Mess Hall
1386 Gerrard St East, Unit 4 M4L 1Z2 Toronto, ON, Canada

Meet Amanda, the founder of both Earth Made Kitchen (a pop-up cooking school) and Fresca Dining (a pop-up restaurant). She’s also been popping up in our kitchen at Mess Hall since the fall! Amanda expertly ran our Halloween kids’ events, made a delicious meal for a December Date Night and has tons of great stuff in the works. Follow her at Earth Made Kitchen and https://www.frescadining.com/ and stay tuned here for more fun. ... Earth Made Kitchen launched in late 2019 with a mix of in-person and virtual cooking workshops and food demos. Amanda teaches adults, and kids, and creates food-focused corporate events in Toronto and globally. Inspired by travel, unique ingredients and world cuisine, Amanda recently relaunched Fresca Dining, and will be featured in the upcoming Year of the Ox Celebration and Comedy Night on February 6 (details coming soon!) at Mess Hall. Amanda has taught at the PC Cooking School here in Toronto, and volunteered for lots of cool food-focused organizations.

This upcoming Date Night on January 30th is a beautiful opportunity to support not one, but FOUR local small businesses Enjoy a hearty and rich plant based dinner while you sip non-alcoholic craft cocktails and listen to stories of the Tarot Also included is a stunning colour art print inspired by the Tarot... Take some time for yourself this month to relax and enjoy Date Night at home For more details and to register visit our website https://MessHall.to

Your next Date Night at home, plus a Sneak Peek! - https://mailchi.mp/ad71c047d9f9/date-night-december-4828001

Join us for our January Date Night! A decadent-yet-guilt-free night out, at home - that will leave you feeling fancy, warm, comforted and energized! Plus enjoy an online Tarot card reading that’ll get you looking forward to your year ahead.

First of all, Thank You to everyone who helped us support small businesses to make our DATE NIGHTS so much fun! SECOND, And a HUGE thank you to all of the purveyors who partnered with us to make these events such a success! We’ve got big things coming in the new year More Date Nights are coming in 2021: ... In January we’re planning a fancy kombucha cocktail class paired with a tapas style dinner and dessert. In February we’ve got a special Valentine's Day Date Night, which will most definitely include chocolate Have an idea for a date night you would like to see in 2021? Let us know in the comments! More VIRTUAL CLASSES are also coming your way in 2021 including a plant-forward session that will teach you how to incorporate more vegetarian and vegan options in your life, and Virtual Cake Painting with @sift.baking will also return! The best way to get in on all the fun is to purchase a GIFT CERTIFICATE. Gift certificates are available to buy through our website (link in bio) and can be used for a wide range of classes, events, etc! Last minute gifting For the most up to date, juicy details about all things Mess Hall, sign up for our NEWSLETTER (link in bio) and be the first to know all the details for our upcoming events and workshops. Stay tuned! Cheers, Libby and Gaby

Join us LIVE today (Tuesday December 15) at 12:15pm EST to chat with @katherine_mellin_ from @apparitionwines and our co-owner @gabyfloresinto We will be chatting all things wine, and getting excited for Date Night this Saturday December 19! This will be our last date night for 2020 (more to come in the new year!)... Register now and enjoy goodies from: @apparitionwines @benazzoliwinery @earthmadekitchen @cliffside_hearth_bread_company @sift.baking

Hey Wine Lovers! This Date Night's for you - https://mailchi.mp/b940e3fedefd/date-night-december-4806398

Meet Tomoko from @cassisbake Remember those stunning and decadent desserts from our first date night? Meet the talented pastry chef behind those beautiful creations, baked with love in the commercial co-working kitchen at Mess Hall Cassis Bake was founded by Tomoko Asai, a seasoned Toronto Pastry Chef, to focus on small batch artisanal delicacies. ... Tomoko’s specialities include pastries, breads, custom cakes and desserts Cassis Bake uses natural, organic and local ingredients as much as possible. Their products are made from scratch, with love, for you. Please give @cassisbake a follow on Instagram to see their menu offerings, and to place your order

Repost from @elsiesbakedgoods The holiday cookie monsters have spoken... we are hosting another holiday baking class coming up this week! ... Join in LIVE from @messhall.to on Thursday December 17th from 7:30pm - 8:30pm as Jess takes us through a Gingerbread shapes class! Choose from: Class + Shopping List $25 Class + Baking Kit $45, includes pre-measured ingredients and delivery (GTA only at this time) Great for all ages Get those cookie cutters out! Don’t fret if this time doesn’t work for you, more classes to come in the new year

Only one spot left in this buttercream workshop on Sunday. Have fun making these pretty cupcakes and gain a skill for life.

