Eating my way through South Frontenac, an Oddysey

Kelli McRobert | Aug 02, 2023

As our series continues for great eats in the various neighbourhoods, I had the chance to eat my way around South Frontenac - a task I wholeheartedly accepted without hesitation. I started my journey in Godfrey and enjoyed the Godfrey Grill (blue chip trailer) located at the corner of 38 and Westport Road. This popular spot is where you can stop in and grab a quick bite and it is easily accessible from the trail for those that prefer to attend on foot, on hoof, on ATV, or on a bicycle. At the same time, you can fill up on gas, grab your mail, and purchase a lottery ticket, as I hear the big ticket has not been won yet! They have great signage to indicate their hours throughout the week and have extended hours during the summer months.

From there, we headed southbound towards Verona, and stopped in for a quick bite at Mom’s Restaurant - 6775 Road 38, which offers traditional fare in a classic diner atmosphere. This location was purchased in January 2021 by Yash, Smit, Mike, and Krishna, and they have been building their clientele while supporting local groups and special occasions. They are on the main drag of Hwy 38, and the building has been a local haunt for decades. Check their signage for hours of operation.

Continuing southbound, we stopped in at Food Less Travelled - 6674 Road 38 and enjoyed the cool interior as we grabbed a few locally sourced groceries, shopped a bit in their merchandise section, and I tried to veer my eyes away from the baked goods table, that sucks me in EVERY time! YUM. Outside, a few families were enjoying yummy ice cream served up, chilled to perfection, as they enjoyed the covered patio, an escape from the hot and humid afternoon. FLT is a go to when you are in Verona, where you can get quality organic foods, farm to table, with friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to assist. Right now, peaches and corn are available and fresh produce changes seasonally. Other savoury choices are Perry Farm beef stroganoff, mulligatawny soup, potato salad, smoked salmon and spinach quiche, or fresh homemade biscuits that waft across the parking lot as the sun begins to rise. Kim and Dave Perry are the owners and are strong supporters of this community and surrounding area. Shout out to Kate, Melissa, and Lois in the kitchen and to Beckie, Anna, and Georgia in retail! They are open from 10am to 5pm, closed on Sundays.

From here, we made a short hop southbound, still on Hwy 38, just past Verona Sand Road, and landed at Muddy Waters - 6557 Road 38. With the parking lot filled, one had to assume it was either wing night or pizza night, as cars manoeuvred for a spot and diners eagerly made their way inside. The interior itself, is classic kitsch with an amphibian theme as you enter a world of good food, friendly staff, and neighbours greeting neighbours. Many locals stay and chat over a cuppa’ and the ‘regulars’ arrive like clockwork before the doors open and enjoy a home cooked meal. All day breakfasts are a crowd pleaser and daily specials entice guests with something new, something tasty, and a creative twist or two. As a self-proclaimed local, (most would say I am more of a regular, than a local? But…) I must admit I have a certain ‘bias’ as I write this, as Denise was one of the first ‘gal pals’ who greeted me when we arrived in this ‘hood’ and made me feel welcome, without hesitation. She dragged me along to every outing and would introduce me with cheeky descriptions. But I digress, if you are looking for great food, reasonably priced, then add this to your summer dining experience and they even offer gluten free options. A win-win, in my books. They are open until 8pm, closed on Monday & Tuesday.

Verona Foodland is another popular choice for both locals and cottagers to stock up before they hit the lake. Located at 6145-Road 38 (south of Bellrock Road), this grocery store has ample parking, an LCBO, and will provide you with most items you will need for that family gathering or weekend bash. Foodland is also a long-time supporter of local events and is a place we are grateful for when you need to stop off on the way home from your commute to grab a cooked chicken or a hot meal from the deli counter. They close Thurs/Fri at 8pm but are open 7 days a week to accommodate your everyday shopping needs.

Verona, Harrowsmith, and Sydenham, all have a few convenience stores that help fill in the gaps when you are on the go. With the recent loss of Toppers (due to a fire), many are relying on other locations for gas, lottery tickets, and quick grab and go items. We are fortunate to have a few gas stations along Hwy 38 like Centex, VP, and Godfrey Gas, and VP is now 24 hrs.

