Just one taste and it all comes flooding back to me. I'm back at my Bubbi and Zeidi's (grandma and grandpa) dining room table on a Friday night and in the centre of the table sits the Shabbat (Sabbath) Hallah from the Harbord Bakery. Instead of slicing the traditionally braided loaf, my sister and I were allowed to tear off the crusty brown bumps to dunk into our chicken soup. If we were really good, we would get a Harbord Bakery chocolate cupcake with sprinkles for dessert.

For whatever reason, the Harbord Bakery holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who visits. Opened in 1926, it is one of the oldest Jewish bakeries in Toronto. Purchased in 1945 by the Kosower's, it has remained in the family ever since.

Rafi Kosower says, "When I was growing up, this area was the hub of the city's Jewish community. Over the years it's become a melting pot here. Here at the bakery, we've held on to our Jewish roots while embracing a diversifying menu."

Lest you think that Harbord is merely a bakery, one visit reveals it to be so much more. What was originally a small bakeshop has grown into a unique shopping destination where old tradition meets new gourmet. All the Old World favourites remain unchanged: sweet eggy Hallah (don't you dare ask for "egg bread"), crusty bagels, chewy rye loaves, crunchy mandelbrot (Jewish biscotti), decadent rugalach, custardy apple cake, not-too-sweet honey cake, light-as-feather meringues and mouthwatering sweet cheese buns, are just some of the treats that have been lining the shelves since day one.

Over the years, non-traditional items have been added: spicy chicken and beef empa–adas, flaky spanikopita, elegant cheese straws, buttery croissant, gorgeous mousse cakes, artistic tarts and so much more.

You will also find a fully stocked dairy case full of smoked salmon, cream cheese, cottage cheese, milk, fresh juice, yogurt and real Jewish dill pickles. Further in, the gourmet case holds a great variety of patŽs, dips, and imported and domestic cheeses, while the shelves above are laden with jams and preserves, honey, crackers, coffees and teas.

At the prepared food counter customers can put together a quick bite to eat on the go or they can bring home the components for a great meal. Authentic chopped liver and gefilte fish, cucumber salad, three-bean salad, Chinese noodles, freshly made soups, brilliant sandwiches and daily specials created by the talented people in the kitchen.

Who can forget Harbord's famous birthday cakes? Every kid I knew when I was growing up wanted a Harbord Bakery cake for his or her party. There was just something about the moist cake and creamy frosting that rose above all others, and they are in the same high demand today.

While you're ordering that cake be sure to stop by their gift shop that now occupies the small space that was once the original shop's storefront. Specializing in unique and hard to find toys and cards, this section is quickly becoming as well known as the bakery among shoppers looking for original and special gifts for children.

Don't bother looking in your local supermarket for Harbord's baked goods. They are very particular about what other shops are allowed to sell their products. The select few that do carry a limited selection are Pusateri's, All The Best Fine Foods, and Dave Young.

Harbord Bakery
115 Harbord Street
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 416.922.5767
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 7 PM
Friday & Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM
Sunday 8 AM - 4 PM