Food, glorious food! Today’s culinary scene is at its peak, with restaurants all over the world in competition to produce the best flavour combinations from the best ingredients for the best diner experience. Traditional flavours, fusion, experimental gastronomy, rustic elegance—we and our taste buds are here for it all!
Apparently, so is Michelin. Everyone knows the famous star system, where the number of stars a restaurant is awarded indicates its level of culinary excellence. You’ve probably heard some of their names: The French Laundry; Eleven Madison Park; L’Enclume. They’re all heavy hitters in the culinary scene that you will probably need to book months in advance. Don’t forget to clear space on your credit card (take a second job, mortgage your house, mortgage your first-born, etc.) because the more Michelin stars a place has, the pricier it’s likely to be.
But did you know that Michelin has more than just stars to recommend a restaurant? And did you know that we’ve got two of them right here in York Durham Headwaters? If a Michelin-approved culinary adventure is what you’re after without the price tag of a couple of Michelin stars, you don’t need to travel the world to find it. You can have it with us here in YDH!
Michelin star vs. Michelin recommended… What’s the difference?
In case you didn’t know: Yes, that’s Michelin as in the tire company. In the 1900s, the French company wanted to increase demand for cars in France and, more specifically, the demand for tires. As a result, they published a guide for motorists with information such as maps, tire repair instructions, and listings for car mechanics, hotels, gas stations and—you guessed it—restaurants, all in the hopes that people would drive more, thus increasing tire wear and boosting sales. More than a century later, it turns out that the Michelin tire company was on to something. Today, the official Michelin Guide awards “worthy” restaurants between one and three stars for criteria such as ingredient quality, consistency, craftsmanship, talent and even chef personality.
But the star system isn’t the only thing Michelin uses to recommend a restaurant. There are additional symbols such as green stars to indicate sustainability, the Bib Gourmand (essentially the Michelin mascot making a yummy face) to denote “exceptionally good food at moderate prices,” and a crossed fork and spoon meant to rate a restaurant’s level of comfort. These designations can all be mixed and matched so that you as the motorist will have a good idea of what to expect from a dining experience.
Stars are great and all, but we at YDH think the additional symbols are where the fun is at. We are proud to be the home of two Michelin recommended restaurants that you’ll want to experience for yourself. And because these establishments are local, wear and tear on your tires is guaranteed to be relatively minimal.
Sundays Restaurant
58 Brock St. W., Uxbridge
Uxbridge’s Historical Downtown is home to this little bistro that packs a big punch alongside its global competitors. Ingredients are locally sourced in rotating dishes from places like Thunder Ridge Bison Company in Uxbridge, and King Cole Ducks in Whitchurch-Stouffville. A large portion of the ingredients featured come from a little 10-acre organic operation called White Lily Farm—which just happens to belong to the owners of Sundays. If growing your own food to serve in your own restaurant isn’t commitment to excellence, we don’t know what is.
According to the official Michelin Guide, “This charming little bistro is a welcome sight in the town of Uxbridge. Husband and wife team Ben Denham and Ashley Lloyd work with ingredients largely grown on their 10-acre organic farm to craft a smart menu that celebrates the seasons. Vegetables figure prominently alongside bright salads, tender omelets and a particularly satisfying fried pork cutlet. Dinner is a touch heartier with the likes of smoked duck or ricotta agnolotti. This is the kind of place you could visit every week and never tire. Red brick, plenty of wine and friendly faces seal the deal at this neighborhood favorite.”
Zen Japanese Restaurant
7634 Woodbine Ave., Markham
If you want to experience the culture of traditional Japanese cuisine, look no farther than Markham. The diversity enjoyed in this up-and-coming metropolis is partially the inspiration for Zen Japanese, which strives to be a place where patrons will fall in love with the art and entertainment of a true Japanese dining experience. Owner and head chef Seiichi Kashiwabara emigrated from Japan in 1984, and today employs many Japanese nationals at Zen, who have come to train under him. These alum include Michelin-starred Shoushin chef-owner Jackie Lin, and Takeshi Sato, head chef of Michelin-starred Kappo Sato.
The Michelin Guide says of Zen Japanese Restaurant, “Value is something of a tricky term when it comes to sushi, which can cost almost as much as a ticket to Japan these days. But in an unassuming Markham strip center dominated by an auto repair shop, those looking to scratch the omakase itch without breaking the bank are in for a treat. The space is true to its name, a calming, tasteful blend of wood slats and attractive lighting with a chef’s counter as well as tables further back. Fish from Japan arrives multiple times a week; the rice is warm and finely vinegared; and chefs work with precision and diligence. They keep the toppings fairly traditional, limited mostly to a keen swipe of soy. Recent highlights include scallops and Murasaki uni from Hokkaido as well as some of the best nori in town.”
Forget New York, Milan, London and Tokyo. York Durham Headwaters has climbed into the big leagues with its own Michelin recommended gastronomical greats. So check the tread on your tires and motor on out to see our local legends in action. You’re in for a culinary treat worthy of its place on the world stage.
Have you been to Sundays Restaurant and Zen Japanese Restaurant? Share your photos on social media, and don’t forget to tag us at @VisitYDH so we can see what you ordered. We’ll be sure to put it on our “Must Eat” list!
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