Fall For Stratford - Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit

The temperature is dipping, the leaves are changing colours, and you can already feel the Christmas energy seeping through the neighbourhoods. That’s right, the Fall season is now in full effect, and there’s no better place to be during this season than the beautiful and charming city of Stratford, Ontario.

If you’ve never been to Stratford, Ontario like me before you probably already know two things about this city. You may have heard about The Stratford Shakespeare Festival that has been attracting hundreds of thousands of theatre goers and tourists each year, and you might have heard that Stratford was once home to international superstar Justin Bieber. There’s no denying that these two things have certainly help put Stratford on the map, but with my recent visit to Stratford I realized there was so much more to love and discover.

Coming from Toronto where I’m from, Stratford is just a short 90 minute drive away, just a little west of Kitchener, Ontario. Upon arriving you’ll notice that Stratford is not a very large city, and everything you would want to explore in a new city is in walking distance. From their local restaurants, shops, museums, hiking trails, and parks, you can basically walk to all these places on foot. Full disclosure though when I arrived at Stratford, it was a little chilly so I did end up driving around from place to place to keep warm. However I can only imagine just how nice it would be in the warmer months as well. That travel guide for the Spring/Summer will have to wait for another time, but even during the Autumn/Winter seasons you are going to have a blast.

During my time here in Stratford, there is currently a global pandemic going on that I’m sure all of you are more than aware of called Covid-19. With that said I never felt more safe walking down the streets and going inside the many restaurants and shops, because the city has taken Covid-19 very seriously which I really appreciated. I can’t count just how many times I saw a free supply of masks and easy access to hand sanitizers as you entered inside. I always say that wearing a mask is not only for everyone’s protection, but also a sign of respect to others to keep everyone safe. And I can confidently say that the people of Stratford are the most friendly and respectful people around. Everyone wore a mask around the city which really put me at ease as I ventured throughout the city.

One thing you may not know is Stratford also has its own currency! Yes, you read that right. Tons of restaurants and shops around the city accept what is called Stratford Dollars, which basically acts like gift certificates not just for a specific store or a restaurant, but for the entire city. Isn’t that rad? The Downtown Dollars can be purchased at the Tourism Office at 47 Downie Street in denominations of $5, $10, or $20. Spend them anywhere downtown with the exception of LCBO and gas stations.

So now lets get to the fun part. FOOD! As a big foodie I often find places to travel based on the food scene, and to my pleasant surprise Stratford has tons of great restaurants and local breweries to indulge in catering to all budgets and taste buds.

FOOD SCENE

Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall

This was one of the most recommended places I’ve received to eat at. Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall is located at the heart of downtown Stratford on Ontario Street. They serve an approachable and affordable izakaya style menu where you are able to order many small plates to share with your table. You’ll also find here Stratford’s largest craft beer menu, and if you’re having so much fun and feeling a bit tipsy after a few drinks, book a room upstairs because they also have a hotel right above the restaurant for guests to stay at. A personal must order for me would be their Smoked Sweet Potato Croquette and their Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

Bijou

A local favourite, Bijou offers a highly acclaimed and locally inspired farm-to-table menu honouring their 21 year old tradition of farm-to-table cuisine. On the higher end of the price spectrum, Bijou also masterfully infuses modern influences and techniques in their dishes. You’ll also be able to try their tasting menu if you choose with expert wine pairings for groups of 6 to 8 people. Just note that a reservation is required for the tasting menu with at least a week’s notice. An upscale restaurant that will for sure reward your taste buds after a long day exploring the city. If you do end up dining here, do order their Savoury Crepes and Striploin Steak that comes with an extremely delicious potato pave.

