Local Review: Williams on 26 is Serving Up a Classic Menu with Stunning Airport Views

Williams on 26 is a revitalized airport restaurant offering classic comfort food, local ingredients, and scenic views, all served in a welcoming, newly refreshed space.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

Williams on 26 is the latest iteration of a restaurant at the Major-General Richard Rohmer Meaford International Airport (formerly the Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport).

The fortunes of this airport, about ten minutes east of Owen Sound, have been up and down over recent years, but this dining venue looks like an investment in optimism.

The interior has been refreshed thoroughly, with the addition of rustic plank walls, smart new tables and chairs spread over two rooms, and a stunning fully stocked bar. Huge windows offer an excellent view of any airport activity and the surrounding landscape, as they always have, but the views may be even better from the patio tables on the deck when it opens in the warm weather.

Never mind the apparent glam of the new interior, the menu offerings are anything but pretentious. Breakfast classics are here, from a Toasted Western to Eggs Benedict, served exactly as you hope they will be, hot, tasty, and with a mound of crunchy home fries on the side.

The Flight Deck Sandwich is particularly good — local bacon and a very fresh roll makes it memorable. The lunch menu also features diner standards: burgers and sandwiches, fish and chips, plus wings and a variety of sides.

The Sky High Chicken Club holds an impressive amount of cooked chicken, so much that my companion took half her sandwich home for later. Her french fries were not left behind, however, as they were crisp and delicious.

My Grilled Cheese was pretty ordinary, but a side Caesar redeemed the serving, with generous parmesan, tasty croutons and plenty of bacon bits.

I’ve yet to sample the dinner menu at Williams, but it looks appealing without trying to impress too much. Local supplier Stonekreek Farm in Annan contributes the bacon, burgers and steak here.

Desserts vary from week to week and are all made in-house. I can vouch for the carrot cake and the apple crumble without reservation.

After just over six months in operation, Williams on 26 seems to have found its feet, backed by a solid kitchen and a menu that doesn’t try to put on airs. It’s a handy spot for people using the airport facilities, or for friends to meet up from east or west.

The location is somewhat wheelchair accessible, though it does not have power doors. Some gluten-free options are available. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is located at 203807 Highway 26, Owen Sound. For more information, call (519) 376-6808.

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