352038 Sun Dec 17 00:26:13 -0800 2006 42 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 2106237 For anyone who likes Cajun food, this place is tremendous! It's a little "everything Cajun store" (in Leslieville on Queen @ Carlaw) with a takeout counter (and three little patio-type tables) at the back. The food is great! The owners do a lot of catering and they have a standard regular menu - Shrimp Po-Boys (sort of cajun subs), Red Beans & Rice, Gumbo, Sweet potato frittes (very thin fried potatoes) etc. augmented by a great daily special. The special is: (a) different every day, (b) comes in a large portion, (c) is only $6.95 and (d) is almost always excellent! In the past couple of weeks, I've had Chicken, Veal & catfish smothered in great cajun sauces with rice and sometimes with various southern greens. BONUS - The people at the store/restaurant are super friendly! If you love southern food, do yourself a favour and try this place - it's a "hidden gem". PS - I think their web site is cajuncorner.com and it has their weekly menu. Sun Dec 17 00:26:13 -0800 2006 28328 MajorSlick 1 2106243 I just checked - the web site is actually cajuncorner.ca Sun Dec 17 00:30:52 -0800 2006 2106237 28328 MajorSlick 1 2106541 I've been going to them for a couple years. It's great. I actually have some crawfish tails in my freezer to make etouffee with. I have not eaten anything from them but I don't doubt that it's first rate. DT Sun Dec 17 03:38:16 -0800 2006 2106237 11291 Davwud 1 2106667 Cajun Corner is a great place, but be advised that the daily menu is extremely limited in both size and scope. Also beware the slaw and the corn on the cob -- both are extremely hot. (I personally like the slaw, but feel they ruin the corn.) I wouldn't go across town to eat there (or, as is more likely, for prepared food takeout) without calling first and asking them to hold whatever you want. They are a great source for Louisiana ingredients that are unavailable anywhere else in the Toronto area. Sun Dec 17 05:06:46 -0800 2006 2106237 23411 embee 2 2112279 1) i LOVE hot/spicy food, and thus i don't agree that it 'ruins' the cob. 2) They also make, on demand, turkducken. For those who don't know what that is is, it's chicken stuffed in a duck which is stuffed in a turkey. When stuffing in all the 'right' places. every one should try it at least once. 3) and of course they have some really really good spices, hot sauces Tue Dec 19 12:03:53 -0800 2006 2106667 11101 galambo 3 2112568 They do turducken? No way! Don't tell my DH, I already ordered our turkey for this xmas. I agree these people can cook, they need to open a restaurant already - take-out, weekday lunch only is NOT working for me. I love that slaw too and their fried chicken is awesome. Tue Dec 19 15:07:15 -0800 2006 2112279 12120 julesrules 4 2112598 They live upstairs and they cater. I don't hold out too much hope for a restaurant. I couldn't convince them to stay open one extra hour so I could score some takeout for my dinner on occasion. I think they want a life :-) Tue Dec 19 15:14:56 -0800 2006 2112568 23411 embee 5 2113174 I was just checking out their site, says new extended hours Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10-5. Tue Dec 19 17:53:28 -0800 2006 2112598 23799 munch 6 2114098 I hope it isn't just for the holiday season! Tue Dec 19 21:56:11 -0800 2006 2113174 23411 embee 4 2115141 They actually have Turducken on their menu for this Thursday. NOTE: My wife and I were there again today and WE ATE IN ie. they do have several tables at the back. You just order your food at the counter and they call you when it's done. Mike Wed Dec 20 03:47:58 -0800 2006 2112568 28328 MajorSlick 5 2116021 Thanks, I never noticed the tables when I was there. Sounds like they are getting a little closer to a restaurant with the tables and the longer hours. Now I just need them to deliver (RIP Ghali's Kitchen) cause I don't have a car and am actually not that close. And thanks galambo as well for the turducken info! Wed Dec 20 15:08:46 -0800 2006 2115141 12120 julesrules 6 2118718 no worries Thu Dec 21 04:27:48 -0800 2006 2116021 11101 galambo 4 2115242 yes way ;-) they charged me about 100.00 for it (depends on the weight) and it is well worth it.... though it lasted for about 4 meals. talk about heavy Wed Dec 20 04:30:03 -0800 2006 2112568 11101 galambo 5 2116606 How do you you go about serving it? Has the entire flock been deboned? Wed Dec 20 17:44:52 -0800 2006 2115242 23799 munch 6 2118716 'very carefully' <S> but it is like a roast, in terms of serving. since there is no bones. but it is heavy so make sure you either don't eat for a week (<s>), have a freezer, or a large party. its a lot of meat. and the stuffing to boot. good luck and let us know. Thu Dec 21 04:27:35 -0800 2006 2116606 11101 galambo 1 2112872 I love the Cajun Corner. Their take-out gumbos are great, and their stash of New Orleans staples means that I don't have to haul so much back with me when I visit the crescent city. The honey and I hosted the recent family Secret Santa party, and, being big fans of New Orleans, chose a Mardi Gras