Live from High Street, Preston, please put your hands together for Northside Grocer: a couple that wants you to eat like royalty when you’re eating at home. From banging beef Bourguignon to hearty lasagne, here’s Emma Thomson with all the deliciousness she and her husband Greg Snelders have in store for you tonight.
Who are you and what are you all about?
We’re Emma Thomson and Greg Snelders, a husband-and-wife team with a passion for food. Greg’s background as a chef and my experience in event management have fuelled our love for creating memorable dining experiences. After years in the corporate world, we opened Northside Grocer inspired by a simple idea we had a year ago on a beach in Spain: to make high-quality, delicious meals accessible to everyone. Our menu is both family-friendly and tasty.
Explain like we’re five, how do you make them?
We start with top-notch local produce from fantastic suppliers like Grange Meat Co, Biviano Direct, City Larder Charcuterie, and Back Alley Bakes. We blend in a bit of creativity and cook meals that are delicious and easy to enjoy.
Our lasagne is a labour of love, and it showcases great local produce. It begins with layers of handmade pasta, topped with a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese made with beef from Grange Meats and seasonal veggies from Biviano. Finished with creamy béchamel and topped with golden cheese, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual night in with friends.
My beef Bourguignon, meanwhile, brings the essence of French comfort cooking to your table. We marinate the beef and braise it in a red wine sauce rich with pancetta, garlic, fresh herbs, and mushrooms.
What excites you about this project?
We think we have something unique to offer: a blend of our family values, exceptional produce, and a solution for those who are time poor, seeking a different food experience, or simply don’t enjoy cooking but want a beautiful meal. We love bringing gourmet magic to everyday life, experimenting with flavours, working with amazing local producers, and hearing the positive feedback from our customers. Being part of the vibrant northside food scene is a joy.
What are the perfect conditions to enjoy a Northside Grocer meal?
Our meals are perfect for any occasion where you need more of the good stuff and less of the stress. Whether it’s a midweek dinner between the office and sports pick-ups, a cosy evening with a glass of wine and some tunes that make you feel at home, or a laid-back dinner party with friends, our meals fit seamlessly into your life. It’s all about great food, great company, and the kind of comfort that makes life a little sweeter.
And you guys also do catering?
Absolutely. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more formal event, our standard menu is available or we can work with you to create a custom spread that will leave your guests raving and your stress levels low.
Northside Grocer, 105 High St, Preston, open 8am-6pm Tue-Fri and 8am-3pm Sat, northsidegrocer.com.au, @northsidegrocer