Husband and wife team opening a unique bistro and bakery in Kamloops
- This article was originally published Aug. 25, 2022.
A new bistro and bakery is about to open on Kamloops’s North Shore and it’s bringing a different kind of menu.
Ashley Morey and husband Marcus Kharboutli have been hard at work for a year preparing for the opening of Cutting Board Bistro and Bakery.
“We wanted to get this up and running sooner but it has taken longer than expected,” Morey said.
The bistro is offering an entirely gluten free menu, something celiac Morey is passionate about delivering. With her 17 years of experience in the hotel industry and Kharboutli’s experience as a chef, the two are looking forward to providing good, healthy, gluten free options in a warm atmosphere.
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“As a celiac, it is hard to find gluten free food that is tasty,” Morey said. “My husband is a chef by trade so he started mastering gluten free baking and cooking. Then we found this place available on the North Shore and decided to go for it.”
Celiac disease is a common, chronic immune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion. It results in damage of intestinal lining and causes a range of uncomfortable physical symptoms.
“There are a lot of people who are not diagnosed with it and just want to eat healthier,” Morey said. “We are serving breakfast and lunch, French pastries and muffins, baguettes and bread, there are so many options on the menu I don’t know where to start.”
The new venue located at 750 Fortune Drive, Unit 21 is still under construction as the last details are finalized. It is designed for both sit down and takeout, with 19 seats and counter service.
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Morey is excited about the welcoming feeling of the space.
“When people come into the bistro they will find a comfortable place that is unique and trendy,” she said. “My husband designed it. He has a lot of experience building restaurants. It is so exciting.”
Morey said the biggest challenges right now are finding the right staff. They are currently hiring for all positions including dishwasher, prep cooks, kitchen help and cashiers. She wants to make sure everything is prepared before opening the doors.
“People are not showing up for interviews but we are getting through it,” she said. “We are a bit worried about the first rush. We don’t want anyone waiting, we want to provide optimal service.”
She said while the last bits of work are going on in the restaurant, the curious general public has been wandering in through the doors asking when the opening day is.
“That is the million dollar question,” she said. “We’ll either open just before September long weekend or right after. We are trying to nail down a date as soon as we can and are thinking September 8."
The bistro will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and closed Sundays and Mondays.
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