Two Sisters Vineyards owners open restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The owners of Two Sisters Vineyards, Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, have opened an independent restaurant, 11th Post on Queen, in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The restaurant opened in April, as an extension of the Two Sisters winery, and I dropped by to have an early look one week after opening.
The restaurant name is a nod to the Two Sisters’ proprietary wine blend, Eleventh Post. The cuisine is described as “casual food in a refined atmosphere” and “upscale yet causal,” with a focus on locals and tourists alike.
The building, located on Queen Street, is new. It is a project that began about seven years ago, but took longer than expected because while digging they kept finding historical artefacts, which delayed it. The property is gorgeous (its design fits with the style of the local buildings on the street) and there is excitement now that it is open.
The restaurant/bar interior is contemporary, spacious and inviting. A couple of pieces of art from the family’s personal collection hang on the walls, adding a personal touch to the premises. There is a lovely courtyard in the back and there are plans to open a retail store on location for Two Sisters Vineyards wines. The facility will be available for events, weddings, etc.
Coincidently, on the day I was there, one of the owners, Melissa, was at the restaurant enjoying a meal with her family. I had the opportunity to have a delightful, quick chat and meet her family.
I also sat down briefly with the chef, Justin Lesso, who lives in the area with his young family, to chat about the restaurant, menu and what the future holds. Lesso previously worked at the Two Sisters Vineyards winery restaurant, Kitchen76, for five years, and is now at the helm as chef at the restaurant. “We make our own sauces and ingredients, except bread and ice-cream, and we use all fresh ingredients.”
Chef Justin Lesso and me
The menu has a range of items, along with wine from the Two Sisters Vineyards. Any dish can be made vegan, Lesso tells me, which is music to my ears. Some of their specialties include roasted chicken, tuna rice bowl, ribeye frites, salmon filet and back baby ribs.
I ordered the Post Nachos (vegan version). The chips were seasoned on top with spices such as chili, cumin, coriander, garlic, cinnamon – sweet and spicy to be balanced. The BBQ beef brisket was swapped for tofu seasoned with BBQ sauce. Other toppings included guacamole, chopped tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and sprigs of cilantro. The serving size is quite generous. They were absolutely delicious.
Location: 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Hours: note they are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Website: 11th Post on Queen
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning television host/producer, writer and speaker who covers travel, wine and living well.