theme. Cajun Corner was a huge help with everything from getting loads of beads to decorate with, and tiny voodoo dolls for assigning the secret santees to the secret santers, to tasso and andouille for our gumbo. I also got pickled green beans and okra and made amazing Cajun Caesars. The best though, was the king cake that I got for dessert and to choose who got to host the party next year--get the baby; host the party. It was a lovely cinnamon and cream cheese yeast bread ring, not too sweet, great for after our huge dinner, and best of all, my mother-in-law, who hasn't hosted a Secret Santa party yet, got the baby. It was a splendid party, largely because of Cajun Corner. Tue Dec 19 16:34:52 -0800 2006 2106237 16219 TwinklyTerrapin 1 2113219 They sell my favorite cajun seasoning there. Tony Cachere's, damn that's good stuff Tue Dec 19 18:06:49 -0800 2006 2106237 26758 bbbradk 1 2116039 You guys are making me hungry! Thanks for the catering tip! Wed Dec 20 15:14:37 -0800 2006 2106237 33204 EPIcureanTO 1 2118552 We stopped by Cajun Corner today to see if we could get a Turducken, but were told they were no longer accepting orders for Christmas. Thankfully, Chef Karen agreed to make us a deep fried turkey. Also tried the frog legs they were serving today. Very very good! thanks to everyone who suggested this place... Great little spot! Thu Dec 21 03:10:00 -0800 2006 2106237 27474 thegreatfoodhunt 1 2392048 I want to bump this up because it looks like they now do fried chicken (at 3 pieces for $5!!!) every night after 6pm. Based on having it once as a special last winter, their fried chicken is really good, spicy and mahogany brown. And we seriously lack in good fried chicken in this town. Fri Mar 16 09:34:30 -0700 2007 2106237 12120 julesrules 2 2392142 Had their fried chicken a couple of weeks ago and it was great, reminds me of my own homemade version. We've been getting takeout from Cajun Corner about once a week or so, love their gumbos and Shrimp Po'Boys. Fri Mar 16 10:05:59 -0700 2007 2392048 12212 Vise 2 2392423 Whoop!...now, if we could get them to do fried pickles and mac n' cheese, it be just like Fiorella's ...except colder, and with stricter liquor laws, but close enough... Fri Mar 16 11:13:15 -0700 2007 2392048 16219 TwinklyTerrapin 3 2481498 How do you now Fiorella's? LOL. Is it really as good??????? Sat Apr 14 17:57:14 -0700 2007 2392423 48505 deelicious 4 2484814 I've been to New Orleans several times (just got back, actually), and Fiorella's is a must-visit on every trip. I haven't had a chance to try Cajun Corner's fried chicken yet, but I'll be sure to report my contrast-and-compare when I do... Mon Apr 16 07:10:29 -0700 2007 2481498 16219 TwinklyTerrapin 1 2392103 Some of the key ingredients they stock are Andouille sausage, Tasso smoked ham, and the various coffees from Cafe du Monde. All essentials if you're a gumbo snob. On Saturday mornings, they also do the beignets from the Cafe du Monde mix. Fri Mar 16 09:54:02 -0700 2007 2106237 80671 Snarf 1 2394772 I really need to thank this thread for introducing me to this spot. I ended up going there yesterday looking for something completely different. In the end however I ended up having one of the Catfish Po'Boys and i have to say it was excellent! The person working there was simply lovely as well. Now the Man really wants to go back and try the fried chicken. I personally want to some of Saturday for the Beignets! Sat Mar 17 08:33:08 -0700 2007 2106237 11627 Otonabee 1 2394902 I love this place! They have been a neighbourhood staple for years, having recently moved from Greenwood/Queen to Logan/Queen to expand their kitchen. The friendly owners make thrice-yearly pilgrimages to Louisiana to procure the products they carry - and they try to carry things you might not find elsewhere - they really make an effort to find local, small (often home) producers of really quality sauces, condiments, mixes and meat (try the amazing Andouille sausage they carry!). I spoke with the owners shortly after Hurricane Katrina - their supply chain was almost destroyed, but I'm thrilled the business has survived as have the production of so many fine goods in Louisiana. The fried chicken is the best in the city - it's crispy, without being greasy, with a juicy centre and it's perfectly spiced. The blackened catfish is delicious. The beignets, with a big cup of Cafe du Monde coffee, are addictive. The shrimp po'boy is excellent. Pick up some Hurricane Mix for your next party - it's a fabulous drink. 