 Clayburn Store, Tourism Abbotsford photo
Fresh Local ProduceExpect to see house specialties that take full of advantage of having such crop-to-kitchen abundance of fresh produce on their doorstep. Whether it's Mitch Miller's signature breads or Ann Marie's 1950s diner with to-die-for milkshakes, most menus showcase Abbotsford grown organic meats, cool climate wine, goat cheese and fresh produce.
Coffee HousesLooking for a pick-me-up? Well, spots such as Afterthoughts (noted for decadent desserts), Ethical Addictions (a mountain biker's hangout), Chapleo's, City Blends and Tamaringo's Café always have something happening. Some feature local artwork; others are venues for the Envision Concert Series; all are local answers to the ubiquitous Starbucks brand.
Fine Dining The bounty of the countryside in food and lifestyle has attracted big city chefs who are helping to make Abbotsford a destination dining experience.
BluStoneBluStone is a New York-style dinner house that gives a southern spin on West Coast fare. Alligator in Abbotsford? Sure thing – try it in a lemon ginger citrus marinade and grilled, or as buttermilk fried popcorn bites served with a honey aioli. Less adventurous palettes can opt for the blackened chicken and ribs, Cajun catfish or Jambalayas.
More Upscale RestaurantsQ Steakhouse is where to go for top-quality steaks, as well as an intimate atmosphere. Ask about its Chef Table – the ultimate taster's menu of different items, all prepared a la minute. The new Phoenix is making a name for itself in fine dining circles, as is Restaurant 62. The latter isn't the place for a cozy tete-a-tete since tables are crammed together but its lively atmosphere and constantly changing menu keeps bringing people back.
Pub Fare
Finnigans Pub & Oyster GrillFinnigans Pub & Oyster Grill shares the same complex as Phoenix yet the two restaurants maintain very separate ambiances. Located opposite the new Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre, the sports-oriented lounge restaurant with its 62ft, uber long bar, puts a tasty twist on traditional pub fare. On most weekends, live entertainment ranges from country to disco-dancing to pub night sing-alongs.
Duke of Dublin Olde Irish PubSerious pub-sleuths need to check out Duke of Dublin Olde Irish Pub. It has 16 beers on tap, a wicked selection of martinis and a whiskey menu of ten Irish malts and almost double that number from the Scottish highlands.
Tea Rooms Plus
Little Farmhouse in the CityTucked in a refurbished 1927 heritage building in Historic Downtown, Little Farmhouse in the City bakes its own breads, pastries and scones for a delicious high tea – choose from over 100 different teas, as well as country-styled homemade breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
SerendipiTeaSerendipiTea also serves an excellent afternoon tea with all the bone-china trimmings including finger sandwiches and delectable, pint-sized dainty cakes.
Clayburn General Store & Tea RoomAlthough still operating as a grocery and deli, Clayburn General Store and Tea Room serves afternoon tea and scones as well as a sandwich or cheese plate. True to its 1905 origins, the refurbished atmosphere has a turn-of-the-century charm and includes an eye-popping selection of English candy such as lemon sherbets, pear drops and chocolate drops.
TraceycakesFor the penultimate cupcake, Tracycakes can't be beat; even the National Post newspaper cited them the most retro-delicious cupcakes in the country. More than 35 flavours are baked daily, each is topped with velvety whipped icing which earns them names such as Love at First Bite. High teas include sausage rolls, fresh fruit and lemon curd.
For more dining options, visit the Abbotsford Visitor Centre at 34561 Delair Road, Abbotsford, V2S 2E1.
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