Tastes of the South Shore Past and Present elevates the Flashback February Experience

by Cheryl Anderson

Truffle and mushroom risotto croquette, duck confit stuffing, light breading; cherry catsup paired with Lighthall Vineyards South Shore Pinot Noir! Food and wine can tell you a lot about a place’s past and present. Perfect pairings are in season right now and that’s why Tastes of the South Shore Past and Present is featuring bite-sized treats at Lighthall Vineyards on Sunday, February 25, from 1 to 4 pm. Pop in with your friends and family to sample heritage-inspired small bites perfectly paired with select Lighthall vintages.

Inspired by 19th century recipes, critically acclaimed Kaleidoscope Catering will be preparing delicious examples of nineteenth century cuisine using au courant local ingredients. Meanwhile, the Lighthall Vineyards winemaking team is pairing tastings of their popular sparkling, red and white vintages as well as highlighting some of their delectable cheeses.

“We’re thrilled to host food, wine and culture lovers as part of Flashback February celebrations,” says Michael Harris, retail manager at Lighthall Vineyards. “We’re long-time supporters of South Shore Joint Initiative’s (SSJI) advocacy and educational work and excited that the new Monarch Point Conservation Reserve is preserving and protecting this area’s rare and fragile biodiversity.”

For the third year in a row, SSJI is hosting a Flashback February event. This year’s event is its first-ever in person, ticketed event on the South Shore and is sure to delight history, culinary and wine buffs alike. Tastes of the South Shore Past and Present is a casual, drop-in event featuring presentations at 2 P.M. and 3 P.M.

Author and food historian Liz Driver will explain some of the vast improvements in cooking brought about by the invention of the humble cookstove. Well-known canoe builder Dick Bird will talk about how the maple syrup industry mechanized throughout the twentieth century. Educator Laura Hudgin-Edge will highlight a couple of stories from her recently published book The Moses Hudgin Log House - Six Generations on Prince Edward County’s’ South Shore.

A mini “South Shore Antiques Roadshow” display will encourage attendees to identify unique and antique kitchen implements. Prizes will be awarded for the most correct identifications. There will be a small silent auction of County food and culinary items. Local artist Aidan Haley has donated four of his landscape paintings – all sales will directly support SSJI’s work.

“Cultural Heritage is one of our strategic pillars, says John Hirsch, president, South Shore Joint Initiative. Playing an active role in Flashback February enables us to shed light on unique aspects of Prince Edward County’s 19th and early 20th century history. We are delighted to collaborate with Lighthall Vineyards – a remarkable winery in the South Shore area – and to host this perfect pairing to cap off yet another amazing Flashback February week of activities.”

All are welcome to Lighthall Vineyards on February 25. Advance registration is recommended but not required. Tickets are $50 each and include 3 canapes, 3 wine tastings and much more! Non-alcoholic beverage options will be available.

Visit Tastes of the South Shore to book your tickets now!

Published in The South Shoreliner, February 2024 edition.