February 22, 2013

The Magic Rolling Pin

soundslikeknock Restaurants charming, date night, high tea, peterborough, Peterborough restaurants 2 Comments

I can’t believe I almost ended my Peterborough experience without a stop to the Magic Rolling Pin! It’s a place you might easily miss as it’s tucked away a little bit in a residential area… this adorable quaint house turned restaurant is full of warmth and grandmothery (definitely not a word but the only appropriate way to describe this place) charm.

Think doilies, fresh flowers, floral printed couches, fine china, and the sweetest servers ever.

I’m not a huge fan of chicken, crepes (unless I’m in Paris) or fruit in an entrée so I was a little sceptical when our server suggested the grilled chicken crepes but her voice was so trusting that I went ahead and ordered it. And goodness was I ever happy I did. Grilled chicken, carmalized onions, apple and havarti layered inside their homemade crepes, and covered in a rich cream sauce. Every single bite put a smile on my face. On the side, they had a beautifully presented salad drizzled with their homemade poppy seed dressing.
The whole experience reminded me of when I lived with my gramma and would come home after work to the most amazing home cooked meals.

I usually opt out of dessert as I’m much more partial to savoury and salty over sweets. However, the displays of home baked goodness at the front were just too delicious to pass up. I had a raspberry coconut delight which is a tart filled with raspberry jam and coconut custard that was just the right amount of sweet and crumbly. I’m craving another one as I type this now. For only $2/tart, I really regret not ordering a bunch to take home.

The Magic Rolling Pin is also a great place if you just want to meet up with a friend for a spot of tea. Their premium loose leaf tea is served in the sweetest little tea cups.

I absolutely loved loved loved everything about this place and want so badly to go back! Definitely on my list of things to do next time I find myself back in Peterborough.

They have fairly short hours and are usually very busy so make sure you make a reservation as to not be disappointed!

The Magic Rolling Pin

302 King Street,

Peterborough, Ontario
Monday-Friday 11-5

Saturday 10:30-4

P: 705-745-6556

October 21, 2012

The Works

soundslikeknock Restaurants burgers, Peterborough restaurants, water st 0 Comments

Many of my cube mates were buzzing about the new burger joint that opened down the street. Call me a sheep but I obviously had to go see what all the commotion was about.

What struck me at first was their kind of industrial meets Canadian log cabin themed decor. I loved the way the place looked, right down to their light bulb salt and pepper shakers, to their measuring cups as glasses.

The first time I went to the Works, although my burger was good, I wouldn’t have classified it as being one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I ordered a Johnny Be Goat (Beef patty with spinach red peppers, and goat cheese). It was slightly on the dry side and almost excessively too large. Since it was their opening week, I decided to wait a month before going again to see if things changed once they had some time to settle in. I must say, I was much more impressed by both the service and the quality of the burgers the second time around. I opted for their Downtowner(gouda cheese, bacon and avocado) with chicken breast and was pleased at how thick, yet moist and juicy it was. The boyfriend choose the ROF beef burger (onion ring, jalapeno, banana and chipotle peppers) and it was as big as mine was the first time, but much more moist.

All in all, it’s a cute place but if you’re going for lunch, make sure you give yourself enough time as it does take 20 mins for the burgers to cook. And if it’s your first time, you’ll be spending at least 5 mins trying to decide from their giant list of burger choices.

The Works

123 Simcoe Street Peterborough
Peterborough, Ontario

Phone: (705) 874-7474

November 23, 2011

Hot Belly Mamas

soundslikeknock Restaurants george st, microbrew beers, Peterborough restaurants, southern cuisine 0 Comments

Moving to Peterborough and not knowing a single person here has made a table for one become a standard in my life. And I have to say, I kind of love it! Though I do miss sharing plates and being able to try more than just one dish. Alas, one dish is better than none, so off I went to my first stop, Hot Belly Mamas. This restaurant has made leaving Toronto a little less painful.

There eclectic decor is quite a site for the eyes and imagination. Every where you look, there are interesting photos, articles and items. It reminds me of your cool uncle’s basement where there’s a good story behind every piece.

The menu includes a mix of southern dishes including po’ boys, blackened chicken, pizzas, and roti. But what keeps me coming back is their cajun catfish. Mildly spicy battered catfish that is oh so perfectly cooked, sweet potato frites, and a salad all for $13.99 makes my belly and wallet happy.

Joined to the Olde Stone Brewing company, you can be sure to have a delicious pint of beer. If you like a full bodied beer, their stout and old wild ale are fragrant and flavourful. Another thing I loved was how friendly and welcoming the staff are. On my last visit, they gave me a little lesson on the history of Wellington beer.

As much as I try to make an effort to visit new restaurants, I often find myself going back for some delicious New Orleans’ comfort food. If you’re passing by Peterborough, I’d highly recommend making a pit stop here.

Hot Belly Mamas

378 George Street North

Peterborough, ON, K9H 3R3