Eddington's of Exeter

 

James Eddington takes, what he dubs, an ultra-local farm-to-table approach to food when creating his seasonal menus at the famed Eddington’s of Exeter restaurant, on his culinary tours in destinations including France and Portugal, and even the weekly chef/farmer’s market in front of the established restaurant. 

With 25 acres of farmland on the shores of Lake Huron, Eddington farms enough produce to not only supply his restaurant, but also a market where foodies are welcome to stop by and fill their bags with seasonal produce grown in collaboration with Masse Farms. The market is set up in front of the restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during warmer months. To maintain physical distancing, the market is set up in a location that doesn’t interfere with the dining experience. 

Eddington anticipates a harvest of black kale, zucchinis and heirloom tomatoes, to name a few of the 25 fruits and vegetable varieties farmed. Edible flowers make their way on to that list too. 

As winter turns to spring, crops of asparagus and spring ramps are expected to make their way onto the restaurant’s menu, a menu that Eddington says “changes up three to four times per year”. 

Looking forward to summer, as the weather warms, Eddington says enthusiastically “summertime is fantastic for fruits and vegetables, while in autumn everything is growing golden and green.” It doesn’t get more “ultra-local” than growing it in your own backyard, so to speak.  

For visitors who may be passing through Exeter, or just prefer someone else to do the cooking, the spring menu is underway. Alongside what grows in the garden, Eddington sources ingredients from farms and producers in Huron, Perth and Middlesex Counties. All of which is in line with Eddington’s ultra-local philosophy that allows “the food do the talking”.  

While Eddington hasn’t created a brewery onsite, he stays true to his local philosophy and works in collaboration with a Middlesex County brewery to create the restaurant’s own lager, stout and ale for guests dining on site, but also for responsible takeaway. 

As the weather warms, dine inside or on the newly expanded patio, surrounded by mature trees in the park-like setting on the restaurant grounds. Reservations are required. 519-235-3030. www.eddingtons.ca 527 Main St. S., Exeter.