OMG Baked Goodness

OMG Baked Goodness
1561 Dundas Street West
647-348-5664

OMG Baked Goodness’ name is thankfully not what you think it is. Short for ‘oh my god’, in this case, it is not a tip of the hat to the generation that hates to spell out whole words. Here, it is a hopeful reaction to tasting the baked delights that come out of this oddly large, yet still quaint, bakery on Dundas West.

Working as a pastry chef for over ten years, Owner Lesley Mattina spent much of her time in Niagara, learning under Anna Olson (of FoodTV fame) and her husband Michael. It was there, in Niagara, that Mattina was indoctrinated with the importance of local and fresh food. “I had a salesman come in the other day (in November) and asked me if I wanted to buy fresh strawberries. They were the size of my fist and bright red. He didn’t seem to have a problem selling them, but I have a problem buying them.” Her philosophy is in tune with the new generation of residents moving into Little Portugal and she can expect her store to be a haven for those newbies.

Surrounded by old school bakeries, social clubs and a strange assortment of seemingly outdated shops, OMG has the benefit of being the most youthful and freshest thing on the strip. “I wanted it to look and feel completely different from everything else in the neighbourhood.” In that, amongst other things, she has succeeded. If the bright pink wall, deer antler display and uber-nouveau name aren’t enough, the food will certainly set OMG apart.

Mattina’s baking philosophy is a new one – she doesn’t believe in following recipes. Typically, chefs work with a far looser set of guidelines than pastry chefs. Wrong ingredients or measurements can seriously effect the flavour and texture of baked goods. This is where experience pays off. Depending on what’s available seasonally, in the store or instinctively most appropriate for a recipe, Mattina has no problem adapting recipes on the fly. The result is an ever-changing menu, devoid of the old standards that haunt most bake shops around the city.

Of the must-make, everyday favourites though, vegan chocolate cupcakes have already become a flagship item. Moist in a way that very few vegan desserts ever have been, the cupcakes would fool even the most die hard of pastry fans. Assorted cookies, cranberry turnovers and loaves of challah bread are regular items as well, but customers can always expect something interesting and new mixed in with the soon-to-be OMG classics.

The expansive storefront that OMG inhabits seems quite strange and over-sized without a proper explanation. Not only is Mattina planning to grow into the space as her business expands, but she has a few other things in the works, as well. While starting her wholesale pastry business, she never had the proper space to bake her wares – a common issue facing many new food companies. Now with the proper kitchen, Mattina wants to do something about that, and has started to rent out her space to fellow bakers who need an inspected kitchen to be able to legally sell their products to restaurants and cafes. As well, plans are in the works to use the store as an event space for private parties, art shows or anything else the community may need it for. “I want the space to be a haven for talented people, regardless of the field they are talented in.”

Speaking with Mattina, it is clear that she has an unbridled passion for what she does and flavour is paramount in her world. “I do tasty, not pretty. You’ll never see fondant or anything else on my food that won’t make you want to shove our food in your mouth.” Her deep involvement with her products, the level of care she takes in preparing her goods and the dedication she is showing to the community that supports her all point to a long residence on Dundas West. OMG’s wholesale customer list is enough to inspire confidence with her neighbourhood consumers. The Oliver & Bonacini Restaurant Group, Santaguida Fine Foods, the Communal Mule and Black Dog Video all proudly serve goods from OMG. With its location in an old school, but changing neighbourhood and food that speaks for itself, OMG looks to be in a perfect position to differentiate itself and find its own audience.