A gap in the village will soon be filled, as a new bakery
and bistro, Riso, opens in early December. We have been without a restaurant for some time, and I’m sure many residents will enjoy having a place to meet for coffee or a meal, or to pick up fresh baked goods.
I enjoyed a lovely latte brewed from organic coffee roasted in Cobble Hill as I spoke with Sarah Waldbank. I also tried some of the wonderful fresh breads that are made with care, using slow fermentation to yield a more digestible product. Sarah and her partners have been hard at work renovating the premises of the former Black Dog Cafe.
There are four cooks involved with Riso and customers will benefit from their different specialties. The bakery will feature handcrafted, organic products made with natural yeasts. Preserves and teas will be sold, as well as food to go. Local products will be used wherever possible.
The daytime fare in the cafe will be simple – mainly soups, salads, sandwiches and pizza. The wood-fired pizza oven will also be used for some pastries, meats and roasted vegetables.
The dinner menu will feature classical Italian dishes. Local meats and seafood (conforming to ocean-wise standards) will be used, and many vegetarian options will be provided.
Deliveries of box lunches to offices in Lantzville and North Nanaimo will be available as well as catering.
Sarah has always had a strong interest in food and the connections that are established over food. She believes that people should eat well, and will offer wholesome and ethical choices. Consideration will be made for special diets, with gluten-free pastries and pizza dough available. MSG will not be used, and dishes will be freshly made on the premises. Packaging will be recyclable or compostable.
Initial opening hours are expected to be Tuesday- Saturday, about 8 am – 8 pm, but these will be adapted to meet the needs of the community. Sarah is excited about being a part of our idyllic, rural community and looks forward to contributing to the revitalization of our village core. Attracting customers to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Lantzville will provide a benefit to other businesses.
It will be wonderful to again have a local gathering place to meet for coffee in our own community. Watch for the opening of Riso as you pass by or head into the Post Office. A website is being developed at www.risofoodsinc.com, and information is also available on Facebook and Twitter, or by calling 250-390-0777.