Once you hit Harrowsmith, you now have a choice of Pizza at Gino’s and the Pizza Place, and Gilmour’s Meats offers you a selection of BBQ items and groceries, plus and LCBO all in one stop. The Pizza Place (pink castle, as we call it), is open every day excluding Sunday starting at 11am. Located at 4946 Road 38, they will serve you up hot pizza or wings to satisfy your cravings. Gino’s is right beside Gilmour’s in the main plaza, at 5062 Road 38, and they will customize a pizza to suit every occasion. Other items on order are subs and pasta, and this location is open daily from 11am – 11pm, weekends it is open until 1am, for those night owls.

A sharp left, and I am wheeling my way under the trail, and into Sydenham. Here we have Lenny’s Deli at 4415 Wheatley Street, where I can order up a breakfast or yummy sandwich (gluten free options available), in a self-serve style format. The friendly staff are busy at the grill as clients select their fresh toppings from the displayed counter. Baked goods, drinks, coffee, and tea are also available, and while I was there, student lifeguards filled the entranceway as they ordered up cheesecake and iced coffees to sustain them on their next ‘guarding’ shifts. Salads and wraps are also available on this well-rounded menu. They operate Monday to Friday 6am -3pm, and Saturday, Sunday 7am -2pm, all day breakfast is weekends only.

Just up the street at 4431 William Street, two dogs and their owners are enjoying the shade as the ‘moms’ gobble up baked goods from Grains and Goods Bakery. G&G Farmstead offers up artisan bread and goods using old school methods. Their quaint store smells ‘delish’ as you enter and your mouth waters with walls lined with fresh baked bread. Roland Jensch of German descent has a passion for baking and learned from his grandfather years ago. Traditional recipes are mixed to perfection to create the texture and flavours, second to none. Stop in and try their cookies and cakes, you will not be disappointed.

Subway, is up the hill (2779 Rutledge Road) and offers up their new classic subs that you can customize to suit your tastes. I am sad to report that they have discontinued offering gluten-free bread, so, now I must find another sandwich place for a late-night grab and go -scoff! Next door is the convenience store that recently changed ownerships from the Country Café. I popped in briefly, and it is aimed at the students from local schools with quick meals and convenience style choices, like pizza, sandwiches, chips, and pop. The outdoor patio is nice, and they now offer drive through coffee. Sydenham Foodland, located at 4476 George Street, is a great little store to pop in and shop and they have a nice selection of gluten free options, centrally located. Their store has lots of parking and is next door to the Beer Store and Hardware Store. The Sydenham Lake is at your doorstep and is the backdrop when you walk along the well-groomed trail, that dissects this location. Trousdale’s General Store offers sweet treats and ice cream throughout the summer months, and you can sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle of the town, in coveted shade.

As we continue east, and south, I make the trip to see an old friend Christine Lavallee at the Cookery. This location (3810 Perth Road) is the hub of Inverary, and offers up local foods and wares, both fresh and frozen. Delish ice cream is served up, and guests can enjoy shaded outdoor spaces after a relaxing massage next door at Back to Health. Gas and a drugstore (shout out to Leonard Chan and his staff!) are also available in the ever-expanding strip mall. The Cookery is a big contributor to community events, and the staff are welcoming to tourists as they seek directions to great fishing, cabins, and weekend festivities. They are open 7 days a week 9-6, with weekend hours 8-6:30, Sundays 9-3.

Across from the ‘new’ post office, we have Paradiso Pizza (4047 Perth Road) and Country Style Donut store, that hustles and bustles with large pizza orders during family gatherings. This location offers pizza, pasta, and subs. Check out their website for details. Open 7 days a week at 10am.

Well, to say I was getting quite full, would be an understatement. LOL. My last stop, but certainly not my least, is a short drive to Battersea, where we arrived in time for live music at The Creekside Bar & Grill. This hidden gem is at 2261 Wellington Street, at the corner of Battersea Road. The location has recently undergone renovations and has been completely freshened up inside and out. The large welcoming patio offers ample seating with shade, and a small outdoor stage for performers. Music fills the air as guests chatter amongst themselves, sharing stories, and appetizers, as the live band belts out a tune. Chris Jackson, a local favourite keeps us entertained with rhythmic ease. Burgers, tall boys, and more are on the menu, with specials listed regularly on Facebook. Shout out to Kyle Gordon, and his crew, miss you guys, and we will be back for a visit soonest! Open 7 days a week starting at 11:30.

Well, that about wraps it up for this segment. I shall roll myself onto the couch and plan my day of exercise tomorrow. South Frontenac has a great selection of food choices, and I look forward to eating my way around town this summer! If you know of a great spot, let us know!

Napkins ready!