From frustration to a crushing sense of impotence, tariff fatigue can take many forms. The best medicine? The soothing balm of a Canadian-focused meal offered at a budget-friendly price.
A delicious reaction to the inanity of tariff-centred grandstanding, Patois’ Shebang For Your Buck trays highlight locally-sourced Canadian products morphed into soul-food favourites.
“This campaign is our opportunity to show up and show out for our Canadian community,” says Patois chef and owner Craig Wong.
“We’re focused on featuring the ingredients we have access to, highlighting our favourite Canadian products like Ontario cabbage, Canadian maple syrup, local Ontario fish, local honey, and as much local produce as possible.”
Offered in limited quantities from Tuesday to Thursday, each complete meal includes sides, a main and a dessert—all for the easy-to-swallow price of just $25.
Featuring off-menu items, with meat or veg-based options, Shebang For Your Buck cafeteria trays are loaded with a range of dishes. Diners can sample beer-battered wild pickerel with mushy peas one week, then fried chicken with seasoned rice and crispy sweet potatoes the next.
Brownies or Happy Pops, squares of carrot cake or maple cake round out the feasts. Plus, the savings continue with Red Stripe available for just $5 a pop.
“Patois is a part of this community, and we’re always here to help,” adds Wong. “We were here for you during the pandemic, and we’re here for you again now.”
In conjunction with the special menu, the restaurant’s Jamaican Patty sister space, JunePlum, is riding the sweeping wave of patriotism by taking the opportunity to shine a light on small Canadian businesses.
In an effort to help customers shop local, the team has featured everything from Stac(s) gluten-free pancake mixes to BLK Rose’s premium scented candles in its free retail pop-up space.
“The heart of this project has always been about doing what we do best—cooking for the people we care about, especially during challenging economic times,” says Wong. “Shebang For Your Buck was our way of making weeknight dining more inviting, accessible, and fun.”
With a limited number of specialty trays available each night, you’ll want to reserve your spot at Patois, stat.
Patois is located at 794 Dundas St. West.
