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FOOD
New fishmonger in Leaside is hooked on sustainability
Top to bottom: Co-owners Rob and Geneviève, the shop’s sustainable fare
Rob Despins and Geneviève Lemaire, the dynamic “At Leaside, we see a lot of requests for U.K. facouple behind Fair Catch Fishmongers, have opened vourites, like smoked haddock,” says Lemaire “At a second location in Toronto’s Leaside neighbour- Yonge Street, we cater to more diverse tastes, espehood, a move that reflects their growing passion for cially around Jewish holidays. It’s a subtle difference, both sustainable seafood and small business. After but we love adjusting to what our customers want.” “Sustainability” is not just a buzzword for Fair establishing their first location in Lawrence Park in 2020, they’ve expanded into the former De La Mer Catch — it’s an integral part of their business model. Fresh Fish Market space, a much-loved spot that From sourcing high-quality, sustainably farmed and caught fish to educating customers on the imclosed in 2023, due to the owner’s battle with portance of mindful consumption, the pancreatic cancer. couple is leading by example. Both Despins and Lemaire have SEA CHANGE “We’ve learned a lot about where deep-rooted connections to seafood Fair Catch leads in our fish comes from, and we want to that stem from their childhoods. Desustainable seafood make sure our customers are informed spins grew up fishing in Ontario, and and plastic reduction, too,” says Rob. “We’re in it for the long Lemaire’s Quebec upbringing made setting an example haul, and that means we have to be reseafood a staple of her family’s diet. for the industry. sponsible stewards of the ocean.” Yet, their decision to start Fair Catch As Fair Catch Fishmongers continue was about more than just their shared love to grow, Despins and Lemaire are committed of seafood. It was also driven by a desire to run a small business that would serve the community. to their mission of providing high-quality seafood in With a similar demographic to Lawrence Park, the a sustainable, community-focused setting. Whether business owners knew their sustainable seafood of- you’re a longtime customer from their Lawrence Park location or a newcomer in Leaside, their goal is simfering would resonate with the local community. “We had so many De La Mer customers asking ple: to offer the best seafood while supporting local us to open in Leaside,” Despins shares. “When the businesses and the planet. Fair Catch Fishmongers is located at 1543 Bayspace became available, we jumped at the chance.” Despite some overlapping preferences, each loca- view Ave. tion has its own unique customer base. —Jennifer Schembri
POST CITY X THE HUT SMOOTHIE & JUICE BAR
Muskoka’s best-kept secret just opened in Toronto Toronto’s smoothie game just got a glow-up. The Hut, the Muskoka-born smoothie and juice bar founded by twin sisters Ashley and Sydney Bly, has officially opened its first Toronto outpost in midtown on Yonge St. Known for its no-fuss, high-quality approach to health and wellness, The Hut started as a small operation at a marina near the Blys’ cottage during the pandemic. Four years and two Muskoka locations later, it’s become a community favourite, serving up nutrient-packed smoothies, smoothie bowls and a carefully curated retail wellness section. The Toronto menu expands on Muskoka classics with an exciting range of freshly made organic juices, madeto-order toasts and prepared foods sourced locally. Don’t miss the creamy avocado smash on sourdough or the white bean hummus paired with a refreshing carrot salad. Other must-tries include the Mint Chip smoothie (think banana, spinach, dates, and mint with a sprinkle of cacao nibs) and AB toast made on sourdough bread with natural almond butter topped with tahini, bee pollen, honey and maldon salt. Fresh organic juices join the lineup, featuring revitalizing options like the Detoxifier (celery, cucumber, lemon, ginger) and the Immunity blend (orange, carrot, lemon, turmeric).Pair those with bowls like the Dragon Fruit, blending creamy banana and dates, or the classic Açaí,
topped with vibrant fruits like blueberry and goji berries and housemade granola. And because this is 2024, your milk options are a dairyfree goldmine: almond, oat, coconut and luxe extras like Mylko almond and coconut. The retail section doubles as a mini wellness marketplace, featuring cult favorites like Honey’s Ice Cream and Date Better Snacks, alongside niche indie brands like Tache Pistachio Milk. To sweeten the deal, early visitors can snag 15 per cent off their first purchase using the code WELCOME online or in-store. The Hut is built on intentional living, with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a space designed for connection. It’s not just a smoothie bar — it’s a lifestyle. So whether you're chasing the perfect acai bowl or stocking up on collagen for your next wellness binge, The Hut has you covered. Swing by midtown and see what the buzz is about at 2528 Yonge St. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings and wellness tips.
2528 Yonge Street email: Hello@thehutsmoothieandjuicebar.com @thehutsmoothieandjuicebar tiktok: thehutsmoothie.juicebar