News

Celebrate Local!

BT Toronto | posted Friday, Jul 16th, 2021

 

In partnership with Scotiabank, Breakfast Television launches ‘Celebrate Local’!

With the lockdowns ending, we have to remember to support our local businesses. Each day, Breakfast Television will place a spotlight on a Canadian business deserving of recognition! 

Check back Friday mornings for a freshly updated list!

Stay safe, and support local!

 

CELEBRATE Local: Week 1

SOLE BURNERS

@soleburners

Creator and Owner Camille de Leon took her passion for sneakers and started designing candles that look like your favourite pair of sneaks. From Yeezys to Jordans, she’s got you covered.

 

OLA BAMBOO

100 rue Quesnel, Victoriaville QC G6S 1K9

@olabamboo

Inspired to help end plastic waste, OLA Bamboo is a company from Quebec that specializes in all types of Eco-friendly products made from bamboo. From Toothbrushes to straws, to kitchen utensils, they have you covered.

 

 

CABANO’S COMFORT FOOD

75 St Nicholas St #104, Toronto, ON M4Y 0A5

@cabanoscomfortfood

Cabano’s Comfort Food is known for exactly what it says – comfort food (which is very much needed these days!). From homemade burgers, to classic chicken sandwiches, to never-frozen chicken wings and iconic sauces, they offer classic items, made with quality ingredients. Everything is fresh, local, cooked to order, and very affordable.

 

 

REIMAGINE DESIGNS

326 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B2

@reimagine_designs

Reimagine Designs is a boutique interior design company offering residential design services and online furniture that is available throughout Canada.  They strive to provide personalized customer service online, and in the showroom, highlighting well-designed, unique, and quality products such as furniture, rugs, art, lighting, and decor.

 

 

REBELS REFINERY

49 McCormack St. Toronto, ON M6N 1X8

@rebelsrefinery

Rebels Refinery specializes in lip balms, essential oils, sanitizer, and much more. Having a knack for design, their produts come in all different shapes and colours. From Cactus to skulls, these lip balms are unlike any other.

 

 

BY ANNALAY

@byannalay

Created in 2013, By Annalay is a family Jewellery company that centres around personal self-empowerment Produced in Toronto, Canada, By Annalay focuses their products on the women who want it all and accepts that the journey is just as important as the destination – also, she is set on looking and feeling her best on that journey!

 

 

ROOKS TO COOKS

40 Kodiak Crescent Unit 3, North York, ON M3J 3G5

@rooks2cooks

Rooks to Cooks is an innovative culinary school based out of Toronto, Ontario. It was founded by Chef Shai Mandel in 2015. Rooks to Cooks was developed to be first and foremost student-centered and flexible. We know that each student is unique with their own learning goals. For this reason, we make sure that any course, class or program offered through Rooks to Cooks accommodates all students and their individual needs. Our mission is simple: we will empower our students to become more independent by building self-confidence and supporting self-expression through culinary education.

 

 

KINDRED CULTURES

@kinderedcultures

Kindred Cultures take their probiotic-rich kefir water and infuse it with a rainbow of organic fruits + botanicals for a delicious beverage that makes your body feel great. Low in sugar and calories, packed with probiotics, infused with the natural goodness of real foods.

 

 

CELEBRATE Local: Week 2

CARLA’S COOKIE BOX

Online Business – GTA Based

@carlacookiebox

Carla’s Cookie Box is known for their cookies, smash cakes and most importantly their visually stunning and delicious butter tarts. Available online, ship throughout Canada and The U.S.

 

 

ai TORONTO SEOUL

Online Business

@aitorontoseoul

ai (Eye-E) Toronto Seoul which is a proudly Canadian, family-run, sustainable fashion brand that carefully curates PETA-approved vegan leather handbags and accessories made in small batches. Founded by a mother and her trio of fashion-obsessed Korean-Canadian daughters, the brand works with local artisans in Seoul to create sustainable-luxury pieces shipped directly to consumers, worldwide, from their Toronto-based HQ.

 

 

BELLE’S BAKERY 

262 Dupont Street, Toronto

@bellesbakery.to

Belle’s Bakery specializes in Sourdough breads, Montreal Style Bagels, savory pastries like croissant’s, empanadas, quiches, and sausage rolls. Also, from their homemade soups and Broths, they have you covered there. And obviously, no bakery is complete without the sweet stuff. With a variety of cakes, lemon bars, tiramisu, Portuguese custard tarts and so much more, you’re not going to leave Belle’s hungry.

 

 

MUMGRY 

Online Business

@mumgry

MUMGRY takes the guesswork out of snacking. We make plant based snacks using only the good stuff. Made with love and integrity, our snack foods are flavourful, dairy free, gluten-free, low in sugar, high in protein, iron and calcium. Good for everyone, especially Mums. Keeping you nourished and energized is our greatest goal.

