What's in Store with Marissa Papaconstantinou: Select Bakery Toronto

2023-09-29

Hey everyone, it’s Paralympic medalist sprinter and Canadian record holder Marissa Papaconstantinou! I’m proud to continue exploring my Greek heritage in partnership with Krinos Canada by visiting some amazing spots around the country spreading #FetaCulture. 

Just off the Don Valley Parkway you’ll find family owned and operated Select Bakery (405 Donlands Ave, East York, ON M4J 3S2). Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the bakery was inspired by family patriarch and former bakery owner Manolis Katsamakis’ vision of creating a one-stop destination for the finest Greek & Eastern Mediterranean products in Toronto. I caught up with Manolis’ eldest son, Kosta, who runs the business along with his sister Areti and his brother Nicholas. 

My family actually shops here often, so I’ve come to understand why Select is a top bakery in the city. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm smile and the smell of Greek pastries crisping up in the ovens. “We want to offer the best quality product for our customers,” Kosta says, “we work with companies like Krinos that share that same philosophy. It’s a brand that Greek Canadians grew up with and the name is synonymous with quality.” 

The Barrel-Aged Feta and Kefalograviera Hard Cheese are the most popular products at Select. But what keeps customers coming back is the taste, consistency, flavour, and versatility of the cheeses. “I like making my own Saganaki at home,” Kosta mentioned when asked about how he uses Krinos cheese, “grating it (Kefalograviera) over my pasta, to even last year with the big TikTok trend of pasta, tomato, and Feta in the oven.” 

After munching on a spanakopita and an iced espresso freddo freshly prepared at the bakery, we got right back to thinking about the simple & tasty possibilities of Krinos products stocked around the store. Call me crazy (or Greek), but I snack on Krinos Olives straight out of the jar when I’m craving a salty burst of flavour. Kosta has a more civilized approach: “I warm it (olives) up with a little olive oil in the pan and finish with some oregano for a perfect side.”

If you got hungry reading this blog, make sure to check out Select Bakery and try out some of the different ways to add a little taste of Greece to your meal!

That’s all from me for now! Make to stay tuned for my next visit on the Krinos Canada Kitchen Blog.

Select Bakery
405 Donlands Ave, East York, ON M4J 3S2
Online Shop: https://greek-food-shop.com/shop/

Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed : 9am-6pm
Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 9am-7pm