I had the pleasure of reviewing the menu at Epic during my Weekend at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The philosophy at Epic is one that is near and dear to my heart: a focus on sustainable local food. They have gone to great lengths to promote local whenever possible while showcasing the bounty of the Canadian culinary landscape. Attention to detail was evident as each table featured a pot of rosemary which had been grown on the hotel’s rooftop garden. A symbol that local can even be sourced and harvested in house.
We started off with two of the restaurants signature cocktails which were being highlighted to celebrate the season. Our dinner featured local favourites such as wines from Niagara on the Lake, Prince Edward County chevre, Fun Guy Farms mushrooms, Royal York honey, local beets, Canadian beef and Niagara cherries. Epic has done an excellent job at showcasing Canadian flavours while focusing on highlighting local producers. We waddled out of the place, what an Epic meal, fit for two Queens.
Epic Icewine Martini
icewine, Finlandia vodka, citrus oil and lemon twist
Bloomin’ Spring Cocktail *
tanqueray No. Ten, chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, viola
2010 Chateau Leoube, Rose, Cote de Provence, France
2011 Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand *
2010 Jean-Luc Colombo, Viognier, La Violette, Languedoc, France *
2009 Flatrock Cellars Riesling Reserve, Niagara, Canada *
2008 The Foreign Affair Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, “Conspiracy,” Niagara, Canada
Fun Guy Farms Exotic Mushroom Chowder
duck confit, prairie grains, royal york honey port essence
Sleger Greens and Fine Herb Salad
prince edward county chevre, pomegranate, oranges, kernal farm toasted peanuts, royal york honey-rosemary dressing
Oyster Tasting
mignonette sauce
Confit Cedar Vallley Duck Terrine *
icewine poached quince puree, lambs lettuce, royal york honey vinaigrette, micro croutons
Diver Scallops
du puy lentils and chobai sausage, local beets, salsa verde, truffle-jalapeno sauce
Canadian Prime Braised Beef Short Rib
yukon gold mashed potatoes, glazed root vegetables, natural jus
Exotic Ontario Mushroom Ravioli *
asparagus, butternut squash, prince edward county chevre, tarragon cream sauce
Cottage Country Brownie
triple hit chocolate brownie, hand made toasted marshmallows, walnut crunch
Niagara Preserved Cherry Tart *
graham crust, confit lemon, torched port meringue