The Bruce Hotel

Similarly to Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall, not only will you find a great restaurant here but as the name suggests guests are welcome to stay over night here at The Bruce Hotel that’s set on 6 and a half acres of land. This place is absolutely stunning, and although I did not stay here overnight, I did have the most amazing breakfast here inside their restaurant. With floor to ceiling windows, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the natural light inside a sophisticated dining area. The service here is unparalleled. The friendly waitstaff caters to your every need here showing the utmost professionalism I have ever seen in a restaurant. And lets not forget about their breakfast here. Wow! Probably one of my most favourite meals I’ve had in a very long time cooked by executive Chef Brandon Clemens. Order yourselves here some mimosas, their Perth County Eggs Benedict, and their Bruce Honey Quebec Toast, and you’ll be golden! Breakfast here is an absolute must.

Pazzo Taverna & Pizza

If you’re craving some good old pasta and pizza, look no further than Pazzo Taverna that serves up Stratford’s signature thin crust pizzas, conveniently located on the downtown strip of Ontario Street. Opened 23 years ago, this restaurant is a staple in the city by locals and tourists alike and another highly recommended restaurant to go to when you’re here. This is a great restaurant for lunch or dinner with a laid-back atmosphere and central to many of Stratford’s local activities. I mean who doesn’t like the classic pizza and pasta combination? When you’re here, you gotta try their Zaza Gabor Pizza and their Tortelli. You won’t regret it.

Black Swan Brewing Co

If you’re looking to visit a local craft brewery, a must visit is here at Black Swan Brewing Co which is just a few steps away from Stratford’s famous Avon Theatre. Locally brewed in Stratford, Black Swan Brewing Co offers year-round and seasonal beers in two sizes: Elixir (32 oz) or their Growler (64 oz). Continuously working on flavour-forward beers, you’ll find here their 3 styles of English Pale Ale, Porter, and India Pale Ale. If you can’t make it out to their taproom itself, you may also find their beers at local restaurants and bars they distribute to in Stratford as well. Bottoms up!

Balzac’s Coffee

Now I know Balzac’s Coffee isn’t really a Stratford specialty as we can now find this coffee chain in 14 other locations all over Ontario, however I wanted to highlight this location specifically because this was the very first Balzac’s Coffee location that ever opened up back in 1996. Inside you’ll find a beautifully tiled floor with a spacious sitting area at the back of the cafe to enjoy their signature coffee blends and nitro brews. Right before I drove back home to Toronto, I made a pit stop here at Balzac’s Coffee again located conveniently on Ontario Street. The perfect cafe to grab that quick caffeine fix to start your day.

After your belly is full from filling it up with some delectable food and thirst-quenching craft beers around the city, here are some things you can do to really take in the sights and sounds of Stratford, Ontario.

THINGS TO DO

The Chocolate Trail

In a pure coincidence, my first day in Stratford was on Halloween day. I have not gone trick-or-treating for chocolates and candies since I was a small child like 20 years ago, but because of this Chocolate Trail in Stratford I was able to re-live this child-like experience as a grown adult which was so much fun! The Chocolate Trail is a self-guided tour that introduces you to Stratford’s world-famous confectioners and bakers. For just $30, you’ll be able to go around the city and choose from any 6 of the 20 shops on the Chocolate Trail and receive a chocolate related item that is unique to their store. Items range from candles, to truffles, balsamic vinegar, coffee beans, and even a glass of chocolate flavoured beer. This was the perfect way to start exploring the city because it allows you to visit so many places that you may never have thought of exploring before. One of the most popular stops on this Chocolate Trail is Rheo Thompson Candies famously known for their caramels, barks, and specialty chocolates. This Chocolate Trail is offered year-round and can be purchased online here.

Avon Theatre

If you already know about this theatre than you most likely would call yourself a Belieber. Yes THE Justin Bieber famously performed on the steps of the Avon Theatre as a young boy before he was discovered and became the singer we all know today. You’ll also find a star of him on the steps of the theatre dedicated to Justin. Today, the Avon Theatre is one of 4 Stratford area theatres that presents Shakespeare and other live plays.

