On historic County Rd. 50, a well-known route that stretches along our shoreline, past many of our vineyards, beaches and produce stands, is a sweet, little slice of Southern Ontario hospitality. Garfield’s, the county pub-meets-diner has been warming the hearts of locals, day-trippers and passersby since it opened in 2016. Owners Chelsae and Ronda Schurman, a mother-daughter, chef and server team have created the perfect low-key atmosphere dishing up uncomplicated, though reimagined classics – like their indulgent mozzarella stick grilled cheese and crispy Lake Erie perch tacos.
Chelsae, who graduated from St. Clair in culinary management, lives in the quaint bungalow next door and operates the restaurant, year-round at the young age of 25. Their family had been cottaging in the area for generations and noticed its recent surge in popularity. Staying true to their dream of owning a restaurant that focuses on home-made, locally sourced food and drink, they order their produce from Lee and Maria’s in Kingsville, fresh meat from Uptown Meats in Harrow, a variety of Essex-county beers and wine from nearby Colio and Oxley wineries.
Garfield’s, like so many of our other county businesses, is worth taking the short trip from the city to experience, whether for the afternoon or even an overnight staycation. City folk head to Garfield’s for breakfast, to get a hearty meal in before a tour through the wineries, or for a late lunch after a day at the beach or antiquing. It’s easy to discover a new favourite spot with every visit to the region. The buzz, coupled with affordability, encourages those with a dream to pursue it. It also helps that the owners of these county businesses value collaboration over competition – something Garfield, Chelsae’s grandfather, would definitely be proud of her for encouraging.
1 County Road 50 west, Harrow, Ontario N0R1G0
Garfield’s Colchester
@garfieldscolchester
