Violet Hill

We discovered Mrs. Mitchell’s restaurant in Violet Hill when, driving home from Meaford one year, we saw a road sign advertising pie at Mrs. Mitchell’s. My husband’s very fussy when it comes to pie. He insists there are only three kinds he likes: hot pie, cold pie and more pie. With pie on the sign board, we adjusted our travel plans and

Dining Room

headed to Mrs. Mitchell’s. We’ve been going back ever since. The tiny hamlet is located on the north side of Hwy 89 between Alliston and Shelburne.

Two years ago, Gene and Bob climbed off their bikes to have lunch at Mrs. Mitchell’s. In full leathers with helmets under

Mrs. Mitchell's

their arms, they walked inside to be greeted by the maybe 4’8″ proprietor, Maureen Baufeldt. “Have you come to rape and pillage?” she asked.

“No. Not today,” said Bob, a little startled.

“Damn,” she replied, just loud enough for them to hear. Mrs. Baufeldt passed away in June of this year. We miss her.

The restaurant is a transformed one room Schoolhouse. At first we thought Mrs. Baufeldt was Mrs. Mitchell until we learned from a brochure that Mrs. Mitchell was a teacher of the longest standing at that school. The name was chosen in honour of her dedication to the community.

I love the warm, rich, country decor of the restaurant. (If country decor can be considered elegant, than Mrs. Mitchell’s has a refined, country elegance.) Outside, the grounds are exquisite, inviting exploration which yields surprise after surprise. GRANNY Taught Us How, a dangerous place to shop, is located across from the restaurant. It used to be the Orange Lodge.

The food is listed as “Cozy Country Dining with a Creative Flare.” You can have lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. We’ve enjoyed all three. While Mrs. Baufeldt is no longer there to meet you, her daughter Heidi is every bit as solicitous. Menu choices are varied and they always offer amazing daily specials. If you’re in the area or are looking for a destination, you’ve got to try Mrs. Mitchell’s.

GRANNY Taught Us How