Each period in history has had its own issues but our current times seem to have had more than their fair share. As small retailers we keep thinking the “worst is over” whether it’s a global pandemic, supply chain issues, extreme climate events and now tariffs and trade wars. It is easy to get overwhelmed by it all. We are more fortunate than most in that we have such a supportive community that recognizes that shopping at your small local shops whenever possible means there is hope that when the dust settles we will still be here. Through it all, there is always food. It is the common denominator among cultures. We make it or share it or buy it for our celebrations, remembrances, when someone has had a good day or a bad day or a sick day or a day of loss. Maybe they’ve just moved in or had a baby or have been caring for someone who needs them. It’s the thing you get for the person who has everything. Who doesn’t eat? So… as we all strive to spend our hard earned dollars within our borders, remember there is nothing more local that the food we make in our store! Hyper local indeed (not to mention a shameless plug).
To that end there is a constant stream of creative dishes coming out of the kitchen these days along with your old standbys. A few new selections in the freezer:
Shrimp Fettuccine with Asparagus
Roast Lamb Sirloin (with demi glace on bed of roasted vegetables)
Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Jerk Chicken & Coconut Curry
Cod Puttanesca
Broccoli & Cauliflower in cheese sauce with garlic crumb topping
In our pastry case Macarons in assorted flavours are back as well as our housemade GlutenFree Biscotti.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th if you need a gift for someone special we are here to help! We recognise and acknowledge this isn’t always an easy time for some.
“Laughter is the brightest in the place where food is good.” Irish Proverb
IN THE STORE
MediterraneanVibes
Our Gourmet to Go fridge has a few new things with a decidedly mediterranean feel. Mona’s Housemade Labneh is a soft middle eastern cheese made from strained yoghurt. It is thick, creamy, tangy and delicious. Use as a dip, spread or ingredient (perhaps cheesecake) or with pita or vegetables. Speaking of veg and pita, we have our mixed 'Pickels' (a tangy, colourful blend of mixed marinated vegetables) which will pair expertly when Shawarma season arrives and Mona starts making her Housemade Toum. While you’re waiting for that, we have a new shelf-stable Toum by Habibi’s that is in a convenient squeeze pack that’s ready to drizzle onto your sandwiches, veggies, grilled meats or anywhere else you need a delicious punch of garlic!
Old World Kraut
Sauerkraut has been around a pretty long time but I feel like it’s having a bit of a moment as we all try to reap the health benefits of eating more fermented foods. Pyramid Ferments Old World Sauerkraut is fermented, raw, probiotic AND made in Canada. Made in Prince Edward County using local ingredients, it is touted to be great for gut health and improved digestion. Eat it because it’s good for you but buy it again because it’s delicious! Available in the refrigerated Grab & Go fridge.
Back in our Gourmet to Go and our freezer, we have Taste Republic Four Cheese Tortellonis and Ravioli. With a cook time of around 3 minutes this is a great go-to to have in your back pocket. Add your favourite sauce and dinner is DONE!
Pepper North Hot Sauces
As always (and particularly in these crazy times), we are always on the hunt for Canadian products to feature. This family run local business is inspired by global flavours but uses Canadian grown peppers, grown by Canadian farmers! With the variety of flavour profiles there’s bound to be one that hits the sweet (or spicy) spot:
Garlic Habanero (5/10)
Jamaican-style Jerk & Scotch Bonnet (5/10)
Bajan-style Mango & Habanero (6/10)
Black Cherry & Reaper (8/10)
What makes a black olive black?
As you may know, black olives aren’t a particular cultivar but all start green and darken or turn black when they have been allowed to fully ripen. The Fratepietro family is the only farm in Italy that handles the whole Bella di Cerignola Olive production process: from pruning the olive trees, to harvesting, to packaging, and to selling the olives. Fratepietro Bella di Cerignola Black Olives in Brine are “huge, meaty and packed with glorious flavour”. Pair with a glass of wine for the most simple aperitivo or use as an ingredient in your cooking wherever you need a little umami assist (think pasta, baked fish, focaccia or other breads).
CHEESE NEWS
You choose what you want or we are happy to make the choices for you. Prices are based on the weight of the products chosen and we can work within whatever your budget is. Are you looking for crowd pleasing favourites for 12 or a higher end curated board for a small gathering with foodie friends? Either way we will make it look fabulous with the addition of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, olives, chutney and garnish. All you need to do is remove the lid and it is ready to roll! Let the nibbling begin!
New: Red Fox - a modern version of a British classic that offers a new experience to cheese lovers looking for something a bit different. Popping with sharp flavour and toffee notes.
Morbier is back!
A perfect pairing...
Aside from our own house made Passionate Cook's Carmelized Onion Chutney, we are partial to a fig jam for pairing with cheese. The Divina Fig and Chili Fig spreads are made in Greece using Aegean figs and are wonderful with a variety of both hard and soft cheeses.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Risotto Primavera
OPEN RECIPEGLUTEN FREE CORNER
May is Celiac Awareness Month!
We are beyond excited to be carrying product from L'Artisan Délices an artisanal bakery from Montreal that is strictly gluten-free and dairy-free. But you know that because we have been carrying their products for a year. The exciting news is that they are now in Toronto at 835 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M1
Gluten Free class #5
We just finished our 5th gluten free cooking class and it was a hit. Stay tuned for more of our Gluten Free classes
Places I have been recently:
Springwood in Whitby is a relatively new restaurant (2 years). While it is not dedicated Gluten Free, the owners are very knowledgable about our issues. All the food was delicioous but the fried Calamari was out of this world!