 

 

KANDL

88 Avenue Road, Toronto

@kandlartistique

KANDL is a family-owned business and has been one of the world’s top candle makers for almost 50 years. KANDL Artistique is home to a line of small-batch, hand-poured, soy-based wax candles. At KANDL we bring you the first fully customizable candle Lab experience in North America. Guests can choose, combine and create custom fragrances to create their own personalized scented candle, from start to finish. We are the first lab experience where you can take your fully cured candle home in just 90 minutes.

 

 

THIS IS J SLEEPWEAR

Online Business

@this_Is_j

This Is J Sleepwear is a Canadian made, ethically made, comfort-driven brand that makes ultra-soft sleepwear & loungewear. Best known for their soft, breathable bamboo fabrics and fun hand-printed patterns, This is J knits, dyes, prints, cuts, and sews their products right here in Canada and have since their inception, 20 years ago.

 

 

ERNIE’S ICEBOX

Online Business – Toronto Based

@erniesicebox

Ernie’s Icebox makes handmade ice cream sandwiches in the heart of downtown Toronto. Founded by Julia Haist, Ernie’s is proudly local and made completely from scratch. New flavours are introduced regularly, and announced on instagram @erniesicebox along with weekly pre-order drops!

 

 

EVERYDAY HEROES KIDS

Online Business

@everydayheroeskids

EHK is an online source connecting families to pediatric professionals & organizations in health, mental health & education.

 

 

 

DOM

Online Business

@athomewithdom

DOM develops design-forward products for a post-pandemic world. Launched in April of this year, the brand’s first products are a duo of organic hand sanitizing sprays.  The inspiration for Dom was born out of frustration with the lack of safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing products on the market, especially during a time when hand sanitizer has become such an integral part of our daily lives. Dom’s hand sanitizer sprays are vegan; completely free of silicon, phthalate, paraben and sulfate, and are never tested on animals. The bottles are created using post-consumer recycled material and, they smell and feel really good!

 

 

REWORKS UPCYCLE

West Kootenays, British Columbia Based

@reworks_in_nelsonBC

Reworks Upcycle features a one-of-a-kind selection of recycled, zero waste locally made products. Reworks stocks a wide variety of products made from recycled or upcycled materials diverting thousands of pounds of waste from the landfill each year. Most of the products are made by individuals from Calgary and across Canada. ReWorks strives to make lives more sustainable by encouraging waste reduction and maintaining a large selection of eco friendly products. They’re also launching Bear Springs Eco Retreat nestled in the West Kootenays, the retreat offers novel canvas tents and A-frame glamping accommodations in a beautiful mountain setting with stunning views.

 

 

CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 3:

REBEL AND BEAUTY

1300 Bay Street, Toronto

@rebelandbeauty

Rebel+ Beauty is a Toronto-based beauty company that specializes in eyebrows, lashes makeup and education. Located in Yorkville, the Rebel + Beauty name is synonymous with professionalism, expertise, and high quality services. The Rebel + Beauty beauty brand was founded 7 years ago by Olga Onulov. The brand and its owner are extremely passionate about women’s empowerment and giving back to the community.

GELADONA

Online Business

@geladona.toronto

Geladona brings one of Brazil’s Pop Culture’s best kept secrets to Toronto. Handmade with love daily, these frozen delights will have you experience a true tradition & flavours of Brazil. With delicous flavours like passionfruit, acai, sweet corn, avocado, acai and many more, Geladona uses only fresh, whole fruit or frozen pulp blended with water, sugarcane and milk for their products. Available for delivery in the GTA or check their website for locations on where to purchase.

SACRED FOODS

Online Business

@eatsacredfoods

Sacred Foods is a Vancouver-based company that makes healthy snacks out of popped lotus seeds. The founder, Mika, first discovered this snack when she was a little girl growing up in India. Her mother used to make it for her at home, and it was her favourite snack. When she moved to Canada when she was 13, she noticed that she couldn’t find her beloved snacks anywhere. Over the years, she struggled to find good snacks that were both healthy and still tasted good. Her quest to find the perfect snack kept bringing her back to the one of her childhood and she felt compelled to create Sacred Foods. After spending almost two years developing the product and brand, she launched the brand in the middle of the pandemic lockdown. Since then, Sacred Foods has sold over 30,000 units in its first year and the brand is quickly growing across Canada.

MARY RATCLIFFE DESIGNS

Online Business

@maryratcliffestudio

Mary Ratcliffe Studio is a longevity-minded lifestyle design studio that crafts furniture and homeware. Based in Toronto, the brand meticulously handpicks all materials and expertly handcrafts each and every piece (think coffee tables, dining tables, benches, console tables and much more!). Mary Ratcliffe Studio focuses on the reincarnation and repurposing of raw materials to bring their work to life, valuing the world around them and seeking out sustainable materials and practices.

