Intentional Grocery Shopping: A Chef's Journey to Balanced Eating

Strategic Insights -

Chef Matthew Simpson, a 37-year-old restaurateur in Whitby, Ontario, has come to realize the importance of intentional grocery shopping. Having avoided shopping for groceries for two years in his twenties, Simpson now prioritizes buying in-season fruits and vegetables to save money and add variety to his meals. At The Springwood, his restaurant, the couple has implemented a shop-local mandate since its opening in 2023, sourcing food from farms across Ontario and featuring a 100-per-cent Canadian beer and wine list.

Key Takeaways:

  • Simpson's experience highlights the misconception that organic or farm-fresh food is more expensive; in reality, buying in-season produce can be cheaper and more creative.
  • Simpson's restaurant implements a shop-local mandate, sourcing food from farms across Ontario and highlighting the importance of supporting local farmers.
  • The couple has implemented a new system to help them grocery shop and cook fresh meals more often, with Simpson starting work earlier to prepare meals before his wife gets home.
  • Simpson's favorite items to buy at the local farmers' market include Miami cut short ribs, 5 Brothers Cheese, asparagus from Welsh Brothers Farm, sweet corn, and strawberries.
  • Simpson has learned to balance household needs by shopping on Sundays and Mondays, when the restaurant is closed, to buy and prepare full chickens or local vegetables and fruits.

Statistics:

  • The Springwood restaurant has a 100-per-cent Canadian beer and wine list.
  • Simpson's favorite Miami cut short ribs cost $17.99 per pound.
  • 5 Brothers Cheese from Gunn's Hill costs $50 per kilogram.
  • Asparagus from Welsh Brothers Farm costs $4.99 per bunch.
  • Strawberries cost $4.99 per pint.
  • Simpson spends about an hour or two each day preparing meals before his wife gets home.

Sources:

  • Chef Matthew Simpson with The Springwood restaurant
  • Whitby Farmers' Market
  • Toronto Farmers' Market
  • The Rustic Board (local cheese shop in Ajax)
  • MacMillan Orchards (farmers' market in Scotland, Ont.)
  • Longo's
  • globeandmail.com (story: "How I Save")
  • Kawartha Dairy (Moose Tracks ice cream)
  • Kendal Hills Farms, The New Farm, K2 Milling, and Pristine Gourmet (farmers supplying The Springwood)
  • Welsh Brothers Farm (asparagus producer)