New bake shop and cafe coming to Ridge Road this December

After baking all across the world, the next chapter for chef Pradeep Dharmawardane starts on Ridge Road.

A new bake shop and cafe opening December 3 is expected to bring fresh European-style pastries and a sit down menu to the heart of Ridgeway.

Red Ganache will open at 238 Ridge Road North in the former Pie Guys space. Dharmawardane, a Niagara Falls pastry chef with decades of international training, chose Fort Erie for his second location because he believes the area is the perfect spot for a full-scale bakery and cafe.

Dharmawardane told Fort Erie Radio, “They don’t have anything like what we do at Red Ganache, so why not give it a shot.”

He opened his first location in Niagara Falls six years ago after a long career in baking that took him through Sri Lanka, Dubai, the United States and major Canadian hotels. He said the early months of his Niagara Falls shop were difficult because it opened just before the pandemic.

“You put your heart and soul into it because it is your first business. You find your way, even when you open and then six months later you have to shut down,” said Dharmawardane.

The Ridge Road location will add a cafe menu he cannot offer in Niagara Falls due to limited space. Red Ganache will be offering a breakfast, brunch and light lunch menu.

Dharmawardane describes his baking philosophy as focused on balance and traditional methods. He will be using his 17-year-old sourdough starter at the location, is pursuing a liquor licence, and plans to offer wine, mimosas and other simple pairings.

“My concept is European-style using real ingredients. It is about the quality of the product and the balance of flavour and sweetness,” said Dharmawardane.

Supporting local businesses is also part of his plan, saying he hopes to use products offered by the Heritage Cheese and Specialty Shop down the street on Ridge Road.

“We are all about this little community working together,” said Dharmawardane.

Opening before the holidays was an important goal for him because Christmas brings high demand for baked goods and seasonal drinks.

The cafe will open its doors December 3, with a larger food menu to roll out in spring as Dharmawardane listens to customer feedback.

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