Local Restaurant Spotlight: Heart's Tavern in Kimberley, Ontario

Drive through the quaint village of Kimberley, Ontario, and you’re bound to notice an exciting new restaurant bringing life to what has been, until recently, a quiet little ski town. You might first notice the attractive, hand-painted wooden sign that says “Heart’s Tavern”, or maybe the umbrellas shading retired bourbon barrels on the spacious patio will catch your eye. If you’re lucky, your windows will be rolled down and you’ll breathe in the delicious aroma of applewood smoke as the chefs barbecue their signature pork back sticky ribs and brined heritage chickens.

Situated on the scenic Beaver Valley Road, Heart’s Tavern has moved into the location of the historic Village Inn and is the newest venture of the owners of Toronto’s Union and Cote De Boeuf restaurants. With a family farm just a few kilometres north, restaurateur Teo Paul has roots in the area and is using this prime location to showcase the excellent local meat, produce, and culinary talents Grey County has to offer. Dishes are sophisticated, simple, rustic French and northern Italian inspired--think steak tartare with locally raised beef and farm-sourced free-range egg yolk, or oyster mushrooms sauteed in grass-fed butter on challah toast. Their signature dish is a hearty green salad with chevre, potato rosti, double smoked bacon, and a honey pinot noir vinaigrette.

The property is a spacious and green tree-lined two acres, including a large and handsome chef’s garden, and postcard-perfect view of the Old Baldy outcropping on the Niagara Escarpment. With plans to open up the upstairs of the red brick century farmhouse into a three-room boutique hotel, they have their sights set to host private parties, social events, and intimate (think 40ish person) weddings starting in 2022.

Heart’s Tavern is open afternoons and evenings Thu - Sun. Check www.heartsgreycounty.ca or look them up on Instagram @hearts_greycounty for more details.