Comfort Food Across Generations: A Taste of St. Thomas

Comfort food has a unique way of evoking memories of home, family, and good times. Bringing a sense of nostalgia or even just for comfort, comfort food is specific to you. With Global Flavours just ending this past February, it reveals a great opportunity of highlighting some comforting foods within our St.Thomas community. With a diverse range of individuals from every age and background, it's so much fun exploring small views into memories through food! 

With the exploration of localized comfort foods, it reveals how different age groups interpret and cherish culinary treasures along with their personal stories and memories. With some local favorites and personalized anecdotes, some hidden gems throughout town are highlighted— Let's take a look!

​Students (Chill & Nostalgic: Taste of Home)

For the younger generation, comfort food often embodies convenience and nostalgia. Students especially tend to gravitate towards fast and easy dishes that remind them of family gatherings or just comfort in general. These foods are often shared through social media, where vibrant photos and creative spins on classic recipes circulate, allowing them to connect with loved ones even when far apart. With an emphasis on taste and experience, the younger generation also tries to tie in nostalgia with curiosity. Based on some local recommendations, here are a few options to try! 

🍕 Elgin Harvest 

• Pizza is such a nostalgic and classic comfort food— It's a go-to food that brings people together. It's warm, cheesy, and easy to love. Bringing you back to a simpler time where a collection of memories, laughter, and the warmth of childhood come together. For a modern approach to this classic food try Elgin Harvest!
• These aesthetic and deliciously hand-crafted pizzas are prepared by a Red Seal Chef and are made in a 100% wood fired oven.
• On a sourdough crust, their limited and flavourful pizza options change frequently depending on locally sourced ingredient availability.

☕ Streamliners Espresso Bar

• What's more comforting than the rich ambiance of cozy coffees and specialty drinks? For many, coffee is more than just a beverage—it's a comforting and crucial part of busy routines. 
• As soon as you step into Streamliners Espresso Bar, the soothing ribbons of fresh coffee in the air hit you with an immediate wave of comfort and home. Coffee evokes feelings of relaxation, reminding students to take a moment for connection and ease with their busy schedules. 
• Creating a unique place where coffee is celebrated, students can sit and take time to immerse themselves in the rich aroma of exceptional Nicaraguan coffee, which is directly supplied from Las Chicas Del Café

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Author's note: with my background being half Nicaraguan, I know there is nothing more comforting than waking up to a fresh drip Nicaraguan coffee on Sunday morning. Enjoying a cafe con leche (coffee with milk), using the El Patron Espresso Blend from Las Chicas, helps me feel closer to my family and my childhood. It lets me take a minute between assignments and exams to enjoy the simplicity and comfort of every sip.

🍗 Legends Tavern

• Committed to quality, Legends is proud to have become one of St. Thomas' most popular taverns. Legends Tavern is a great meeting place for everyone, where a true Canadian eatery brings good food, connection, and memories together. 
• Locals love the classic food items they have to offer, such as the double coated wings, homemade burgers, and some legendary comfort meals.
• Finding local spots that serve warm and reminiscent dishes of comforting flavours can be a fun trip down memory lane. Their Honey Chicken Flatbread, cheesy potato & bacon soup, and Legendary Nachos bring the comfort and satisfaction you may be craving.

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Author's note: when hanging out with friends, and going out with my family, Legends is always such a great spot that always brings back a lot of fun memories—they also have half-priced apps after 8:30pm, which is perfect for students needing a break!
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🍯 Buzz Bites 

• Comfort food with a modern twist! Taking classic favorites, and elevating them with specialty honey sauces, Buzz Bites ties in childhood favourites with some creative curiosity.
• Crafting gourmet bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks with their signature homemade honey-based sauces allows you to choose your flavor adventure! This is an inviting place to experience with friends or family, as each bite is filled with a delightful combination of sweet, savoury, and spicy— it's the perfect spot to try modern comfort dishes with a twist.

Adults & Families (Culinary Tradition Keepers)

Often seeking comfort food that connects to family traditions, and finding solace in dishes passed down through generations, adults and families look for meals that represent love, care, and memories. This category of individuals often enjoy hearty and filling dishes, which can easily feed a family, shared with friends, or consumed on your own. The purpose of these comfort meals may serve as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of daily life, as creating new memories, keeping traditions, and emphasizing community makes them even more cherished. Some local favorites include:

🍲 Ollees Bar and Eatery

• Keeping with tradition, this neighborhood bar and eatery is just the place to enjoy some comforting dishes. Ollee's Bar and Eatery offers a pub-style menu featuring a great selection of wings, appetizers, wraps, homemade burgers with fresh-cut fries, and more. 
• Enjoy a wide variety of on-tap beverages, lively karaoke entertainment, and different specials everyday.
• Ollee's is a hidden gem when it comes to the taste and quality of the food, so be sure to check it out! If you’re looking for a nice cozy dish to satisfy a warm and comforting craving, be sure to try Ollees South of the Border Soup! 