SPYCE GIRLZ

Online Business / At Markets in Ottawa

@spycegirlzseasonings

Spyce Girlz was founded on a vision and passion for healthy food by Ottawa teen girl Lillian Bond in 2017. Starting off in a couple local farmer’s markets, Lillian continues to grow her “spyce” empire as she expands into local grocery stores. Spyce Girlz all natual, gluten free seasonings are tasty, healthy and incredibly versatile.

 

AWAI SWIMWEAR

Online Business

@awaiswim

Awai Swim is a eco-friendly swimwear line specializing in made-to-order pieces. By combining conscious efforts of using biodegradable shipping bags, recycled fabric and minimizing overall waste, Awai Swim is proud to call themselves a sustainable brand. Awai Swim uses eco-friendly fabrics made from regenerated nylon. Awai Swim’s bikinis are minimal, sleek and are offered in a wide assortment of colours and styles. Awai Swim also prides themselves on being size inclusive. If you don’t fall between their XS-XL sizing range, simply send them your measurements and they’ll be happy to create a handmade bikini just for you!

 

THE YUKON SOAPS COMPANY

Online Business

@yukonsoapscompany

So much more than soap. Indigenous-owned and operated, The Yukon Soaps Company creates beautiful, hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, essential oil blends, and so much more. Featuring wild rose petals, juniper berries, a Yukon-shaped press, and the beadwork of Indigenous artisans, these soaps are literally infused and imprinted with the spirit of the Yukon.

RELEVE CLOTHING

1727 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

@releveclothing_

Relevé is Toronto’s ultimate destination for luxury activewear and loungewear. Relevé opened briefly in March 2021 before the second wave of COVID hit, then pivoted quickly to operate as an online shopping destination. Now, the store is officially open and offers fashionable options that are easy, comfortable, and flattering for every day. Brands are carefully sourced to create a cohesive, one-stop-shop for women who are looking for the best quality and style when it comes to athleisure and loungewear. Brands carried include alo, lack of color, TKEES, The Upside, Solid & Striped, DAYDREAMER, L’urv, Aviator Nation, P.E. Nation, On and many more!

CREME CREAM PUFFS

Online Business / Based in Calgary

@cremecreampuffs

Crème specializes in making beautiful, unique, and most importantly DELICIOUS desserts. All of our Signature Cream Puffs are made with a choux pastry base topped with a delicious crunchy cracquelin crust. Our cream puffs are made fresh daily and filled with perfectly smooth pastry cream! Finished with a variety of toppings and decorations these cream puffs are the perfect addition to any party or celebration. Our menu changes seasonally so be sure to check back on the regular as we are constantly adding new delicious flavours!

 

CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 4:

 

TRESOLZ

Online Business (Toronto)

@tresolz      

Judy Stewart, Treslolz’ founder, always struggled to find shoes to fit her beautifully wide size 11 feet. As a 5’10” woman, professional, mother, wife and athlete, she had a passionate desire for shoes that ‘fit’ the diverse aspects of her life. Shoes that were stylish. Shoes that were affordable. She decided to be part of the solution so she started Tresolz. A company that specializes in stylish affordable shoes for women with large feet sizes 9.5-15.

 

 

SMITH FARM SKINCARE

Online Business (Quebec)

@smithfarmsproducts

Sisters, Julia and Rebecca started Smith Farms Skincare in 2009 at their family farm and have been lovingly making their products there ever since. Amazingly effective natural skincare products proudly made in Saint-Polycarpe, Quebec, using natural, plant-based ingredients.This all natural skincare line creates chemical, paraben, detergent, artificial fragrance, synthetic preservative-free products that are gentle on your skin as well as being gluten and cruelty free.

 

 

LAZY DAISY’S CAFE

1515 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A4

@lazydaisysto

Lazy Daisy’s cafe serves up locally sourced, naturally raised, hand-made and farm fresh food. Friendly staff serve up a fantastic array of sandwiches, bagels, homemade soups, chili, quiche, salads & signature jams. Our coffee is micro roasted locally in small batches and is sourced via DIRECT or FAIR TRADE. A great place to meet up with friends and family!

 

 

AMANDA HAMILTON INTERIOR DESIGN

227 11 Ave SW Unit 110, Calgary, AB T2R 1R9

@ahidstudio

Amanda Hamilton Interior Design is a team of female-led credentialed designers that produce smart, soulful design that’s never recycled. Standing behind a meticulous process that enables the team to get widely creative, every space is rooted in exploration that embodies the values and character of every client. With over a decade of experience, she has earned a diverse and extensive portfolio including custom residential homes, multi-family developments, restaurant, office and retail design.

 

 

KACAO REPUBLIC

Online Business (Toronto)

@kacaorepublic_alfajores

Kacao Republics gourmet dark chocolate alfajores are handcrafted from scratch with the finest ingredients. Two cookies filled with Argentinian dulce de leche, coated with real belgian dark chocolate. Always fresh, always decadent! Available online or at Kiss my Pans on College Street.

