After an extensive two year restoration to a late 1800’s foundry building, the Drake Devonshire popped open its doors in the Fall of 2013. Located in pretty meets picturesque Prince Edward County, the affectionately dubbed “Drake-by-the-Lake,” is just a short two hour drive from Toronto.
The pretty property is a design lovers dream. It’s perhaps no shock that my favourite space while taking a stroll was where lakeshore lewks met crafty kitchen. The Drake Devonshire’s cantilevered dining room is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows offering hungry guests a sun-splashed spot to enjoy a fine feast while perched over Lake Ontario.
As part of a growing stable of hotel and dining destinations, the Devonshire celebrates seasonal eating, locally inspired and sourced ingredients, and fun twists on classic dishes in typical Drake style. Executive Chef Ted Corrado and Sous Mike Portigal have created a highly original farm and lake-to-table menu with iconic Drake favourites alongside new Devonshire dishes, while celebrated local wines and spirits are splashed into glasses at the bar.
Like Starving Artist at Drake Hotel and Fat Banker at Drake One Fifty, the Devonshire has a cheekily-named house wine: Vintner’s Daughter made by Wellington’s own Rosehall Run winery alongside a short but sweet local and international wine list. Cocktails here also emulate Drake’s award-winning mixology program and celebrate local spirits, herbs and flavours, like the Sandbanks Sour featuring local PEC red wine syrup and Tea Time In The Hive made with 66 Gilead Loyalist cucumber-infused gin.
Highlights from the parade of plates which danced around our dinner table include Grilled Naan topped with sweet peaches and creamy ricotta, simple and sweet Torchietti tossed in confit garlic and scalded tomatoes, handshake worthy Pork Tomahawk perched over creamed corn, perfectly seared Striploin hugging blue cheese dauphonoise and crispy onion and an ode to chocolate kissed by candied hazelnuts and morello cherry.
Restaurant at The Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County
Grilled Naan | country ham, ontario peaches, ricotta
Torchietti | confit garlic, scalded tomatoes, basil, pecorino
Pork Tomahawk | creamed corn, braised greens, plum jam
60 Day Dry-Aged Striploin | blue cheese dauphonoise, roasted onions, herbed butter
Chocolate | mousse dacquoise, morello cherry puree, candied hazelnuts, fresh cherries
