The ‘Flavours’ program is a joint partnership spearheaded by Ontario’s Lake Country in conjunction with participating restaurants. Since its inception in 2009 this amazing event has continued to grow by offering an affordable taste from the diversity of culinary talents of restaurants in the area. All dishes offered by participating restaurants range from $20 to $30 for a three course meal. This includes an appetizer, soup or salad plus a main entrée.

Local chefs step up to the plate and create a wide variety of delectable flavours for patrons to experience. If you reside in or are visiting Lake Country during this phenomenal culinary event, you’ll want to taste some of the succulent menus the region’s finest chefs prepare to tantalize your taste buds.

Who Organizes the ‘Flavours’ Event?

It is put together by the destination marketing group for Oro-Medonte, Rama, Orillia, Severn and Ramara known as Ontario’s Lake Country [OLC]. OLC represents unique tourist attractions in specific central Ontario regions such as Casino Rama, fresh running streams, clean lakes, breath-taking scenery, one of Ontario’s largest nature trail arrangements and abundant healthy forests.

How long has the ‘Flavours’ Program been running?

‘Flavours’ was originally launched in March, 2009. It runs several times each year for 2 weeks at a time. The idea behind this culinary masterpiece is two-fold:

1. Affordability & Culinary Greatness- Offers visitors to the area and residents a chance to enjoy the flavours from talented chefs of the region at an affordable price.
2. Win—Win- Helps restaurants grow their businesses through increased business in slower times and a connection to new patronage.

Each year this program runs is greater than past years. This can be attributed to increasing participation, delectable menus along with attractive (high-value) price points.

As time goes on you can be sure this program will continue to grow, offering tourists and locals a bite of the region’s culinary talents.

Chef’s Challenge

Every good chef loves a challenge! From fine diners to eateries, chefs are required to meet the criteria of a 3 course meal from $20-$30. This inspires creativity amongst the region’s culinary artisans. You may find eateries with average price points of $10-15 create specials for two. While fine diners with average price points of $40-60 invent a distinctive valuable ‘Flavours’ menu that still showcases the savory tastes of their restaurant. Every participating establishment benefits by new patrons. New patrons get a chance to experience the divine flavors of the region at a favorable price…WIN—WIN!

Do Yourself a Flavour

Whether you are a resident of the area or a tourist, this festival of flavor is an experience created for food lovers. When you are craving a flavor at an affordable price check Ontario’s Lake Country to find a participating restaurant near you!

Once upon a time there was a small city about 1 ½ hours north of Toronto. It was a city many referred to as The Sunshine City, found in between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

Thousands of years ago Iroquois and Huron native Indians settled in this area. Evidence suggests native Indians lived on this great land by Fishing, hunting and trading.

Today, the Sunshine City has a lot to offer tourists looking for cultural attractions, festivals and plenty of waterfront fun. Orillia is located about 12 kms from Casino Rama which is the area’s biggest employer.

It is not clear how the city was named Orillia. Many believe it was named after the Spanish term “Orilla” which means the shoreline of a river or lake. The Spanish word is spelled a little differently “Orilla” (missing the second i). Other Spanish named regions in the area include Mono (monkey), Mariposa (butterfly) and Oro (gold). This is more evidence supporting the theory of how Orillia’s name came to be. In the historical archives you’ll find the city misspelled “Aurelia”. This spelling is in a few historical documents but was never formally recognized.

Why is Orillia Called “The Sunshine City”

Orillia is also known as “The Sunshine City”. You may be curious to know how this name came to be. It derives from Orillia’s national historic site the Stephen Leacock Museum. Stephen Leacock was a well known humorist writer. One of his most popular books was Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. This was the basis of Orillia’s nick name “The Sunshine City” which is celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2012.

About Orillia’s Waterfront

The waterfront in Orillia is a major attraction to boaters and tourists. The most frequented areas include Port of Orillia, Couchiching Beach Park and Centennial Park. Boaters consider these areas a great entrance into Ontario’s Lake Country. Lake country includes other natural sites like Algonquin Park, Muskoka, The Big Chute, Collingwood and many other picturesque regions. On Orillia’s boardwalk you’ll find playgrounds, beaches, theater, kid’s train rides and ferry rides on Lake Couchiching.

Events and Festivals

One of the most popular festivals is the Annual Perch Festival. Fish are caught, tagged and released. When an angler catches a tagged fish, prize money is awarded. Many people also gather for a delicious Perch pan fry. You may also enjoy other popular festivals like Beatles Festival, Leacock Festival, Jazz Festival, Blues Festival and Scottish Festival.

Explore the Orillia area and become a part of the friendly community. It is perfect destination for you all year around.