The recently opened Bloom Bistro is a fun, happy breakfast and brunch spot where customers will find a generous menu with offerings for every taste and dietary need, says the owner.
“People love the environment, the food and mostly people are really receptive and appreciative of our ability to cater to different dietary restrictions,” says founder Nalini Prashad.
Launched at the end of January in south-end Barrie, Bloom Bistro prides itself on creating a space where everyone is welcome and will find something delicious to eat. The restaurant has already earned positive reviews and even has some regulars.
“We want guests to feel like they’re eating an upscale, home-cooked meal," Prashad says.
Prashad says much of the menu inspiration comes from things she loves to eat when she goes out herself.
“I wanted to both elevate and make these staple breakfast dishes accessible to all," she says. "Food that’s good for you doesn’t have to be bland.”
The menu features both traditional and specialty breakfast mains, including combinations with lobster, bruschetta, frittata, and choices of bennies, salads and skillets.
Bloom Bistro’s most popular order, and its signature dish, is the breakfast bruschetta. Chicken and waffles and the Bloom Benny are also both very popular. Dairy-, gluten-, nut-free, and vegan options are also available.
Prashad believes giving customers a voice in what they are eating is what makes Bloom Bistro a unique destination.
“At Bloom, we make sure to ask before each meal if anyone has any restrictions or requirements they need met, and we can offer suggestions accordingly," she says.
Prashad’s credentials to satisfy every preference came out of her own personal eating experience with food restrictions.
“I've spent many years in my own kitchen dealing with my food intolerances, but I am a foodie at heart, so I wanted to eat my favourites without the side effects.”
Prashad says Bloom Bistro strives to offer patrons the opposite experience to what she has experienced in the past when going out to eat.
“So many times, I’ve gone to restaurants and would have to find a way to be able to eat something,” she says. “But many times, my dietary restrictions couldn’t be accommodated, or I was misunderstood, or I felt like a huge inconvenience.”
For Prashad, food is so much more than just something to fill up on, and can even be life-changing.
Prashad tells BarrieToday she experienced a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis and some days she couldn’t get out of bed because of so much pain.
“Only when I changed my diet and figured out what foods triggered my flare-ups was I able to get back to feeling good and living my life," she says.
Bloom Bistro was a dream come true for Prashad, a former beauty entrepreneur.
“I’ve been in the beauty industry for many years now and it made me happy," she says. "But what I truly love to do is entertain and cook for my loved ones.”
Prashad says she loves trying new food and creating new dishes, and wants to share that with others.
“The food we eat directly impacts how our body feel and that’s why it’s so important for me to put clean, healthy foods out for others to enjoy and feel good about eating," she says.
Bloom Bistro is currently promoting its Mother's Day Tea on May 14, and is planning a belly-dancing event in June.
The venue is also available for private events, such as baby and bridal showers, birthdays, and business meetings.
Bloom Bistro is located at 225 Ferndale Dr. S., at Ardagh Road, in south-end Barrie.
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