 Two passionate individuals have carved their niche in the culinary world in the heart of St. Thomas, where the sense of community is as rich as the fertile soil beneath the local farms. Rob, a chef with a lifelong dream, and Terrie, a seasoned entrepreneur, are the driving forces behind Two Forks, Port Stanley and the newly launched Grassroots in St. Thomas. These two restaurants have quickly become local gems.
Rob's journey began on a local cattle farm, where his love for the kitchen flourished under the guidance of his mother. From those early days, the dream of becoming a chef took root, leading him to Fanshawe College in 2006. After earning his diploma in Culinary Arts in 2009, Rob's quest for culinary excellence took him to Jesi, Italy, where he honed his skills under the watchful eyes of professional chefs, ultimately obtaining his Red Seal Certification. Similarly, Terrie, a fellow St. Thomas native, also grew up on a local cattle farm. (I'm getting a sense of where some of their inspiration for Grassroots stems from). Known for creating opportunities for herself, she succeeded in the restaurant industry and as a home-based entrepreneur. With their shared background and complementary skills, Terrie and Rob emerged as the perfect duo to bring Two Forks and Grassroots to life.  The love they pour into Two Forks and Grassroots fuels their passion each morning. Rob, a dedicated chef, thrives in the kitchen, teaching his team and crafting creative menus. With her vision for interior design, craft cocktails, and guest experience, Terrie complements Rob's culinary expertise. As working owners, they find joy in the smiles of satisfied customers and value the strong bonds they've formed with their team. The expansion to Grassroots had its challenges—two years of searching for the perfect location paid off when Grandma Lynn's went up for sale. In just an hour, Terrie and Rob seized the opportunity, finally having a location to bring their dream of a small, intimate, and upscale dining experience to life. Living in Port Stanley, St. Thomas, opening a second location in St. Thomas was a no-brainer for the duo. They recognize the strength of the local community and appreciate the overwhelming support they've received. Being only a short drive from Two Forks allows them to be hands-on working owners in both locations, ready to support their teams whenever needed.
What excites them most about the future is the prospect of offering St. Thomas a trendy, upscale dining experience without the need to drive to London. With Grassroots, they aim to fill a void in the local dining scene, providing a haven for those seeking an intimate date spot. The goal is not just to serve dinner but to curate an unforgettable experience, transporting guests to a different world for the night. The stunning focal point of Grassroots is its dry-ager, a unique addition to the local dining landscape. Rob's excitement for experimenting with dry-aged meats, from steaks to duck, fish, and pork, is palpable. The Dry-Ager stands as a testament to their commitment to culinary innovation and sets them apart in the local scene.
As small business owners, Terrie and Rob understand the importance of supporting local. From craft beer to meats and produce, their commitment to sourcing locally reflects their appreciation for the community that supports them. They reciprocate this support by fostering connections with independent businesses, creating a symbiotic relationship that strengthens the local economy. Diners can anticipate a menu that will change periodically based on the availability of local produce, much as they experience with Two Forks. In this writer's opinion, some menu highlights are the Fried Mozza - an elevated take on a bar classic, this dish positively sings, and the mushroom salad - an umami treat with a perfectly poached egg. For steak lovers, a wrong choice will be difficult, and the knife selection experience is another way the incredible service feels even more elevated. The Dry-Aged burger is perfectly stacked and served with hand-cut fries.
Bone Marrow is another unique menu item for the area! This buttery add-on to any dish on the menu has a rich, slightly sweet flavour with a smooth texture; try it with Grassroots steaks or house-made focaccia. Vegetarians have no fear; despite the focus of Grassroots being a call back to Rob and Terrie's cattle farming roots, the Roasted Acorn Squash does not disappoint with its hot honey-toasted pepitas and an incredible brown butter creme fraiche. Don't sleep on the craft cocktail menu or forget to finish with one of the delectable dessert options - they truly elevate the overall experience and offer unique flavours and opportunities to immerse yourself further in the intimate and cozy atmosphere. For many locals and visitors alike, Grassroots is a dream to enjoy. But, when asked about their dream dinner, Terrie and Rob's response is a testament to their love for small, independently owned restaurants offering unique, fresh-made dishes. It reflects the values that drive Two Forks and Grassroots—a dedication to quality, community, and the shared joy of a good meal.  If You GoReservations encouraged - 519-631-1429 to book. Grassroots is located at 100 Wilson Ave. Parking is available onsite, but it's also a lovely walk along the Whistlestop Trail.
#tasteofstthomas #grassrootsrestaurant AuthorWritten by Sarah from the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre
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