Sentimenti Occasions

The ideal complement to a grand wedding unfolds with customized invitations by Sentimenti Occasions Inc.  Making a lasting first impression is the simple beauty of “La Belle de Printemps.” Its flaxen font, nestled in a shimmery cream cardstock, is enveloped in a patina-teal dupioni silk pad – redolent of Parisian landscapes come the springtide. Creative design team and owners Barbara and David Porcaro ensure each beauteous and luxurious silk-composed invitation is designed and delivered with care. Bomboniere are also offered to complete a lavish affair. www.sentimentioccasions.com

Signature Developments: Making A Unique Mark On The Industry

Whether you’re talking about a convertible roadster or a diamond necklace, most quality manufacturers offer one rare product. Created to enjoy all that life has to offer, it’s usually a special series that distinguishes itself, symbolizing a personal touch. But when it comes to Signature Developments – a builder and developer that takes pride in being unique, bold and eco-friendly – everything is one-of-a-kind.

With a rich history in the construction industry, Signature Developments is part of the Clearway Group of Companies. Founded just five years ago, the company uses a set of fingerprints as part of its branding. The green etched image conveys a hands-on, tailored product built with nature in mind. “We’re innovative and different in the way we think,” says Sebastian Mizzi, development manager and planner. “We bring a unique, customer-centric Read more

Delicious Breads that rise to the Challenge

Villa Di Manno Bakery’s Rob Mendicino, vice president, and Joe Di Manno, president.

In all of its various forms and textures, bread has been hailed by countless cultures across the world as a highly respected source of nourishment. Emerging in the Neolithic era, rising from the depths of ancient Egyptian tombs, and playing a pivotal role in the Bible, bread is one of the world’s oldest prepared foods. It represented life, sustenance in its simplest form. Today, its uses are infinite. Its purpose is a matter of taste, something to be enjoyed. Whether you like taking in the aroma or savouring its flavour, the presence of bread is always comforting. “Dipping a piece of Calabrese bread in some olive oil and balsamic, with a little bit of cheese and a glass of Amarone – it doesn’t get any better than that,” reveals Joe Di Manno.

Since his teenage years working in the family business, Joe has always loved bread – not just eating it, but selling it. Today, he is the president of Villa Di Manno Bakery, a full-service manufacturing and wholesale establishment that delivers its delicious products across southern Ontario and the U.S. With its wide variety of bread products and highly anticipated Omega 3-enriched Read more

Scrumptiously Sweet

Owners/master bakers: Vito and Silvio Russo

When something smells and tastes this good, you can’t help but eat more than one. That is the feeling you get when you step into Maple Bakery and feast your eyes on freshly made treats.

A family-run business for over 25 years, co-owners and brothers Silvio and Vito Russo offer nothing but the best when servicing their customers. With a large variety of sweet pastries, fresh breads, custom-made cakes and real Italian gelato, Maple Bakery is a one-stop shop for whatever mood you’re in. “We make a lot of our products from scratch. We like to ensure that everything is quality made so we take no shortcuts,” explains Silvio.

All their products are made in-house and are custom-created to your liking. Walk in and try their mouth-watering tiramisu, a Maple Bakery specialty. For the month of March, enjoy scrumptiously baked zeppole to celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph. Read more

Sweet-Tooth Satisfaction

Owner/pastry chef Anthony Macri

After a taxing day at work, where can you enjoy great camaraderie with an indulging assortment of superior sweets and a steamy espresso? Enter Sweet Boutique, an upscale bakery that combines heavenly delights with European charm. Set in a radiantly modern atmosphere, the bakery takes you on a sweet escape with its
centuries-old recipes and owner Anthony Macri’s impressive experience.

Studying in Italy with some of the world’s best Italian pastry chefs, Macri applies the traditions of Italian baking and presentation he was taught with vigour. His remarkable creations are set in gold trays and wrapped in fine paper – just as they do in Italian pasticcerie. “It is an indulgence from the get-go, beginning with our packaging, right down to the presentation of the product within it,” says Macri. Read more

A Traditional Touch

Sicilia Bakery owners Maria Fata and Lina Segreti.

Harkening back to days where traditions reigned, a respected bakery tucked away in a remote location has hungry clients searching for the one place in Woodbridge where customary Sicilian fare tastes just like the real thing. “I had one customer driving around for an hour, going in and out of driveways until she found us,” says Maria Fata of Sicilia Bakery. And when any client walks through its doors, it’s well worth the trip.

The waft of delicious treats greets you as you enter, stimulating your taste buds and transporting you to the beauty and culture of Sicily’s best. And while hot meals, breads, sweet table-style cakes and tortes, creamy inis, cannoli, and vitamin E-rich torrone surround you, there’s no doubt you’ll want to take a piece of Sicily home with you. “My clients enjoy our sweets, especially our torrone, Read more

The Men Behind the Uniform

A career in policing is anything but easy, especially when you’re in charge of the entire force. This special series examines the men responsible for overseeing provincial and municipal police services, with an exclusive look into their off-duty personas.
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Dessert Decadence

Val Cappelli serves up the finest in Italian delights.

Just as an artist gazes at his muse to inspire his masterworks, Val Cappelli looks to his dedicated clientele base to continue doing what he does best: artistic cakes, creative desserts and sumptuous delicacies made fresh every day at The Big Cannoli.

“My customers know that when they request a pick-up time, what they ask for is always made that day – and on time,” explains Cappelli. With his mom, Gina, and son, Michael, working with him, Cappelli ensures that with every bite, The Big Cannoli will delight. That’s because the family uses time-honoured recipes passed on from dear and knowledgeable friends of the family. Read more

The Art of Bread

From top left: Toby, Imma, Mary, Angela and Joe make up the Country Bake Shoppe team.

“Bread to me is a delicacy,” says Joe Vella. He and his brother-in-law Toby Gareri rise before the sun seven days a week to prepare over 20 different types of sumptuous breads. From corn bread and focaccia, to satisfying potato loaves, The Country Bake Shoppe is emerging as the go-to bakery in the burgeoning community of Nobleton. Savoury fruit-filled strudels, cream-filled pastries, customized cakes and a 16-station hot table makes this establishment a gastronomic haven. “We love baking and making our clients happy,” says Vella with a smile.

THE COUNTRY BAKE SHOPPE
Tel. 905.859.0857, www.countrybakeshoppe.com
13305 Hwy. 27, Nobleton Plaza, Nobleton, ON

Crème de la Crème

As soon as you open the doors to Première Moisson bakery, you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to a charming French town. Tucked away on a street in Quebec, the bakery welcomes you with the sweet, nostalgic aromas of fresh baked bread and rows of delectable sweets. Tempting you with a different speciality bread each month (mmm … this month is White Chocolate and Coconut), a gourmet buffet with handmade hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches and pastries, as well as a sit-down bistro where guests can relax and enjoy a hearty homemade meal, Première Moisson delivers a first-class experience. Guiding the way to Première’s success with an emphasis on the French baguette, owner Liliane Colpron was recently honoured by the French government with the L’Ordre Du Merite Agricole. Read more

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