The village of Cowichan Bay is North America's first official "slow city," part of Europe's slow food movement, a designation earned because of a transfomation that began in a defunct fish processing plant.
True Grain Bread Ltd. has spun off cottage industries such as jam and cheese making, and it is slowly putting this out-of-the-way seaside community on the culinary map for foodies.
Founder Jonathan Knight first opened the bakery's doors in April, 2004. In the spring of 2008, he decided to sell it in order to pursue other interests. Bruce and Leslie Stewart, a couple originally from Ontario, became the new proprietors in March, 2008. Together with the team of highly skilled bakers and dedicated staff they create what they call an "unparalleled bread experience." Bruce and Leslie anticipate a risng interest in organic, handcrafted breads, and True Grain is preparing to expand to a second location in Mill Bay this spring.
Mr. Stewart grew up in Midland, Ont. After graduating from the business program at Wilfrid Laurier University, he pursued a sales career in the consumer packaged goods industry. Over a 13-year period, he held various sales and managerial positions with Kraft Foods and Saputo Foods in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. In 2008, True Grain Bread bakers continue the old-world traditions of early morning mixing of dough made from freshly milled organic ingredients, hand-scaling and carefully forming each individual loaf.
Mr. Stewart took your questions in an online discussion. Replay the discussion in the box below.