Gilead Café Offers a Glimpse Inside Kennedy's Kitchen

A café, food shop, and event space are all part of Jamie Kennedy's latest offering, Gilead Café, set in his company's production kitchen in Cabbagetown. The 736-square-foot café offers diners views of the kitchen in action, where chefs prepare items for catered functions; the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar; and Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner. Polished concrete floors, cherrywood tables, and a display of jarred preserves decorate the space. The restaurant seats 25 during the day and holds as many as 40 for private events in the evenings.The menu—written on a large chalkboard—changes daily, but staples include items like pastries, salads, and charcuterie. "Part of it is keeping everything as fresh as possible," manager Laura Hipple said of the frequent menu changes. "The farmers whom we work with might not give us a lot of product. We might only have enough asparagus or fiddleheads for 15 salads ... it lends to us being able to offer everything seasonally." The deli counter also offers a selection of  takeaway items such as pâtés, terrines, smoked fish, and meats. "We offer lots of items to help you be a gourmet at home," Hipple said. The café is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.