In a year defined by creativity and diversification, it's no surprise that Cheese Boutique will soon be expanding to include CB Bottega -- a gelaterîa, bakery, cookware shop and café. Located at 29 Ripley Avenue, steps away from the main Cheese Boutique location, the new shop is tentatively scheduled to open this spring.
"We are trying to offer more to our loyal clients," says owner Afrim Pristine, of CB Bottega, Cheese Boutique's "second location ever" in 51 years.
To help reduce congestion at Cheese Boutique, the new 2000-square foot space will soon house the company's gelato counter, bakery and coffee bar. A revamped showroom will also be home to a reinvented cookware department, filled with kitchen essentials from brands including Le Creuset, Shun, Miyabi, Staub and more. "By opening up this concept we've created much more room at the main shop, which these days is important for the customers and staff," says Pristine.
Visit the gelato counter and you'll find 12 flavours that rotate seasonally from a menu of 30 flavours developed by Cheese Boutique staff over the years. CB Bottega will also be the spot for an assortment of pastries, breads and custom baked goods. "Our pastries and bakery products are as good as they've ever been," says Pristine, "I'm quite proud of how much we've grown in that regard and now we will have a store showcasing more of it."
Custom coffee blends made by local coffee roaster Barocco will also be available alongside coffee from iconic Italian brands Saquella Caffè and Caffè Vergnano. Though CB Bottega will not have a space for indoor dining, a covered patio has been built in front of the space.
“We are extremely excited about this project,” says Pristine. CB Bottega will be the perfect spot for families to stop in for a gelato, pastry, coffee or milkshake before moving on to Cheese Boutique to stock up on cured meats and cheeses. In a year defined by pivots, this one is sure to last long after the pandemic has run its course.
