Gourmet à gogo: Hit the road this long weekend for two culinary gems east of Toronto

Temperatures are high, and come the weekend, Torontonians are keen to become country dwellers. But this doesn’t mean that palates have to suffer. Herewith are two amazing food experiences to check out while you’re on the road.

Guapo’s Cantina
OK. You’ve heard about the Drake Dev and, while wonderful, they’re not the only cats in town. Joining the Prince Edward County contingent is Guapo’s Cantina, a brand spankin’ new taco outfit perched rather optimally at the Traynor Family Vineyard. Owners Lance Calvert and Ashley Inglis had their hearts set on opening a Latin street food spot for some time, so when the opportunity arose to open shop at a winery, it was a done deal. Eats include the popular pollo cinco tacos with five spice-marinated chicken, a carrot-apple-beet slaw and garlic-lime crema. And fret not — there are white wine margaritas to match. 1774 Danforth Rd., Hillier, Prince Edward County, 613-661-0698


Mount Julian
Tucked away in the picturesque Kawarthas, this spirited restaurant (pictured above) is an unexpected find. Located on the grounds of the Viamede Resort, Mount Julian is housed in a former inn hailing from 1874. Inside, diners chit-chat in the social lounge before diving into a tasting menu from chef Kevin McKenna (the Fat Duck, Group of Seven Chefs). Each week, McKenna develops an entirely new parade of dishes, which pluck ingredients of both the animal and vegetal type from the property itself. A recent menu gave a nod to Gord Downie, a good acquaintance of the chef, and included dishes like rabbit with wild boar sausage and huckleberry mostarda. 595 Mount Julian–Viamede Rd., Woodview, 705-654-3344

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