NEW SHOP LETS FOODIES TAKE THE TASTE OF THEIR TRAVELS HOME

GO BUDDHA OFFERS FRESH GRAB AND GO OPTIONS

Foodies looking for a different flavour can find what they're looking for at Port Colborne's newest food shop.

The Go Buddha Food Shop, which recently opened at 265 Main St. W., offers fresh salads, juices, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks with gluten-free and vegetarian options.

The new business is the sister shop to one of the city's hottest dining spots, the Smokin' Buddha.

Sandwich options include Chicken Katsu, featuring fried chicken, cabbage and tonkatsu; the Cuban, which offers pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle and mustard; and Tamago, which offers egg and kewpie mayo.

Kyla Pennie, who owns both businesses with her partner, Kevin Echlin, said the Smokin' Buddha was born from a desire to enjoy and share dishes from their travels at home. Their culinary inspiration comes from their experiences travelling to places including Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

'We missed all of those food experiences in Asia," explained Pennie.

In the early 2000s, Echlin began working the farmers market circuit, serving up his version of his favourite dishes at the Port Colborne Farmers' Market and later to markets in Fonthill and Welland.

The Smokin' Buddha officially opened its doors in 2007, and the Go Buddha Food Shop is an extension of the restaurant.

"Some people can't get a reservation, or

they don't have time to sit down so Go Buddha offers a way for people to grab healthy options on the go," Pennie said.

Customers can choose from a variety of made-to-order dishes, grab-and-go salads, kimchee pockets, Sobo pockets, drinks and other items, including peanut sauce, hummus, and spinach artichoke dip.

The Go Buddha Food Shop is open Thursday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information call the shop at 905-835-8080.