Shakespearean Gardens

Right along the Avon River you’ll find a picturesque eden called the Shakespearean Gardens. It’s one of 5 Stratford gardens that fill the city with colour over the course of the year, but this one is certainly the most famous one with Shakespeare in its name. You’ll find the oldest double-arch stone bridge in Ontario, 60 varieties of herbs, flowers, and shrubs mentioned in various Shakespearean plays, fragrant rose gardens, and of course a statue of Shakespeare himself. This is truly a small sanctuary in the heart of downtown Stratford to enjoy. Unfortunately I went to Stratford during a time where the temperature was almost below zero, so I didn’t see the garden’s full potential with the flowers in full bloom. I certainly will make an effort to come back here during the Spring/Summer to take in the full beauty of this garden.

Gallery Stratford

One of Ontario’s largest operating public art galleries, Gallery Stratford has been a significant contributor to the cultural heart of South-Western Ontario since 1967. Gallery Stratford focuses on ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary visual art with a focus of regional and Canadian artists. When I visited Gallery Stratford they had Covid-19 art exhibitions where they showcased local artist’s interpretation of the global pandemic by literally turning a sad and difficult time for many into a creative and artistic endeavor. It was eye-opening to see beautiful pieces of art inspired by the artists life and story from the many months of isolation. Also, a great perk about visiting Gallery Stratford is that the entrance fee is completely free.

Stratford Perth Museum

A little further away from the downtown core is the Stratford Perth Museum. You’ll get to learn about the economic history of Stratford where in the early 1900s the steam locomotive repair industry was booming and gave the city the foundation it has today in the “Railway Century” exhibit. Other ongoing exhibits here include “Stratford Festival: Such Stuff As Dreams…” that talks about the origins of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and “You Are Here” that explores the men and women who built Perth County as the agricultural heartland of Ontario. And of course, hometown boy Justin Bieber has his very own exhibit here called “Steps To Stardom” that showcases some of his most iconic pieces of memorabilia, and his history from starting out busking at the steps of the Avon Theatre to sold out stadiums worldwide. The Stratford Perth Museum has a $7 admission fee for adults, $6 for students/seniors/children, or $20 for families.

T.J. Dolan Trail

If you’re looking to get some outdoor exercise, Stratford has no shortage of outdoor parks, gardens, and trails. The most notable one for me is the T.J. Dolan Trail stretching 3.4km that features a flowing river and is suitable for all skill levels. This is the perfect place to marvel at the Fall foliage around October, and was in full effect just a week prior to me visiting. Even when most of the leaves had already fallen by the time I arrived, it was still a beautiful trail to walk through and a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

WHERE TO STAY

The Arden Park Hotel

Affordable and centrally located is what comes to mind for probably most of us when we’re traveling and looking for a place to stay. The Arden Park Hotel covers both of those check boxes by providing you with comfortable accommodations that will make you feel right at home. It offers amenities like a pool, hot tub, fitness centre, on-site dining, complimentary parking/wifi, and is also pet friendly in case you want to bring your furry friend along for the trip.

Although traveling to Stratford this time was my very first, it left such a positive impression on me that I know it won’t be my last. This travel guide just scratches the surface of what you’ll find here in this charming, small city of Stratford, but I do hope it can provide you with a head start in your planning. If you do end up coming to Stratford and find even more gems (as I know there are), feel free to share and let me know as well! I would love to hear about it. Have fun and stay safe!

Farm To Table with Papa Earth - A Meat & Seafood Delivery Service You Must Try

If there’s two things I love the most in life, they are convenience and meat. I’m a carnivore at heart and no matter how hard I try to increase my intake of vegetables, I will undoubtedly always come back to a fine piece of steak. Nothing beats a steak dinner in my eyes (cooked medium rare of course). And when you also add in a convenience factor into it where you can get premium meats and seafood delivered straight to your door you are literally then just winning at life.

I was first introduced to Papa Earth a few months ago and it has made a world of a difference with the quality of food I’m eating at home, and also just the amount of time I save from having to go grocery shopping. At the time of writing this blog post, I’m sure we are all aware of that “C” word. Yes, there is indeed a global pandemic going on right now called Covid-19 which has made going out like grocery shopping a possible dangerous and life-threatening activity. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate businesses like Papa Earth who are still working tirelessly during these difficult times to get food to our tables, and literally placing food directly at our doorsteps without us needing to step outside.

