The local food movement is often seen as the antithesis of ‘fast food’. These three Comox Valley food providers focus on quality products that make eating local a fast, healthy, and delicious option for diners of all tastes.
PIZZERIA GUERRILLA & THE GUERRILLA FOOD CO.
“You can’t talk about Pizzeria Guerrilla without talking about The Guerrilla Food Co.,” says owner Jason Uglanica. That’s because the two share workflows, allowing for scale and convenience in processing and sourcing.
What’s on the menu?
The seasons determine Guerrilla’s ability to use local food, but Jason and company are steadily moving their sourcing closer to home. “Farm to table is the goal,” says Jason.
At the Pizzeria you can enjoy pizzas, bruschetta, desserts, and occasional special dinners. At TGFC lasagne, cannelloni, chicken potpies, shepherds pie, cottage pies, braised pork dishes, and stews are all available as ready-to-heat frozen meals.
Where’s it sourced?
Comox Valley sources include: Gunter Bros Meat Co, Two Roads Farms, Merville Organics, Hillcrest Farm, Lentelus Organics, Garstin Farm, RockBottom Farm, and Mountain View Farms.
What makes it fast?
“The pizzas are fast because of the prep we do. They’re quick, chef-made, and better for you,” Jason says. As for the frozen dinners: reheat and eat. “These are healthy, local, convenience foods—they’re not processed.”
Who’s the inspiration?
The slow food movement Jason experienced in the UK has been the inspiration of Guerrilla’s pursuit of local, high quality, convenient food. At the same time, he credits Guerrilla teammates Chris and Jake for providing ‘inspiration from within’. “We all care immensely about what we’re doing,” he says, “and I’m hoping we inspire others to do the same. This is a hard road. We’re not making a ton of money. We want to do things better. I really believe in regionalism.”
Who do you love locally this season?
Jason likes what he’s seeing in Cumberland, particularly at BiblioTaco, Cumberland Brewing Co., and Riders Pizza. “I think the Cumberland food scene is leading the way,” Jason says. “Greg and Nate are the people I talk with about what’s happening with food in the Comox Valley.”
PRONTISSIMA PASTA
You’ll find Prontissima Pasta on a number of restaurant menus across the Valley, at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, and at Edible Island. But the best source for Prontissima products is their storefront in Tin Town. That’s where Sarah Walsh and her team are producing and selling convenience food rooted in local sources.
What’s on the menu?
Pastas like tagliatelle, fettuccine, rotini, and squid ink spaghetti; plus pestos and sauces, bruschetta toppings, soups, and salsas.
Where’s it sourced?
Comox Valley sources include: Garstin Farm, Natural Pastures Cheese Co., Butcher’s Block, Clever Crow Herbs and Spices, Estevan Tuna, RockBottom Farm, Eatmore Sprouts, and Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas. Picnic Charcuterie comes from Tofino.
What makes it fast?
“All the hard work is already done,” Sarah says. “Fresh pasta doesn’t take long to cook, and the sauces are already made. You just heat and combine. Add meat and seafood to make a more complex dish.”
Who’s the inspiration?
Prontissima is inspired by the time Sarah spent in Italy, and by her favourite chef, Jamie Oliver. “Seasonal food. Good food. Fresh food.”
Who do you love locally this season?
“My list: Pizzeria Guerrilla in downtown Courtenay, Riders Pizza in Cumberland, and the Ceylon Food Truck at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market.”
Cumberland Village Bakery & Church Street Bakery. The former in Cumberland, and the latter in Comox are both owned and operated by baker David Murray.
CUMBERLAND VILLAGE BAKERY & CHURCH STREET BAKERY
What’s on the menu?
Besides a wide range of baked goods, including (world famous?) Cumberland doughnuts, both bakeries include the following ‘grab and go’ foods: sandwiches, brioches, croissants, pizzas, and five kinds of meat pies.
Where’s it sourced?
David is proud of the relationships his bakeries have established with local suppliers like Gunter Bros Meats, Natural Pastures Cheese Co., and Garstin Farm. It has allowed the bakeries to develop special ham and cheese croissants, and smoked turkey sandwiches that are customer favourites.
What makes it fast?
“I’ve never thought about ours as fast food,” David says. “But I do see ourselves as having a business where people are able to grab some good, local food, and go. We’re offering convenience.”
Who’s the inspiration?
David says Lionel Poilane, a Parisian baker and pioneer of wood-fired breads, inspires him. He’s also “really inspired by chefs who are pushing local product, like Red Zepi in Denmark, and locally, the wildcrafting of Harmonic Arts.” He adds that while he likes what’s happening in the Comox Valley, he doesn’t think we’re doing enough with seafood. “I like what’s happening in Seattle—including crab, shrimp, and fish. I was just travelling and eating all over the place. My mind is filled with inspiration.”
Who do you love locally this season?
In Courtenay, David likes what’s happening at Tita’s Mexican Restaurant. Echoing others’ appreciation of the Cumberland scene, he says he’s been “enjoying BiblioTaco. Summertime, the Fish and Chip Shop in Cumberland is a fun experience.”
PIZZERIAGUERRILLA.CA
PRONTISSIMAPASTA.COM
CHURCHSTREETBAKERY.CA
