Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. – Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Dear Customers,

A flourish of excitement can be felt throughout the store as new shipments of merchandise arrive and are unpacked – Baggallini, Jellycat, and Crabtree & Evelyn to name a few. We also love hosting events in our studio like Renee’s Asian Cooking Class that took place this past Saturday. What fun!

Chef Renee’s Tour of Asia Cooking Class

Thanks to those that attended Chef Renee’s Tour of Asia Cooking Class on Saturday.

We had so much fun watching as Chef Renee created a kaleidoscope of colorful Asian dishes – all healthy and delicious.

For more pictures go to this link – https://hermas.ca/tour-asia-with-chef-renee-cooking-class-lunch-menu/ or find on the blog section of hermas.ca.

What the pictures don’t express, however, are the exotic aromas that wafted from the stove top island in the Studio – lime, peanuts, coconut, onions, fruit and many other exciting smells. Of course those that attended were presented with a bounty of foods to delight the taste buds as well.

If you missed this class, don’t fret. Future classes will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Mother’s Day – one week away!

Herma’s Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day…

Herma’s Mother’s Day Gift Idea #1

Portmeirion’s Chelsea Collection

Tea Cups – Saucers – Cake Plates – Pastry Forks – Tea Pot – Cream Jug – Covered Sugar Pot – Cake Knife

These Beautiful porcelain dishes embellished with 22 kt gold have colourful designs of stylized birds set within an enchanted garden. Herma believes that this elegant tea collection would make an enchanting gift for any special lady.

Herma’s Mother’s Day Gift Idea #2

Crabtree & Evelyn Body Care

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Mother’s Day Message…

You are you because of her. Here’s to the strong women in your life – the ones who have helped you become who you are today. Thank them this Mother’s Day with special gifts that celebrate, honour and recognise all they’ve done.– Crabtree & Evelyn

We carry these Crabtree & Evelyn collections…

Evelyn Rose – Goatmilk & Oat – Lavender & Expresso – Gardeners – Caribbean Wildflowers

Two Collections we believe are special for Mother’s Day…

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Evelyn Rose Collection

‘Evelyn’ rose is a bloom bred exclusively for us by renowned rose expert David Austin. This carefully cultivated flower took eight years of botanical exploration and 30,000 seedlings to create. The stunning fragrance distilled from its petals is unlike any other in the world. To recreate this fragrance for our signature Evelyn Rose collection, we partnered with a fourth-generation perfume house, and blended in subtle accents of violet, jasmine and amber scents. The effect is simply sublime. – Crabtree & Evelyn

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Gardener Collection

Our Gardeners Collection offers deep nourishment for the hardworking bodies that beautify the outdoors. Even those without a green thumb, take heed. These products are splendidly restorative for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. – Crabtree & Evelyn

And NEW at Herma’s – Crabtree & Evelyn’s Goatmilk and Oat Shampoo and Conditioner

Herma’s Mother’s Day Gift Idea #3

Mud Pie Serving ware

Find these whimsical dishes with fun wordplay at Herma’s…

Taco Platter – Pie Dish – Jam Jar – Fruit Bowl – Butter Dish – Secret Family Recipe Platter – Gravy Boat – Potato Bowl – Condiment Bowls – & More

Mud Pie Serving Dishes, while charming with funny, whimsical word play, are classic and traditional. This allows them to compliment most dishware, like that of the ever lovely Sophie Conran.

Jesse Tree – Italian Fine Foods

For years Herma has been proud to offer Jesse Tree products. As of this week Herma has taken her relationship with Jesse Tree to a whole other level. Two entire walls, adjacent to the Cheese Boutique, have been dedicated to this line of delicious Italian foods.

You will find foods like…

Mamma Nuccia’s Numerous Types of Pastas and Sauces – Three Specialized Sacs of Farina Flour (for Pizza and Pasta) – Olive Oils – Vinegars – Several Types of Olives – Egg Plant – Grilled Peppers – Artichokes – Onions – Cherry Tomatoes – Mushrooms – Capers – Brushetta – Pesto – Peppers – &  so much more

Cheese Department

We have been graced by many delicious cheeses from Europe and North America. Of them are exciting cheeses like Tomme aux Fleure (France), Ossau-Iraty Fermier (France), and Gran Padano (Italy)

Featured Cheeses

Tomme aux Fleure

Tomme aux Fleurs is an amazing cheese to serve guests this spring as it is coated with flowers, fruits and nuts – mallow, marigolds, rose, saflor, nuts, strawberries and blueberries. Beautiful aromas waft from this cheese which is produced in the Alsatian region of France near Germany. We love to imagine the cattle that feed on hay, grass and flowers that grow on the mountains.

Ossau-Iraty Fermier

Ossau-Iraty cheese hails from the beautiful Pyrenees mountains. The producers of this cheese have to abide by the AOC regulations which require that the cheese be produced with the milk of only two breeds of ewes – Manech and Basco-Béarnaise. Flavours are herbaceous, nutty and fruity.

Gran Padano

Grana Padano  is a hard cow’s milk cheese that dates back to the year 1135 when it was made by monks in the Chiaravalle Abbey in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. Back then, making cheese was a way of using surplus milk, and the monks aged it over many months which resulted in its firm, grainy texture and unique flavour. Its popularity grew and it earned the name formaggio di grana (‘grana’ meaning ‘grainy’).

Grana Padano is lovely enjoyed on its own, however, it may be used in a number of ways when preparing food. Great for melting as it may be incorporated into a rich, creamy sauce and also delicious grated over a bowl of pasta or salad. We love its nutty, savoury flavour.

We will be sampling Grana Padano this weekend and offering it at a special price; while supply lasts.

Coming Soon…Pecorino Romano!!

NEW Salami Picks – Soppressata (Italy), Soppressata Piccante (Italy) and Chorizo Barcelona Meats (Spain)

Be sure to sign up for…

Cathy’s Cheese Presentation

May 9th at 12 p.m., $50 pp + tax…Still a few spots available.

Cathy will begin the class by discussing the many ways in which a cheese platter might be put together. She will also demonstrate the creation of a beautiful tray of her own. Afterwards, Cathy will present each guest with a beautifully displayed group of cheeses to taste and discuss. Dessert and surprises will follow. This will be a very special cheese tasting experience.

Call 905-885-9250 or stop by to reserve. Have method of payment ready to secure order.

And mark your calendars for…

Herma’s Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration

Saturday, May 12th in Herma’s Studio

Lynn Beckley, our friend and sales representative for Baggallini Bags, Uno de 50 Jewelry and Michel Design Works, will be making a personal appearance. She will be showcasing all sorts of beautiful merchandise that will make lovely gifts for women. Herma will also be offering yummy treats AND you will have a chance to enter your name to win prizes.

Come one, come all. This is a complimentary event.

You might also enjoy the…

Say OLÉ in May! (Victoria Hall Event)

Friday, May 11th in Victoria Hall from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $40 pp + tax

Presented by Victoria Hall Volunteers, enjoy an evening tasting the specially selected wines of Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina. We are excited to take part in this event by supplying the artisan cheese that will pair nicely with the wine. Other delectable nibbles will be provided as well. Enjoy lively piano music and be entertained by flamenco dancers.

Proceeds will go toward the preservation of Victoria Hall.

Purchase tickets at the Victoria Hall Box Office, call 905-373-4975 or pay online concerthallvictoriahall.com.

Have a lovely week! We hope to see you soon.

Best Regards,

Meredith Ender

Communications Coordinator

Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts