Elgin Harvest began with the idea people would choose quality, entirely housemade foodstuffs from a certified chef using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible if they could access it. Like a field of dreams - if you build it, they will come - or so I thought.
I grew up in an agriculturally rich & diverse area of Southwestern Ontario in a little town called Aylmer (yes, like the ketchup, not the glue). After leaving the town, beginning a culinary career, and graduating from the Stratford Chefs School (2002), I sought to cook and find myself a place to eat and be happy in the world.
Landing back in Elgin County ten years later after working in various restaurants throughout the province, I was amazed at the incredibly abundant amount of producers and products that dotted this quiet community. I was more amazed at the lack of local foods available in area restaurants and stores.
Since coming back home, I have explored kitchens, farms, dining rooms, and markets across the region and I sincerely feel those of us that are lucky enough to live in such a diverse landscape are truly fortunate.
Elgin Harvest is a dream to plant, tend, and preserve the culinary landscape that is uniquely Elgin and share that dream with the world. I am currently planning the gardens for 2020 (where I grow food for use in my products and recipe developments), raising chickens for eggs (personal consumption), and planning out the next mobile pizza season.
Whenever and wherever possible, the food, preserves, and ferments I prepare are composed from high quality ingredients grown in my own gardens or from local farms. Much of it organic, including ancient and heritage grains; all of it delicious.
I grew up in an agriculturally rich & diverse area of Southwestern Ontario in a little town called Aylmer (yes, like the ketchup, not the glue). After leaving the town, beginning a culinary career, and graduating from the Stratford Chefs School (2002), I sought to cook and find myself a place to eat and be happy in the world.
Landing back in Elgin County ten years later after working in various restaurants throughout the province, I was amazed at the incredibly abundant amount of producers and products that dotted this quiet community. I was more amazed at the lack of local foods available in area restaurants and stores.
Since coming back home, I have explored kitchens, farms, dining rooms, and markets across the region and I sincerely feel those of us that are lucky enough to live in such a diverse landscape are truly fortunate.
Elgin Harvest is a dream to plant, tend, and preserve the culinary landscape that is uniquely Elgin and share that dream with the world. I am currently planning the gardens for 2020 (where I grow food for use in my products and recipe developments), raising chickens for eggs (personal consumption), and planning out the next mobile pizza season.
Whenever and wherever possible, the food, preserves, and ferments I prepare are composed from high quality ingredients grown in my own gardens or from local farms. Much of it organic, including ancient and heritage grains; all of it delicious.
Cheers,
Chef Cindy
Chef Cindy
