Fast friends since first working together some seven years ago, Rachel Pellett and Heather Mee had long dreamt of opening up their own eatery. The duo officially opened Emma’s Country Kitchen today as something of an ode to Pellett’s grandmother, who ran a restaurant of the same name near Caledon. Keeping things homey and simple, the kitchen serves up fresh baked goods in addition to frozen meals and a weekend brunch.

Housed in the original Pusateri’s location, the eatery is a hop, skip and a jump from other Wychwood draws including The Stockyards, Pizza e Pazzi and Catch. Inside, wooden tables dot the room, while countrified details add dashes of charm: fresh flowers are tucked into Mason jars; a custom-made chandelier is crafted from antique silverware; and a collection of ceramic pigs from the original eatery sits beneath a photograph of grandma Emma.

The original Emma’s touch also permeates the offerings: inspired baked goods include the oven-fresh buttermilk biscuits ($2.50) as well as the Lazy Daisy oatmeal cake ($2), which is a spin on coffee cake.

Available daily, the breakfast sandwich is a comforting stack of aged cheddar, a fried egg, sausage and house-cured and smoked bacon. Tucked into a warm buttermilk biscuit, this sammy is bound to start the day right ($5.50).

Come weekend, brunch is served — this week, keep an eye out for eggs Benny ($13) — while a pantry section will be stocked daily for take-home options. When we stopped by, a sweet potato, scallion and bacon salad ($8/lb) was available alongside frozen picks such as chicken pot pie ($13) and a carrot, coconut and ginger soup ($9).

With folks from the ’hood already peeking in excitedly, we have a feeling this is just what the strip needed.

Published on: Jul 26, 2012