Peach tart awaits a garden party

One of the joys of having a convertible is cruising through the countryside with the top down. And so we found ourselves one recent mid-week day atop the Niagara Escarpment, a bit windswept, looking out over the great river below us, with a sea of green spreading to the horizon, hardly a building in sight. We’d turned off the GPS, just following country roads along the top of the mighty ridge which cuts a swathe across Southern Ontario.

We’ve picked up nut brown free-range eggs at a road-side stand. The farmer tells me the chickens also feed on marigold flower extract, making for a richer yolk. Later, when I make scrambled eggs for supper, they’re an extraordinary golden colour. Diane is on a low cholesterol diet, so hers are mostly egg whites. I’m not, so I add the extra yolks to mine. Yummy!

But where have the orchards gone?

Now we’re on the lookout for fresh peaches. Once upon a time this was the heart of peach and apple groves, but now there are vineyards stretching as far as we can see in every direction. It’s progress, I suppose, and good for the winemakers, but I miss the orchards.

Tree ripened peaches at The Fruit Shack

Back on the road, we find ourselves south of the highway and since we’re now headed for Niagara-on-the-Lake, I figure we might as well have a late lunch at Treadwell on the main street. We’ve never had a bad meal here since they opened at this location a couple of years ago. Chef-owner is Stephen Treadwell who believes in farm to table cuisine. His son James Treadwell is the busy sommelier who seats us at a nice table on the patio, where we can watch the passing scene.

A giant awning has been added since our last visit, making it an all-season spot, along with a new wine bar that opens after three. We’re both in the mood for fish and Diane settles for fish and chips (not on her diet, hem! hem!). Checking my Trip Advisor review later, I find that’s exactly what we had the first time we visited. The fish and chips must be good. I have a filet of mackerel served with a potato salad, which is very tasty, if served only slightly warm. Outstanding desserts finish the visit, crème brûlée and a raspberry concoction. Even though Niagara-on-the-Lake’s peach festival is only days away, there’s no peach dessert on the menu. Pity.

Passing through the little hamlet of Virgil, we visit the nice folks at The Fruit Shack, noted for home- and locally-grown seasonal fruit and produce. We stock up on tree-ripened peaches and fresh corn. We’re offered a buy-five-get-six deal on their amazing butter tarts by a friendly young woman, already an expert at upselling. Two of the tarts don’t even make it as far as the highway, they are so tempting. Once home the peaches ripen some more for a couple of days and are then entrusted to this delicious tart.

I love this picture of Diane and I overlooking the Niagara Gorge, taken by a bystander.