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A look at the history and culture of food, wine, and culinary culture in southern Ontario's Niagara region. The Niagara region has a unique culinary history and tradition. From its mild microclimate that supports the cultivation of tender fruits -- peaches, cherries, and more -- to its role as the birthplace of the Canadian wine industry and home to a new generation of trailblazing chefs and restaurateurs, the Niagara region boasts a food and wine heritage that rivals any in North America. Niagara food writer, advocate, and activist Tiffany Mayer provides a thoughtful look at the many elements of Niagara's culinary past and present, including the planting of the first orchards and vineyards, the rise and fall of the local canning industry, the artisans responsible for crafting the region's most beloved food products, and the Greenbelt Act, which protects more than a million acres of the area's most precious agricultural land.

An illuminating examination of the history of food in Ottawa and the National Capital Region -- an area with a culinary culture that has developed significantly in the last two decades. During the past 20 years the food scene in Ottawa has changed from a landscape of pub grub-driven dining to a vibrant environment for trendy eateries and forward-thinking chefs. The once bland and mundane culinary culture has been transformed, and the result is an array of destination restaurants and purveyors of high-quality food and drink products. Many of these new and successful players leverage the nearby farms -- nearly 2,000 in total -- and artisan food makers that can provide a huge range of ingredients and possibilities.

Discover the impact food and food culture have had on the charming city of Stratford, Ontario. Acclaimed events like the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival have put Stratford on the map as a destination for foodies. How did this relatively small city develop such a significant culinary reputation? The story stretches back to the very roots of Stratford; food and agriculture have always been a critical element of the city's cultural milieu. In fact the deed for Stratford City Hall includes a condition that its operations must always accommodate a farmers market. Generations of Stratford residents have nurtured the area's food heritage, and a nationally renowned theater scene have made it possible for the small city to support dozens of world-class restaurants.