Southern Ontario Nibble Nooks

There are two cozy, inviting nooks in southern Ontario that you need to know about if you enjoy a day trip with a little nosh thrown in now and then. The first is "The Organic Underground" at 255 Front Street in Belleville, and the second is "Flapjacks" just north of the little hamlet of Victoria, in the hills of Caledon.
If you're out Belleville way, you can't do better for a lunch or coffee break than stopping in at the Organic Underground. Their lunch menu lets you choose from a variety of wraps and sandwiches, including a good old PB&J, as well as daily soups. The menu describes their soups as follows: "(made with) A variety of fresh, local, and organic ingredients where possible. Soups are vegan and include whole wheat bread or corn chips on the side." The cafe also sells organic, fair-trade brewed coffee and looseleaf teas.
This place is more than just somewhere to relax while you fill up. The Underground also keeps the environment in mind while they conduct their business, telling their customers, "We have made every effort to respect the environment while offering exceptional food and drinks. Our to-go cups, bags, spoons, forks and knives are all made from corn and potato products and are all biodegradable and compostable."
As if all the above isn't already enough to set them above the competition, they also offer books for sale that span topics from vegan cooking to politics in the Middle East. They make space available to independent artists for display of their artwork, and host Open Mic Nights and Live Music Shows by musicians from across the country.
Everything in threes, right? The three things I really liked when I was there was the incredibly friendly service, the date squares and the chance to get involved in a cause. The date squares, BTW, are sourced from Bren's Bakeshop and Cafe, just along the street from the Underground. If you like these particular goodies, you have to order one, and while you're munching happily away on the treat, you can take an incredibly easy step to help make a great difference right here in Canada. On a table near the back is a stack of postcards that say on the front "Injustice on Tap" and are already addressed to the House of Commons on the back. All you have to do is add your name and address to add your voice to the chorus of protest over the fact than over 100 Indigenous communities in Canada are under boil-water advisories. Everyone in Canada should have access to safe drinking water, not just some of us. Once you finish your sojourn at the Organic Underground, a short walk along Front Street will take you to Bren's where you can stock up on some baked goods to take home, and a post office so you can drop your protest card in the mail, and walk away feeling good about the whole experience.
As I said earlier, the other place you owe it to yourself to check out is Flapjacks, on the west side of Highway 10 just 1/2 km south of the Forks of the Credit Road. This place is located within easy driving distance of some incredible scenery, hiking, and photo opportunities. Terra Cotta Conservation Area or the Forks of the Credit themselves could keep you happily busy for hours, but sooner or later, you're going to have worked up a good appetite and that's when it will be good to know about this little gem of an eatery. Again, you're going to enjoy some of the friendliest service here that you'll find anywhere.
This family restaurant serves an all-day breakfast menu that includes buttermilk pancakes, extra thick French toast and omelets (including a "create your own" omelet), among other offerings. Their lunch menu will give you the choice of burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Their website tells you "Each month at Flapjacks we introduce featured items, which may not normally be on our regular menu. Our chefs create something new each month by using seasonal local produce." That should appeal to anyone concerned with the environment, since it takes a huge hunk out of your meal's carbon footprint to have it locally sourced. Equally appealing is the fact that their bread and preserves are made without additives and preservatives, so if you buy some to take home, that feel-good glow can stay with you. Choose from strawberry, raspberry or blueberry in the preserves, and then treat yourself to banana bread or some muffins as well. They really know what they're doing when they're making banana bread at Flapjacks. The loaf I took home was gone in no time!
Another great detail about this place is their easy-going willingness to let a diner substitute fruits or salads for listed entree items. Try asking for substitutes at some more well-known places and see how far you get!
When Hubby and I were out recently at Terra Cotta snapping shots of wildflowers and ponds, majestic trees and beckoning trails, we make our first ever visit to Flapjacks. After the delicious meal we had, we both agreed it definitely would not be our last.