1 oz white rum 1 oz Jamaican dark rum 1 oz Bacardi 151 rum 3 oz orange juice 3 oz unsweetened pineapple juice 1/2 oz grenadine syrup crushed ice Combine all ingredients, mix well (shake or stir). Pour over crushed ice in hurricane glass. Best enjoyed through a small straw. Garnish with fruit wedge if desired. I can't recommend enough - thank god it's on the streetcar line. Sat Mar 17 09:41:18 -0700 2007 2106237 20645 mummy2Luna 1 2400128 Just stopped by for lunch today. Hadn't been in a while and found the tables a welcome addition for right-there-eating on a cold, damp day like this one. An awesome and huge Shrimp Po'Boy, great sweet potato fries, Cajun slaw and diet coke for $12 total. You gotta love this place. Those of us in the area all ought to remind ourselves to drop by more often - especially since they're now open until 10 at night Mon-Fri. Mon Mar 19 10:33:40 -0700 2007 2106237 20926 rsvp7777 1 2481251 We have found the Cajun Corner experience to be a disappointing one. We have driven there twice now this month. Once they were closed (when their web site said they were open) and the 2nd time they decided to close their takeout counter early as they had a "rush" catering event. We explained to them that we had made two trips without actually being able to try their food but there wasn't any attempt made to keep us as customers. We won't be back. We have been to New Orleans and a big part of their culture is hospitality. In New Orleans, they would have at least offered a "lagniappe" to encourage us to go back. We didn't find any hospitality at the Cajun Corner! Sat Apr 14 15:50:35 -0700 2007 2106237 91452 masala 2 2483405 That is too bad and I would probably feel the same way. But I have found the people in there are generally very friendly. I guess the lesson for others might be to call ahead - it is a family operation, etc. But again I understand your frustration. Sun Apr 15 15:02:36 -0700 2007 2481251 12120 julesrules 3 2483767 What's the spicest (i.e. HOTTEST!!!!) menu item available at Cajun Corner? I am talking as hot as or, preferably hotter than suicide (as in the wings) on the spice scale! Sun Apr 15 17:10:14 -0700 2007 2483405 63975 Professorhiro 4 2484579 and this is a problem?????? love the heat. keeps the blood flowing and it is health for you as well. Mon Apr 16 04:32:09 -0700 2007 2483767 11101 galambo 4 2484701 Whatever it is, Professorhiro, if it doesn't rank high enough on the Scoville Heat Scale ( http://www.epicurean.com/articles/hot-peppers.html ), they sell a variety of bottled hot sauces there too. Mon Apr 16 06:22:08 -0700 2007 2483767 11490 Yongeman 4 2484822 Cajun and creole food actually isn't all that hot-spicy as it's served, but there's always a bottle of Tabasco or Crystal hot sauce on the table in New Orleans 9and at Cajun Corner) so you can do what cha wanna and make it as crazy hot as you like. Mon Apr 16 07:14:11 -0700 2007 2483767 16219 TwinklyTerrapin 4 2486726 The two very hot items on their menu are, oddly, coleslaw and corn on the cob. Neither is in the suicide range, though. Heat is added to other items mainly via a large selection of sauces. Mon Apr 16 15:59:33 -0700 2007 2483767 23411 embee 5 3261494 these two items honestly are well seasoned, yes! hot, not hardly! i am often quite amused at the canadian assesment of heat. Fri Jan 04 12:56:47 -0800 2008 2486726 154716 recipefordisaster 6 3263060 I haven't had them in a while and it is possible that Karen toned them down. When I last indulged, they were hot -- very hot. And I love incendiary food (with flavour, that is - not of the Duff's suicide wings variety). Fri Jan 04 22:14:24 -0800 2008 3261494 23411 embee 5 3263097 "hot", "very hot," and "too hot" are so VERY subjective. I haven't had the corn, just the slaw - found it spicy enough to be (very) tasty, but not hot enough to be distracting. But yes, these are definitely the most inherently spicy items on the menu - everything else leaves the spice level up to you. The variety of hot sauces available for doctoring is pretty sweet, but nothing is going to knock your socks off, heat-wise, by itself. Damn...now I think I need to go tomorrow... Fri Jan 04 22:38:18 -0800 2008 2486726 139230 Wahooty 2 2487365 To reiterate an earlier comment, don't go to Cajun Corner without calling first, checking that day's hours and food availability, and asking them to hold what you want. They are extremely nice people and really are very hospitable, but the catering business is more important to them than the eat in business and their attitude toward their posted hours is more casual than I would like - especially in the evening. I am surprised that they didn't offer you SOMETHING, but they do run out of food most days and much of the food (including sandwich ingredients) is cooked to order. Though I would share your frustration, they just have a standard kitchen stove. I live around the corner, but still call them before I go. Mon Apr 16 20:08:10 -0700 2007 2481251 23411 embee 3 2489394 I picked up there jambalaya last night and would simply comment that it was great. I look forward to trying their other dishes. I'm not certain I'd use it for anything other than take-out, but I sure did like the food. Tue Apr 17 13:14:09 -0700 2007 2487365 14523 chip 1 3309441 I understand they were doing Turducken at Christmas. Did anyone try it? Fri Jan 18 13:13:55 -0800 2008 2106237 80671 Snarf 1 3309502 + Fri Jan 18 13:25:54 -0800 2008 2106237 98493 JamieK 1 3336036 My company is having a spouse's event in March and we are considering using their catering services. Has anybody on the board used them, or heard about events they have catered for - would appreciate any feedback. Sat Jan 26 15:29:04 -0800 2008 2106237 20205 mramage