Edible Options — Restaurant in St. Catharines

I follow Edible Options on Instagram and a few weeks ago there was a post in their story to remind and encourage customers to be kind and courteous to the folks working behind the counter. It was a little taken aback by this because I couldn’t fathom how anybody would find a reason to treat their staff with such disrespect. A little over two years ago, 2/5 of our household was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and we find ourselves at this bakery, almost weekly. Truthfully, they used to be located across from the city’s, local hospital, and whenever my son was admitted, I used to go across the street and grab him treats. During this time, I had no idea that gluten was slowly killing him and needed to be avoided, we just liked the treats. My point is, we’ve been coming here for years (the first few by choice, the last two out of necessity; If you’ve tried the bread, you know what I mean) and never has anyone given me a reason to even think of leaving a bad review or being sour towards the staff. If anything, there have been countless times where we’ve gone in and staff has gone out of their way to accommodate a request if they could. If I had a question and they didn’t know the answer, they would ask or take my number and someone would call back. Some days, they’ve made too many donuts and I go in to purchase one for my son and walk out with a couple extra on the house. The owner Jen is a total gem and seems to almost know each customer somewhat personally. My youngest (a gluten eater), has Autism and loves the whoopie pies, but sometimes he gets overwhelmed with all the people in line, delish scents circulating through the air and choices — Despite the growing line behind us, staff has never once tried to rush us out, even when I turn behind me to apologize to those in line that we need an a couple extra minutes. We are in the region, but not local and I love the fact that I can call ahead and ask them to put a few items aside, they bring in gf Chinese food from the RIZ in Toronto and always experimenting and offering new and tastings and classic faves.

Bottom line, from the gf wonton soup they have in the freezer to the brioche and dill pickle bread to the Krispy Kreme dupe they whip up, along with the helpful and friendly staff, Edible Options, is at the very...

Today was my first venture into a store that sells only gluten-free food, and it was with a healthy dose of skepticism that I did so, having had experiences with gluten-free creations that ranged from 'hmm...not bad' to 'YEECCCHHH!'.

The person behind the counter was full of enthusiasm and patience as she named literally every item in the display case for me and answered my questions. I decided to purchase a double-chocolate doughnut, along with a loaf of fresh cinnamon-raisin bread and a frozen pizza dough.

My receipt later showed that the doughnut cost nearly $5. "That's insane!" I thought to myself. I sat down at my kitchen table to try this supposedly delicious gluten-free treat....reportedly good enough to please even picky children. As I opened the plastic shell I instantly saw that this was a BIG doughnut; it was easily two servings for me. So, really, I got two hand-crafted doughnuts at just under $2.50 apiece. Fair. I took a bite and chewed. The texture on the outside was slightly crisp, with a dense, moist, cake-like center. I swallowed and had to catch my breath as I actually exclaimed "WOW!" to my dogs, who heartily mirrored my sentiments in hopes of getting a taste. This doughnut was WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. Forget Krispy Kreme, Tim Hortons, Dunkin' D's, your gramma Pearl's family recipe and every other doughnut you've ever had. You have GOT to try this, even if you aren't gluten free! I promise you will not be disappointed!

Next, I tried the cinnamon-raisin bread, figuring there was no way they could hit the jackpot twice. I toasted up a slice and slathered on some honey-butter. I took a bite of the crust, which is the part I usually like the least, and smiled widely as I was transported back to my childhood and memories of eating the very same with butter and brown sugar on top. I'm still munching as I type this, and am amazed at how thoroughly and genuinely I am enjoying it. The toast has cooled down now, but not lost a bit of it's chewiness or flavour - something I noticed with most store-bought GF breads.

I am excited to try the pizza dough, but perhaps another time. My heart may not be able to take this much bliss in one day ;)

THANK YOU, Edible Options, for making gluten-free products an actual, viable...

WOW — just WOW! I can't say enough good things about this bakery. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful, the bakery is clean and welcoming, and the food... where do I even start?

I bought the chicken pot pies for my grandparents, and my nana, who is pickier than picky, ate the whole thing — and that says a lot, because she usually eats like a bird! The strawberry and peach muffins were absolutely delicious, the maple and cinnamon donuts were divine, and I have no words for the brownie — it was that good.

My son is obsessed with the "Jen Bits" and still can’t choose just one favourite flavour. When it comes to the bread, we honestly love them all, but our favourite has to be the Everything Bread.

The most amazing part? Everything is gluten and dairy free. You’d never know it, because the flavour and texture are phenomenal. Gluten-free food often gets a bad rap, but this bakery knocks it out of the park with every bite.

P.S. They also have the cutest bathroom! So fun! Weird, I know. But if you...