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A good source of potassium, fibre, vitamins C and E (two kiwis equal the nutritional content of a banana, two oranges and a bowl of bran cereal), kiwifruit has long topped our list of fave fruits. Indulging has become even easier with a portable, plastic utensil that cuts and scoops the fruit. Perfect for picnics and safe for packed lunches. We found ours at Vic’s Fruit Market, 1038 Pembina Hwy.

Familiar with the concept of meal assembly, where customers prepare gourmet meals in a retail environment without the worry of shopping, chopping and cleanup, Crystal suggested it would be a great fit for harried Winnipeg families. After a year of research and planning, Supper Central opened this past March.

At first, educating consumers as to what meal assembly actually was (“What do you mean I still have to cook it? It’s not take-out?”) turned out to be the biggest challenge for the pair.

So how does it work? Every month, 12 new menu items are offered that include unique entrées with a variety of side dishes. Full-sized meals serve families of four to six, and range in price from $25 to $35 dollars for a complete meal.

Customers book themselves into assembly times. During a session, they will rotate amongst the assembly stations, where the ingredients for each dish are set out and prepped, and follow easy step-by-step instructions to bring their meal choices to life. Creative “chefs” can also customize their meals based on taste preference and dietary concerns. Once assembled, meals can be taken home and cooked right away or be frozen for the weeks to come.

Those too busy to assemble their own can book meals online or call ahead and have meal selections ready for pick up or purchase a “made-to-take” meal in-store.

400-2355 McGillivray Blvd, 290-0909, or visit www.suppercentral.ca.