My name is Eric McLean and I started McLean's Specialty Foods.

As the name implies, we stock"specialty foods", that is,

foods which are not easily found inconventional food

stores. If you like to read Gourmet, Fine Cooking,

Chatelaine, Canadian Living, or any other

food publication, you will enjoy McLean's Specialty Foods.

You've probably at some time seen a great recipe, looked through

the ingredients and then said "Well, where on earth do I get that?"

This is why I started the business in the first place.

The very first (and only) flyer I produced borrowed strongly from

a fellow Scot, Alexander McGibbon, who in 1880 took out a small ad

in the Montreal Gazette as follows:

"I wish it to be distinctly understood that I keep only first class goods,

and therefore, people who want bogus brands, or mixed and adulterated

teas and coffees, or inferior goods of any kind, must go elsewhere for them."

That, in my opinion, is what you call a real mission statement.

For my part, I've coined a few phrases for my own use, e.g.

"You can buy rubbish anywhere theses days - except here."

Continued...

I have followed these ideals, together with a fervent commitment

to service and product knowledge, and over the years we have developed

two distinct customer profiles: Foodies and Ethnics.

Foodies are those lovely folks who just love food, cooking, entertaining,

and trying out new things. Popular items include vinegars, oils, dressings

and marinades of all kinds, spices, like saffron, juniper, and whole nutmeg,

flavoured mustards, honeys and jams.

Ethnics are those customers of a particular (European) ethnic background

who want a taste of their homeland and the products they remember.

We stock a wide range of premium quality Scandinavian products,

and of Italian products including over 30 different cuts of dried pasta,

simply because Italian cuisine is so popular and our Foodies demand it.

We also have a huge selection of British products to satisfy the large

number of Brits in this part of the world. Everything from "proper" bacon,

Haggis, and black pudding, to pickled walnuts, treacle puddings,

and whisky marmalades.

Continued...

Then there's our cheese case with over 100 different kinds

of cheese in stock at any given time!

Over the years, we've enjoyed the pleasure of many delightful

customers, including a large number of visitors and tourists.

I'd like to share with you some of their comments from

our guest books.

"Wonderful selection and Quality" Pat Briggs. Dan Lasco, Seattle. WA"

"Looking for bucatini pasta and found it!" Benita Torregiani. NY City.

"We need one these in Montreal" Rosetta Mcdevitt. Mon, Quebec.

"What would Nanaimo do without this shop?" Winn Kennedy. Nanaimo, BC

"Love your shop. Wish it was in Calgary!" Jackie Trafford. Calgary, AB

"Best thing in Nanaimo!" James Barber. Vancouver, BC

"Out of this world!" B Jeyer. South Africa

"Heaven!" Mary Howard. Victoria, BC

Continued...

So, if you are ever in Nanaimo, do drop in and visit us,

and don't forget to bring your wallet. I just love the sound

of that cash register ringing away!

Also, don't forget that we specialize in gift baskets,

just in case you have a friend or relative in Nanaimo or vicinity,

whom you may wish to remember from time to time.

We can arrange for a beautiful custom basket

to fit your specific needs and your budget,

and have it delivered for you.