Olive Oil - and a Taste of the Exotic!

Olive Oil - and a Taste of the Exotic!

Having lived in Southampton, in Hampshire (U.K), for seventeen years before emigrating to Canada, I've always been intrigued by its namesake, on the east coast of Lake Huron. We've been through it a number of times on our past journeys but last week, we had the opportunity to explore this beautiful area of Ontario in a little more depth. Thanks to our friends, Carolyn (C.J.) and Art, we took the ferry from Manitoulin Island to Tobermory, and drove down to the area. 

Among the many interesting stores on the high street, is the Southampton Olive Oil Company - 'a family owned and operated specialty extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and select gourmet foods boutique'. I had seen a similar store in Barrie, last year, and felt drawn to visit this one after we had finished lunch. 

Southampton Olive Oil Company

Stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the interactive nature of the store... and the availability of Dave Rudell, the owner, who personally welcomed us and invited us to explore the various tastes that were on tap. 

One small area of the larger 'Tasting Room'

Several samples brought forth murmurs of appreciation as we made our way around the 'Tasting Room'. Of especial enjoyment were the Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar, and the Sicilian Lemon, though there were many more that elicited sighs and gasps! 

C.J. pours...

C.J. anticipates...

C.J. relishes the experience!

Dave, filling a bottle ready for sale.

The store is so warm and inviting, with beautifully arranged displays, and little recipe suggestions. Dave was incredibly knowledgeable about which flavours would bring out the piquancy of a dish, and he spent a lot of time with us, explaining each of the samples and how they could be used to enhance a gourmet meal. We felt totally relaxed and unhurried.

Dave took his time to explain some of the finer points of each vinegar

We felt totally looked after and unhurried

One of the many displays that catch the eye

I thought it was neat how Dana sealed the caps on the bottles...

There were several suggested recipes

During the conversation, Art mentioned that we were in the area to visit C.J.'s daughter, Devon, who is the chef, and joint owner, of a restaurant in Port Elgin. Dave asked which one, and Art told him that it was Saffron. His response was amazing! He said, 'You're kidding!! That's the best restaurant in this whole area and we always go there if we want to celebrate something special'. What a marvellous endorsement of an eating place! 

Mark and I had traveled up to Port Elgin last year, from our house-sit in West Lorne, specifically to have brunch at Saffron, and to meet Dev, in person, for the first time. We knew that, if the brunch was anything to go by, dinner would be superb. We were certainly not disappointed! 

So, a couple of months ago, I had suggested to C.J. and Art that it might be fun to surprise Dev by dropping in, unannounced, and the plan was concocted to include two overnight stays at the Colonial Motel, in Port Elgin.

Port Elgin - just 12 minutes south of Southampton

Just 12 minutes south, on HWY 21, Port Elgin boasts a harbour and one of the many admirable beaches on the Saugeen Shores. On the main highway, Saffron (it's full name is, 'Saffron - a Taste of the Exotic') may be found tucked away in a small strip mall - in fact, it would be easy to miss it. 

That being said, in just a short time, this restaurant has justifiably wormed its way into the hearts of locals, near and not-so-near, and has won a steady stream of repeat patrons, who make it a point of necessity to include it in their regular itinerary. In just under four years, Saffron has received some well-deserved, prestigious awards, including the #2 spot out of 30 restaurants in Port Elgin by Trip Advisor, and their Certificate of Excellence!

The interior is attractive in its simplicity, and decorated to make for a warm and welcome eating experience. In their own words, "... in terms of atmosphere, picture a casual, quirky spot rather than a fine dining establishment with a lot of 'ambiance'". 

Simple, but elegant

I have to say, though, that the patio is our favourite place to eat. 

The patio in the summer is a must-see

Dev and Sunny are usually busily tucked away in the kitchen, along with their support staff, while Jenn and her mom, Linda, look after the patrons. Jenn's bubbly personality is only matched by her extraordinary ability to recall all of the finer details of the dishes and the weekly specials on the menu. 

Devon adds her own 'twist' to the exotic recipes

Jenn and Linda - posing! (Their smiles are much larger than their frowns lol!!!)

Their aim is to have a small menu with made-from-scratch ingredients from all over the world

We ate there both nights, and left totally satisfied on both occasions, with a zing on our taste buds! It really does have to be experienced as words cannot do justice to Dev's awesome cooking skills. The restaurant certainly lives up to its claim, serving internationally diverse cuisine. The menu of made-from-scratch items come from different parts of the world, and the way she puts them together is unique. 

Thai Green Coconut Curry (with chicken)

Delicious Indian Butter Chicken

It truly is a 'Taste of the Exotic' - and we can't wait until our journeys take us in that vicinity once more.

Great idea for the menu 'specials'

No trip to the Saugeen Shores will be complete without a stop there - but be warned, you will need to make reservations to avoid disappointment.