Where Drake Devonshire chef Amanda Ray eats in Prince Edward County

Amanda Ray is celebrating five years as the executive chef at Prince Edward County’s Drake Devonshire and Drake Motor Inn—and she can’t imagine being anywhere else. “I really love it here,” she says. “It’s a place where everyone cares about hospitality with thoughtful intentionality. We’re all about building community and breaking bread together, so to speak.”

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Ray says that many Canadians (who are no longer travelling south for various reasons) are instead flocking to the Drake’s boutique properties for vacations closer to home, and the Drake’s lineup of summer and fall events has her giddy with anticipation.

“It’s insane in the best way possible,” says Ray. A few fun events on the horizon: drag brunches, late-night bonfires (featuring marshmallow-toasting kits), a Canada Day patio party, a guest chef series and a collaboration with Little John Farm. “I’d advise signing up for our newsletter to get all the details,” she says.

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Amid all the excitement, Ray still tries to carve out time for herself. One way she likes to decompress is by visiting her favourite restaurants in the area. “I feel blessed to have so many talented friends in the industry,” she says. “If I’m not reading a book by the beach or paddleboarding, you’ll often find me at any of these spots, chatting up the owners and supporting their businesses. It is such a rich community—and with these beautiful vibes, it’s the opposite of the city grind.”

Here are four of her go-to restaurants in Bloomfield and Picton.

Citizen Frances

284 Bloomfield Main St., Bloomfield, @citizen_frances

“Bloomfield has so much personality. It’s the perfect place to ditch the car and go for a stroll along the main street, which is dotted with the cutest shops, including this coffee spot. It’s owned by Andrea Beechey, who named it after her grandmother. I love it because she poured so much of her personality and background in fashion into it, with the clothing and vintage goods that are for sale. This has become a charming hub. They also make one of the best breakfast sandwiches around—everything in it is made from scratch.”

Go-to dish: The Frances breakfast sandwich

“It’s a Western frittata layered with locally sourced ham from Ralph’s and aged cheddar on a toasted english muffin. It’s such a perfect on-the-go snack, and it’s got all the elements—it’s sweet, creamy, salty and crunchy. I love how it’s an elevated take on a classic.”

Go-to drink: Cortado

“It’s creamy and perfect, with equal parts milk and espresso. They get the beans from Detour, a roaster in Hamilton.”

Rosetta

279 Main St. W., Picton, rosettapec.ca

“This is kind of like an Italian trattoria and a steakhouse mash-up. It’s also giving Joe Beef vibes. There are so many beautiful touches to the room with the decor and accents. The space went through a complete overhaul—it was a country-western bar before. It’s run by the best of the best chefs: Grant van Gameren, Luke Haines and Jesse fader. But, best of all, it’s super close to my house. In addition to my go-to dishes here, you can never go wrong with the seafood tower–it’s a classic.”

Go-to drink: A glass of Lambrusco di Modena

“It’s juicy, bright and effervescent.”

Go-to dish #1: Nonna’s eggplant bruschetta with aïoli

“This is so good. There’s some great acidity that comes through from the eggplant, and then you have the creamy aïoli and the perfectly toasted bread. It’s a fun twist on classic bruschetta.”

Go-to dish #2: Lamb chops (a rotating special)

“Pro tip: any time there’s a special, go for it. I love it when the culinary team gets to exercise their creativity. Today it’s lamb chops with olives and rapini. You get that char from the barbecued protein. The olives are briny, and the crunchy rapini balances everything out. I would also recommend ordering extra focaccia to mop up all the sauce.

Theia

7 Elizabeth St., Picton, wearetheia.ca

“It’s simple yet beautiful and refined food here. They make incredible stuff in a very small kitchen. I also appreciate their curated wine selection. Chef Myles Harrison is super talented, and we’re lucky to have him in our neighbourhood.”

Go-to dish #1: Argentinian red shrimp crudo

“It’s such simple, raw beauty, which highlights the plump and sweet shrimp. The pool of olive oil infused with lemon, mint and Maldon salt definitely requires a side of bread. Thankfully, they have the good stuff, which they source from the Royal. The sourdough is made especially for Theia and served with house whipped butter.”

Go-to dish #2: Wild albacore tuna with marinated sweet peppers and aguachile sauce

“This is gorgeous, supple, fatty, rich white tuna. They actually use a tortilla press to equalize the density before draping it over the peppers. The lemon lends brightness, the chili sauce gives colour—but not heat—and all the flavours work harmoniously together to showcase how delicate and delicious the tuna is.”

Slake Brewing

181 Mowbray Rd., Picton, slakebrewing.com

“This is a destination taproom and patio—and by far the best spot for watching the sunset. Owners Greg Landucci, Eric Portelance and Nick Bobas had a vision of opening a brewery on their farm property with an emphasis on using locally sourced Ontario malt to produce ales and lagers.They always have new microbrews, and there are always 10 beers on tap. They also have a fantastic barrel-aging program. It’s the best in the summer, when there are pop-ups, games and bonfires. Fun fact: the names of the beer are inspired by the pigs, sheep and chickens that roam the grounds.”

Go-to drink: Yes Mango Sour

“This is such a great beer. It has cool, tropical vibes. It’s bright and delicious, and I love the thicker viscosity.”