Today’s Out & About post is all about the amazing Feast – Toronto’s first allergy friendly gourmet food store. I love finding places that are unique and first of their kind in this great city of ours as it shows the promise of what is to come!
Feast is located right across from Trinity Bellwoods at 881 Queen St W. It was actually a client who first told me about the newly opened Feast and I immediately realized that it was a place I needed to visit ASAP. When I first walked in I automatically loved it and bought a patty ( we will get to those later) and a donut. Since then I have been in a few times and this last time I got to sit down with Wendy for a Crio Bru and a chat.
Feast is owned and was started by Neil and Wendy, a husband and wife team looking to create a place that they needed themselves. They had both discovered that they had various food allergies and sensitivities, which made finding good food increasingly difficult. Not to mention Neil is a chef and so working in a kitchen where he was allergic to most of the food became near impossible. Both of them foodies, they needed a place where they could buy their delicious, gourmet food that was made with good quality ingredients and of course, allergy free.
Feast is just that place. Free from gluten and the top 8 allergens; wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, they carry delicious food items that serve anyone, not only those with these allergies. They have a carefully curated pantry, fridge and also create food in house. It is a great destination to buy some specialty grocery items, a quick lunch or a nice snack. You don’t feel like you are missing out on the gourmet experience just because you can’t eat gluten and dairy.
They have a very rigorous sourcing process, which I very much appreciate. “ If it is not safe and delicious we won’t do it” Wendy told me. They have a “hands-on” approach to sourcing and investigate each company and product to the highest degree. They like going with smaller companies that know what they are doing and they support local as often as they can. However, they do not compromise on taste. They need to make sure everything is as delicious as possible before they bring it into their store. The fact that they tried 34 different types of pasta to bring in 4 is a true testament to their dedication and passion for delicious food.
In house they make an amazing array of foods. As Wendy said they were interested in making “ comfort food” and they definitely succeeded. They make pocket pies and donuts, as well as coconut milk caramels, organic vegan butter, sunflower butter and chocolate sunflower spread. Can you say YUM?
Feast delivers using Hurrier and they cater events, as well. They are also always trying to expand their house made and pantry items.
One of the things that I love about Feast is that it is an inclusive place. A place where you can go and it is almost certain you can eat something. A place where everyone can come together and eat delicious food, with or without a food allergy. If you are throwing a party and a guest has a food allergy, you can still make it an inclusive and abundance experience for them. We all know I am very much about promoting abundance and all about coming together to connect over a meal. Feast makes all of this possible.
Feast is definitely a place to check out in Toronto. Whether it be for a quick bite to eat while shopping along Queen St or to pick up some gourmet food items for yourself or a party, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks again to Wendy for having me and I look forward to coming back for more Crio Bru and some treats.
Until next time,
SG
881 Queen St W Toronto, ON M6J 1G5
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