( 8) November 2007 - Review of The Pantry
We are pleased to sponsor this review of The Pantry, a cafe/restaurant open from 10 to 4, Monday to Friday, near the Health Sciences and Janeway Complex. It is part of the Shamrock Farm and The Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism for individuals who are affected with autism, and their parents, friends and family.
This Centre, which opened in 2006, is a dream come true for Joyce Churchill - long standing president of the Autism Society - and Board Members, such as Barb Hopkins who have championed the cause of autism for over twenty-five years. The Centre supports families, provides effective treatment and intervention to people with Autism and develops meaningful employment through the restaurant and farm activities as well as other activities. The Elaine Dobbin Centre programs will be piloted and developed so they can be delivered through satellite centres around the province. The land was leased to the Autism Society from Memorial University for $1.00.
When you visit the restaurant, take a few minutes to savour this incredible example of what is possible when individuals, business, universities and communities work together for the common good. It gives cause for optimism toward other challenges, which, at first glance, seems impossible. (Melba Rabinowitz)
I visited The Pantry on an unexpected lunch invitation. The Pantry is in the building of the Elaine Dobbin Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, behind the Health Sciences Centre.
They have a very tastefully designed leaflet about their place at the counter and I would like to quote from it:
"Find your sweet spot in the quiet woods of Shamrock Farm. Nestled on old farmland in Pippy Park, The Pantry offers home-cooked meals in a relaxed country setting. Stop in for delicious homemade specials, tasty desserts and a wide variety of specialty teas and coffees."
And so it was indeed, comfortable and cozy. Each of us had a soup of the day, which were shrimp chowder and a curry potato and bean soup. Both had good flavour, but the chowder was on the thin side, with very watery broth.
We shared a delicious sandwich (does guilt ever go away when eating something wonderful tasting?) of herb bread, spread with garlic mayonnaise, ham, avocado, Havarti cheese, broiled and served nicely with cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and a leaf of lettuce. We each had a cup of coffee, but guilt again prevented us from trying dessert. Our total for two came to $16.48.
The place was full when we arrived, so it is definitely best to make reservations. The Pantry offers catering services and take-out. Open from 10:00am till 4:00pm Monday to Friday. For more information or to make reservations, call The Pantry at 722-8200.
Since this is the time of year when cabbages are plentiful, I thought you might like to try one of our favourite appetizers, Cabbage Cheese Cake. Yes, this was meant to be an appetizer, served with crackers, but I have since used it to spread on a slice of rye bread and topped with tomatoes, and even on a freshly baked potato. Be adventurous, I am sure there are many more ideas. So, don't be afraid when you end up with leftovers.
For recipe, click here.