By Mike Lowe
Looking for a fresh alternative to a fast-food lunch? Want to wow dinner guests with an over-the-top sauce for your steak? Well, we now have a place that offers that–and much more.
Savoia Gourmet Emporium opened to the public on January 16 and if the name rings a bell, it should. Chef/Owner Oscar Turchi’s other business, Savoia Hors D’Oeuvres, has been supplying many Niagara, Toronto and surrounding area restaurants, hotels, and private parties with delicious one-bite-wonders for 10 years.
He is also recipient of the Emerging Entrepreneur Award at the 2005 Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Lunch counter at Savoia
The bright, colourful store is sure to become a go-to place for a variety of customers – from those looking for a healthy sandwich or wholesome soup on a rushed lunch break to the serious home cook who might also be pressed for time. Grab a snack and relax at the lunch counter, or pick up some great ingredients and cook up a storm at home.
The menu board
Chef Turchi’s food roots run deep. “When I was six I told my mother I wanted to be a chef,” says Turchi. By the age of 14 Turchi was working in restaurants in his hometown of Torino, Italy. “I come from the land of white truffles and risotto,” says Turchi with a smile. In 1992 he came to Canada and began working in Niagara-on-the-Lake at Ristorante Giardino at the Gate House Hotel.
When asked why he opened such a store, Turchi replies, “ It has always been a dream of mine. It’s my passion and I want to infuse that passion into my customers.”
That passion for the best in food shows in the display cases and shelves. You’ll find locally produced gelato and pastries, cheeses, nitrate-free organic meats, imported rice, pasta, olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar (the real stuff). Hard to find condiments are also available.
Gelato
Imported aged balsamic vinegar
There’s also a selection of Turchi’s own homemade lasagna, stocks and soups, and a collection of handmade, stuffed pasta. Need a custom-made gift basket? No problem – they’ll do that too. If there’s something they don’t have, just ask, and they will try to order it in for you.
Savoia Gourmet Emporium will appeal to anyone who appreciates the very best in food.
Savoia Gourmet Emporium
20-261 Martindale Rd.,
St. Catharines, ON
905- 641- 2230
Twitter: @SavoiaGourmet
Comment here