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Semi-retired chef (“That was the idea, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way”) and co-owner with partner Bob Berman of long-running Yorkville boîte Boba (90 Avenue Road, 416-961-2622).
Where do you shop for Boba?
“The most important thing in the restaurant business is the suppliers. We do a Chinatown run at least once a week. We get Thai basil, lime leaf and noodles at New Asia Supermarket (293 Spadina, 416-591-9314), and I absolutely adore those ladies who sell bunches of coriander and garlic chives on the sidewalk at Spadina and Dundas. And I couldn’t live without Harvest Wagon (1103 Yonge, 416-923-7542). I found fresh chickpeas there last winter!”
The flowers on the Boba patio are fabulous. Where do you shop for gardening supplies?
“We hit Humber Nurseries (8386 Hwy 50, Castlemore, 905-794-0555) and Richters Herbs (357 Hwy 47, Goodwood, 905-640-6677) regularly, though their prices are a bit high. The Civic Garden Centre (777 Lawrence East, 416-397-1340) has a sale every May, and I spend about a $1,000 on flowers and vegetables for the patio. But I’m not into fancy tools. I pretty much use my hands.”
