Olives

[ParsleySage]

I spent a part of the summer in the Mediterranean eating some of the most delicious types of olives of different colors, shapes and flavors. Since I've been back in T.O. I am finding it difficult to find decent olives here, I've tried a few olive bars in markets but I find the brine taste is too overpowering, the type of olives I am looking for are marinated in olive oil with different spices and herbs--maybe a bit of garlic and don't have a strone brine flavor to them.

Any suggestions?

[eddy]

the Ararat grocery store on north avenue rd between lawrence and 401.in a small plaza opposite a no name store. great olives and other mid-east food. family owned and very friendly

[pinkbuddhacookie]

I find good olives and sundried tomatoes at the olive bar @ whole foods

[pancake]

I am so jealous, i am a huge olive fan and your time in the mediterranean sounds incredible.......I am not sure where to get "great" olives in the city.....There is a bakery in Etobicoke, La Rose Bakery, that has a decent antipasto bar with a variety of olives and imported european products, but it can get pricey.
Maybe Pusateri's ahs some imports as well? Not sure though, have not made it out there in a while.
The St. Lawrence market seemed to have a decent variety as well.
Good-luck on your hunt.

[AmandaEd]

Scheffler's Deli at the St. Lawrence Market has the freshest selection that I've encountered.

[electra1]

I love the lemon rosemary olives that they marinate in house at All the Best at Yonge and Summerhill.

[tasoid]

Try Pasquale Brothers out in Etobicoke, they have at least 50 types of olives . As they are wholesalers they can probably get you what ever you want..

[h2o]

The Olive Pit has a lovely selection of olives marinated in oil. Nice people too!

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/food...

[dinin and dishin]

Alex Farms has some very nice nicoise olives among others. I go to their Danforth locale, but they are also in the St. Lawrence mkt. Sometimes the Danforth locale adds rosemary to their nicoise olives...these are delish and remind me of my recent trip to Greece.

They also have some excellent olive oil they bring over from Crete... something about an ancient family press that has never seen pesticides etc. Whatever, it is very tasty.

[Mila]

I am a huge fan of the Cerignola olive which you can get at Domino's at the St. Lawrence Market or the Grande Cheese outlets. It is milder in flavour, huge, bright green and delicious in martinis.

You should try making your own marinade, it's so easy. Add lemon or orange peel, bay leaves, garlic, chiles or whatever you want.