter. “There’s always something fresh to inspire us,” says Rob. “You can really taste Ontario in our dishes.” The shift to seasonal sourcing isn’t without challenges. “Ontario winters keep us on our toes, but that’s part of the fun,” Rob adds. “Local sourcing forces us to get creative, preserve ingredients, and find fresh inspiration in what’s available right now.” Terrie says guests are eager to hear about the origins of their meals. “Many of our guests dine with us because we focus on local sourcing. We love sharing where each ingredient comes from, and our guests love hearing those stories; it adds a personal connection to what’s on their plate.” When it comes to choosing suppliers, Terrie and Rob look for more than just quality products. “We pick our local partners the same way we’d pick friends, people we trust, who share our passion for quality, and who make something worth getting excited about,” says Terrie. Hospitality comes naturally to the pair. Rob grew up on his parents’ cattle farm, learning the value of hard work and quality ingredients. Terrie brings an eye for design and a gift for making
guests feel at home. Six years and two restaurants later, their dedication to great food, community connection, and now Feast On certification has set them apart in both Port Stanley and St. Thomas.
Locally owned. Genuinely Canadian.
Paint for every space!
Citizenship and Immigration Canada Pension Plan Old Age Security Canada Revenue Agency Veterans Affairs Here to serve!
Day...
NIGHT! or
t: 519 -782 - 3264 298 Bridge St, Port Stanley email: Port.Stanley@homehardware.ca www..portstanleyhomehardware.ca
AndrewLawtonMP.ca
519-637-4130 | andrew.lawton@parl.gc.ca
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs