KALOS to showcase a cornucopia of locally sourced dishes

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It’s set on the second highest hill in Oxford County and offers pristine views of rolling hills, lush farmland, scenic back roads and breathtaking trails. Even the owner of The Oxford Hills regularly snaps pictures of its glorious sunrises and sunsets.

In fact, Steve Bohner credits the view with his decision to purchase the property, which was home to a golf course that had been sitting idle over 2020. The industrial entrepreneur first visited the property with thoughts of building a home there but knew he had to share the landmark with the community where he’s been doing business for years.

Every day since, Bohner has been working diligently towards his vision of creating a top-tier golf, dining and entertainment destination and continues to push the envelope. This past summer, he delivered 18 holes of beautiful, parkland style golf on a 6,000-yard course surrounded by thick stands of trees. Theo’s Kitchen opened its doors to golfers and non-golfers and served up delicious food and craft beer brewed in Oxford County.

And now, Bohner is unveiling KALOS, the crowning jewel of this breathtaking property and a destination all its own. Chef Eric Boyar has earned a well-deserved reputation for creating refined dishes and a welcoming environment at sixthirtynine restaurant in nearby Woodstock and brings that award-winning passion and professionalism to KALOS.

“Local is a huge part of my food philosophy,” says Boyar. He was at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement when he opened sixthirtynine in 2005 and takes pride in the strong relationships he has built with local farmers and producers. “We’re home to some of the best farmland not only in Ontario but in the country. Oxford County is a cornucopia of great food and we’re excited to showcase its bounty,” he enthuses.

A farm-to-table dining experience digs a little deeper to create a true taste of place and that’s reflected in the KALOS menu and features, which highlight seasonal ingredients and community farmers. “The menu will be an ingredients-based menu,” says Boyar, whose culinary repertoire is rooted in classical French techniques and was developed in several Toronto hotspots.

“Traditionally, you go to a restaurant and have an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. We’re doing things a little differently. You choose your protein and then pick your vegetables and appetizers. It’s almost like choosing your own adventure every time you join us for dinner. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different.”

An open-concept kitchen that merges with the dining space allows KALOS chefs to showcase their hard-earned culinary skills and passion for creating exceptional food using local ingredients procured straight from the source.

The kitchen’s action and sensory appeal adds to the thrill and appeal of dining out and allows patrons to forge an intimate connection to the chef. A woodburning pizza oven and a woodburning grill allow chefs to further enhance flavours that will satisfy above-par appetites. Events like a country music concert and a Christmas market amp up the entertainment factor while again underscoring a commitment to local. KALOS will also help ring in the new year with a festive event dubbed Champagne and Pearls.

An onsite events coordinator can help plan weddings, birthday parties, milestone anniversaries, corporate events and other celebrations. Private dining rooms can accommodate 20 to 30 people. The event space can accommodate 122 people and will eventually be licensed for 300.

The pandemic created some uphill challenges for Bohner as he reimagined and rebuilt a golf course that first opened in the mid-1970s, but it also reminded people of the beauty that’s nestled in their own backyards. The pandemic also contributed to a renaissance in golf. People who hadn’t hit the links in years picked up their clubs again and young players who had never tried the time-honoured sport discovered its allure.

With its lush green grass, groves of trees and scenic views, The Oxford Hills might not look high-tech at first glance but behind the scenes, it has embraced Wi-Fi, GPS and mobile devices to manage the course and enhance the golf experience (and yes, allow golfers to instantly share selfies with those incredible views as a backdrop).

And there’s more on the horizon. Bohner also looks forward to welcoming community storefronts and businesses, including a spa. With so much to offer, The Oxford Hills is destined to become part of your family’s traditions.

Visit theoxfordhills.ca to learn more.

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of The Oxford Hills.