Our Faves

The Healthy Butcher

565 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V2B6

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

LIVE TO EAT on Eglinton!: What a pleasure it is to shop on Eglinton West at the Healthy Butcher. Even though their store name implies meat, they are my stop gap measure in between farmer's markets for local and organic fruits and veggies, fish, cheese, bread and eggs. In a very small store (compared to a grocery store), you can buy everything from safe cookware, spices, organic condiments + flours, delicious artisinal cheese and crackers (monforte sheep's cheddar and evelyn's crackers...yum!), the best popcorn (passion popcorn from Ontario) and lots of nut-free and organic products (if you haven't already tried Mapleton's Organic Cappuccino Ice Cream, you must!). The staff are absolutely wonderful and very accommodating for any special requests. Even though there is no "easy" parking, it's easy in and easy out (they will carry their groceries to your car)...and open 7 days per week. 2 other locations also...it's worth the drive.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic butcher
• staff
• organic + local produce
• mapleton's ice cream

Brickworks Farmer's Market

550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

Saturday Special!: The only negative about the market at Brickwork's is that it's not year round (there are other markets around Toronto all year, check www.greenbeltfresh.ca ). Going myself or with my family on Saturday mornings to enjoy breakfast and shop for the seasonal delights (faves include Cookstown tomatoes + garlic scapes, Sosnicki's garlic, greens and potatoes, asparagus and strawberries for their limited run, Monforte Cheeses, Kozlik's mustards, oh, the list is endless..the smoked fish, crackers, cheeses, eggs!). If you pair this up with one monthly shop for the few things you won't find here like sugar (except maple), you can live off your weekly shop. Make sure you introduce yourself to Farmer Chris...he can help you grow your own edible garden (shiitake mushrooms included). Once you taste real food, you will understand that the "hype" over lcoal AND organic makes perfect sense!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Eggs
• fish
• cheeses
• organic farm fresh fruits
• organic farm fresh veggies
• garlic scapes

Green Barn Farmers' Market

601 Christie St (Studio 181), Toronto, ON, M6G4C7

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

New and Neighbourhoodly!: This market recently moved to its permanent home at the Artscape Wychwood TTC Barns, in the covered street barn...what a fabulous space, indoors and out! You will find local, mostly organic and seasonal food here. You'll find the delicious flavours and rainbow of colours of local and organic produce here plus, honey, bread, cheese, fish and meats, grains, jams, syrup, wildcrafted foods, mushrooms, and lots of people to talk to! There is an area for kids to play and keep busy, although I encourage you to elt yur kids shop with you too...it's amazing that when they choose the foods, they will like to eat it...even kale!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• cheese
• organic local fruits
• organic local veggies
• kids playground
• honey
• passion popcorn
• ezra's oatmeal

Gilead Cafe

4 Gilead Place, Toronto, ON, M5A 3C9

Rated this place:

posted Apr 6 2009

Now THIS is fast food!: JK Wine Bar is fabulous, but Jamie Kennedy has really done a great job redefining fast food at Gilead Cafe. Local, artisinal and fresh ingredients only have one outcome - delicious and healthy. Well, almost...if you want to indulge, there are the JK Frites, which are by far the best french fries in the city. It's worth the trip just to share an order. It's a great place for a quick business lunch (although it's very kid-friendly because it's so casual and quick), keep in mind it's counter service...if only they were open for dinner (nudge, nudge).

Pantry

974 College St, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A5

Rated this place:

posted May 1 2009

this is how a pantry should be stocked: This space on College is so incredibly beautiful and ivniting, you will browse their stocked shelves peacefully as if you were browsing in a library. The selection offers local, organic and sustainable choices in fresh and gourmet packaged foods. The staff are always friendly and willing to answer all of your questions...if you are curious like I am. The coffee is delicious...and happily served in compostable cups (although we still take or own). Also offered is a wonderful catering menu...it changes often since it revolves around and evolves with the seasons. If you are not used to shopping or eating this way, it may be difficult, but trust that you will be thrilled with the taste. It is apparent that the owners put their heart and soul into their space, and into their offerings. (and they must have kids since there are toys to play with while you browse or eat + drink, although still it remains calm inside).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic selection
• tashodi soaps