For an impressive hostess gift
DANIEL ET DANIEL
The extensive menu pays homage to the French homeland of caterers Daniel Megly and Daniel Clairet. But beyond the standard pain au chocolat and mousse cakes, D&D’s five barbecue meals (no charcoal briquettes required) take inspiration from the Mediterranean and South America. Show up at a friend’s cottage with the Asian-themed Arctic char grilled in a banana leaf, mango-carrot salad, and rice pudding—and look forward to many more blissful visits as that fortunate Toronto creature: the cottage guest.
Where: 248 Carlton St. (at Parliament St.), 416-968-9275, www.danieletdaniel.ca.
Advance notice: two to five days’ notice required for most orders.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 20 km (about 24 minutes).

For meals for two
MAX’S MARKET
It’s easy to get distracted by the endless display cases and the sheer choice at this Bloor West Village shop. Will it be the stuffed grape leaves or the soybean salad? The teriyaki tilapia or the Javanese basa? When shopping for a quiet weekend at the cottage for two, though, Max’s is the place to go for smaller portions. Best-sellers are the mango-habanero-spiked chicken breasts, grilled artichokes and fresh loaves from Fred’s Breads. And for a treat, the house-made key lime pie will do nicely.
Where: 2299 Bloor St. W. (at Runnymede), 416-766-6362.
Advance notice: none.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 7.7 km (about 12 minutes).

For the freshest seafood
RODNEY’S WET MARKET
The newly opened market at Rodney’s Oyster House allows seafood lovers to take a bit of the coast to go. Chef Eamon Clark will cook lobster tails till they’re almost done (finish them off on the cottage grill), pack them with herbs and seasoned butter, and throw together a salad made from the claws. Pretty much everything on the menu is available raw—including, of course, Rodney’s famed oysters. The selection is vast: 12 to 20 different varieties are available, as are five house sauces and the tools of the trade: knives and boards. Clark will even give novice shuckers a quick lesson. It doesn’t get much better than slurping oysters with a cold beer out on the dock.
Where: 469 King St. W. (at Spadina), 416-363-8105, www.rodneysoysterhouse.com.
Advance notice: 24 hours preferred; one week for special requests.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 13.1 km (about 21 minutes).

For summertime classics
ALL THE BEST
Sometimes a trip to the cottage calls for old-fashioned comfort food. When stocking up beforehand, make a pilgrimage to this mecca of prepared foods. Southern-fried chicken and pasta salad share space with trays of chocolate fudge brownies and All the Best’s legendary mac and cheese (made with Ontario cheddar). Cottagers can’t get enough of the classic French-style potato salad, with a recipe that predates JC (Julia Child, that is). And for the ultimate campfire experience, homemade marshmallows from Vancouver’s Butter Baked Goods come in vanilla, toasted coconut and s’more.
Where: 1101 Yonge St. (at Scrivener Sq.), 416-928-3330, www.allthebestfinefoods.com.
Advance notice: none.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 15 km (about 19 minutes).

For food the kids will love
WANDA’S IN THE KITCHEN WITH DINAH
To keep the whole family happy, pay a visit to the shop of pie maker Wanda Beaver and caterer Dinah Koo. The kids will forget Schneiders even makes hot dogs when they try Koo’s Kobe beef version (also on offer are Kobe beef meatloaf and burgers). For health-conscious adults, poached salmon with cucumber scales, served at room temperature, is the definition of low-maintenance and perfect for those really sticky days. Finish off the meal with miniature chocolate cupcakes stuffed with buttercream and to-die-for dulce de leche macaroons.
Where: 1057 Mount Pleasant Rd. (at Eglinton Ave. E.), 416-483-0399, www.wandaspieinthesky.com.
Advance notice: two to three days is preferred.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 11 km (about 19 minutes).

For upscale snacks
GOURMET ON THE GO
Next time cocktail hour on the dock rolls around, put aside the chips and dip and set out some gourmet (and prep-free) finger foods. The antipasto platter of cipollini, spiced olives and cacciatore sausage pairs well with a glass of red. The lamb and feta meatballs, and ginger pork won tons with sesame-apricot dip will satisfy after a day out on the water. Serve savoury cheddar-chutney “cheesecake” with a hunk of artisanal bread for an epicurean twist on cheese and crackers.
Where: 316 Lakeshore Rd. E. (at. Hurontario St.), Mississauga, 905-271-5353, www.gotg.ca.
Advance notice: three to five days for platters and hors d’oeuvre.
Made-to-order items: yes.
Distance to the 400: 23.4 km (about 20 minutes).