It’s not unusual these days to discover impassioned couples who have exited their big city careers and moved off “to the country” to work together, often in hospitality or farming. What’s different, or should I say pioneering, is the location that co-owners, Hélène Larochelle and Michael Nimchuk, have chosen to open their culinary event centre and elegant boutique hotel, the Dover George.
Simply put…Dover’s not where you’d expect such a lovely spot to be but, that’s perhaps what makes it deserving of a visit. Known mostly for Friday 13th motorcycle rallies, the town of Port Dover has become a hidden gem for foodies – the power of which attracted the duo to the region in the first place. It was however, their passion for Hélène and Michael design and remarkable individual talents that helped bring their ‘impossible dream’ to fruition.
The ‘best-in-class’ Dover George is, like a few of the more interesting shops, but a 5-minute walk from the popular beach and Carny-ish main street with its gift shops, ice-cream kiosks, and laid-back eateries.
From the moment we arrive its clear the DG is one-of-kind, hand-crafted labour of love and comfort with no expense spared. After a five-year adventure to take the George from a 150-year-old residential home to a 4-suite luxury hotel and culinary space the result is a work of art. The finest of everything blends graciously with first-class experiences the duo have gleaned from world-wide travel over the years. In addition, serious efforts to maintain the building’s character, share Enviro positive practices and contribute to the growth of the “food tourism in Norfolk County have certainly been top of mind.
Guest- friendly features include a remote check-in, a dream kitchen, luscious linens, ultra-plush king mattresses, exquisite finishes, signature amenities, curated artwork, fresh flowers and, the absence of screens in 4 personally designed rooms. Suite 1 is black and white and fabulous. Suite 2 is bound to make you green with envy -it’s the smallest but the most glamorous. Suite 3 boasts it’s a private sitting room and two-sided fireplace. Suite 4 which we were fortunate enough to be assigned, literally put us on top of the world with its, Juliet balcony and cathedral ceilings. oversized spa bathroom with wet room shower, vintage fireplace, skylights and exposed beams.
As the saying goes, “one might say that George thinks with his stomach”. Featuring young guns, and industry veterans, culinary and beverage experiences for locals and guests alike are increasingly popular at the Dover George. Events vary and rotate by month but can include pop up dinners, alongside focused educational programming like blind tasting menus, demos, cocktail evenings and product launches and tastings. Next up – the pair have purchased the church next door that their turning into an event venue and a motel across the way which they plan to vibe up as a less pricey option.”
Could this be the new Prince Edward County in the coming years. Michael and Helene are banking on it.
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The bounty of the county
Food photographer, blogger and recipe developer Autumn Ongaro is the author of “FEAD: A Taste of Home in Norfolk County”. Featuring both the history of local farms and a collection of recipes inspired by the region’s fresh produce, Ongaro takes her readers on a unique journey through the region affectionately known as Ontario’s Garden. Appealing to those who wish to eat seasonally and support local farmers, this 150-page hardcover book provides what she refers to as easy-to-prepare recipes” and introductions to the region’s farmers and their prized crops.
