Don’t Let the Name Mislead You
If you are going to conjure up an image of this place based upon its name, best concentrate on “Dining”, because this is a seriously fine restaurant serving upscale fare with flair. Indeed, The Trough was named #7 on the sixth-annual Enroute Magazine Best New Restaurants in Canada list, and was #4 on a similar list from Where Magazine. Located in a house near the civic centre, the restaurant is small, with only about ten tables. It is also elegant, intimate, comfortable and pleasant. It is only open for dinner, and reservations are a must, though they may need to be made well in advance.

The Menu Is Divided into “Small” Dishes and “Big” Dishes
The food has been termed contemporary Canadian cuisine, and features local seasonal produce, with the menu changing regularly to reflect availabilities. The “Small” offerings include such things as brome lake duck confit, pan seared scallops and Valbella prosciutto, or the namesake “Trough,” which is Valbella meats, olives, spiced eggplant, grana padano and chevre. “Big” items include grilled herb prawns and pineapple; jerk spiced pork ribs with Malibu and citrus glaze, corn fritters, and watermelon arugula salad; and balsamic braised lamb shank with fresh gremolata and Yukon gold fries.

Wines and Service to Befit the Meal
The wine list is extensive and the sommeliers at the restaurant can recommend wines that fit perfectly with the food. The staff is experienced and attentive. After an experience here, one will probably come away thinking the name is ironic and a little sassy.