So how does this all work? It’s simple. You just need to start off by picking the size of the box and frequency of delivery. Unlike some other meal-delivery services, Papa Earth lets you customize your box completely with the types of meats and seafood you want delivered to you. You literally click on their heading “Build Your Box” on their website and choose from their Small Box ($125 and feeds about 1 person), their Medium Box ($249 and feeds about 2 - 3 people), or their Large Box ($498 and feeds a larger family). After that select the delivery frequency that ranges from 2 - 6 weeks and then the fun part begins! Time to spend some coin!

No, literally. You really do get to spend some coin. Each type of meat has an allocated Papa Earth coin value to it which allows you to fully customize your order. You’ll be able to put food in your box such as grass fed and grass finished beef, AAA marbled beef, grass fed bison, free run & pasture raised chicken, drug free vegetarian fed Ontario pork, Ontario lamb, and wild caught fish & seafood. All their products are sourced from the highest quality local farmers in Ontario with livestock that are free roaming, no use of added hormones, and are fed a proper natural diet. Once you are satisfied with your choices and maxed out your coins, your box is complete and you’re ready to check-out!

I’ll show you below what I ordered and how I spent my coins for the Small Box I received. You’re given 45 coins to spend. Spend wisely.

T-Bone Steak - 16 ounce - AAA (15 coins)

Prime Rib Steak - Grass Fed & Grass Finished (10 coins)

Pork Sausage - Hot - 1 lbs (5 coins)

Wild Caught Scallops - 1 lbs (15 coins)

As you can see from above, the four choices I made all added up to the 45 coin limit which means my selections are done. The meats and seafood are then vacuum sealed, portion controlled, and then frozen at the best temperature ready to be delivered to your home. Dry ice is put inside the recyclable paper box to ensure your food is kept ice cold and fresh even if you are not at home immediately to bring your order in. And if you live in Ontario or Quebec you also get free delivery!

Once you get your customized box delivered to you, feel the weight of trying to figure out what’s for dinner lifted right off your shoulders and dig right into your selection of premium meats and seafood you selected. Put them on the grill to cook immediately, or in the freezer to save for a rainy day. It’s all up to you at this point and you can now start looking forward to a really, really good meal ahead of you.

Top 10 Places To Eat At When You're In New York City - The Ultimate NYC Eating Guide!

You’ve booked your plane ticket to New York City, your bags are packed, and now you’re ready to explore the Big Apple. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit a couple of times within the past year, and both times the city provided me with so many different things to do. The world is your oyster here in the city that never sleeps. From the shopping to the night life, the museums to Broadway there are just endless possibilities to keep you occupied from the moment you wake up to the time you sleep.

Not only are there an abundance of activities to do in New York City, that exact same sentiment can be said for food! It is absolutely incredible just how many different cuisines, restaurants, bars, and cafes you will find here. It is truly a foodie paradise. However as much as it’s a blessing of having such a variety of places to choose from, I found myself having a hard time narrowing places of where to eat while pre-planning for my trip. The biggest hurdle to overcome in my opinion is to avoid those tourist traps that are prevalent in any metropolitan city.

It’s information overload when you have so many choices to choose from, but through my own research and personal recommendations I’ve received, I’ve narrowed down a top ten list of places you must eat at whenever you’re here in NYC! This list is tried, tested, and true by yours truly and hopefully will provide you with a quick and easy guide to make sure your food itinerary in New York City shines bright. In no particular order here are my top 10 places.

Emily

If you find yourself ever craving a burger, this is THE place to go. Known by locals and tourists alike, Emily has what is considered by many the best burger in NYC. Famously named the “Emmy Burger” - it’s pasture-rasied dry aged beef, caramelized onions, Grafton cheddar, cornichon, and topped off with their secret Emmy sauce encased between a Tom Cat pretzel bun. Each bite just melts in your mouth, it’s divine! Don’t forget to also order their deep dish pizzas here as well. Not only do they make a kick-ass burger, their pizzas here are also something you don’t want to miss!

Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken

World famous fried chicken can be found in hell. Hell’s Kitchen, NYC that is. Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken is a quick-service restaurant that serves up perfectly crispy, juicy, but not greasy fried chicken. You’ll get the perfect crunch in the skin that you look for in fried chicken without all the greasy oil we sometimes come to expect. They also have lots of sauces to choose from here and you’re free to try them all for free. Wasabi honey was a favourite of mine. Get their Fried Chicken Sandwich here as well. Fried Chicken is perfected here in all of its forms.

Mi Noodle Bar

If you’re always craving a bowl of Pho like me, look no further than Mi Noodle Bar. Super flavourful broth that is poured into your bowl table side with toppings that you might not normally find in a typical bowl of pho but still oh so welcomed! Lobster tail anyone? Or how about bone marrow? They are also the first restaurant in New York to organize a Pho challenge, so if you’re up for six pounds of pho, and three pounds of beef balls, flank, and shank in under 90 minutes you’ll receive a $100 credit and a free appetizer here for life!

Dominique Ansel Bakery

The birthplace of the worldwide phenomenon, “The Cronut,” was born right here at Dominique Ansel Bakery. It’s a donut and croissant hybrid that is a must-try for anyone making their way here to NYC. With flavours of the month here, it’s hard to pre-plan just exactly what cronut flavour you will get once you walk through the doors, but from what I’ve seen myself there really isn’t a bad flavour combination they create. When I was here last June for example I had their “Peach Pancake” and it was fantastic! This makes a perfect souvenir and gift to bring back home to your family and loved ones for those lucky enough to only be a short flight away.

Los Tacos No 1

You don’t necessarily think of tacos and Mexican food when you start planning a trip to NYC, but I certainly beg to differ when it comes to Los Tacos No 1. With a couple of locations scattered around the city, the one I went to was within the hustle and bustle of Times Square. With your choice of corn or flour tortilla, Los Tacos No 1 serves up authentic yet simple tacos straight from family recipes back home in Mexico. This was also my first time eating “Nopal” or grilled cactus. A great place to grab a quick bite to eat!

Ruby’s Cafe

This Australian cafe took me by surprise as I’ve never heard of this place from anyone, so I’ll call this one my hidden gem. It took me randomly scrolling through some food pictures on Instagram before falling in love with a picture of Avocado Toast (the millennial in me) and making my trek here to Ruby’s Cafe to give it a shot. Unfortunately their Avocado Toast is only served up until 4PM, so I opted to order the “Ruby’s Ragu.” I was blown away! Best pasta I’ve had in a long time, and it most definitely ranks up there as my top 3 pastas I’ve ever had in my life. Who would have thought I would find it here at an Australian cafe in America. But I did.

Xi’an Famous Foods

You know the restaurant is actually famous when the word is literally in its name! And I don’t doubt it one bit because so many people that I know recommended this place to me as well. Xi’an Famous Foods totally lives up to the hype. It’s a fast-casual restaurant that serves up authentic Western Chinese dishes with staples like their hand-pulled noodles and their spices. Their most popular dishes here are their “Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles” and their “Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings” served humbly on just paper plates. Packed full of flavour in each bite this is a 100% must visit on any NYC food itinerary.

Joe’s Pizza

One can’t go to NYC without having a New York Slice at an institution of the city since 1975. From dusk till dawn you’ll most likely find a fairly large line up outside Joe’s Pizza waiting with people eagerly waiting to get a $3 slice of pizza. Don’t let that discourage you because the line does move quickly. No one does a more simple, regular slice of pizza better than here at Joe’s. No gimmicks. Just pure quality. Order their classic cheese pizza here and you won’t be disappointed. If this pizza is good enough for the likes of Drake and Barack Obama, it’s good enough for me!

