Living in the city can get hard sometimes.  Don’t’ get me wrong, for the most part I love it, but being at a distance from family can be difficult.  This Thanksgiving was particularly hard because I had plans to go home but got sick and ended up staying in the city.  Seeing everyone’s family dinners had me wishing I was at home enjoying my mama’s home cooking.

Lucky for me though, I recently discovered a place that brings a little home cooking to all us city dwellers.  Farm’r Eatery and Catering is located in an unassuming spot near the St. Lawrence market on The Esplanade.  It was started by three guys – a marketer, a finance guy and a chef.  Sounds like the perfect storm for a restaurant success if you ask me.  Their concept is quite simple.  Homestyle cooking using fresh, local ingredients prepared by world class chefs.

First lets talk about the place itself.  It just oozes in cuteness.  Their patio has everything that gets me all starry eyed including twinkly lights, picnic benches and rustic wood finishes throughout.  The patio is covered however, not heated so sadly it can only be enjoyed during the summer months.  Fear not because the inside is just as cute.  They really tried to recreate the feeling of eating in someones kitchen with long communal tables and seating by the bar windows.  Low dim lights with homestyle accents, plants and farm décor make for the perfect touches.

And now for the food.  For the most part it feels like people get their food “to go” especially around the lunch hour.  But if it were me, I’d kick back and take advantage of the adorable space and dine in.  The formula is pretty straightforward.  You pick one protein and 2 sides, your price will depend on the protein you select.  They also have larger meal sized salads should you decide to forego the combo style meal.  We had a chance to try a few things on their menu including:

• The Smoked Brisket
• Wild BC Albacore Tuna
• Quinoa and Kale Salad
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Farm’r Greens (Arugula Salad)
• Beet and Feta Salad
• Roasted Sweet Carrots
• Smoked Ham Hock Stew with Fall Vegetables (on Special)

If that doesn’t sound like an incredible home cooked dinner spread I don’t know what does.  The standouts for me were the sweet potatoes, brisket, beet salad and the Ham Hock Stew.  The only way I could describe the stew was that it smelled and tasted like Thanksgiving in a bowl.  This would be a perfect dish to dig into on a cold winter night.

All the dishes tasted super fresh and clean, no heavy use of spices or sauces which sometimes tend to overpower the actual food you’re eating.  Simplicity was truly key in everything that we tasted.

If you find yourself in the St. Lawerence Market area I’d highly suggest stopping in.  They are also open for brunch which you know I’d be all over.

Discover Farm’r Eatery & Catering:
Web:  https://farmr.ca/
Instagram: @farmrca
Address:  140A The Esplanade