Eugene (left) and Noelle Barone of Highview Food & Drink in Southampton, along with celebrity judge John Catucci (right) of Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here!

Hub Staff

“We're really happy,” said Noelle Barone of Highview Food & Drink in Southampton when we chatted with her Monday following her weekend win in Toronto.

Barone and her husband Eugene opened the Saugeen Shores restaurant in July and on Saturday, November 19, her veal sandwich was named the best in Ontario.

Out of more than 500 nominations from a province-wide search, it was narrowed down to three finalists who went head-to-head on the Gastropost Chef Stage at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo in Toronto.

“It’s really nice and it was such a wonderful experience.”

Following the contest, Barone said they did a meet and greet with the other finalists and they were asked a lot of questions, not only about the restaurant but about Southampton and the area. “That was nice to be able to talk about our restaurant and where we are,” she said. “We were really happy to spread the word and represent the town.”

Barone added that it was rewarding to be nominated after only having been open four months, and also to catch the attention of veal community. “It’s not really something that you see in the same way up here, it’s kind of new. It’s very Little Italy, Woodbridge, St. Claire, all these little Italian enclaves in Toronto,” she said. “It’s definitely a Toronto thing.”

Barone said that Saugeen Shores could very well become known as a foodie destination. “We have this amazing backdrop, a beautiful town, what else is there to do when you’re on vacation but go out to eat,” she said. “I’m really happy with the situation here right now, we’re all working towards a common goal... without even planning it, just the timing seems to be working out.”

The three finalists, Southampton’s Highview Food & Drink (right), Toronto’s Cucino Mauro (centre left) and Woodbridge’s Panini Italian Sandwiches (left), along with celebrity judge John Catucci (centre right).