Fiesta Farms Grocery Store
Toronto's foodie paradise full of local and sustainable fare.
Nov 12, 2007
A recent article in Toronto’s City Bites magazine served as a timely reminder that Fiesta Farms, the largest independently-owned grocery store in Toronto, is a gourmet and smart shopper’s haven. On a recent visit, no less than eight varieties of locally and sustainably grown apples were neatly stacked for the taking. From Courtland, Honey Crisps and MacIntosh apples to Granny Smiths, the selection was a happy surprise. Given how well the climate here suits apples, it was refreshing to see so many of this region’s fruits front and centre (many markets prefer to carry apples from Washington State or from as far as China instead- it all comes down to price as those apples often cost less to produce…)
Local and Sustainable Partnerships
A little bit of sleuthing resulted in discovering that Fiesta Farms recently partnered with Local Food Plus, “a non-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers to the table to share in the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production,” according to the LFP website. Of the partnership, LFP Vice President Mike Schreiner says, “We partnered with Fiesta Farms because owner Joe Virgona and his staff are so connected to their community and their customers. Joe's customers want local sustainable food, and as a good businessperson, Joe responds to the needs and desires of his customers."
Hence the bounty of locally grown fare, including autumnal squashes of every shape and colour, greens, hot house tomatoes, herbs and one of the most amazing looking cauliflowers ever seen. The produce manager described them as looking like “little Christmas Trees”- perhaps a cross of that and vibrant underwater sea coral.
Roman-ESQ Cauliflowers
Looking like the wildest broccle-flower invented in the mind’s eye of an abstract artist, the bright green veggie has almost circular looking triangles all around, stacked in little hilltops and mounds ,and apparently tastes delicious. At $3.99CAD a head, it doesn’t break the bank, so one currently sits in the kitchen fridge awaiting preparation. Of the original-looking vegetable, the produce manager said, “it’s grown locally and I’ve gone through 20 cases of the stuff a week! People really like this cauliflower.” Officially named the “Roman-ESQ,” this green beauty will sure to be the talk of the dinner table for days to come.
Other Local Gourmet GoodsAlso on offer were Toronto’s own Ace Bakery’s Calabrese and Sourdough breads in the freezer section- the idea is you finish these off in your own oven and serve them piping hot... to ooh’s and ahh’s from happy dinner guests (or for yourself of course). Handcrafted, organic bread from St. John’s Bakery was also on offer- the proceeds from these fine loaves (recipes come from a small village in Brittany, France no less!) go to help a number of people. Their website states: “We serve as a training ground for people on the margins of society seeking some work experience. Bakery workers have included refugees, people struggling with addictions, people with emotional troubles or mental illness, single parents struggling with poverty as well as the mentally handicapped.” Now that’s bread you can feel good about eating!
Locally produced cheeses, yoghurts and ice cream from sustainable and nearby farms and co-ops, such as Best Baa Farm- they make superlative sheep’s milk yoghurt, milk and cheeses, which also lined the dairy cases. In the meat department you can find locally produced beef, pork, lamb and chicken in various cuts. For the gourmands out there, don’t forget a stop at the olive and pickles counter, where you can find anything from cheese-stuffed jalapenos to oodles of olives glistening in their own oil. Saroli Fine Foods products from Bari, Italy (their garlic crema, spiced pickled mushrooms, pastas and capers are divine!) sit nearby, as do finishing salts from around the world, complete with an informational chart.
In essence, you can shop for any foodie on your Christmas list this year at Fiesta Farms and walk out happy you did. Their prices are terrific, as is their selection. Plus, if you’re stuck, a friendly staffer is on hand to help narrow down the often over-whelming selection! Happy shopping.
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