Eatdrink #82 March/April 2020

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14 | March/April 2020 Ellie Rachel Cook Co-wner, The Root Cellar, LOLA Bees & On The Move Organics, London hrootcellarorganic.ca facebook.com/londonontariolearningapiary onthemoveorganics.ca By Bryan Lavery As a long-time sustainable food advocate, Ellie Cook is co-founder and co-owner of Old East Village’s farm-to-table organic restaurant The Root Cellar, and the natural urban beekeeping project LOLA Bees. She is also a co-owner of On The Move Organics. As an avid beginner beekeeper, unconventional special events coordinator, and environmentalist, Ellie strives to create eatdrink.ca |@eatdrinkmag opportunities for people to engage with the local food system. The Root Cellar is the only genuinely farm-to-table restaurant in London. “Since we opened our doors in 2012, our ethos at The Root Cellar has been to support and grow our local, sustainable food system, says Cook. “My partners and I aren’t as much restaurateurs as environmentalists who approach our work through the lens of local food. Our menus are simple, familiar and seasonal, and we’re pretty fanatical about our sourcing practices. Because of the incredibly hard work of our sister company, On The Move Organics, we’re able to purchase directly from dozens of small organic farms surrounding London.” “As business owners, we’re also interested in how far we can push the envelope of sustainability. In 2019 we joined Green Economy London, and that’s been an invaluable resource for us. We’ve been avid composters since day one and go to great lengths to divert all our organic waste from the landfill. These days we’re increasingly interested in reducing food waste and packaging, tracking/reducing/offsetting our carbon emissions, and learning more about regenerative and urban agriculture and supporting pollinators.” “My food philosophy continues to evolve as I learn more about sustainable agriculture. These days I’m particularly interested in the intersections between food, place, and sustainability. Also relevant is whether my picky kids eat the food I prepare!” Roula Dereza Owner, Merla-Mae, London merlamae.com By Sue Sutherland Wood Roula Dereza, charming owner and businesswoman at Merla-Mae Ice Cream, has been making customers happy for many years with a simple yet effective set of values. “My parents were always entrepreneurs and taught me the value of hard work and dedication,” Roula shares. “Even now, my mother [Julie Stavrou], who is retired, still comes in on a daily basis to make sure everything is up to par. That alone makes me very passionate to strive to be successful, to continue my parents’ legacy.” Many of Merla-Mae’s faithful customers are now bringing their own children (or even Roula Dereza (left) & Julie Stavrou
eatdrink: The Local Food & Drink Magazine grandchildren!) to taste their first “half and half” soft serve cone or place an order for one of the famous ice cream cakes for birthdays and special occasions. It seems fitting that such a family-fueled institution would create family traditions for others, and Roula says many customers report having Merla-Mae cakes every year since they were born. This old fashioned, vintage vibe is completely intentional and Roula notes that she takes pride in offering “fast friendly service” and this is reflected again in the Merla-Mae motto: Through these windows we serve the finest people in the world … our customers. That’s how we felt in 1957 and we STILL feel the same today!” Manuela Frongia Manager, Blackfriars Bistro & Catering and Lavery Culinary Group, London blackfriarsbistro.com laveryculinarygroup.ca By Bryan Lavery Photo: Phong Tran Freshly home-made in the heart of the community The Village Teapot NOW OFFERING “Take Home Prepared Meals” Menus posted on FB every Monday Ask about Catering & Private Event Bookings Manuela Frongia was born in London, Ontario and moved back to her father’s hometown of San Mugheo in Sardinia when she was 10 years old. Returning to Canada in 1997, she worked with Bryan Lavery and Chef Barbara Toomer at the former Murano Restaurant. Frongia is a founding member of London’s former Slow Food Convivium and Breakfast Brunch Lunch Cream Teas Wed–Sun 10–2:30 Closed Mon & Tues Gift Certificates Available 13257 Ilderton Road, Ilderton ON thevillageteapot.ca 519-298-TEAS (8327)
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Page 31 and 32: Simply the finest authentic Italian
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Eatdrink #82 March/April 2020

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