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The busy holiday season is behind us and the slower pace of winter months is so very welcome. We have already had plenty of winter, but to be honest I’m looking forward to even more! Having young grandchildren certainly helps make winter fun. (Yes, that photo is me enjoying a toboggan ride with my youngest grandson!)
I also plan on reading some great books that I was gifted over the holidays, and am trying to organize movie nights with friends. So much to look forward to.
Winter also affords more time in the kitchen, especially to prepare favorite soups and stews on a Sunday and invite family and friends over to enjoy them. I love Sunday dinners.
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...and it's no secret I also love soups and stews; I even collaborated on a cook book dedicated to them. Stocks, soups and stews seem to work better when prepared in a quality vessel that you enjoy. The store has many in stock, and our team can help you pick out just the right one. At this time of year I find myself often reaching for an All-Clad 12-quart a lot for making stocks. It's on sale at the moment and I can recommend it to anyone who also appreciates the joy of a making great homemade stock.
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The ongoing response to our many local and Canadian products is heartwarming, and we’re pleased to have brought in yet another close-to-home supplier: three varieties of dried beans from Ferguson Brothers Fancy Beans in St. Thomas are now on our shelves.
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Ferguson's white kidney beans are featured in two of today's recipes: first is a delicious Pasta e Fagioli, which is comfort food at its best. It also features pancetta, and we've recently added a great diced pancetta to our refrigerator section from Frantino & Mondello. Pancetta is terrific to have on hand for a multitude of winter dishes.
Our second recipe is a delicious Tuscan white bean dip made with Ferguson beans.
Today's third recipe is a delicious, toasted tuna crunch sandwich. The first time I heard that potato chips could be put into a sandwich, well... I was skeptical. But wow! That crunch really adds an entire new dimension. Our recipe tested best with Callipo tuna from Italy, and the amazing Kewpie Mayo originally from Japan.
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We are back in the kitchen with cooking classes. Thanks for your great response to our winter class season! We know many classes were purchased as holiday gifts and we look forward to welcoming gift recipients. Resident Chef Ran and I are already planning the spring season, which will be announced mid-March.
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Dry January has become hugely popular, and we've heard some people plan to continue through February this year, too. We’ve added some new non-alcohol brands to our shelves including Sober Spirits, Tanqueray alcohol-free gin, and Captain Morgan alcohol-free rum. (Our recipe for hot-buttered rum goes down great all winter long. Not just a holiday drink!)
We also try to stay well stocked with Sobrii 0-alcohol products, as these locally-made beverages are some of our favourites. We also continue to carry a great selection of Seedlip no-alcohol spirits from England, and some premium no-alcohol wines from Leitz in Germany.
As this new year unfolds, we will be attending trade shows in Toronto and look forward to discovering what's new and exciting in food, beverage, cookware and housewares. There are always treasures to discover and we'll try to bring the best of what we find to our shelves here in London for you to savour and enjoy.
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Grant applications now open
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I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the Business Cares Food Drive in support of the Food Bank during the holiday season, and also for your continued support of my latest cookbook Favourites. All proceeds from this book go to my charitable foundation.
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I believe everyone deserves to experience the joy of a well-prepared meal. In 2012, I started the Jill Wilcox Foundation with a mission to grant funds to organizations that help women and children in food-related initiatives.
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Grant applications are being accepted now through February 28, 2026 and we would be delighted if you could help us spread the word. The maximum individual grant amount is three thousand ($3,000.00) dollars. A one-page written summary of what the organization would do with the funds must be received by February 28, 2026, emailed to [email protected]. Due to the volume of requests, only successful candidates will be notified.
In the meantime, savour these slower winter months if you can, and try to spend time in your kitchen preparing your favourite comfort dishes for family and friends.
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As always, we are looking forward to seeing you in the store!
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This hearty and comforting Italian dish is the perfect meal in the heart of winter!
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This is such an easy and delicious spread to serve with crostini or raw veggies.
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The addition of Torres olive oil potato chips to this classic sandwich brings it to an entirely new level!
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HOURS
Mon-Fri 10-5
Sat 9:30-5
Closed Sundays
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DELIVERY & CURBSIDE
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Delivery orders received by 2 p.m. will be delivered the next day. Curbside pick-up remains available during store hours; convenient pick-up spots with well-marked signage are on Talbot Street between King and York.
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FREE PARKING
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Saturday–Sunday: TWO HOURS FREE
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(during market hours with validation)
NEW!
TWO hours free street parking
Use Honk Mobile promo code "CORE"
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