 

 

CAFE FIFTY FOUR

3643 Portage Rd #16, Niagara Falls, ON L2J 2K8

@cafefiftyfour

Owner Olivia Mollica has had a passion for baking for years and is a French-trained alumni of Ducasse education. With a goal of combining classical French pastry techniques with a comforting variety of North American treats from our childhood, Olivia opened Café Fifty Four in August 2019. Café Fifty Four wants everyone who walks through the door to feel like they are at home, a place where friends and family can enjoy fresh daily made desserts and savoury treats. Signature favourites include their cinnamon buns, butter tarts, cakes and smoked turkey croissant sandwiches.

 

 

MAISON T BISTRO

1071 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6G 3N4

@maisontbistro

Owned and Operated by Chef Masayuki Tamaru and his wife Carolina Avaria, Maison T is a cozy French bistro delivering classic French dishes that showcase Chef Masayuki Tamaru’s decades of professional experience and culinary finesse. Their aim is that you taste delicious food, paired with wonderful wines, feel comfort in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the friendly and knowledgeable service of their fantastic team. Throughout Chef Masayuki’s classic French dishes, you will find touches of his Japanese heritage.

Some of the staple highlights are Chef’s Duck Confit, the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and the unbelievably delicious Icelandic Arctic Char with a to-die-for crispy skin and amandine sauce.

 

GRAYDON SKINCARE

Online Business (Toronto)

@graydonskincare

Graydon Skincare offers you results-driven skincare formulated with clinically-proven superfood ingredients. Owner Graydon Moffat’s personal involvement in the wellness world as a vegan chef and yoga practitioner led her to discover that the topical application and bioavailability of superfoods on her client’s skin had noticeable results. This sparked the evolution of her minimalist, luxurious brand of high-performing skincare where you’ll find all your favourite actives like botanical retinol, collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, niacinamide, vitamin C and even gemstone crystals.

 

CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 5:

ONE ARROW

Online Business (Vancouver)

@onearrowyvr  

https://www.facebook.com/onearrowyvr

One Arrow is 100% Indigenous Owned & Operated by Chef Heat Laliberte of Cree & Metis heritage.

Specializing in handmade, locally sourced, naturally smoked bacon, flavoured with unique dry rubs in 4 iconic flavours: Black Pepper & Honey, Hickory Smoked Maple, Chinese Five Spice, and Salt & Smoke (100% Sugar Free) Every batch is hand cured and smoked fresh to order.

 

ROOTS + RAVEN

Online Business (Ontario)

@rootsandraven

https://www.facebook.com/Roots-Raven-105189115052889

Hot baths and nature have always served as helpful tools during difficult times. Owner Tanya Gluvakov wanted to combine creativity with her inherent love of nature and all things that make one feel hopeful and joyful, and so, Roots and Raven was born. With products like Botanical Bath Bombs, Bath Salts, Smudge Kits, Vegan Bath Milk, Roots and Raven has everything you need for the ultimate bath experience. Their hope for all of our customers is to remember that you are never alone. We are all connected to each other and to the natural world. May these products remind you to take a moment to relax and take some time to enjoy the moment.

CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 6:

DORSET FINE ARTS

Online Business (Ontario)

@dorsetfinearts

https://www.facebook.com/Dorset-Fine-Arts-192563710888113/

Dorset Fine Arts is the marketing division for The West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, which has enjoyed an international reputation for the exquisite prints, drawings and carvings created by its Inuit artist members while promoting Kinngait culture. Dorset Fine Arts is responsible for interfacing with galleries, museums, cultural professionals, Inuit art enthusiasts and the art market globally. Basically, they’re responsible for spreading the word about this amazing art. From Sculpture, Prints, and Drawings, they have you covered. DORSET FINE ARTS does not sell directly to the public, but if you are interested in purchasing any of their artwork, you can go through one of their listed galleries on their website.

TOMAHAWK CHIPS

Wholesale Business (Manitoba)

@tomahawk.chips

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tomahawk%20chips

The Founder of Native Canadian Chip Corporation, Alfred Lea, is First Nations from Pine Dock Manitoba. Alfred’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit lead him to launch his TomahawkChips company in 2015 with distribution in Canada and the U.S.A. With art designed by Indigenous artists, the chips come in flavours Plain, Salt and Vinegar, Ketchup, BBQ and Fire. Recently signing a country-wide deal, Tomahawk Chips will soon be available in stores nationwide.

 

SPIRIT BEAR COFFEE COMPANY

Wholesale Business (BC)

@spiritbearcoffeecompany

https://www.facebook.com/spiritbearcoffeecompany

Specializing in Fair Trade Certified and Certified Organic quality coffee, Spirit Bear Coffee Company is known for its quality cup. Available in 600 locations across Canada, This indigenous-owned business has been growing since it began in 2006.  Environmentally forward-thinking, Spirit Bear Coffee Company was one of the first companies in Canada to invest in compostable coffee pods.

