As the imaginary calendar page turns, most of us couldn't be happier to see the month of May appear. Warmer temps bring people out of hibernation and everyone seems to have a spring in their step. As small retailers we keep hoping the “worst is over” whether it’s a global pandemic, supply chain issues, extreme climate events, tariffs, trade wars or political unrest. 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 than 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 our kitchen along with your old standbys. We love the smiles we receive from our chefs when we pass along your accolades of their delicious food. EVERY SINGLE DAY the most common comment when people walk in is "It smells delicious in here! What's cooking?" If you need a Mother's Day lunch or dinner assist, we'll have these delicious offerings:
- Shrimp Fettuccine with Asparagus
- Chicken Dijonnaisse (top Mother's day pick!)
- Salmon Cakes
[if you know you want them for sure, we are taking pre-orders to avoid any disappointment!]
Our pastry case has our usual GF favourites (Brownies, Raspberry Slice, Caramel Pecan bars, Millionaire bars). Our Macarons in assorted flavours are kept in the back so ask us and we'll package your selections to order. For Mother's Day we will debut our little jars of Lemon Cheesecake Mousse and will also have chocolates and our frozen gelato bites which FLEW out of the store at Easter.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. A perfect time to acknowledge mothers as well as those important female figures in your life. If you need a gift for someone special we are here to help but also recognise and acknowledge this isn’t always an easy time for some.
In an effort to provide more class availability, we are releasing 7 new classes with this Newsletter! Check them out below and be ready for registration which opens on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:00am sharp! Whether its for the new classes or ones already booked please remember to write the dates down in your calendar as we do not send out reminders. Hoping to see you there!
"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." — Cardinal Mermillod
IN THE STORE
25% off for the month of may!
Pink Depression Glass
If you've been in the store or passed by our windows, you may have noticed our collection of vintage pink depression glass. In addition to making a lovely display, it is all individually priced and available for sale. We love the idea of working a piece or several into a dessert table or special occasion display. Mother's Day comes to mind as do baby and bridal showers that will surely be ahead in summer. A one of a kind piece with a lovely handwritten note would make a thoughtful and memorable gift.
Imagine using the cream and sugar set for clotted cream and brown sugar with a plate or bowl piled high with fresh berries. I'm also dreaming of plates with beautiful desserts (cakes, macaron or other sweets) with pink and white peonies from someone's garden...
Belberry Royal Selections
Strawberry & Raspberry Coulis
Belberry sauces are the perfect answer to creating a "composed" dessert (fancy for several elements on one plate). Take any combination of ice cream, sponge or pound cake, yoghurt or creme fraiche and fresh fruit and add a drizzle of Strawberry or Raspberry coulis and voila - you've created an Insta-worthy finale in about 5 minutes!
Taste Republic
Back in our Gourmet to Go and our freezer, we have gluten free Taste Republic Four Cheese Tortellonis, Linguini, Lasagna Sheets 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!
canadian product
Charr Barbecue Sauces
This local business is inspired by global flavours and uses traditional recipes. Sauces are great for barbequing but also for marinades, stir-frys or stirred into rice or curries. Check out these flavourful offerings:
- Indian (Spicy Tandoori)
- Persian (Saffron & Lime)
- Mediterranean (Dill & Parsley)
- Middle Eastern (Sumac & Cumin)
bringing the coffee house home...
AdHoc Milk Frother
Who knew milk frothers would become a kitchen staple in our homes? We love this new AdHoc version that is rechargable with a USB-C charging cable (included). No more disappointment when your batteries run out! We all seem to be making coffee house faves at home but did you know this little number is also good for vinaigrettes, sauces or cocktails? Its slim profile fits in your cutlery drawer so you can bust out your barrista/bartender moves at a moment's notice.
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!
A perfect pairing...
Who doesn't want to learn more about wine and cheese? Check out our Wine & Cheese classes where we feature 5 wines and 5 cheeses paired with accoutrements to compliment both.
SUMMER COOKING CLASSES - NEW RELEASE!
Tuesday May 19, 2026 (7:00pm-9:30pm)
Wine & Cheese - Summer White Sippers
Summer is coming and there are so many delicious white wines that deserve attention. (It’s not just Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay anymore.)
Sample 5 cheeses and 5 wines with other accompaniements
Thursday, May 28, 2026 (12:00pm-2:30pm)
An afternoon of Tapas!
Chorizo and Cheese puffs
Pan con tomate (after this you will forget about Bruschetta!)
Shrimp croquettes
The best Patatas Bravas with aioli
Thursday, June 11, 2026 (12:00pm-2:30pm)
Best of Passionate Cook #2 (afternoon)
Smoked Trout Chowder
Winter Panzanella
Greek lemon chicken and potato sheet pan dinner
Chocolate Biscuit cake (this little number was the unanimous winner in three classes!)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 (7:00pm-9:30pm)
Summer in the Greek Isles
Saganaki (don’t say OPA, they don’t do that in Greece)
Souvlaki inspired Trout
Feta Spinach rice
Yogurt parfait with honey, chocolate & pecans
Thursday, July 9, 2026 (7:00pm-9:30pm)
Summer in Italy #2
Asparagus, grape tomato & burrata salad
Tomato vegetable mascarpone sauce
Ricotta Gnocchi
Mangomisu (Yummy mashup of mango and Tiramisu)
Thursday, July 16, 2026 (7:00pm-9:30pm)
Summer Wine & Cheese
Sample 5 cheeses and 5 wines with other accompaniements perfectly paired for the barbecue season!
Thursday, August 20, 2026 (12:00pm-2:30pm)
Best of the Season #2
Summer Fresh Panzanella
Pasta Primavera
Chicken Cutlets with lemon parmesan crust
Peach Pavlova
GLUTEN FREE CORNER
May is Celiac Awareness Month!
Given that May is Celiac Awareness month, I thought I would introduce myself to anyone new to the Newsletter or the store. I am the owner of the store and have had Celiac disease for many years. However, I was a foodie, food lover and traveller long before that diagnosis. That said, it means that I KNOW what good food is supposed to taste like. I do my very best to bring as many gluten free products into the store that I feel are delicious - not just for us celiacs but for all the rest of our friends and family who have to eat with us! I don't carry things I myself would not eat and take great pride in sourcing the best available. We have gluten free baked goods that are made in house and several prepared meals in our freezer that are also gluten free, prepared from scratch and delicious. We have a whole wall of carefully curated gluten free products (flours, cookies, crackers, etc) and in our freezer we carry the best ever GF pizza from Defina in Toronto and fabulous GF pastries from L'Artisan Boulangerie in Montreal.
We still have a few spots left in our Gluten Free Baking class on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
If there's a great product you think we should try, pop in, introduce yourself and let me know!
Happy eating friends!
Lisa