Feasting on the Best in the World

I love openings, especially of great food shops! And he did it just for you and me. Lino Collevecchio is owner of Woodland Imports, an import company that brings in the most exquisite food products from around the world – and he’s just opened up his warehouse to retail sales.

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Collevecchio became a chef at George Brown College, worked in some of the best kitchens around the world and opened Woodland 15 years ago in Ancaster. Just last year he moved his business to Niagara and this past weekend (April 11, 2010), launched his retail division with a gastronomic opening that has been unmatched to date.

Woodlands supplies the best retailers in Canada from Whole Foods, Bruno’s, Pusateri’s and other like them. He flies in fresh cheese every 2 weeks and today, he opened most of them to try. My favourite by far was the Italian Rochetta ($20), an earthy, creamy, decadently rich cheese. The irresistible Ribiola ($15) is a blend of sheep and cows milk, triple cream and how could it not be decadent! He has fresh Italian Buffalo Mozzarella ($12) and Vento D’Estate, a sheep milk cheese aged in grass.

Along with the cheese, he also flies in fresh made ravioli in flavours of Arugula and Ricotta, Buffalo Mozzarella and Aged Asiago cheese, Pumpkin and the fourth is Porcini ($7).

Collevecchio still travels the world but now he’s not cooking, now he’s looking for amazing products to bring back to Canada. He inspects every producer he represents – what a job!

There was Chianti salami, one made with Rose and another with Pinot Grigio ($8). You can find Pingue meats there and an impressive collection of balsamic vinegars that are priced from $7 all the way up to $300 for the 100-year old balsamic.

Cases of Italian tomatoes ($22), fresh baguettes ($3), alborio rice ($4) and an amazing Calasparra rice from Spain ($8). One shelf held a collection of salts and another some juice; 100% organic pomegranate juice or black mulberry ($9). I munched on some sweet potato chips from New Brunswick ($4.50 for a large bag!) and mixed root vegetable chips ($3).

I found truffles, whole, chopped and sauced and the best collection of olive oil from bottles that ranged from $15 to $90 (great gift!). In between there are gourmet products that range from fig balsamic, marinated artichokes, black olive paste, dried porcini and Niagara’s Ice Syrup.

Woodland Imports, Gourmet Food Specialists is on 330 Vansicle Road in St Catharines and it’s only open Saturday and Sunday

from 11 to 3. It’s too bad you missed the feast of the best in the world, but drop in the shop - it’s a feast for the eyes!