ANISH BRANDING

Online Business (Ontario)

@anishbranding

What do you get when you cross two former NHL players, one who has a passion for helping Indigenous youth and another who has a keen interest in business and the promotional products industry? The answer – Anish Branding! Anish Branding is a communications company that specializes in providing promotional items, printing, graphic design, and branding. The duo also is heavily involved with the charity, firstassist.ca which delivers education and sports integration programming for youth in northern Indigenous communities across the country.

SISTERS SAGE

Online Business (BC)

@sisters_sage

Owned and operated by sisters, Lynn-Marie & Melissa-Rae Angus, Sisters Sage is an Indigenous brand that hand-crafts wellness and self-care products inspired by their culture and traditions. Sisters Sage is committed to producing beautiful, Indigenous-inspired products that not only highlight their rich culture, but also promote environmental sustainability, and inspire future female and youth entrepreneurs. Their handmade soaps, bath bombs, salves, and Smokeless Smudge Sprays pay homage to our ancestral teachings of Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, Tobacco, Lavender, and much more.

CREATIVE FIRE

Online Business (Saskatoon/Ontario)

@creativefire_canada

A 100% Indigenous communications, strategy, research and design agency with offices in Saskatoon and Burlington, Ontario, Creative Fire helps provide value to their clients by creating prosperity, employment and opportunity for the community of English River while opening doors for more Indigenous people and companies. They believe in building a more diverse, inclusive Canada, and are particularly focused on creating meaningful local impact and fostering authentic engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and organizations.

CELEBRATE LOCAL INDIGENOUS: Week 7

SRIRACHA REVOLVER HOT SAUCE INC.

Online Business (Vancouver)

@sriracharevolver

https://www.facebook.com/sriracharevolver

Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce Inc. makes Premium, small-batch hot sauce from natural ingredients.

Owner Jordan Hocking is a mom, wife, and Indigenous entrepreneur who founded the business in 2017.  All of her hot sauce recipes have been inspired by flavours or ingredients she has enjoyed while traveling or by wanting to eat something that didn’t exist anywhere else. Available in 6 different flavours,

Avocado Ginger, Chili Garlic, Clean Mango, Cilantro + Lime, and Beets + Tequila and now Habanero. Shipping is available across Canada.

RAVEN READS

Online Business (Vancouver)

@raven_reads

https://www.facebook.com/ravenreads/

Raven Reads is a subscription box featuring literature and goods from Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs across North America. Several times a year, curated boxes containing a new book by an Indigenous author, as well as jewelry, art, and beauty products from Indigenous makers, are delivered to customers across Canada, the United States, and Europe. To many, reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in this country, For that to happen, there must be aware of our collective past, and action to change our behaviour,”. Raven Reads hopes to help that initiative.

MAHIKAN TRAILS

Tours / Excursions (Clearwater County, Alberta)

https://www.facebook.com/Mahikan-Trails-195419397198641

Located in Clearwater County Alberta, Mahikan Trails is a Metis organized tour company specializing in promoting a greater understanding of the rich history of the traditional lands through group excursions. While exploring the breathtaking landscape, visitors are offered real-world lessons in medicine walks, designed to educate people about how their ancestors survived off the land for millennia. Workshops like Soap Making, Crafts, Making your own Medicine, and many more are offered year-round.

RAVIN RISING CHOCOLATES

Online Business (Sudbury Ontario)

@ravenrising.ca

https://www.facebook.com/RavenRising.ca/

Chef Tammy Maki is an Indigenous baker making her mark on the culinary arts scene with her decadent hand-crafted chocolates. A Saulteaux Ojibwe from White Bear First Nation, Tammy received formal training as a Red Seal Journeyman pastry chef and baker and has worked all across Canada at some of the best resorts and hotels in the country. Her chocolates are not only delicious but also beautiful and available for shipping across Canada.

CELEBRATE LOCAL: Week 8

CANNOLI CRUNCH

850 King Street West, Toronto

@cannolicrunch

https://www.facebook.com/cannolicrunch

Cannoli Crunch creates Cannoli like you’ve never seen before with flavours like Pistachio, Pumpkin Spice, Matcha Tea, Carnival Nuts, and Smartypants. That’s not all, they also make savoury cannoli like the Mama Italia that has a tiny meatball on top. Chef Maria and her business partner, Mignonne launched Cannoli Crunch online with over 250 flavours ready to be revealed.  Each month, 12 new flavours are introduced.  Always Innovating, they have also created the Signature Jelly Filled Cannoli Collection which is trademarked and has a patent-pending.

TURNSTYLE GLASS

43 Towns Road (Unit B), Etobicoke

@turnstyleglass

https://www.facebook.com/TurnstyleGlassStudio/

Turnstyle Glass is a glassblowing educational studio and rental space. Right now, they are offering beginner classes starting this month after an extended closure due to Covid restrictions.  Now is the time to book, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a professional, Turnstyle wants to help you create! Owner, Clayton Haigh also has a variety of pieces he’s created that can be purchased on the website, from art to wine decanters, he’s got you covered.

