Jim Leff's Chowtour article in Toronto Star

Jim Leff has written an article on his whirlwind Chowtour of Brampton and Mississaugua. See the link below.

Link: http://www.torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/...

Hey, it was also nice to see credit given to places in the north end of Toronto. Those of us in the northern 'burbs need places to go too.

I'm Korean and I have such fond memories of my grandma baking pastries in the kitchen...

Sorry, a little sarcasm. I didn't know that Koreans were known for their baked good. I'm going to try finding that place.

I go to that place regularly and they have one of the better korean pastries. I'm also, korean, so I know there isn't really "korean pastries" but what they have is somewhat different than that of western pastries. I think they are more geared toward to korean/asian tastebuds. That's just one guy's opinion, so I would recommend that you try them yourself.

Though I am no expert, I love Asian food.
"Pho" is one of my my favourites as it is a full meal in itself, flavourful and easy to prepare.
Any good address for a good Vietnamese Pho in town?
Re Asian pastries, I often shop at T.N.T. at The Promenade (Bathurst, North of Steeles). Its Pastry-Bakery section seems to be very good, judging by the number of people who shop there. I tried a couple of things (i.e. Lotus cakes, creamy rolls, custard puffs) but I would like the opinion of "specialists" and, if possible, some comments or recommendations. I have a sweet tooth, needless to say?
Thanks!

i can't believe nobody (including myself) has yet posted on Eastern Groceries. that place is great ! everytime i swing through Mississauga that's a guaranteed stop. aloo parathas, biryani, the rotis are good too. i'd avoid the wraps/gyros - not bad, but not great. the best are the shami kebabs - beef ones great, chicken ones even better ! you gotta place your order for the chicken ones 1 day in advance.

and bombay bhel is another stopover when i'm in the area, particularly if i'm to'n'fro the airport. all the chaats are fantastic, and a few of the veggie dishes are very competent as well (i'm thinking channa).

you def'y found the goods Jim ! i gotta poke around WAY more.

I know what you mean about the shwarma wraps...indeed, not great. But they're friendly, fast, cheap, healthy...can't think of a more congenial takeout sandwich, even if it's not the freshest and most thoughtful, like, Lebanese pressed shwarma sandwich.

I'm pissed I didn't try the shammi (sp?) kebabs. The aloo paratha (actually, "parantha" if, as I believe they are, they're pakistani) is really wailing. Ideal for spud lovers (like me).

glad to hear bombay bhel is as good as I vibed. But if you want indian veg, definitely hit the south indian place I wrote about just south of there. Different style, I know, but it's such a brilliant place.

ciao

agreed about the qualities of the shwarama, but just one more note: if traveling with it, get *plenty* of napkins (you'll have to ask). IIRC, there's a yogurt/raita-type sauce in it that just flows a little too freely ... all over you if yer not careful.

[yumyum]

In Boston we have a quaint habit of resurrecting years-old posts, so please forgive me for bringing this up 6 years later.

Thanks to Nab, I had an opportunity to try these shami kabobs and all I can say is shamWOW!!! Following his VERY SPECIFIC directions I assembled some shamis on baguette for last night's supper. Ingredients consisted of buttered and toasted bread, the shamWOWs (mine were chicken), chopped onions, cilantro tangles, some chilis for heat, and a nice drizzle of mint chutney mixed with yogurt. The resulting assemblage was out of this world good. The WOWs themselves have an amazing delicate but not-mushy texture and even more astounding flavor with all kinds of spices in there with the lentils and meat.

I have posted some pictures on flickr here --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/7284555@...

I'm imploring you who have not tried the shamWOW at Eastern Groceries yet, to haul over there STAT! If we had this treat in Boston I'd be there all the time.

And thanks again Nab! It is a true hound friend who schleps shamis from the North.

[LUV_TO_EAT]

Since the original link no longer works....anyone care to post address of Eastern Groceries? Tried googling it and found nothing.

[yumyum]

Google tells me it's Eastern Foods International at 3071 Hurontario Street, Mississagua

[Kagemusha]

Since this thread is a bit stale, I'll suggest Town and Country Market(Hurontario+Fairview Rd. behind the Shell station) for good Lebanese take-out+groceries. Great little store.

[Nab]

That's the one.

Really, far and away, the best shamWOWs I have had anywhere. If you're lucky enough to get there when they are fresh, you will find them in an ideal state - hot and crispy shells, with an almost fluffy meaty interior. Nevertheless, they are excellent at anytime.

Wow, I live 2 blocks from the Ethiopian Village and always thought it was a grocery store. I'll have to try it. What could a toddler eat at an Ethiopian resto? He doesn't do spice.

No problem with a toddler - the people there are extremely friendly and helpful - they'll prepare something.

You live two blocks from a restaurant I'd give anything to have within an hour's drive from me. Have you tried it yet?

ciao

Now to convince a friend with a car to take me out to Mississauga.

Surely there's public transport or a bicycle trail? T.O. isn't Waco, TX, after all. ; D

(In case you don't remember, I was one of the people warning you not to expect too much of the Dr. Pepper museum...)

We went into the gift shop! It was exciting!...

Well, no, not really. And we ate lots of really bad food, except for the night we were in Austin.

There is SOME public transportation, it's just that Mississauga is a separate city, and it's a bit far from where I live.

In his article, Jim lamented that there was no authentic jerk chicken in Brampton well he is right. You have to go the Eglington Avenue West in T.O. to get some.

In between Vaughn Road and Keele Street on the south side of Eglington, there are several sidewalk vendors cooking over outdoor barbeques a la Jamican style, especially on the weekends. Just look for a barber shop and there will be somebody out there cooking.

Jarinda, that's a great tip, sounds just right. Have you ever tried the jerk chicken at Jam Dee's Jerk Pit Restaurant & Bar (3454 Danforth Ave, east of Warden Ave.)?

I tried them (and reported on them for my previous article for the Star), and it seemed like good jerk but I was there at the wrong time (got old stuff), so it was hard to tell.

ciao

How would you rate Albert's Real Jamaican?