Contributed by Louise Boultbee
Psssst…we’ve got something cooking!
It’s our newly revamped kitchen.
What’s our redesign focus? Connecting with a wide range of local chefs, kitchens and restaurants to bring you great quality and tasting food. We’re also interested in hearing from you. Feel free to be in touch with any ideas or products you think are exciting and we should know about.
Alrighty…let’s give you a little rundown.
Everything is fresh. Lots of seasonal items are featured. Pretty much every item is conveniently packaged not only in individual but also family sized servings. And – new products are always arriving and being tested.
Yes – you’re right! This is a part of the store you’ll want to keep an eye on so you don’t miss out on discovering a potential new favourite lunch or dinner item.
We have lots of hot takeout meal options to choose from but for refrigerated items – here’s a little added bonus. Our oven (not a microwave) is always hot and ready to warm up whatever your heart desires.
While we’re here together, let’s introduce you to some of the local businesses we are partnering with. Check out the short video below. You’ll be happy to know great care was taken in assembling this collection of deliciousness just for your viewing pleasure. Once your mouth is watering – we’ll give you a little rundown of who’s who and what’s waiting for you in store.
Okay everyone…prepare your eyes and salivary glands!
Meet some of our Culinary Partners:
La Bastille Bakery
Martial Ribreau, founder of La Bastille Bakery, creates exquisite croissants and quiches for our kitchen. Born and raised in France, he is the ‘real deal’ when it comes to fine French pastry. After culinary studies in Paris and over ten years working in bakeries along the Champs Elysees, Martial came to Toronto. He has cultivated a reputation for impeccable quality both as a pastry chef and teacher.
Freedom Jars
Live with intention. Eat with intention. This focus fuels the team at Freedom Jars as they create their vegan and gluten free salad bowls and breakfast jars. Their flavor combinations make your taste buds smile AND check all the right boxes in delivering great nutritional value. At the heart of Freedom Jars is the understanding that food is powerful medicine.
Lesley’s Party Sandwiches
For over 20 years Lesley’s Party Sandwiches has been synonymous with the best the city has to offer in party finger food. Her signature qualities – fresh ingredients and crust free sandwiches – consistent impress. And so do her platter arrangements. Enjoy taking home a selection of her delicacies and elevating your own sandwich plates.
My Little Chickpea
Rula Sharkawi’s kitchen at My Little Chickpea in the east end of the city is always busy preparing a range of delectable plant based, gluten free appetizers, burger options and super food salads. Look no further for simple, healthy and easy foods that will leave everyone asking for more – including the kids in your household.
The Stone Kitchen
Direct from the Mineral Capital of Canada in Bancroft, Ontario, we are pleased to offer the very yummy and widely varied whole fruit jams of The Stone Kitchen. It’s what they leave out that makes these jams so memorable. There are no preservatives, artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners and they are all gluten free. ‘No sugar added’ options are also available.
Sullivan & Bleeker
Sullivan & Bleeker creates cookies, cupcakes and goodies guaranteed to enchant the eye and delight any sweet tooth. Self taught dessert diva, Elyse Wahle, founded her bakery in her apartment at the corner of Sullivan & Bleeker streets here in Toronto and then promptly outgrew her space. One bite and you’ll know why!
Tavola Culinary
Tavola Culinary is the fruit of many years of experience in the world of culinary arts. We are pleased to carry a wide range of their products including homemade pastas, sauces, salads and a variety of prepared pasta dishes. We are sure their Sicilian Bignos – which dress up any platter – will also become some of your favourite comfort foods. You can read more about Tavola in our blog post of July 28, 2021.
Tori’s Bakeshop
Established in the Beach/es area of the city, Tori’s Bakeshop has been baking and community building since 2012. All their products are fresh baked daily, organic, vegan and free of refined sugar, wheat and gluten. That includes their cinnamon buns and donuts! Tori’s extends their care and consideration to creating as little waste as possible and using only compostable or recyclable ‘take out’ containers.
Vanipha
Vanipha is a love letter to its founder’s homeland, Thailand. It all started with a spring roll in a shop on Queen Street in the early 1980’s. Through the years Vanipha’s menu has expanded to include a wide range of beautiful finger foods. Each is unique, enticing and full of fresh flavours.
Village Juicery
The three pillars of Village Juicery’s philosophy are everyday freshness, nutrition first and their commitment to sustainable practices. Since 2014 their kitchen has been creating plant based products with recipes created by holistic nutritionists. More than 40 of their products are certified organic. Their breakfast jars are absolutely delish! Check out their tasty salads and wraps too.
We’ve been excited about this project of redesigning our kitchen for months and it’s really satisfying to be able to share it with you now. This is just the beginning! We know there are a host of great partnerships – some you’ll introduce us to – waiting in the wings to be established.
Looking forward to growing together. Bon appétit!
