Get Fresh Blog

Welcome to Plenty Epicurean Pantry or in more simple terms a fully loaded, foodie heaven! Caprina and I visited Trevor and his son Anton for an early afternoon foray into the delights that this wonderful, little downtown shop has to offer. This is a family adventure born out a desire to celebrate, educate and promote organic, local, fair trade, ethnic and artisan culinary goods. Trevor and his partner Erica have created Plenty with loads of passion and have crafted each part of this boutique store from the interior design and sustainable building materials to each item that is carefully chosen to grace the shelves.

There is a dizzying array of products and a sensuous, herb and spiced filled aroma upon entering the store. It is akin to visiting my favourite section of a bookstore or library where I might start at one end and work my way around from shelf to shelf – oohing and aahing. This is a touch and smell kind of shop, not to mention all the “eye-candy” presented by lovely objects of desire.

How do all these products connect?

Trevor and Erica have developed 12 Principles of Purchasing that guide their product selections. Each item must fit at least one of the criteria, although it is preferable that 2 or 3 principles will be working together.

1. Diversity

Goods that celebrate the diversity of the planet, ethnicity and culture. In nature, diversity is a source of strength. Eg. soaps, cookbooks, spices, regional products.

2. Handmade

Household goods produced by skilled craftspeople to combine function with aesthetic form. Plenty offers locally handcrafted pottery, tea cozies made from reclaimed materials, preserves, confectionery, cookies and crackers.

3. Timeless

Long-lasting goods that express both utilitarian and aesthetic values. Through their beauty, craftsmanship, and/or originality these may become heirlooms. Eg. books, household goods, ceramics, traditional recipes, kites, hand printed tea towels.

4. Clean

Goods that strive to reduce or eliminate toxins and contaminants in the materials and processes that are used to make them. For instance, products created with methods that employ alternative energy sources. Eg. organic food products, cleaning products, soaps, packaging using recycled or biodegradable materials – corn husk boats, water bottles.

5. Recycled

Goods that are made from waste materials and/or designed to be easily recycled at the end of their lifespan. Eg. children’s toys, household objects, tea cozies, wallets, paper bowls, shopping bags.

6. Fairly Traded

Products brought from around the globe that are fairly traded. Eg. coffee, tea, spices, chocolate, dry goods, soaps.

7. Local

Goods that are grown, crafted or produced nearby, which support the local economy, and reduce the need for packaging and shipping. Eg. sea salt, gelato and sorbetto from Saltspring Island, cheese, aromatic bitters, fresh baked treats, flowers, mushrooms, nuts.

8. Certified Organic

Goods that are vetted by an organization such as a member agency of the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC). Eg. cheese, milk, teas, salad dressings, sauces, preserves, herbs, dry goods.

9. Re-purposed

Something old is new again. Goods or materials that have been reused at the end of their intended lifecycle for a new purpose. Eg. children’s toys and decorations made from old aluminum cans, beautiful bowls from recycled papers.

10. Efficient

Simple, everyday objects that join function with craftsmanship and art. Eg. kitchen implements, locally crafted mugs, tea pots, tortilla presses.

11. Social

Goods that comply with fair trade practices, employ cooperative labour, or actively seek to build community as a by-product of their production. Eg. books, handmade soap from Kandahar where new skills are being taught to farmers as an alternative to the opium trade, preserves that are being created in a high school where they are teaching youth time honoured, traditional skills.

12. Renewable

Goods that are made from natural materials that are grown and harvested in a manner that ensures the quality and availability of the materials for future generations. Eg. sea salt, sea asparagus, mushrooms, nuts, dried foods.

Table Talks at Plenty

Trevor also hosts lively discussion sessions in the store on the first Wednesday of each month, from 7 – 9 pm,  which are an opportunity to sample wonderful food, share preparation and growing tips, and engage in great discussions about food and sustainability. Read more about Table Talks…

Plenty is a small shop with a big heart and a treasure trove of culinary delights. Plan a trip with an empty basket and stomach and let your desire lead you to try new things – this is slow shopping at it’s finest. Enjoy!

Plenty Epicurean Pantry is located at 1034 Fort Street
Phone: 250.380.7654