The hunt for a good breakfast joint in the Falls came to an end this Saturday morning when Marty took me for breakfast at a place called Simon’s Restaurant.
Now, the food is not even close to speedy, but if you’re not in a hurry, the wait is well worth it!

Looking more like a newsstand/ antique shop, Simon’s Restaurant, 4116 Bridge Street (near the corner of Bridge & River Road across from Whirlpool Bridge) could easily be missed, as there are really no apparent signs or indication what’s inside the building is a resturant.

People that know me know how much I love my eggs and sausage on the weekend… well I have to say - the eggs I ate at Simon’s were the best eggs I think I’ve ever had at a resturant for breakfast!! No lie.
The atmosphere is somewhat that of my grandparent’s attic, with piles of stuff hanging out from floor to ceiling all over the place. The waitress was super sweet and helpful, and when we walked in, the owner scuffled over to us holding a blue binder, which they use as a guest book, wanting us to sign, thinking we were tourists.
It wasn’t till after he and Marty started to chat we discovered that both the owner and his wife (the cook) knew Marty’s grandfather really well as he used to work at the bridge across the street.

This place has been around for a long, long time and is acknowledged as Niagara’s oldest resturant… over the years being infiltrated with touristy type attractions and eateries, it’s comforting to know Niagara Falls still has a few gems. There’s a reason Simon’s is still around.

Simon’s has been in Pat’s family since 1884. Rosa, his wife, who controls the kitchen and the menu, is French-Acadian, same as the people of the poem ‘Evangeline’ and those who settled in the Mississippi bayou or Acadia, Nova Scotia. Regulars, especially ex-pat Brits, simply love Rosa’s pies because she uses real lard. This is the only Niagara Falls restaurant that doesn’t have to advertise. Complete collection of local newspapers to read with your meal. Lottery tickets available.

If you’re in the Falls, go and eat breakfast here, say “hi” to the owners, and leave us a comment here about the great recommendation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Simon’s Restaurant, 4116 Bridge Street, Niagara Falls ON, (905) 356-5310.

As the old saying goes: “You are what you eat”
… so why not eat local, organic, pesticide-free and non-GMO foods?  At least half of your diet should be local and sustainably grown food.

Where to start?
The Ontario Greenbelt Foundation has an extensive list of local farmers markets. This list should help you get started eating fresh, local produce.

Become a Vegitarian!
The Toronto Vegetarian Association has tons of information on eating meatless, recipes, tips, and even an online meal planner.

Start using a co-op
Think about buying all your natural and organic foods and home supplies from a co-op. Become a member and receive discounts and member benefits. Ontario’s Natural Food Co-op can be found here.

Try a 100 mile challenge!
100mileradius.ca is dedicated to helping connect Canadian ‘locavores’ with local sources for produce, dairy products, meat, poultry and more.
http://100milediet.org Is an easy way to start thinking local. A 100-mile radius is large enough to reach beyond a big city and small enough to feel truly local.

Agro-tourism Niagara

Niagara Organic Growers promote organic growing methods in the Niagara Region and feature a listing and map of participating Certified Organic or environmentally sustainable Farms offering everything from Organic Fruit and Produce, Herbs, Meats and even Wine.

I was sure something like this existed and am sure glad to have found it… Agro-tourism Niagara put out this handy guide that shows, in a map style, where some of the region’s farms, vegetable stands and nurserys are located: Link to pdf

After looking at the ‘circuit’ more closely, it seems a lot of places are by appointment only but there seem to be enough that aren’t to make a whole afternoon out of it. hmm… definatly something to do in maybe mid-July when we can pick our raspberries, blueberries and pears.

A similar brochure I found on the Agro-tourism Niagara site is a listing of Niagara’s organic growers - farms where you can buy organic products - ranging from wines to fruits & vegetables and everything in between: link to pdf brochure map

Niagara Local Food Cooperative

Although they charge a lifetime membership fee of $50 for consumers, I think it’s well worth it… just think about all the benefits! … not to mention all the unique items not available anywhere else at reasonable prices:  Niagara Local Food Cooperative.

Niagara Cooks

A website by renouned Niagara culinary writer Lynn Ogryzlo, who is dedicated to promoting local food sources. Visit this fantastic page for more information on local Farms as well as seasonal recipes and other resources.  Niagara Cooks