City Cottage Market
City Cottage Market isn't just your run-of-the-mill food market and cafe, it's a slice of cozy comfort in the heart of Scarborough's Birch Cliff community.
More than a shopping spot, it's a space where you can savour a latte, eat some locally-made pastries, and relish in the warm, inviting atmosphere.
A neon sign behind the coffee counter reads "This Must Be The Place," and it really is.
I met owners Daniel and Liana Naraine in 2021, shortly after they opened up their original City Cottage Market location around the corner from where the current one stands.
Whenever I find myself nearby, I aim to drop in for a delicious De Mello coffee ($3.00), paired with a delicious Circle and Squares butter tart ($5.00), and a chat with the Naraines or Daniel's mum, Elaine, who also works the shop.
A delightful warmth from their hospitality and genuine care for their customers and neighbours can be felt as soon as you cross the threshold.
The Naraines are more than just shopkeepers, they're residents of the community and they opened City Cottage Market with a mission of fulfilling a very important local need.
For many years, the Birch Cliff area was considered a 'food desert,' lacking convenient access to quality foods.
Today, this local gem is a paradise for anyone passionate about buying, eating, and supporting local.
Close to 95 per cent of City Cottage Market's products are sourced from nearby vendors, showcasing the best of Toronto's diverse culinary talent.
But, they don't shy away from a few carefully selected imports like Momofuku noodles ($25) and Momofuku sauces ($19), straight from the bustling streets of New York City.
The bodega's shelves aren’t simply stocked, but rather, they're carefully curated. The Naraines are continuously seeking out new, exciting products to excite their customers and the shop is always filled with culinary delights that speak to the diverse tastes of the neighbourhood.
They also collaborate with local restaurateurs and Michelin rated chefs to host pop-up events like wine and cheese tastings and community suppers, and as a further celebration of Toronto's culinary diversity.
You can drop in to City Cottage Market to shop from a selection of fresh local Ontario produce, eggs, dairy and meat products, fresh baked bread ($7.99) from Blackbird Baking, and sandwiches and salads that are prepared daily either in-house or brought in by various vendors.
On weekends, perfectly paired with your coffee, you can also order a fresh, savoury breakfast sammie ($11.99) made in-house with Lazy Daisy's Buttermilk Biscuits, which are also available in a six-pack ($19.99) in the shop's extensive frozen section of the store.
The shop's freezers offer an extensive selection of ready-to-cook options for easy, healthy, and delicious dinners, like pizzas from Piano Piano ($14.99). The Naraines are parents themselves to an 18-month-old, who is hands down the cutest little grocery stock boy that ever did exist.
So, as parents and business owners hustling hard in fast-paced Toronto, they understand firsthand the necessity of quick grab-and-go meals to bring home to the family, that won't leave you questioning the quality of what you're putting on the table.
Stopping in, you can grab a Sharman's Proper Pie ($11.99), a bag of The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co.'s dumplings ($19.99), and so much more.
When it comes to its drink offerings, City Cottage Market is home to a unique selection of alcoholic beverages you won't find at your typical LCBO.
They've got something for every palate from local distilleries, wineries, and breweries like Dillon's Small Batch Distillery from Niagara and Reid's Distillery from Leslieville.
Shoppers can grab a four pack of Dillon's Negroni ($28), a bottle of Leaning Post wine ($33), or some Scarbrew beers from the Common Good Beer Co. ($4.50).
Beyond being a vibrant bodega and community hub, City Cottage Market is also an art gallery. Daniel, an artist himself, showcases his incredible work on the shop's walls, adding a touch of his creative flair to customers' shopping experience.
Reflecting on their journey since opening in 2021, Daniel can't believe it's all because he, like so many, picked up a pandemic hobby, making soy wax candles in his basement.
City Cottage Market Candles ($34.99), which make a great gift, are still sold in store, with scents like Pink Grapefruit & Mint, Cannabis Flower, or my household's personal favourite - Honey & Tobacco.
From that small venture, the idea for City Cottage Market quickly blossomed and Daniel and Liana's vision was clear - offering their Birch Cliff neighbours a haven for quality, locally sourced meals and products.
City Cottage Market is located at 1427 Kingston Rd.
Fareen Karim
