First Look: Hopscotch

Looking for a new healthy lunch option in the Financial District? Look no further. Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach gives us a first look at Hopscotch. 

In a bid to transform the culinary offerings in the Commerce Court, healthy haven Hopscotch has just flung open their doors, serving up sustainably sourced meals and beverages to the turbo time compressed. Doubling down on the success of their first location in London, Ontario, which just celebrated its first anniversary, the duo behind the brand is committed to serving healthy grab and go meals that are the holy trinity of goodness: organic, sustainable and locally sourced (when possible). Further adding to their blinding halo of goodness, the owners, who are brothers (and grandsons of the founder of White Oaks Resort) have gone to great lengths to ensure all their packaging, including bottled water, is fully biodegradable.

If that doesn’t make your Grinch heart triple in size, then consider this; the brothers also donated all their opening day proceeds to Niagara Street Public School and will continue to support the cause by providing nutrition education and food donations throughout the year – cue heart exploding. 

Humanitarian efforts aside, hospitality-wise, the space is clean and inviting. While there’s no seating, that suits the clientele aiming to make a hasty retreat back to desk life. Open from 6am-6pm 5-days a week, Hopscotch has got your three square meals covered in multiple formats, with protein rich smoothies, wraps, salads and the ubiquitous veggie/protein bowls to keep you satisfied and full of beans all day.

The menu wisely notes vegan, gluten free and dairy free finds making dietary restrictions easy to navigate. While everything is hearty and healthy, they don’t get all preachy – animals are on the menu – it’s your call to consume them or not. This approach works well, leveling the playing field for everyone, creating a safe space for vegans to dine with (Neanderthal) non-vegans alike.

The caveman in me dug the Lucha Libre bowl, with tender strips of grilled chicken, brown rice, avocado, black beans, and chunks of sweet potato with a saucy spread of chipotle-lime vinaigrette, lime crema and salsa. Topped with cilantro and a sprinkle of crispy crushed nacho chips, this bowl is substantial, the portion size is satisfying enough to sate even the burliest banker.

Drinks feature standard coffee and tea options, but are amped up with the addition of Chai and Matcha offerings, in both tea and latte forms.

With a business plan that dictates aggressive growth strategies, the brothers, Wyatt and Aiden, are already focused on a third location, they say will ‘definitely be in the GTA’ . Likely only a hop, skip or jump away from Bay, but only time will tell. Luckily for us, these brothers aren’t going to make us wait long to find out.

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Have you tried Hopscotch yet? What do you think about the restaurant? Let us know in the comment section below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.