Were bringing you all the sweet stuff! Theres one coveted spot left in this cupcake decorating workshop with Shai from @sweetandshycakes Her classes are super fun and will leave you with tons of new tips and tricks to add to your cupcake skillz. Plus... cupcakes! ... Link in bio to register or visit sweetandshycakes.com Repost @sweetandshycakes We are back! With Fall setting in and holidays lurking around the corner, we are back teaching in person workshops. Yay!!!! I love love teaching and I'm so excited to finally be able to resume these classes in person safely. Thank you for all your patience as we navigated through these pauses. Please note, you will be assigned your own little work station and masks are mandatory. A screening email will be sent prior to workshop attendance. Space is limited as I'm capping the class size to ensure social distancing measures take place. Come out and enjoy a fun in person workshop, learn a new skill and take home delicious cupcakes. SIGN UP WITH LINK IN BIO More dates coming up... #toronto #torontocakes #torontoclasses #torontobakingclasses #torontoworkshops #torontocafe #torontobusiness #torontobaker #bakeshop #buttercream #torontoclasses #torontoworkshops #messhallto #eastendclasses #leslieville #torontobaker #torontobakingclasses #buttercreamworkshop #buttercreamclass #sweetandshycakes #sweetandshyworkshop #yumm #tofoodies #yyzeats #torontoart #torontoartclasses #artTO #artscapeto #queenwest #torontobakingclasses

Only three spots left in this deliciously artful cake painting class on Friday, September 25 at 7:30pm Link in bio or go to MessHall.to to register. Join us as we bring back in-person classes in a safe and social distanced way.... Repost @sift.baking In-person cake painting class announcement! Yes, its real. A live, socially distanced, in-real-life buttercream palette knife painting class. Im thrilled to be teaching again! A lot of people have told me theyre looking for a safe way to get out of the house for a bit of creative fun, so Im breaking out the cake! Join me at @messhall.to on Friday, September 25 at 7:30pm Well sit two per table, with plenty of space between us and each with our own tools. This class is capped at 8 people so itll be nice and small and perfect to attend with friends or family who are already in your bubble. Masks are required, and hand washing is as always, a must in the kitchen. Come try the palette knife painting technique using Swiss meringue buttercream and be inspired by wildflowers like these lupines. Take home your own cake masterpiece! Register at MessHall.to or at the link in bio. I cant wait to see you! ... How are you safely socializing these days? Im eyeing that new pottery studio @clayspacestudio on Gerrard. .. .. .. #lupines #lupinecake #lupinni #paletteknifepainting #cakeisart #bombesquad #torontofood #torontoworkshops #leslieville #nightout #sociallydistant #painttogether #toronto #blogto #maskrequired #eatcakeyeah #siftbakingca #siftbaking #gerrardindiabazaar

In-person classes are back! We're starting with this cake painting class on September 25 and have lots more in the works. Sign up at MessHall.to or in the event link below. We can't wait to see you again! (With masks on, and plenty of work space for social distancing.)

Millions of peaches, peaches for me! And for you... if you hop to it and pre-order these beauties from Arlene Lott and pick up at Mess Hall - this Friday!

Charlene's donuts are one of many reasons to check out the new City Bakers Collective. The suberb quality of all the bakers' work will have you coming back to try everything. There are menu changes each week to tempt your taste buds. Order online, pick up at our streetside takeout window on Fridays, or request delivery to your doorstep. Easy peasy!

Repost: @sift.baking Https://MessHall.to/bakers-against-racism ************** *** VIRTUAL BAKE SALE *** The Bakers Against Racism Bake Sale is raising funds to support racial equality and combating racism here in Toronto and worldwide. Ive selected local group @blackyouthhelpline as the recipient of my funds.... ************ This strawberry lemonade cake is filled with roasted strawberries and fresh lemon curd and lightly dressed in Swiss meringue buttercream. Its 6 and two layers and will make 6-8 servings. Perfect for a slice after dinner and leftovers for breakfast. Theyre $45 each with profits going to a local Toronto charity. Limited run of 10 will be available. Contactless pick up will be in the storefront window at Mess Hall @messhall.to on Saturday, June 20 from 11am - 2pm - 1386 Gerrard St. E. ALSO - some other amazing bakers will be there - Arlene from @arlodesigns and Charlene from @sugarkissescakecreations - so check out their feeds for more wonderful sweets and treat yourself and everyone around you with something wonderful for a great cause. Get your orders in and let's make some money to help make a change! .. #bakersagainstracism #torontobaker #againstracism #blacklivesmatter #bakersagainstracismto #toronto #torontofood #baking #foodstyle #torontolife #blogtoeats #antiracism #torontoeats #thebakefeed #thefeedfeed #strawberrylemonade #bakersgottabake #bombesquad #virtualbakesale #BLM #donate #blackyouthhelpline

Looking for local vegan delivery? Check out this delicious box of goodies from former Fairmount Market vendors Abokichi and ANIMAL LIBERATION KITCHEN Hop to it! Order by Thursday, May 21 for this Saturday delivery. There's enough here for several meals plus Chocosol chocolate for dessert. $120 for the following menu, with $5 going to help Animal Liberation Kitchen meet their rent.... Support local small business, and boost your immune system at the same time! Pulled Jackfruit Tacos Quinoa Kale Spring Bowl Loaded Veggie BBQ Tofu Wraps Abokichi: OKAZU tasting set Abokichi: Instant miso soup tasting set Chocosol Chocolate https://www.abokichi.com//local-vegan-box-by-alk-and-aboki