FIELDTRIP CAFE

3 Westmoreland Ave, Toronto

@fieldtripcafe

https://www.facebook.com/fieldtripcafe/

Fieldtrip Café is a hidden gem, homey, neighbourhood cafe with a great private patio that is available to rent for your next special occasion. Serving amazing coffee of all kinds and fresh baked goods like cookies and scones, Fieldtrip prides itself in carrying local products from some of the city’s best bakeries and markets.  Whether you’re coming in for a morning coffee, an empanada, salad or wrap for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack or alcoholic drink, Fieldtrip has you covered. Coffee till Beer is their model. Open from 730am till 5pm on weekdays and 8am-7pm Friday and Saturday, their friendly staff is ready to serve you some of the best coffee and treats in the city.

STUSH PATTY

Online Business

@stushpatty

https://www.facebook.com/stushpatty

Stush Patty is known for elevating the Jamaican patty. One night, two years ago, Owner Opal Rowe had a craving for a Jamaican patty but wanted something a bit healthier. Not being able to find anything, she decided to create her own which led her to start Stush Patty. Stush Patty is transforming the humble snack patty into a premium product. The patties are made with natural ingredients and have a flakey pastry filled with your choice of traditional beef, jerk chicken, spicy lentils or jerk soy chic. Stush is the 1st gourmet patties found in select grocery stores and cafes across the province of Ontario in over 30 locations and in 6 cities with various pop ups and bars and breweries.

CELEBRATE LOCAL: Week 9

ORIGINAL GENES

Online Business

@originalgenes_to

https://www.facebook.com/originalgenestoronto/

Original Genes is a hand-painted clothing and experience company. Stefanie Furgiuel founded the company as a solution to escape her mundane 9-5 job. Stefanie always had a passion for painting and all things creative, which inspired her to paint a denim jacket one day while at home. She sent a Snapchat of the jacket to her friends who loved it and had one friend ask if she could have one. Stefanie’s mom then encouraged her to continue painting on the jackets and selling them, and even went out and bought her 25+ jackets as a way to get her started. Almost every OG jacket is made to order and Stefanie works one on one with each customer to make their jacket 100% exclusive and irreplaceable. With the nature of each jacket being hand painted, each design is one of a kind and completely unique.

IMAGINABLE SOLUTIONS

Online Business

@imaginable.solutions

https://www.facebook.com/ImaginAbleSolutions

The origin of Imaginable Solutions began in 2018 when Founder Lianna Genovese met Elissa, a talented painter living with Dystonia, a rare type of Cerebral Palsy. As her condition progressed, she experienced uncontrollable curling of her fingers making holding and using a paintbrush impossible. Elissa had lost her confidence, passion, and creativity. Lianna invented the first prototype of Guided Hands™ as her school project at McMaster University where she heard Elissa’s story. Elissa’s passion was soon reignited, and she was able to paint again. Elissa is amongst millions of people with a medical condition or injury experiencing limited hand mobility. Lianna knew she had to seize the opportunity to innovate towards making an impact in the lives of others. Guided Hands™ has been tested with over 150 neurologists, occupational therapists and patients living with various neurological disorders at local healthcare facilities.

BATHORIUM

Online Business

@livebathorium

https://www.facebook.com/bathorium

Bathorium is working to #BringBackTheBath. Bathorium produces clean and decadent bath soaks, bath bombs and bubble oils with no harsh additives and zero synthetic fragrances. Bathorium is founded on the belief of indulgent beneficial bathing and reinventing bath time self-love rituals. While Bathorium is a global brand with high-end partners including world-renowned spas, retail, and hotels across the world, they proudly manufacture all their products in their facility in Ottawa. After all, it all began in 2014 as Founder Greg Macdonald handmade bath bombs in his condo kitchen.Bathorium wants everyone to leave the bath rejuvenated, relaxed and restored free of any harsh chemicals.

EMMA’S COUNTRY KITCHEN

810 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto / Order Online

@emmacountrykitc

https://www.facebook.com/EmmasCountryKitchen

Emma’s Country Kitchen is a little slice of breakfast heaven tucked into St. Clair Avenue West.

With classic menu items like their cinnamon bun pancakes served with whipped brown butter or their eggs Benny on a buttermilk biscuit with rich mousseline sauce, you are not going to leave unsatisfied. They make everything in house including their bacon, sausage, signature biscuits and donuts. Yes, they make donuts too, buttermilk donuts with sour cream glaze. Owners, Rachel Pallett and Heather Mee have had the same mission statement since they opened,  to try to make a positive change in the restaurant industry. In doing so, they recently became a certified living wage employer. The first and only restaurant in Toronto to be certified and provide a better, more equitable and safe workplace for their employees. This is a business going the extra mile in every way.