Lady M Cake Boutique

If you start getting a sweet tooth head on over to Lady M Cake Boutique. Their signature “Mille Crepes” are literally works of art with 20 thin crepes carefully layered on top of one another mixed with a light pastry cream just waiting to be devoured. The cake will melt in your mouth when your taste buds start alternating between the crepe and cream layers. It all started with their signature vanilla flavour, but now they soon have expanded into other varieties like matcha, early grey, passionfruit, strawberry, chocolate, and many more.

KazuNori

I came back from a two week trip to Japan shortly before coming here to KazuNori in NYC, and these sushi-hand rolls were just as good if not even better than the sushi I had in Japan. There I said it. Very similar to an omakase experience, these hand rolls are made fresh to order as they are served quickly to you at the bar counter one at a time. Order a la carte here or my personal suggestion is to get their set menu ranging from 3 to 6 different hand rolls. I opted to get their set menu of 5, but could have so easily eaten 6 if not more! I will be coming back here time and time again with every visit to NYC from now on. This may be last on list, but it’s certainly not the least.

Football Month With Montana's Ready-To-Eat Ribs!

When I think of Montana’s, I immediately think of two things. Their giant moose antler hat you famously wear when celebrating your birthday, and then of course their RIBS! Their glorious, glorious ribs! It’s hard to count just how many times I’ve made my drive down to my local Montana’s just to satisfy those cravings of their fall-off-the-bone ribs, marinated and cooked perfectly in their Texas style BBQ signature sauce. If this is you as well I have some great news for you. You can now enjoy their ribs in the comfort of your own home as well!

For the first time in history, you’ll now be able to find those Montana’s pork back ribs in your local grocery store! From start to finish, these pork back ribs can be ready in a matter of minutes with two possible preparations: barbecue or conventional oven. The fact that these ribs can be ready-to-eat as quick as ten minutes makes them the perfect meal to serve your guests at your next get-together.

And with football season in high gear this month, these Montana’s Pork Back Ribs are a no-brainer to serve to my friends as we gather around the dinner table to watch the football game on TV. In preparation for the big game, I dropped by my local Loblaws to try out a few boxes of these refrigerated ready-to-eat ribs. Each box contains one full rack. As I didn’t have access to a barbecue that day, I chose to cook the ribs using a conventional oven. And it’s SO simple! There is literally no prep-work involved at all as the ribs are already marinating in its signature sauce inside the vacuum sealed bags. All you need to do is pre-heat your oven to 375°F, cover a baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and then just cut open the bag and pour the saucy ribs onto the baking pan. If using the conventional oven like me, bake for 22 to 26 minutes and voila! Restaurant quality ribs you would expect to find at Montana’s is cooked and ready-to-eat at home!

True to their claim these ribs literally fall-off-the-bone! The meat is super tender and their signature Texas style BBQ sauce provides a smoky flavour to it that will leave you coming back for more. I found myself literally licking the sauce off of my fingers countless times because it was just so incredibly delicious! I can’t wait for my friends to try them! Added some corn on the cob and popcorn to round out the meal to make this football game get-together one for the books!

I’m so thrilled that Montana’s has now made their signature ribs available in grocery stores, while still staying true to their signature taste and quality. This is a must-buy on your next grocery store run. If you would like to find out just which grocery chains are carrying this product, make sure you head on over HERE to see the full listing. Bravo Montana’s, Bravo! #MontanasRibsinSupermarket

Building Your Perfect Charcuterie Board With The Icons of European Taste

What I love about charcuterie boards is that they can become the show-stopping piece at parties with its grandness and extravagance. With a beautiful wooden board as the vessel for all the various ingredients, you can truly make a stunning display of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruits that will have your guests coming back for more. I have to say though it’s the versatility of building a charcuterie board that makes them having it at your next gathering a must! It lets you be creative and show off your personality because you’re in the driver’s seat when you get to customize your own. You get to feature all of your personal favourite food items, and if you’re not a fan of a certain food like olives for example, well hey feel free to leave them out. You’re the boss!

