We’ve decked the halls with boughs of greens, brought out the holiday goodies and we are BUSY both in and out of the kitchen. Welcome Foodies! You are entering your comfort zone! It’s the last month of the year packed with all manner of celebrations, activities and traditions. Will you start some new ones or do you take comfort in the familiar? As you may guess, I’m a sucker for tradition. Even though from a culinary point of view I am always open to try new things, it wouldn’t be the holidays without those foods that signify comfort to me – tourtiere, my mom’s old Christmas cake recipe, Prime Rib for Christmas dinner and holiday baking throughout the season. Yum. We foodies love our food all year round but this is the time of year we tend to pull out all the stops. We splurge on something we’ve never had or something that evokes a past memory. A special cheese, a pricey ingredient, crab or lobster or an expensive cut of beef. Or perhaps it’s a sweet treasure – shortbread baked like you remember, caramels covered in chocolate, French marshmallows or a tiny perfect chocolate truffle. We know from how many times some of you have checked whether the Lucques olives have arrived that savoury items are also highly prized. We have olives and oils, condiments, jams and spreads, spices and salts and lots of interesting products beautifully packaged and ready for entertaining or gifting.

We like to think we are modern and forward thinking but in reality we are pretty old school. When our system crashed last month we remembered how to add and check you out without technology (thank you for your patience with that debacle) and sadly our class registration is still done manually (check out the new release below!!) That said, we wear that badge of honour with pride. Our holiday windows were decorated with handmade items, made with love by my wonderful team and reflect what we want to be for you. We want to be your people. Part of your neighbourhood, the ones you go to for that special gift, advice, food and sometimes just a good food chat. You will always get personal service, food made with love and an honest opinion. There may not be free shipping or black Friday deals but we will help you to your car with your packages and talk you through how many cheeses to buy for your gatherings. Personalized shopping tips from our expert elves will get you out the door with a few more things struck off your list. Personal service is what we can and do offer.  So, from our PCE family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season whether that means sparkling parties, quiet winter evenings of contemplation and all that’s between. See you on the other side!