TAURAH

Online Business

@shoptaurah

https://www.facebook.com/ShopTaurah

Taurah is a business that makes products to elevate your self-care routine. It all began in November 2020 when founders Jessica Sheppard & Rhaelyn Gillespie were doing a yoga workout at home and realized they didn’t have anything to wipe down their mats with. They tried a few DIY cleaners and produced the perfect organic recipe leading to an all-natural way to refresh your yoga mat and home workout equipment. This led to their best-selling Face Mask Mist, their Calming and Coolings mists, as well as their Zinc Sunscreen Stick with more new products on their way. Taurah is as eco-conscious as possible, using recyclable bottles, recyclable packaging, and the best all-natural ingredients that they can source. They are female-founded, Canadian-made, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free.

5-Minute Tuna Poke Bowl

Ande Fraske-Bornyk | posted Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 2025

A quick, fresh, and nourishing meal that comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have much time.

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 1 lb Larry’s Catch tuna, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (warm or chilled)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Optional toppings: shredded carrots, edamame, micro greens, mango, pickled ginger, sriracha mayo

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger.
  2. Add tuna cubes and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
  3. Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top with tuna, avocado, cucumber, and green onions.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add any optional toppings you like.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal in under 10 minutes.

Lobster Mac & Cheese (Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist)

Sandy Lee | posted Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 2025

Cozy comfort food with a lighter twist – rich, creamy, and packed with Canadian lobster. Perfect for fall evenings.

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 1 lb Larry’s Catch lobster meat (cooked, shelled)
  • 12 oz whole wheat pasta (elbows or shells work well)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk (2% or whole)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in yogurt, cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until cheese melts.
  5. Fold in cooked pasta and lobster meat. Mix gently to coat.
  6. (Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, indulgent fall dinner.

Haddock Fish Tacos (with Leftover Burrito Bowls)

(Chef Name) | posted Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 2025

A fun family dinner that doubles as meal prep. Enjoy fish tacos one night, then repurpose leftovers into burrito bowls the next day.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

  • 1.5 lbs Larry’s Catch haddock fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt

For the sauce:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

To serve:

  • 8 small tortillas
  • Toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro, radish, jalapeños (optional)

For burrito bowls (next day):

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Black beans or corn
  • Any leftover fish, slaw, and sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Pat haddock dry. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. While fish bakes, mix slaw ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, stir together sauce ingredients.
  5. Warm tortillas. Flake baked haddock and assemble tacos with slaw, sauce, and toppings of choice.

For burrito bowls (next day): Layer rice, beans, leftover haddock, slaw, and sauce. Add avocado, salsa, or extra veggies for a quick, hearty lunch.

Apple Cider Mocktail

Jesse Lane Lee | posted Wednesday, Oct 1st, 2025

A refreshing fall drink that’s lighter than traditional cider. This version uses ginger kombucha for gut-loving probiotics, cinnamon for warmth, and lemon for brightness. The result? A festive drink that feels indulgent but is actually great for digestion.

Kombucha is rich in probiotics which is the good bacteria that populate the gut. Probiotics aid in digestion, fight bad bacteria and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. It is full of active enzymes that help with digestion and reduce constipation.

Recipe

  • 2 oz apple cider
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 4 ice cubes
  • 2 oz ginger kombucha
  • Cinnamon stick, cinnamon sugar & apple slices to garnish

No-Boil Chicken and Cheese Casserole

Rose Reisman | posted Wednesday, Sep 3rd, 2025

Ingredients

· 8 ounces dry rotini or penne
· 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
· 1 jar tomato pasta sauce (3 cups)
· 3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
· ¼ tsp salt
· 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
· 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
· 2 cups chicken stock

Panko topping (optional)
· ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
· ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
· 3 tbsp olive oil
· Dash salt
· 3 tbsp chopped basil or parsley

  1. In a 9 x 13” casserole, add dry pasta, cooked chicken, tomato sauce and mix together.

  2. Add garlic, salt, mozzarella and parmesan cheese and stock. Mix well.

  3. Cover well and bake in a 400 F oven for about 40–50 minutes, stirring once or twice and until pasta is just cooked.

Topping (optional)

  1. Meanwhile in a small bowl add panko or bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt and chopped basil, mix together.

  2. Sprinkle baked casserole with topping and broil for 2 minutes.

Sheet Pan Weeknight Fajitas

Rose Reisman | posted Wednesday, Sep 3rd, 2025

Ingredients

· 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
· 2 bell peppers
· 1 large onion
· 3 tbsp olive oil
· 2 tbsp storebought fajita or Tex Mex seasoning
· 3 tbsp lemon or lime juice
· 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Garnishes
· Salsa / avocado / tortillas / sour cream

  1. Cut chicken breast into ½” strips, cut bell peppers and onions into strips. Add to large bowl and add olive oil and seasonings.

