The Nosh Files: Part Two

Caterers selected by Women's Post Editorial Board
Write-ups by Karolina Bialkowska and Jelena Djurkic

Last week we released Part One of our Nosh Files. We now bring you Part Two of our little black book of notable noshing partners: our list of 10 caterers/restaurants/bakeries who have worked with Women’s Post in the past with exceptional results...

Cake Bites
cakebitess.blogspot.com | 413.303.6391
Here at Women’s Post we really love our cake. Gabriella Caruso managed to wow us with her beautiful, artistic, and absolutely divine dessert creations. In business since May 2010, Gabriella is already making a name for herself as the person to call for customized cakes and cupcakes for any occasion. Her creations are like sculptures and can be customized in any design for any occasion – we chuckled at the bum-shaped cake designed for a couple 21-year-old boys. Personalized with any flavour, custom filling, or sweet frosting, Gabriella works hard to ensure you have the highest quality of ingredients for your special occasion. You must try her Cake Lollipops: a cake truffle dipped in rich chocolate and served on a lollipop stick. To. Die. For.

Fresh & Fancy
freshandfancycatering.com | 416.931.6919
Shelby Flynn believes that no two events are the same, so her event execution is always highly individualized and, of course, fancy! The freshest ingredients are used to ensure a plethora of yummy (and healthy) dishes. Her services have been used and lauded from the Muskokas to Toronto, and her staff ensures that your party (of 6 or 206) goes off without a hitch. She will even tend your bar to make sure your guests are never thirsty. Reading her blog, you will quickly be assured that Shelby knows what she’s doing and your every need will be taken care of. Her passion for fresh food is evident in the care taken to prepare each tempting morsel of goodness.

The Chef Upstairs
thechefupstairs.com | 416.544.9221
Chef Upstairs, run by Lori and Greg Heller since 2008, manages to feel cozy and intimate despite its wide range of services. When they’re working for you, whether it’s organizing an intimate gathering in their beautiful private dining room or catering your event elsewhere, it seems like you are their only client. (But trust us; with food like theirs you are definitely not alone in seeking their expertise.) They serve local, organic, and fresh ingredients to customize your menu for anything from an in-house cooking class, film shoot, or celebration. Did we mention the wine pairings? A chef will prepare a scrumptious meal complete with wine pairings and teach you (and your friends) to replicate the experience at home. Finally!

Bloom Restaurant
bloomrestaurant.com | 416.767.1315
Bloom Restaurant is a little taste of delectable heaven nestled in the quiet Bloor West Village. Upscale yet serving hearty food, you can’t help but unbutton your pants at the end of any meal (discreetly, of course). The restaurant offers a relaxed yet chic atmosphere, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Try the Pomegranate Molasses Grilled Quail, with Double Smoked Slab Bacon and a Warm Bitter Green Salad. For the best part of any meal – dessert – indulge in a Stuffed Nutella French Toast with Rum Flavoured Bananas and Crème Anglaise. Executive chef Dale Meek’s mantra is to make “food that is good, simple and that people recognize.” He’s done his job, with a small but solid menu. Best of all: The value is excellent – you’re getting what you pay for, with some great service to boot.

Focaccia Restaurant
focacciarestaurant.com | 416.323.0179
Focaccia breathes a breath of fresh (and contemporary) air into the downtown Italian food scene. Yes, there is truly a high-quality restaurant with an earthy, cozy, and intimate feel to the atmosphere – and the food – in downtown Toronto. In-house pasta dishes drive the crowds wild, as do the many mains. The well-made and beautifully-crafted menu is small enough that you won’t get overwhelmed, but big enough to attend to the needs of the pickiest of dinner companions. Plus, it has enough variety that even the most discerning palette will find something to fawn over. Focaccia will keep you coming back for more…and more…and more…  

Image courtesy stock.xchng.