🍜 Lotus Thai 

• Experience the authentic flavors of Thailand right here in St. Thomas, with each dish crafted to order with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, tailored just for you.
• With warm and delightful flavours that bring a sense of remedy and comfort, Lotus Thai is just what you're looking for. Easily shareable portions and connection to traditional recipes is just what Lotus Thai offers. Whenever you need a pick-me-up after a long day or are just craving some delicious food from the heart, be sure to try their flavourful Pho or steamy chicken fried rice—it'll be just what you need!

Authors note: whenever I’m feeling sick, a nice warm bowl of their Chicken Pho Noodle with some spice and lime always gives me the extra boost I need!

🍔 Elgin’s Backyard Burgers 

• Just like in the name, biting into one of their juicy burgers will transport you back to summer days at a backyard BBQ. Backyard Burgers, located in the Elgin Mall, creates housemade and hand-pressed burgers with locally sourced meat. Enjoy burgers with fresh cut fries, house made soup, breakfast sandwiches & so much more! Nothing beats enjoying a nice burger with family and friends, which caters to nostalgic and satisfying cravings all year round!

Seniors (Those with Timeless Taste Buds)

Seniors typically gravitate towards comfort foods that are gentle and easy to prepare. Often having memories tied to traditional dishes that remind them of loved ones—sometimes simplicity is the way to go! The social aspect of dining is significant, as sharing meals with family or friends always brings comfort and joy. If you’re looking for classic recipes, warm dishes, and savory finds, these next spots are perfect for just that!

🐓 Country Charm Family Diner 

• Country Charm is a great family restaurant where the menu is home-cooked and exciting. Not only do they use excellent fresh, local, seasonal products, but also much of what is best in Elgin.
• Serving traditional lunch and breakfast all day, Country Charm has something special for everyone of all ages. It is a true taste of a small hometown diner with an aesthetically old-school vibe. 
• They serve fresh and homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers, and light meals including fish & chips, hot sandwiches, or liver & onions 
• Why not drop by and enjoy a great meal prepared and served especially to give a nostalgic and comforting taste! 

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Author's note: when I was younger, I would always come to Country Charm for brunch with my family, especially when we had family visiting. It's such a comforting and nostalgic home-town gem!

🐟🍟 Yours Fish and Chips 

• Fish and Chips are on the list of local favourites as most family restaurants and pubs consider it a staple. Your Fish & Chips serves the traditional dish selling only their specialty that's been part of the family for many generations.They keep their menu simple, traditional, and local, as they have perfected their recipes with a consistent product that is deeply satisfying for a fish and chip lover. 
• The chips are made from local potatoes and the fresh fish is mouth watering. When taking this comforting and traditional meal to-go, it's presented in a traditional cardboard box with paper and tied with string— it will seem as if you’re eating the meal packaged up and back in time!

🥟 Pyza Deli

• ⁠Pyza Deli offers delicious meats, cheeses, bakery treats, groceries, and freshly made hot food. This hidden gem in our local area adds a touch of Eastern Europe to our community, but has many comforting delights that will leave you satisfied and cozy. 
• Pyza Deli offers an authentic taste of Polish comfort food with each bite showcasing the care and tradition that goes into their homemade recipes. If you’re craving hearty and satisfying cuisine, Pyza Deli is the place to go! Stop in to try their pierogies and hot soups—it will leave you wanting more! 

Author’s note: being half Polish, Pyza Deli brings childhood comfort with all their imported snacks & drinks, and freshly made hot-food! Leaving a nostalgic taste with every bite, especially with their warm and fluffy Paczk (a traditional Polish doughnut), these treats just melt in your mouth leaving your stomach satisfied.

🥤 New Sarum Diner

• From an old-school Coca-Cola fridge to traditional milkshakes, the New Sarum Diner is proudly the oldest diner in Elgin County! This traditional, family-style restaurant offers a relaxing dining room surrounded by antique memorabilia with country charm. Offering social connection, community, and hot food, this cozy and home-like diner is the perfect comfort food spot! Come check out their ‘Old Diner Favorites’ and new editions! 

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Ultimately, localized comfort foods serve as a connection between generations, which evoke shared experiences within a community. Whether it's a quick meal for a busy student, a lovingly prepared dish with family, or a nostalgic treat that brings back good memories, these foods reflect the diverse tastes and traditions of everyone!

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Author

IZABELLA GONZALEZ
​​​Raised in St. Thomas, and currently studying at Western University for BMOS Accounting, Izabella is excited to help reveal the wonders of this amazing city. Coming from a family that was searching for a better life and decided to move to Canada, Izabella shares the love of bringing cultures together. Making St. Thomas the home they wanted to raise their family, Izabella understands the importance and impact of what a small-town community can accomplish. Helping out with the Horton Market and various events grew Izabella’s love for her hometown. Being the Railway City Tourism Assistant has encouraged Izabella to bring that enthusiasm of sharing diverse and unique experiences to others wanting to experience the Railway City.