Mess Hall is a social place to gather around food. Whether its to learn new recipes and techniques, to get creative with flavours, or to lovingly prepare and enjoy a meal with neighbours and friends. After months of hard work creating a beautiful space and solidifying our business plan, we launched Mess Hall in January 2020. COVID-19 hit Toronto just as we were about to launch a new series of workshops, and we were asked to close our doors. Our business model is dependent up...on bringing people together around food. Much like the restaurant industry, this model is in jeopardy due the need to be socially distant to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the closure has meant our revenue has been reduced to zero. We need help to pay our rent, monthly expenses, loan interest and minimum payments. Because we are a new business, and do not have an employee payroll, we do not qualify for government assistance as currently outlined. We are working hard to maintain a connection with the local community and test new revenue options. We are concerned about mounting debt and want to ensure that we can stay in business in a post-COVID-19 economy. Thank you for supporting small businesses like ours. We appreciate every note, every comment and show of support. We are optimistic that because of you, we will be able to continue to grow Mess Hall into the future.

Thanks to @sanagansmeatlocker and all the other local businesses who are working hard to ensure we continue to have access to our fave foods. Its so comforting to be able to feed ourselves and our families right now. Please also consider spreading that comfort by donating to food programs if you are able. Check highlights for updates on local businesses that are open. (Who else should we add?) A link to a big list of local businesses who are operating can be found at http...s://bit.ly/2YlnQMH - Thanks to the Facebook group Your East End Community Stores are Online for You. https://www.facebook.com/groups/227648248324729 Thanks: @lazydaisysto @sanagansmeatlocker @pantrycheese @eatmiramira @brickyardbistro @le_conciliabule_to @doodlesmarket @blondies_pizza @mahasbrunch @raisetherootmarket .. .. .. #gerrardindiabazaar @gerrardindiabaz #torontoeast #torontofoodies #torontoeats #blogto #leslieville

Were keeping up to date with news from Paula Fletcher and the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA about help for small businesses in our neighbourhood.

If you havent tuned In yet, do it do it! Join Christina Tosi #bakingclub on Instagram every afternoon at 2pm!

At Mess Hall we believe that gathering together around food is a way to feel nurtured, connected, and inspired. But at this important time, we are taking time away to help maintain health for all. Our programming is postponed indefinitely while we await updates. We hope you can use this time to pause, rest and maybe get to some of those projects sitting on the back burner. Stay healthy, and happy, and we look forward to seeing you in the kitchen soon.

Thanks to Arlene Lott and a wonderful group of excellent pie artists who came to our workshop. It was such fun learning alongside and enjoying your company. Lets do it again, right? .. .. ..... #pieart #perfectlyartfulpies #arlodesigns #mapleapplepie #maplesyrupseason #ontarioapples #blogto #torontoeats #easttoronto #toronto #cbclife #redpathsugar @ Leslieville See more

This Saturday at 6pm, come learn how to make these cute l'il cookies... and gain a skill for life. Shai will teach you the way to get the exact consistency to pipe and flood royal icing, and her cookie recipe alone is reason enough to come to this class. It's perfectly delish!

Some spots are still available for this Tween cooking series, but it's filling up! Register at https://MessHall.to to get your tween cooking. This is going to be so much fun!

Here's a little tour of our lovely space at Mess Hall. Imagine all the food possibilities!

Spring is in the air and that means one thing: Maple Syrup! Come make your own Canadian maple apple pie with pastry pro Arlene Lott and we'll eat pie!

We will be hanging out by the brand new pizza oven in Fairmount Park this Saturday afternoon. Come say hi and grab a treat at this fun neighbourhood gathering.

Check out these beauties from our first cake workshop of 2020! We had lots of fun sipping tea, playing with cake and getting creative with Swiss meringue buttercream. Were itching to announce our schedule for March and April and summer camps, coming soon! Make sure youre signed up to our mailing list to be the first to see what weve got coming up (link in bio and at our website at https://MessHall.to). Reposted from @wifeofagrocer @elliearscott @ Leslieville

Do you know how to make a strawberry fan? Our Prep Crew Kids do! This week we made drop biscuit strawberry shortcakes and had a whipped cream competition: whisk vs. hand mixer. Which do you think won? .. .. ..... #prepcrewkids #messhalltoronto #kidsinthekitchen #torontokids #torontoeats @ Leslieville See more

Swiss Meringue Buttercream - silky, light, creamy, buttery and sometimes tricky to get right. Want to learn how? Join Libby from Sift Baking Co. at Mess Hall on Thursday, February 13 to build a Valentines Day cake, and learn all about this decadent emulsion. Spaces still available. Visit https://MessHall.to to register.