Each time we come down to the Niagara region we always pop by one of our flavourite little villages, Jordan. Because we decided to see Jordan on the way home on Monday most of the quaint little shops were closed due to the statutory holiday, sadly. But fortunately an old flavourite restaurant was open for business, On the Twenty. On the Twenty was likely the first winery restaurant in this region; originally boasting a couple of our celebrity chefs Anna Olson and Michael Olson. Since then there have been several award winning winery restaurants in this region which makes it difficult to go back to somewhere you’ve already been, we always want to try new places. The spot we picked out for our brunch on the way home was not to be – closed on Mondays, so we decided to try On the Twenty again, after all, it has been about 10 years!
On the Twenty is nestled into an old row of historical buildings on the edge of vineyards; the tables have a lovely view even if it is winter. We are seated and I face the window, it was a gorgeous, sunny day! We settle in with a glass of wine (now that would be sacrilege to be at a winery restaurant and not order wine!). The menu is lovely and we are tempted by two interesting selections: I choose the Vintner’s Lunch which includes sausage, pâté en croute, house preserves and pickles, house-smoked salmon, Pingue prosciutto, chorizo and Ontario artisanal cheese. It is a beautifully presented platter with a small selection of everything; my only complaint would have been that it lacked a little sweetness such as a chutney or compote, but it was divine! JT decided on the WillowGrove Pork Chop with rosemary forked Yukon mash, honey-glazed carrot, apple jus. The pork was juicy and tender with just the right amount of vegetables. A truly wonderful brunch, On the Twenty did not disappoint! We shan’t wait another ten years before we return next time!
Overall rating of On the Twenty (in my opinion): Decor 4/5, service 4/5, food 4/5, Value 4/5, Noise: 5/5 (1 being very noisy, and 5 being very quiet).
Disclaimer: We purchased our meal for full price and my opinions just that, my opinions.
Hi Eva – high marks! Sounds like a good place, and an even better location. I’m curious as to what “Pingue prosciutto” is?
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Hi Charles, Pingue prosciutto is prosciutto crafted in old world traditions by Mario Pingue in the Niagara region; the chefs in this area are renowned for using local products.
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This sounds like a great lunch stop! You know we just love this region and can’t wait to get back. 🙂 I know that the next time we do I’ll be re-reading your reviews and coming to you for recommendations.
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So cool Kristy! Thank you. Another really good source is Yelp.
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Both lunches sounds great but I like yours better because of the varieties. I love having small samples of everything on one plate.
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Both lunches sound fantastic! How fortunate that the place was not only still in business but that it still maintained the same standards. It’s really disheartening when the opposite is true, and we’ve all been there, unfortunately.
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Interesting that you say so, John, with the advent of review websites and instant opinion decimation it would be suicide to be anything but. And you know me (blogging me, anyway) I’m not afraid to state my opinion!
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That sounds like a fantastic restaurant Eva. I love how it you were able to hear what the other person was saying. Restaurants these days seem to be so noisy that it is pointless dining out with friends because you can’t catch up as nothing they say can be heard. What a shame this restaurant is so far away!
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Thanks Charlie, it was a nice evening. We sometimes head to this region for brunch; it’s a little far for dinner but lunch or brunch isn’t bad. Fortunately for me, JT likes to drive!
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