Once I decided on a Staycation, there was only one place we had in mind – The Iron Kettle! Having previously visited the Comber, Ontario bed and breakfast for a takeout night, it had always been on my travel bucket list to head back to spend the night. I knew that this weekend would be perfect given that chef Ben had put together a Valentine’s Day dinner. The initial dinner was scheduled for just the Friday but due to popular demand it was extended to a second night on Saturday.
With final check-in scheduled for 6, we left Windsor just after 4:30 and were pleasantly surprised that a mere 25 minutes later we arrived doorstep of the most charming bed and breakfast! Excitement started to build as we drew closer and saw Iron Kettle on the front lawn. After stopping to snap a quick pic in front of the Kettle, we were greeted by owner and chef, Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin who is best-known for his appearance on Chopped Canada.
After a short tour Ben showed us to our room. Walking up the wooden staircase, we walked into a charming rustic room which included antique furniture pieces, a queen-sized bed, a tv and carefully curated books relating to Windsor-Essex County on the coffee table. The bathroom, which was my favourite part of the room, included a glass shower, full-length mirror and an exposed brick wall which held his and hers “Iron Kettle” branded robes – perfect to put on for our walk out to the hot tub. The hot tub was located in a fenced-in area somewhat secretly located at the back of the home next to a large-sized in-ground pool.
Dinner was at 7pm. Walking into the dinner area, we were left aghast by how beautifully the tables were setup. Candles were lit throughout the room and each table featured a unique place setting, menu card and fresh flower. One look at the menu for the evening and my mouth was watering.
To start the evening, chef Ben presented us with Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallops, on a bed of warm tomato salad. The scallop was seared perfectly and the flavouring paired well with the tomato salad. Next was my Valentine’s favourite, the Sea-Salt Focaccia which was unlike any focaccia we had ever tasted. The final appetizer was the delicious Veloute of Jerusalem which was a pureed soup with artichokes, topped with arugula pesto.
The main course was an option of either Pan Roasted Arctic Charr, with a Caper Brown Butter or King Cole Duck Breast, with a Honey and Pistachio Crumble. We decided that we wanted to try both so we each ordered one of the main course items. My choice was the Arctic Charr, that included a brown butter flavouring was unique and had a taste comparable to salmon. My boyfriend chose the King Cole Duck Breast which was cooked medium-rare and was one of the most tender meats he’s ever tasted. As always, we each gave each other a bite of the other person’s plate and were both blown away by the unique taste, perfect presentation and overall delicious flavour of the menu.
Dessert was a Chocolate Apple Tarte Tatin served with your choice of coffee or tea, served in an assortment of flowery saucers and cups. How adorable!
Once dinner was over, we headed back to our room to digest and relax with a Netflix movie and some homemade wine.
After a perfect night’s sleep, we headed back downstairs to the main dining area for breakfast which was served from 8am-10am. The breakfast station was truly #breakfastgoals. The station included: fresh fruit, waffles, coffee and tea, French toast, homemade bread made with homemade jam and glazed bananas. Once we were finished with our breakfast station goodies, we were treated to a homemade omelette, filled with asiago cheese and locally grown Pure Flavor San Marzano tomatoes, topped with chives. This has to count as one of my favourite breakfast experiences ever.
Getting the chance to travel to Iron Kettle was such a special experience! Not only was the room charming, quaint and comfortable but the food prepared by chef Ben was outstanding and unmatched. If you ever want the ultimate staycation experience, I highly recommend Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast.
For anyone wanting to book a room at this special place, go to www.ironkettle.com. At the top right, there is a tab called RESERVE NOW in red. The PROMO CODE is SCENES which can be entered as you are checking out! This gives you a 25% discount! Book now to reserve your spot! Enjoy!
OXOX,
Christina
