Until it was featured in a clip on Canadian Idol last year, Paula’s Pantry has been one of Collingwood’s best kept secrets.
“Paula’s” as we like to call it, is located in a very non-descript, little building outside of the commercial area. When you walk in the door, the smell of fresh baking would make any mouth water. It really does feel like walking into Mom’s kitchen with its down home atmosphere that is entirely free of any pretense.
At Paula’s, it’s easy to have lunch for under $5.00. Sandwiches are made to order on hand-cut, fresh baked bread with basic offerings such as roast beef, egg or chicken salad, veggie, cheese or tuna. Homemade soup is always on offer and there is a daily special sandwich that could range from minced meat salad to meatball. But, it’s the cookies. Oh those cookies! Just ask Ben Mulroney. Or the CTV camera crew who couldn’t get enough when they came by to film Paula’s last year.
Cookies are baked fresh daily and the case is always empty by the end of the day. Chocolate chip, oatmeal, seasonal favourites – everyone is truly like Gramma used to make. The dessert squares are entirely irresistable. The bakeshop area also offers homemade loaves, squares and biscuits to go.
Paula makes cakes for weddings, birthday, anniversaries or any special occasion. They have a large selection of novelty pans and you can bring in a picture of what you like and they’ll recreate it for you. You can even rent one of their unique pans if you want to try your hand at home.
Rounding out the pantry is a small gift shop of country giftware, local crafts and homey goodies.
Started more than two and half decades ago by three sisters, Paula’s Pantry continues to be a local tradition and much-loved community treasure. It’s located right at the corner of Hurontario and Eighth Streets a few blocks south of the downtown core.
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