DINING IN

LA BOTTEGA WINE CLUB

La Bottega Nicastro is now offering curated boxes of privately imported wines plus cheese pairings, delivering delicious education on the side thanks to comprehensive tasting notes. Also available are cheese and antipasto subscriptions, add-on grocery and deli items, plus gift cards.

Curbside pickup and delivery; details and ordering at labottega.ca/collections/mixed-wine-cases At Home Delights

BY PAULA ROY

This year has seen an abundance of new options for delicious food and drink experiences to be enjoyed at home. This holiday season enjoy them yourself, or select as gifts for family and friends.

TORO TAQUERIA AND TORO TREATS

Take-home taco fiesta kits come with your choice of fillings and plenty of toppings plus detailed heat and serve instructions; available for pickup or delivery. A variety of savoury add-ons are available too, plus Toro Treats boxes with giant brownies, cookies and bars.

Visit torotaqueria.com and torotreats.com

MY CATERING GROUP

Chef Derick Cotnam and his team serve up four-course, restaurant-style meals packaged in a convenient heat and eat format. Menus change weekly, plus you can build your own meal, with dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free choices. Garnishes and instructions provided for optimal plating and serving. Contactless pickup or delivery; beverage pairings and gift cards available.

Visit mycateringgroup.com

BAR FROM AFAR

Developed by a bartending pro, these kits provide everything needed to make classic speakeasy-style cocktails. Packages include creative combinations of juices, seasonings, garnishes, alcohol and ice. Detailed instructions are provided and kits can be picked up or delivered. Vintage glassware and gift cards also available.

Details and online ordering at barfromafar.com

LUNCH

Caterer and creator of revolutionary vending machines, Chef Tim Van Dyke of LUNCH offers a multi-meal treat thanks to his LUNCHboxes. In small, large and build-your-own formats, they provide fresh, tasty components such as sandwich fillings, baguette, soup, chili, dips and vegetables plus fruit and sweets.

Curbside pickup and delivery available. Details at thinklunch.ca

CURATED BY BECKTA

From the culinary team of Beckta, Play and Gezellig restaurants, this program offers a new menu each week, including vegetarian options and wine pairings, if desired. Their three-course meal kits for pickup or home delivery offer a restaurant-quality experience that takes minutes to finish cooking and serve, with detailed written and video instructions provided.

Gift cards available. Visit curatedbybeckta.com

THE CINDY’S KITCHEN

Cindy Anighoro, who hails from Nigeria, offers bold, exciting flavours with her Afro-fusion cuisine gourmet boxes. For pickup or delivery, they feature Akara chicken burgers or tacos plus jerk BBQ ribs burgers, yam fries, wings and wontons, to serve 4, 6 or 8 people.

Westboro merchants ready to put the

happy in your holidays

As winter approaches, so too do thoughts of holiday shopping. In this unusual year, gift-giving may take different forms as we cherish our social contacts now, more than ever. For fresh inspiration for all your holiday needs, look no further than the many merchants of Westboro Village.

Home to a mix of businesses offering diverse range of wares from paper goods to clothing, services, jewellery and so much more can be found throughout Westboro Village. The shops are complimented by a vibrant food scene, making the area ideal for sourcing the best holiday gifts.

If women’s clothing is on someone’s wish list, several boutiques in Westboro offer gorgeous scarves and other fashion accessories. You’re sure to find the perfect cozy item for wintery outdoor time or something to brighten up outfits for video chats. For those who love to spend time in the kitchen or gather at the table, Kitchenalia has a broad range of cookware and serving pieces. New linens can make even a weeknight family dinner feel special – find lovely tablecloths and napkins plus other great gift items at Chez Francois.

Gift packages or certificates from local beauty and aesthetic salons also make terrific presents. There are many locations to choose from in Westboro including Vanism, Bruno Racine Salon, Saje Wellness, Pierino Scarfo, The Ten Spot and more.

As an Epiphany treat in January, head to Quelque Chose Pâtisserie for a galette des rois or king’s cake, a traditional French treat. Speaking of treats, with the help of Westboro’s shops you can assemble super gift baskets for friends or family. Noor Food Market, Mamie Clafoutis, the Piggy Market, Farm Boy and the Natural Food Pantry all offer enticing gourmet treats, some local and some global.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bushtukah has a great selection of winter gear and clothing for kids and adults. Alternatively, why not treat someone who loves to enjoy the nearby SJAM trail to a new pair of sunglasses from one of our neighbourhood’s optometrists?

In Westboro Village you can find truly unique jewellery at Magpie, Wall Space Gallery, Heist and the newlyopened Moissy Fine Jewellery. For those who enjoy items that range from practical towhimsical, check out the Village Quire for stocking stuffers, cards, wrap, candles, calendars, journals and more.

As an ‘owner in the store’ community, you will experience exceptional customer service from Westboro merchants who are genuinely grateful for your support, and eager to help you delight the special people in your life.

Always charming, Westboro Village becomes particularly pretty in winter time. “While we’ll have to do some things a little differently when it comes to holiday programming this year, we are still planning to light up the Village,” says Judy Lincoln, executive director of the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area (WVBIA). “We’re confident everyone will enjoy admiring the beautiful holiday décor along Richmond Road as they visit our many merchants and restaurants.”