The story
Down Home in Markdale delivers a deeply personal approach to seasonal Grey County cuisine through the partnership of Hannah Harradine Gray and Joel Gray. The farmhouse bears the name of Joel’s grandmother’s home in Nova Scotia, anchoring their culinary origins in family tradition. Joel channels that maritime heritage into open fire cooking while Hannah applies her viticulture training to shape the beverage program. Their collaborative kitchen runs a single seating each evening to preserve focus on every preparation step.
Guests encounter a rotating ten course menu that adjusts weekly according to what emerges from the property gardens and regional regenerative farms. This farm-to-table cooking philosophy prioritizes foraged ingredients and traditional preservation methods to extend the autumn harvest through winter service. Warmer evenings begin with outdoor garden gatherings before shifting inside for an intimate three hour progression. The team declines à la carte orders because they prefer guiding diners through unexpected ingredient pairings.
The beverage list deliberately highlights Canadian producers and features an ever changing Ontario wine pairing designed to shift alongside the food courses. This commitment to sustainable sourcing recently earned the venue a We're Smart Green Guide rating of one radish alongside consecutive mentions in the Toronto and Region MICHELIN Guide. The focused curation ensures every glass complements the traditions of Grey County cuisine without overshadowing the natural flavors. Staff review vineyard updates daily to align each pour with the week’s harvest.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram