Give Cheer

‘Tis the season to forget all about the stresses of gift giving. This Holiday, dip into Santa’s goodie bag to discover what’s on everyone’s list. Read more

A Communal Quest for Vindication

A Toronto Life magazine feature disheartens the Vaughan community, whose major accomplishments are clouded with claims of corruption and scandal.

Every time I’m asked where I’m from I hesitate. I pause because I want to avoid the know-it-all smirk. I equivocate because I don’t want to hear the toxic and discriminative comments that fall from ignorant lips. That’s not fair to me or any other resident of Vaughan who lives life according to the law.

I’m not naive, but Vaughan is primarily a city full of heart, ­not villains. So why do cantankerous mediums continue to pollute our clean air with what appears to be anti-Italianism and acrimonious sound bites? Read more

Dolce Bombe: A Blast of Authentic Flavour

If you’ve ever wondered what an explosion of heavenly sweetness tastes like, you might want to sink your teeth into Dolce Bombe’s exclusive dessert. The boutique bakery is well-received across the city for its round cream-filled bombe, resembling exactly what the name means – sweet bombs. “I travelled to Italy and learned first-hand from the person who does them the right way,” says owner Mauro Sarracini, pointing out his pastries are often imitated but not duplicated. Being careful not to give away his special recipe, Sarracini admits to making them, “by hand, using cream from scratch with imported ingredients.” Read more

Meet me at Mercato

As  you open the doors of Mercato Fine Foods, the sounds of friendly chit-chat and the aromas of home-cooked specialties and robust espresso transports you to a charming Italian village.

Taking its inspiration from the culture-rich country of Italy, the bakery-deli’s name translates to market. And that is exactly the feeling that customers get when they come in from a busy day to browse the selection, grab a bite or replenish their weekly groceries. “The vibrant colours in our décor invite you inside,” says Rosanna Loiero, who owns Mercato with her husband, Salvatore Loiero. “I think we’ve created a very welcoming atmosphere,” he says. Read more