Ridge Rock Brewing is worth the drive

• Name + address: Ridge Rock Brewing, 421 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp, ON

• Type of food: Pub

• Prices: $6-$26

• Diet: Meat, seafood, vegetarian

• Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

• LCBO Licensed: Yes

• Website: www.ridgerockbrew.ca

As one season unwinds and folds into another, there is always something exciting and comforting about fall. We take advantage of the weather and head out on road trips to visit charming villages and towns and to gaze at the colours that nature unfurls.

Until the end of October, you have the chance to visit the excellent Carp Farmers Market with some seriously good producers of fruit, vegetables and meats. There are also desserts of course but more on that later.

There are good eateries to explore and one of those is close by: Ridge Rock Brewing Co.

I stopped in one Saturday afternoon and opted for a table inside. They have a patio but it was a little chilly for my liking.

They offer a good assortment of brews made on-premise with many of the styles that are expected: wheat beer, lager, stout, IPA etc. I found the recipes a little cautious and designed for a broader appeal but serious beer aficionados will find their drink with the Silent Trees IPA. This is a hazy New England IPA (NEIPA) with plenty of attractive fruit with a sufficient, but not overpowering, bitterness at the end.

The food menu is also straightforward but I was told that most items are made from scratch in-house.

A light meal is all that was wanted and we ordered spring rolls and cauliflower “dippers” often called “Cauliflower Wings” at most establishments. Presumably, because they’re served with a Buffalo wing sauce.

Here they arrived sweet and soft, gently done in a crisp and fluffy batter. Easily as good as the best I’ve had. It was a generous portion and it was easy to fill up on just this serving.

The spring rolls were also rather delicious although their construction was a little too loose but the accompanying sesame slaw was terrific.

Ridge Rock is also clearly a place for families with young children clearly enjoying their meals. If, however, you are looking for a little more of a retreat there is a lovely room just to the left of the entrance for quiet conversation.

Ridge Rock is a good choice if you’re looking for a decent brew and thoughtfully prepared pub food before heading back to the city.