We make small batch preserves with a focus on local and ethical product in the Stratford area.
We are Andy Pogson and Dana Vranic. Andy grew up in Stratford, Dana in Ajax, and we have been living in Toronto for the better part of our adult lives. WIth the birth of our daughter, Audrey, in 2011, we decided that it was time to make a move to a smaller community where there is more breathing space and a slower pace. We both are active in the theatre community, and our love of cooking and food led us to jump on this opportunity when it was presented to us.
Pickles Eh! was started about 10 years ago by Suzie Turnbull, a wonderful and talented coach at the Stratford Festival, as well as an amazing cook and preserving master. She was a fixture at the Stratford Farmer's Market and was sought out by her loyal customers for her wonderful chutneys, jams and mustards. She also dabbled in some catering, and we had the pleasure of her presence and amazing creations at our wedding in August, 2013. After a great deal of hard work, and as she was on the verge of a major lift in her business, sadly, on November 9, 2013, she passed away.
As her friends and family tried to decide how they could honour her memory and keep the business going, we decided that it might be the right move for us, both personally and professionally, to pick up her business and grow it to a level that Suzie never had the chance to experience. We keep Suzie in our hearts and in our minds whenever we cook, and we will do our very best to live up to the quality she delivered each time she filled a jar.
