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Sympathy for the Rebel

I have a love hate relationship with second hand shops. I always see friends wearing amazing pre-loved items from thrift stores. And yet every time I go to one, I get lost amongst the racks of clothing, never finding that piece that embodies that vintage charm with that unique edge. Ryan Kennedy, owner of Sympathy for the Rebel, has solved this problem. I swear, everywhere I looked in his shop, I saw something that I would gladly include into my closet.

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The exposed brick walls and the wooden crates and shelves gives the shop a rawness that I completely love. And then add in eclectic and edgy decor to really give the place a rock and roll, mod, and just downright edgy atmosphere.


Don’t even get me started on their incredible shoe selection. Cow boy boots and for $20-30 a pair!

I’m always a little conflicted when it comes to fur but I’ve decided that wearing second hand is ok. This incredible fur shawl was only 60 dollars.

I picked up an adorable red hand bag for $6, a pair of vintage ski gloves for $12 and a pair of boots for $18.

If you’re a fan of pre-loved items, and you happen to be taking a stroll down town Peterborough, than a stop into this store is a must!

Sympathy for the Rebel

387 Water St.
Peterborough, ON
705-742-6880

 

Chasing the Cheese

Knock Knock
Who’s There?
Cheese!
Cheese Who?
Cheese a jolly good fellow

 

You can imagine how many knock knock jokes I’ve heard growing up (because my name sounds like knock)… but this one may actually be the worst.

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally visit Chasing the Cheese, a little cheese boutique just a block away from my work. My heart was instantly happy as I entered the shop. Even with my weekly visits to Le Petit bar where they serve cheese from Chasing the Cheese, I haven’t even come close to making a dent in their huge selection. The modest shop is packed full of artisan cheeses (I’ve heard they have over 200 variaties!), jams, breads, meats, and condiments.



Owner, Julie Austin, aims to expose people to both great and humble cheeses that they might not otherwise have an opportunity to try at home. They encourage branching out and trying new varieties and let you sample the cheeses before committing to buy. Their passion is evident and it’s clear how much they want to help you find something to make your taste buds smile. I left my first visit with a little brown bag filled with roaring 40s blue – an amazing blue veined creamy cow’s milk from austrailia, Sartori Bellavitano Espresso – a pasteurized cow’s milk soaked in espresso coffee from Wisconsin, USA, and Commanda – I can’t remember what this was exactly other than it was made with ewe’s milk. All 3 were quite distinct but each delicious in their own way. I also picked up some white Stilton Mango Ginger which is a little on the sweeter side and the Shropshire Blue which has a nice earthy taste.

 

I’ve already gone back to Chasing the Cheese twice this month and I’m sure I’ll be popping by a lot more often. If you’re a cheese lover, or are looking for the perfect gift for your cheese loving friend, then this shop is guaranteed to have what you’re looking for.

 


Chasing the Cheese

372 Water Street
Peterborough, Ontario
K9H 3L6
(705) 775-0525

Naked Chocolate

Is there really anything better than chocolate? My co-worker and I were on the hunt for items to include in our gift basket for my supervisor when she suggested we fill up the mug with some chocolates from Naked Chocolate on George st in Peterborough. I’ve heard mumblings of this magical place but haven’t had a chance to visit until today. As you enter the shop, you are literally engulfed in chocolate aroma. As I looked around, all I could think about was how my chocolate loving friend Sam would have a field day in here. Even Willy Wonka himself would have been impressed.

assorted truffle chocolates from Naked Chocolate

Chocolatier Warren Eley beautiful hand-crafts all the artisan chocolates and fine confections. You can see the artistry that goes into all of the beautiful sweets in the shop. I kid you not, the truffles were actually glistening and some even sparkled!

 

Although we had planned to just buy a few items to fill up the mug, we couldn’t resist buying box full of truffles and some butter crunch toffee. 

Butternut crunch at Naked Chocolate
box of Naked Chocolate Truffles
They have pre-packaged boxes but it was surprisingly fun to pick out each individual piece. They have everything from the traditional milk chocolates, to more exotic and unique flavours that incorporate balsamic, chilis, and curries.

Sadly, I didn’t buy any chocolate for myself so I can’t comment on how delicious everything is but I can say that I’ve heard nothing but good reviews. I’ll definitely be stopping by in the new year for one of these chocolate covered strawberries and a box of macarons.

chocolate covered strawberries from Naked Chocolate
French macarons from Naked Chocolate

Naked Chocolate

300 George St. N
Peterborough
705-755-6253

 

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