I like to support local independent shops as much as I can. Pusateri’s is a family owned fine foods shop in Toronto that offers the highest quality products from around the world. I remember living downtown and making the trek via public transit to get to the flagship store. It took over an hour to get there but I wanted something special for a dinner I was hosting. Hey, what can I say, my husband and I are foodies. And even then, at a young age ,we appreciated the global offerings of this store.
We still venture to Pusateri’s for their unique offerings. Marinaded lamb filets has been a hit with our family bbqs in the summer time. The array of freshly prepared soups. The bakery of all bakeries has the most gorgeous cakes and pastries almost too pretty to eat. The sweet gooey chocolate cakes rich with a chewy fudge sheet that is so carefully draped by Pauline’s bakery is my hands-down most favourite cake ever and hubby knows to get this every year for my birthday.
Pusateri’s has the most extensive line of olive oils from around the world and samples are plentiful from cheeses to cakes to fruit on a daily basis. Have you seen their fruit? They pride themselves on the most incredible and freshest produce in the city.
What I love about Pusateri’s is that they can create the most amazing meals ready for you to take away. I fell in love with their old style Italian rice balls years ago and still love their salad selection (favourites are corn and the quinoa).Everything from the most impressive roasts to holiday traditions only upgraded. You can literally have everything prepared and you get the bragging rights!
Pusateri’s celebrates 25 years of business this year and it’s fantastic to know that this family business continues to strive for the best of the best. Last night they hosted a celebration party where friends, family and media were graciously received. Food was aplenty and the family was out in full force to thank all their loyal customers and friends. It really warmed my heart to see their sincerity and graciousness in the sea of hundreds.
So, please remember to support your local independent shops throughout the year! They go the extra steps and care in everything they do!
Here are some elegant and easy appetizer ideas:
Prosciutto wrapped bread sticks – thinly sliced prosciutto and wrap around 2/3s of savoury bread sticks. Lay flat on serving trays for guests to easily pick up. BTW, Pusateri’s has the best Prosciutto sliced fresh in house and is not as salty as others with just the right texture!
Honeycomb with cheese on crackers – guests can assemble these on their own with mix and match of fruit and cheese. Use blue cheese, Brie or Camembert. Purchase a chunk of a fresh honeycomb and let guests scoop out what they want onto table water crackers like Carr’s. Top with fresh honey, add cheese selection and small berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries).
Meatball sliders – mini buns can be purchased. take your usual meatball recipe (I typically use a package of ground veal, mix with one egg, 1/4 cup of milk, and parmesan bread crumbs) form meatballs about the size of a golf ball, and flatten slightly (so they won’t roll off the bun) and bake 35 minutes at 350F. Slide them into the buns! easy!
Olive Oil tasting bar – it’s fun and easy to create an olive oil tasting bar. Ask the grocer to recommend 3 or 4 different oils and give your guests something to discover. All you need is good fresh plain bread cut up into chunks.
PUSATERI’S retail has several locations in Toronto:
Flagship store at 1539 Avenue Road
Yorkville at 57 Yorkville Avenue
Bayview Shopping Centre at 2901 Bayview Avenue.
Home Decor & Floral Centre at 1539 Avenue Road
Catering & gift baskets are also available
Contact Pusateri’s main phone line at 416-785-9100
Oh, I’m sure that was an amazing party! And these pics are gorgeous… a taster’s delight, that place!!