Blackstone Organic Meats
207 Danforth Avenue 
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Phone: 416.463.3100
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It has only been open for three weeks but already Blackstone Organic Meats has the Danforth buzzing about the arrival of Cumbrae's and Heathly Butcher quality meats to the neighbourhood. Locavores take note - Blackstore specializes in organically raised, local meat and produce and aims to source almost everything in the store from within a 100 mile radius.
On display during my recent visit are platters of amazing-looking pork back ribs ($8.99 LB), ribeye steak ($18.99 LB), T-Bone Steak ($13.99 LB) plus lamb, chicken, ostrich and other choice cuts. There's also a range of prepared foods, meat marinating in Blackstone's special sauces including tandoori chicken, coconut coriander, honey mustard beef and beef red thai kabobs ($3.00 each), pineapple curry chicken legs ($2.99 LB), Louisiana-style bone in chicken breast ($7.99 LB), chicken wings, ground beef and more.
Toward the back of the store, a freezer stocks some ready-made meals like chicken pie ($6.99), beef chili ($5.99) and shepherd's pie ($5.99). There are also fresh, organic carrots, apples and other produce, a range of specialty, canned/jarred goods, eggs, pasta, tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and milk. They also sell some of my favourite ShaSha Co. Spelt Ginger Snaps which at $4.99 are the cheapest I've seen them selling for in Toronto.
In a rare exception, Blackstone breaks their 100 mile radius rule when it comes to Quebec pate and a small selection of imported goods from France and Italy. But other than that, local and organic is the name of the game here. And if whispers I'm hearing are correct, there just might be some more Blackstone locations popping up in other areas of Toronto in the next few years.
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Comments (11)
A very lovely store with very lovely provisions. A welcome treat to the Danforth. Organic and local - bring it on!!
The store looks slick and beautiful but very empty. I've ocassionally purchased items but where is all the butcher meat? I've resorted to the frozen soup and the chicken pie which was extremely disappointing. Both were literally made from vegetable and meat scraps. Keep waiting for more but it gets less and less.
Blackstone is great addition to the Danforth. I love the look of the store and the great selection, fair prices and helpful staff. After spending time in the store and speaking to the butcher I learned the meat is cut fresh daily which is is why the displays may appear empty. Not sure why anyone would resort to frozen meat when all you have to do is ask for a fresh cut? If I wanted frozen meat I'd visit one of the large chain stores. A store the Danforth has needed for a long time.
My name is Alix, and I have recently started working at this store. We recently have welcomed a new front of the house manager Jesse. As a result we have added many new items, such as sandwiches, salads, fresh bread, and a variety of fresh produce. We also have received bison ostrich venison quail and pheasant in the past week.
Every new business has it's growing pains. Jesse and I are both trained Chefs and with a new kitchen slowly but surely being built, I see nothing but yummy things in our future!
This place is excellent. I've yet to have a bad experience with them at all. Very pricey, but I like the availability of ostrich and elk, as well as the regular meats. I wish their ostrich steaks were larger though. (12oz or so)
It has been closed for two weeks now, no sign in the window letting consumers know whether it is closed for a vacation or permanently. Whatever the reason it's not very good business to just close the doors and leave the patrons hanging. IF they re-open they may well have lost some customers.
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