In recent years, Downtown Whitby has become a home to a vibrant food scene that promises varied culinary experiences with every delicious dish. The Food and Art Café, located at 105 Dundas St. W, is no exception. Celebrating 6 years in business this September, this downtown hotspot is definitely worth a visit.

The Food and Art Café, lovingly known by locals as “The Fart Café”, is the realization of a shared dream for owners Alison and Noel Galvan. With a degree in fine arts, Alison harboured a lifelong dream of owning her own gallery, while Noel, boasting three decades in the restaurant industry, aspired to have his own restaurant:

The idea for The Food and Art Café really came from our desire to merge our passions together. We wanted to share a space where I could exhibit my art, and my husband, Noel, could showcase his food.

Alison Galvan, Co-Owner, The Food & Art Café

The mix of Alison and Noel’s talents is exactly what makes The Food & Art Café so special. The café provides a platform for Alison and other local artists to exhibit their talent, while simultaneously satisfying taste buds. In turn, the café has become a community hub for foodies and artists alike.

The menu at The Food and Art Café offers a variety of unique dishes that are bound to satisfy every palate. From breakfast poutines and stuffed French toast sandwiches, to a selection of five different types of pancakes, there's something for everyone. Additionally, Noel, who hails from the Philippines, has thoughtfully included authentic Filipino dishes such as Chicken Adobo and Filipino Beef Stew. Among the favorites are the homemade scones, served with delectable homemade raspberry, blueberry, or peach jam, which customers absolutely adore, according to Alison:

Our scones and jam are a big hit. We actually had someone FedEx our scones and jams all the way to Los Angeles. I also heard from a customer that they made it as far as Denmark. It’s wonderful to hear stories like that.

Alison Galvan, Co-Owner, The Food & Art Café

Adorning the walls of the café are Alison's own artworks, alongside pieces from other talented local artists. Noticing a lack of opportunity for local artists to showcase their work, Alison launched a program, which operates on a quarterly basis. Artists are invited to submit a 12x12-inch piece, each assigned a number to maintain anonymity during the selection process. Rather than relying on a panel of judges, patrons visiting the café participate in a diplomatic voting system.

We keep the art anonymous for two reasons. First, we want to make sure that people are voting for the art, rather than voting for the person who created it. Second, it helps alleviate some of the fear artists experience when first deciding to put their work out there.

Alison Galvan, Co-Owner, The Food & Art Café

To support the artists financially, the program includes a silent auction. The bidding starts at $30, enabling artists to recover their participation fee and providing them with an opportunity to sell their work.

The program also rewards the artists with enticing prizes. The first-place winner receives a month-long exhibition, where they can showcase several of their pieces in the main dining room. The pieces are priced and are available for sale. 100% of the sale goes to the artist. The art program allows Alison and Noel to keep their space fresh and exciting:

The program allows us to showcase art from various local artists, so there’s often new pieces on display to enjoy and appreciate.

Alison Galvan, Co-Owner, The Food & Art Café

Through The Food and Art Café, Noel and Alison have successfully created a thriving hub that merges culinary delights with artistic expression. Their unwavering dedication has elevated the food and art culture in Downtown Whitby, providing local artists with an invaluable platform to showcase their talents. As the café continues to evolve and inspire, it stands as a shining example of the power of passion, creativity, and the vibrant fusion of food and art.

To learn more about The Food and Art Café and explore their offerings, visit their website or follow their Instagram.

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