  2. Add to parchment on a large baking tray, bake at 425 F for 12–15 minutes on top rack or just until chicken is just done – do not overcook.

  3. Remove from oven – set to broil and broil for 2 minutes just until slightly charred.

  4. Remove from heat immediately, add lemon or lime juice and cilantro and extra salt and put on serving platter along with garnishes and tortillas.

No-Cook Summer Rolls with Creamy Sunflower Butter Dipping Sauce

Joy McCarthy | posted Monday, Jun 9th, 2025

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • Julienned veggies (carrot, cucumber, red pepper, purple cabbage)
  • Avocado slices
  • Fresh mint and basil
  • Optional: tempeh slices or cooked chicken

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp sunflower seed butter (or almond/peanut if no allergy concerns)
  • 1 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • Water to thin to desired consistency
  • Optional: grated ginger or garlic for a punch

Instructions:

  1. Soak a rice paper wrapper briefly in warm water until soft.
  2. Lay it on a damp surface and layer in veggies, avocado, and herbs.
  3. Roll it up like a burrito—fold in the sides, then roll tightly.
  4. Serve with dipping sauce in a small bowl.

Cheesy Leek & Mushroom Bread Pudding with Herb Salad

Dan Clapson | posted Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

 

INGREDIENTS

Bread pudding

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
  • 2 cups thinly sliced leeks (approximately 1 large leek or 2 medium leeks, greens and ends trimmed before slicing)
  • 2 cups sliced brown mushrooms
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp marjoram
  • ½ tsp dried chili flakes
  • ¼ cup good quality vegetable broth
  • 8-10 hand-torn pieces of packaged sourdough bread or Italian bread
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • ¾ cup grated mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • ¼ cup grated Edam
  • ½ cup cheese curds
  • Salt and pepper, optional

Horseradish pickle aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup cream or milk
  • 2-3 Tbsp pickle brine
  • 2 Tbsp prepared horseradish

Herb salad

  • 2 cups roughly chopped mixed fresh herbs (I like parsley, dill and basil, but use what you’d like from your garden!)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to season (optional)

 

METHOD

Bread pudding

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Heat a large pan on medium heat and melt butter.
  3. Add leeks, mushrooms, and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until everything has softened and mushrooms have reduced in size by 1/2, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add honey, spices and broth and continue to cook until broth has almost completely reduced, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer to large mixing bowl. Add hand-torn bread and toss to combine.
  6. Whisk together eggs with cream and pour overtop of mixture, along with shredded cheese and toss once more to combine. Mixture should be a wet, sponge-like texture.
  7. Press into a prepared 9 x 9” baking dish and top with cheese curds.
  8. Place in oven and allow to bake for 35 minutes. The top of the bread pudding should be a nice golden-brown. (Allow to cook slightly longer if this is not the case as bread pudding is fairly forgiving!)Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving and serving. You can also completely cool, cover and chill until ready to serve. (Can be made up to 5 days in advance)

Horseradish pickle aioli

  1. Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside until ready to serve.

Herb salad

  1. Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and toss gently to combine. Season with salt if desired.

 

ASSEMBLY

  1. Slice bread pudding as you’d like and plate before drizzling with aioli and topping with herb salad.

 

Strawberry Smoothie with Cottage Cheese

Sue Mah | posted Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Strawberry, Smoothie, Smoothie, Yogurt, Strawberry, Milkshake

This smoothie is thick, creamy and a refreshing protein boost for your busy mornings!

Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup milk or fortified plant-based beverage
  • 1/3 cup plain cottage cheese
  • ½ frozen banana, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries (or other fruit)
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp or so, optional; may not be needed if using a flavoured beverage)

Instructions:

1. Add ingredients (except honey or maple syrup) to a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. Taste and add honey or maple syrup if desired.

Cottage Cheese Bagels

Sue Mah | posted Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

You won’t believe how easy is it to make your own bagels! All you need are a few simple ingredients.

Makes 4 small bagels

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1¼ cup plain cottage cheese, strained to yield 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 egg + 1 tsp water
  • Toppings: e.g. sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Add strained cottage cheese to flour mixture. Stir with a fork to combine and form a shaggy dough. (Straining the cottage cheese prevents the dough from becoming too sticky.)
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes. (This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch the dough.)
  4. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Use your thumb to poke a hole in the ball and stretch the hole quite a bit as it will shrink upon baking.
  5. Beat egg with 1 tsp water to create an egg wash. Brush a small amount of egg wash on the top and sides of each bagel. (This helps the toppings stick to the bagel.)
  6. Invert bagel and dip into a plate of toppings.
  7. Cook bagels in the air fryer: Spray air fryer basket with oil. Bake the bagels at 275ºF for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. There is no need to flip the bagels. Allow bagels to cool for 15 minutes before cutting or eating.
  8. OR Cook bagels in the oven: Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with oil. Bake bagels on the top rack of the oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow bagels to cool for 15 minutes before cutting or eating.