Vegan Practically

Here I am, back in Haliburton for a week to visit my parents. We usually go out for at least one meal. On Wednesday we took a trip to a restaurant we’ve long-frequented called Rhubarb. It’s not fully vegan but they have a couple of vegan options. The day before we picked up a few things at the Tuesday farmer’s market to put together a substantial and delicious lunch. I cooked quite a bit too. And we went to a great local café called Castle Antiques, where all the baked goods are vegan and gluten free.

Here’s a summary of the highlights, all of which I recommend to anyone travelling in the Kawartha Lakes region, particularly Haliburton, and seeking vegan options.

Rhubarb is fine-dining in a pleasantly elegant but casual dining room with lots of light. It offers an omni menu that includes vegan options, including a proper vegan dessert. I knew I wanted dessert, so I opted for the chilled soup (which was a special) and a salad so I’d have room for the glazed lemon cake with raspberry gelato. Diane had the Impossible Burger with vegan cheese, fries, and salad. Also available was a veggie pasta dish with cashew Parmesan cheese. The portions at Rhubard are substantial and we all came away from our lunch feeling more than satisfied. I like that there is some choice for vegan diners and that there is a real dessert. It’s a good place to go if you are dining in mixed company and don’t mind sitting with others who are eating animal products.

Here’s a photo of the lemon cake:

Juna is an Italian restaurant on the main street in Haliburton Village, just opened this year by the Rhubarb. It’s an omni menu with several vegan pizza options and a vegan pasta bolognese that gets its texture from walnuts and mushrooms. We went for lunch yesterday. I had the pesto vegetable pizza and Diane had the pasta. Again both delicious, if a bit pricey. They serve generous portions. I had enough pizza to share among three of us for a light second meal. Even with enough to take home, Juna is definitely a splurge, not an everyday place. We sat inside the small restaurant, but they also have a lovely back patio that has great shade and a peaceful atmosphere.

Castle Antiques and Café is a unique must-try. I go at least once whenever I come to Haliburton. It’s a large, bustling, and pleasant space with three distinct seating areas, all decorated with art and antiques for sale. All the baked goods served at the café are vegan and gluten free. We sampled a number of them this week, including: coconut cake, carrot cake, blueberry crumble square, peanut butter bar, strawberry muffin, and peanut butter thumbprint cookie (the thumbprint is chocolate). Other than the coconut cake, which was a bit cloying and dense, I would get any of the things again. We shared a piece of carrot cake among four of us and everyone commented on its excellence. I also had two really good oatmilk lattes and a cold brew.

It’s the sort of café where you can sit for as long or as short as you like. Lots of people who work remotely go there for a change of scenery. It has a real communal atmosphere where people are happy to share space at the large tables. In the past, I’ve gone there to spend the morning working and ended up in lively conversation with others who went to do the same.

Another thing about this café worth mentioning is that it shares space with Pocito Loco, a Mexican burrito place. I haven’t tried the burritos but they look good and Pocito Loco does a steady business.

Finally, Castle Antiques and Café is also a live music venue. I’m not sure who runs that part, but I saw Don Ross play there a couple of years ago and it was a fantastic show. What a great little venue for an intimate gig.

Farmer’s Market Every Tuesday from 10-2 in the Head Lake Park in Haliburton and Saturday 10-2 in downtown Minden you’ll find a small farmer’s market with a lot of vegan options besides the usual fruit and veg. On Tuesday, we came away from the market with: Syrian potato pies, Indian mixed pickle from Basoli Sauces to eat with them, fresh homemade hummus, and a vegan apple strudel from the Strudel Lady.

Bon Appétit!