Iron Skillet Restaurant

Pig tails, fries and slaw

Fresh food, made from scratch with local ingredients, nicely presented in a warm atmosphere with genuine care. That's how we roll around here so I was delighted to discover a new (to me) restaurant in the nearby town of Kearney that utterly embraces the same principles.

The Iron Skillet Restaurant and Custom Catering has been around for a couple of years now, but it's just recently settled into a new location and word of their new digs and incredible menu has been spreading.

They source their meat from the same local abattoir we love to buy from (Sprucedale Meats). They often braise some of that meat in locally-crafted ale (Highland Brewery) and brew coffee from beans roasted in Muskoka (Diesel House Roasters). The food is prepared fresh; it's flavourful and generous, and the price is lower than you'd expect.

The first time I was there was just to meet a friend for coffee, not for a meal. I should have brought my appetite! While I sipped my coffee I watched beautifully laden plates en route from kitchen to hungry diners and I felt a deep pang of food envy. I told Jim about it and a couple of days later he took me there for my birthday lunch.

Jim had the pig tails. Before you you wrinkle your nose at the thought of this particular part of the animal, let me say this: if you love pork ribs, you owe--yes owe--it to yourself to try the pig tails. They are that good. I had the highlander chicken sandwich made with pulled chicken braised in Highlander ale and served with the house-made slaw and smoked mozzarella. YUM! We both had the fries (a treat for my birthday) but soup or salad were options as well. The fries were worth the splurge--more like bistro style 'frites'-- but I have to try the made-from-scratch soups next time, they smelled so good!

Highlander chicken sandwich

For now the restaurant is open from breakfast until 4pm. They plan to be open for dinner over the winter and will likely have a liquor license by then, too. If you want to follow along with the Martin and Justin, the fine fellas behind the skillet, find their facebook page here. Just be prepared to wipe the drool off your screen from time to time as they post some mightily enticing photos of their craft.

The Iron Skillet
1734 Highway 518 East
Kearney, ON

Pie Iron Sandwicherie in Huntsville

Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

My choice was the duck confit with brie and cranberry preserves on multigrain bread. Ripple-cut chips and coleslaw on the side.

I'd been meaning to try Pie Iron Sandwicherie since it opened in downtown Huntsville last summer and my interest was piqued anew after guests absolutely raved about it during their visit over the Christmas holidays. So when our friend, Ed, came up for a few days to attend the Banff Mountain Film Festival with us, it was the perfect opportunity to try something new for our pre-show dinner.
I am happy to report it did not disappoint. In fact, we enjoyed it so much I have to share it with you!

That is a sandwich that would make Dagwood proud!

 As a "sandwicherie", the focus is, naturally, on sandwiches -- but don't think that means boring. It's the variety, creativity and quality of the fillings that set the menu apart. The foodie in me loves the well-matched and inventive flavours and the artisanal bread. The generous size and house-made mushroom soup impressed Jim and Ed.

Nothing like a locally-made Lake of Bays Pale Ale to complete a meal like this.

Jim had the montreal smoked meat on marbled rye and Ed chose the pulled pork with Memphis style BBQ sauce, jack cheese and slaw on a ciabatta bun.

Sushi is a new addition to the menu this weekend. We shared a sample platter and it was delicious. I finally have a local source for good sushi! Also on offer: a selection of desserts, muffins, scones and baked goods, as well as local beers and specialty coffees.

Yay! Good sushi comes to Huntsville!

Another high note of our dinner was the service. Our server was attentive, helpful and genuine. When we told him we were running a little late and had tickets to the theatre, he let the kitchen staff knew and he made sure we got out in plenty of time for the show.

If you go: Pie Iron Sandwicherie is on Main Street in downtown Huntsville, near the bridge, next to the Bookcase, across from Algonquin Outfitters, just a block down from Algonquin Theatre.

Danny's Justa Pasta

Perhaps the most popular restaurant in the Almaguin Highlands, Danny's Justa Pasta is a favourite with many of our guests. It's certainly no surprise they've built up a loyal and far-ranging fanbase over the past 25 years.

Executive Chef Danny Galekovic and Head Chef Adam Ferguson, along with the attentive and courteous staff, take pride in serving up freshly prepared, made to order dishes using fresh ingredients. As the name suggests, much of the menu is devoted to pasta, but the selection is interesting and varied.

On the current menu, you'll find some classics such as Seafood Linguini with scallops, shrimps, halibut and mussels in a spicy tomato or delicate cream sauce ($23); or Penne Arrabiata with a full-flavoured extra spicy tomato sauce loaded with fresh garlic and fresh herbs ($16).

You'll also find some unexpected and inspired gems such as Penne with pork tenderloin, shrimp and mixed fresh vegetables in a spicy Thai sauce ($23); or Linguini with leeks, trio of onions, marinated roma tomatoes, fresh garlic, baby spinach and chili peppers in extra virgin olive oil, topped with a raw egg yolk ($17).

You can also customize your pasta by adding chicken breast, pork or beef tenderloin, mixed vegetables, shrimp or scallop to any dish. For the no-carb crowd, you can substitute out pasta for fresh raw baby spinach topped with your favourite pasta combination.

As tempting as it is to head straight to the pastas, don't miss the appetizer menu. Many of our guests have raved over the Escargot ($10), which changes daily. Or try the House Paté ($13) or Carpaccio ($13). Of course there are also a selection of salads, bread and soups to choose from for your starter. An assortment of desserts and beverages round out your meal.


Being such a popular spot, there is often a wait for a table, especially at dinner time on weekends, but it's easy enough to pass the time. While waiting for your table, just stroll across the parking lot to the Eclectic Cottage gift shop. It's a great store packed with all sorts of home decor and cottage life goods.

Danny and his team seem to have thought of everything, even Rover. There's a Dog Walk trail behind the shop so your pooch can stretch his legs after waiting so patiently for you.

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Located directly on Highway 11, just south of the town of Sundridge and about 27 km north of Fern Glen Rd, Danny's Justa Pasta is an easy drive through lovely scenery.

Take-out is available, just call a few hours ahead. We've got the phone number and directions for you. Plus we're happy to provide our guests with plates and cutlery to reheat their meal for a comfortable dinner back here at the inn.