If you ask a local where to get a great breakfast, lunch, snack or coffee, The Bench Market will be at the top of the list. In-the-know locals frequent this eclectic spot because of its friendly staff, great food and delicious drinks.
Perennial favourites and classics such as the best bennies in town, beautifully crafted paninis, interesting salads and flavourful soups will always be part of the menu – but to keep it fresh and on trend, owner Stewart Glynes has come up with a couple of new choices this spring.
“Our new power cereal is made with oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, pecans, almonds and maple syrup, topped with banana and can be served with coconut, almond, soy or dairy milk, either steamed or chilled,” says Stewart. “It’s a healthy in-house created cereal that has great flavour. We have also added a gluten-free pancake stack, topped with fresh seasonal fruit and served with real maple syrup.”
Spring also brings new weekend brunch features and new drink options, all made with fresh, local seasonal ingredients.
The Bench Market is good for the community, too. The Glynes help by donating a dollar to a local charity for every soup-and-half-sandwich combo they sell from January to April. Raising more than $1,600 last year, they hope to top that this year for their four local beneficiaries: the Penticton Soupateria, Penticton Boys and Girls Club, South Okanagan Victims Assistance Society (SOVAS) and the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank.
~ Elaine Davidson