Flora’s Deli, which has been doling out Italian-style deli-sandwiches in various pop-up locations since August 2020, is closing its most recent pop-up at Grapecrush, a Dundas West wine bar and bottle shop, as of today, Feb. 27.
The sweet little sandwichery is headed by Jesse Mutch and his partners Tommy Conrad and Ailbhe McMahon in honour of Mutch's grandmother (Flora) and their mutually-shared love for simple ingredients and wholesome food. The Covid pivot’s first brick-and-mortar pop-up location was a takeout only counter at the back of Mahjong Bar in January 2021, selling arancini, olives and meatballs along with the scrumptious deli-style sandwiches. They also featured Italian imports like Macrio Retro pops, Calabrian Chili and San Carlo chips.
In August 2021, their time at Mahjong Bar ended, but after a brief respite, they cropped up at Grapecrush on Dundas Street West less than a month later, bringing their famous “La Cantina” panini with them (smoked turkey, mortadella, hot sopressata, provolone, need I say more?). Their “dolci” menu also grew a little bigger, with a Lemon Ricotta Zeppoli coming to sit along with their “Budino Ferrero” dessert. Unfortunately they announced that the partnership with Grapecrush is coming to an end on Feb. 27, with a last service taking place today for you to get your (hopefully not) last "Norma Gina" sandwich (featuring an eggplant cutlet, whipped ricotta, arugula and hot honey).
Given Flora's Deli almost cultish popularity and consistently sold-out sandwiches, we’re hoping this won’t be the last time Toronto gets a bite of Flora’s cooking. Their Instagram farewell, “Until next time” gives us hope that there will indeed be a next time.
