DAYTRIPPIN’ WITH BECKY & ARDIN LALUI

A COUPLE OF LOVERS SHARING THEIR FAVOURITE SATURDAY DAYTRIP AROUND THE REGION.

BECKY & ARDIN LALUI, RESTAURANTEURS

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY, ELORA

When Becky and Ardin aren’t running their gorgeously-appointed downtown Elora gastropub, they’re likely out and about – scouring the region (and beyond) for inspiration. Recently they were kind enough to share what an ideal Saturday daytrip looks like for them. Follow along – and then try it yourself.

ELORA FARMERS’ MARKET

BISSELL PARK (127 E MILL ST), ELORA

THE ELORA MERCANTILE

58 GEDDES ST #1, ELORA 1. A great Saturday morning begins with homemade omelettes on our balcony that overlooks the Grand River. For ingredients we walk to the Market where we grab local tomatoes, peppers, and onions from TJ of Hoppy Fields Farm. We then hit up The Mercantile for Quebec cheeses and French butter before heading back home to cook and eat.

COUNTRY ANTIQUE STORE

6595 LINE 86, ELMIRA 2. Once we’ve finished our leisurely breakfast, Ardin and I drive across our region’s gorgeous countryside to Country Antiques. We love this business’ eclectic, fun vibe. I hunt through the place, which offers everything from old mirrors to church pews, and pick out a few reasonably-priced antique frames for home.

SHADY LANE GREENHOUSE & PERENNIALS

6158 WEISENBERG RD, WEST MONTROSE 3. Next up, we head to Shady Lane nursery – a real hidden treasure of our region where the greenery is always healthy and the price is always fantastic. When you visit, look out for the resident peacocks. And be sure to bring cash or cheque, because no cards are accepted here.

ELORA BREWING COMPANY

107 GEDDES ST, ELORA 4. With our newly-purchased baskets of green bounty securely stored in the car, we beeline back to Elora to drop our morning finds. We then meander up the block to our local brewery for lunch. It’s our regular haunt for lots of reasons. Great staff. Delicious food. Fantastic drinks. And a street-side patio perfect for people watching. To satisfy our keto diets, we grab the burger (sans bun), a Caesar salad, and a couple ciders.

SONNEN HILL BREWING

20727 HEART LAKE RD, CALEDON VILLAGE

OR

TWO FACES

20 WILSON ST, GUELPH

BHIMAS WARUNG

262 KING ST N, WATERLOO

ELORA MILL HOTEL & SPA

77 W MILL ST, ELORA

GRAND GOURMET

42 W MILL ST, ELORA 5. From here, we can head in one of two directions: either to Sonnen Hill Brewing in Caledon for farmland pasture and fresh pale beer with mixed-culture fermentations, or to Two Faces wine bar in downtown Guelph for fantasticallycurated wines and the Royal City’s killer downtown vibes. We opt for the sunny drive to Sonnen Hill, where we grab bottles of ‘Lil Spiffy’ oak-aged saison and ‘Oh Me Oh My’ hoppy pale ale.

6. It’s mid-afternoon, and time to choose a dinner spot. A favourite of ours is Bhimas in Waterloo. Unassuming on the outside yet fascinatingly-eccentric on the inside, this destination mixes southeast Asian with European flavours for the most divine dishes. We don't take long to order; Ardin chooses the slow braised pork shoulder, while I select the muscovy duck magret. And good wine, of course.

7. Dinner’s over, but we’re far from ready for bed. We drive back to Elora, park the car, and walk the block from our apartment to the Elora Mill. We’re so lucky to have such a world-class establishment located in our own backyard. We settle in on the outdoor patio – literally feet from the rushing waters of the Elora Gorge – for post-dinner snacks and cocktails. We split the chilled lobster and carrot salad, and Ardin orders a negroni while I stick with wine. We smile, and sigh.

8. It’s time for bed. As we mosey home along West Mill Street, I find myself window shopping. I stop outside Grand Gourmet and fix on all the neat stuff the boutique sells that goes with food. Lovely pepper grinders. Beautiful tea towels. Emile Henry cookware. The list goes on. I make a note to myself to come back tomorrow for serving dishes. As soon as we arrive back home, I slip off my shoes and, before I know it, Ardin and I fall fast asleep to the sounds of the river rushing by.

I love this region – a place we are so happy to call home . DAYTRIP, TAG & POST! @TOQUELTD #TOQUEDT #TOQUEDAYTRIPPING