To make an exceptional charcuterie board though you have to start off with a solid foundation and then build around it. The best charcuterie boards out there will have quality meats and cheeses to pick from. Those are your star ingredients. Then you can supplement in your other favourite items like your fruits and veggies after. And if I were to walk down memory lane and go through all of my past vacations where I had the best meats and cheeses, hands down the stand-out would have to be my Euro trip I took back in 2014 in Italy. The pasta, pizza, gelato is of course absolutely dynamite in Italy. Everyone can tell you that. What I didn’t expect though was also how amazing their various meats and cheeses were as well. It’s truly a country made perfect for foodies where the dishes I’ve eaten there has always been a goal of mine to be re-created back here at home. And with that being said I think a charcuterie board is the perfect place to start.

An interesting fact is that Italy is actually home to the world’s best known and finest air-cured prosciutto. So if we’re going to build a charcuterie board with a solid foundation in its quality, authenticity, and tradition, three Italian products you should most definitely have is Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO, Prosciutto di Parma PDO, and Grana Padano PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).

However even in Italy you may not get the 100% authentic natural prosciutto. You would need to specifically ask for prosciutto by production area - Prosciutto di San Daniele from the San Daniele del Friuli region, and Prosciutto di Parma from the Parma region in Northern Italy. Both of these prosciutto have a lot in common. Both are:

• PDO-certified by the European Union - your guaranteed quality and authenticity

• Produced using similar traditional methods under very strict supervision

• Produced using only two ingredients - locally sourced pork and sea salt

With these similarities between these two Italian prosciuttos, they do also have their differences. It is the terroir and the climate of their respective regions that give each ham a subtly different look and flavour. With their own unique taste, your favourite pick will be entirely a matter of personal preference.

Below here is a further breakdown of the three Italian products.

PROSCIUTTO DI SAN DANIELE

• Produced in North Eastern Italy in the Friuli Venezia Giuila region

• All-natural and dry cured for at least 13 months

• Only the selected thighs from Italian pigs, sea salt, and the microclimate (air) of San Daniele de Friuli are used in making this product

• Wine: sparking wine or fruity red and white wines pair best because they work well with the slightly salty and sweet flavour of the ham

PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA

• Air-cured prosciutto made only in Italy & sold all over the world that also is called Parma Ham

• Aged for at least 400 days

• if purchasing pre-sliced in packages, look for the large black triangle with the gold Parma Crown in the upper left corner of the package

• Wine: sparking wine or fruity red and white wines pair best because they work well with the slightly salty and sweet flavour of the ham

GRANA PADANO

• Italy’s most popular grating cheese. “Grana” actually means hard grating cheese and “Padano” refers to the region in Northern Italy where the cheese must be produced

• Made with partially skimmed raw cow’s milk from the production area

• Like all authentic PDO-certified products, it’s made under strict supervision using the same traditional methods used by monks who created this cheese over 1000 years ago

• Has a finely grained texture and can be aged to over 24 months

• Grana Padano should never be referred to as “Parmesan” or “Parmigiano Reggiano” as they are different cheese

With the foundation now firmly in place with the three key products for your charcuterie board, here comes now the fun part. Freestyle! Personalize your charcuterie board by showcasing your other favourite ingredients you like to snack on. From exotic fruits to whole grain crackers and fruity jams the world is your oyster. With my charcuterie board here you’re going to find some of my personal favourite items like mango, red grapes, olives, artisanal crisps, orange marmalade, cherry tomatoes, and strawberry jams.

Not only can you easily create a charcuterie board like we did here, these products are also so versatile to incorporate in your recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are some great culinary ideas like the Prosciutto di San Daniele Fruit Sushi, Minestrone Soup with Grana Padano, or an Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwich with Prosciutto di Parma. For complete directions to these recipes among many others, make sure you visit the Icons of European Taste website for complete details. Even though I’m currently halfway around the world, I’m so happy I can now bring the quality, authenticity, and tradition of European taste into my home through these three PDO certified products!