Gabi & Jules is the new kid on the block…literally. Named after owner Lisa Beecroft’s two daughters, Gabi & Jules is a supplemental brand to Caffe Divano with an emphasis on artisanal pies along with jams, breads, scones and muffins.
The idea for the new company grew out of a conversation with one of Caffe Divano’s bakers a little over a year ago. When asked what would make them happier in their job, one of the Caffe Divano’s bakers response was “Let me make pies!” First the idea, then the research, followed by implementation, and earlier this year, a booth at the Farmers Market. The project has taken on a life of its own and Gabi & Jules will soon have its own bakery in Port Moody.
The pie flavours are seasonal with the ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. The plan is to stick with British Columbia fruit. G&J pies are made with butter not lard, and are baked in re-useable tins rather than disposable aluminum foil pie tins. The jams include unique varieties such as Peach Chai Conserve and Okanagan Peach & Nectarine Conserve, which, like the pies, feature ‘twists’ on traditional jams. Zucchini Pineapple Marmalade is coming soon. Current pie offerings include Traditional Apple, Blueberry Peach, Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Hazelnut and Honey Maple Pecan.
“Our pies and jams are not super sweet so that we can really taste the fruit. ‘Real Food’ like our grandmothers used to make!” Lisa also pointed out that we can pronounced everything on the ingredients list.
Gabi & Jules will be at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market every Sunday so you can return the re-usable pie plate and jam jars and get your deposit back. In addition to this environmentally friendly policy, Gabi & Jules has a partnership with a Tri-Cities charity. The Autism Support Network receives a percentage of each Gabi & Jules sale.
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market Fresh-n-Home will be offering a special deal! Stop by their table on Sunday November 29th and ask for the SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL: Holiday Special for $20 a set, rather than $25 for this Sunday only! This 3 pouch set offers one of each of the different sizes of our pouches, so you can experience the effectiveness for yourself! (This offer has now expired)
Q. How does your product remove stinky smells?
Our product contains a powerful volcanic mineral called zeolite, which absorbs and traps smells and moisture.
Q. What is your most popular product?
Our most popular product at market are Banana Pouches because you have No Fruit Flies when you use them.
Q. What do you think are the most common uses for your products?
Our products remove and eliminate odor and moisture and they absorb noxious gases, removing them from the air. Most commonly, our products are used to prevent Fruit flies from visiting; to ensure compost or garbage doesn’t smell; to stop the smell in a kitty litter box or rodent cage; to remove the smell from a vehicle; to winterize an RV so there isn’t moisture inside; to dry and stop the smell in shoes and sports equipment; and anywhere else there is a smell or excess moisture that shouldn’t be there.
Q. If you could let our customers know 3 things about your products, what would that be?
Our products:
Are completely Natural and Non-toxic
Are renewable and reusable
They work really well!
Q. What do you love most about attending farmers markets?
We love interacting with the people who come to the markets. This way we have the luxury of explaining what our products do and helping if/when folks need further explanation. Market folks are interested in being healthy and looking to enhance and improve their environments in natural ways and that is a great fit for us.
In the summer we featured Sola Skin Care on the blog – check out their summer feature here. We are excited to be featuring them again for the Port Moody Winter Market. Be sure to stop by Sola Skin Care this Sunday November 22nd at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market and ask for their Spotlight Special: 35g Coconut Deodorant for $6, regular price $8. (This offer now expired)
Q. Congratulations on completing your first summer season! This Sunday we are so excited to welcome you to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market! If you could tell each Port Moody market shopper 3 things – what would that be?
Get to know the vendors. They love what they do and are always happy to engage with the community, whether by sharing more about their products, the process or who they are as people. Also, try a new vendor each time you visit. You get to know more of the people in the community, and you’ll likely discover a hidden gem!
Q. Do you have any tips of tricks for keeping our skin looking healthy during the cold/wet winter months?
Winter weather is drying for the skin, so be sure to keep hydrated – that’s the best way to keep your skin from getting too dry. Lots of water (not ice water, but room temperature instead) and lots of herbal teas and soups. We make the best bone broth from bones we purchase from Rockweld Farm. Our Soft Skin Balm is also my go-to in the winter months. I keep a tin in the car and apply it to my hands when I get in the car. Pop my gloves on afterwards and when I arrive at my destination, my hands are soft and hydrated for the day.
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market Marie’s Guilt Free Bakery will be offering a special deal! Stop by their table on Sunday November 8th and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Choice of one of our handy red shopping totes or 15% off all purchases over $20
Q. What was your motivation behind starting Marie’s Guilt Free Bakery?
A few years ago, two members of my family were diagnosed with celiac disease. It suddenly struck me as I thought back in time and realized that my adored late grandfather probably suffered from the same disease. I remember all the home remedies he had laying around. Many of them treated chronic digestive disorders. At that time, there was not much information on the disease, let alone dietary alternatives. Although today, many gluten-free products are readily available in stores; unfortunately, most of them contain a lot of eggs. Many of our family members are vegetarian, so they end up still missing out. Celiac disease has had a huge impact on my family and many of my friends. I decided that, even though my efforts may only impact a few…I would still do something to help.
Q. What are your most popular items at market?
Our most popular items are our bread products. These range from bread, to English Muffins and Pizza Crust.
Q. Do you have a personal favourite?
My favourite item is the English Muffins toasted and loaded with butter substitute.
Q. If you could let your shoppers know one thing about your product – what would that be?
Whether you make the choice to follow a gluten-free diet for personal reasons or medical reasons, it can be a very difficult lifestyle choice. The North-American diet seems to be predominately focused around wheat or other forms of gluten. Being surrounded by food we can no longer eat can be pretty depressing; and like any significant change, it can leave us feeling quite unsettled. When being faced with such a challenge, it is important to remain optimistic and divert your focus from the negatives to the positives. Yes, you may lose the option of eating anything you want, but you might gain the experience of a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. For many of you that suffer from celiac disease or wheat intolerance, imagine a life finally free of pre-existing stomach issues, joint pain, headaches, unexplained belly bulge, autoimmune disorders and brain fog etc. If you have gluten intolerance, it’s time to try a gluten-free diet. It’s time to lose the discomfort and embrace the overall sense of well- being that awaits you.
Q. What do you love most about attending farmers markets?
I enjoy talking to fellow vendors and customers the most.
