Can we revisit the PATH?

[Mila]

It's been awhile and it's getting colder so I'm looking for any favourites I can get to indoors or a short walk outdoors.
Looking for favourites, new places or healthy options.

I'll add my favs...
New and Good
Petit Four Bakery for Foccacia Sandwiches in Commerce Court
Good Regular place
The noodle / salad / soup from Saveur Saigon in Richmond Adelaide Foodcourt
Healthy
Salads from Fresh in Commerce Court
LF / NC Soup from Soup Nutsy in TD Centre
Just Outside
Sweet Lulu at 350 Bay St, but really just around the corner on Temperance St

I was quite impressed by Sweet Lulu which I just tried yesterday. Had the rice stick noodles with shrimp and a laksa sauce. The noodles, vegetables were perfectly cooked and the 4 really (really) big shrimp were amazingly perfectly cooked. The laksa needed a little help that was retificed by the addition of sirachna and salt. $12.95

Let me know your favourites.

[sumashi]

There's hoarding up in the RIchmond Adelaide food court for a new place called Bibap Express. I'll be a happy gal if they serve some decent Korean food. Anybody know anything about this chain? A search on the chowhound board comes up empty.

[helenhelen]

is there anything good down there around york and king? i sometimes end up around there for doctor's appointment, but i always get lost in the path, so i don't venture down there too much.

[julesrules]

Probably your above-ground options are better anyway, depending what you are looking for. You'd be pretty close to the Bell lightbox Canteen for breakfast/baked goods, and Little Nicky's is up closer to Queen for fresh donuts. Do you want actual sit-down lunch? Eating in the PATH is more a matter of making the best of it than a destination thing. Even if you find one of the decent food options, it's food court atmosphere for the most part.
Sam James' PATH location is near there, but has no seating.

[midtowngirl]

If you walk south down York street to Wellington and go down into the PATH via the stairs on the northeast corner you'll be in the TD Food Court which is one of the best in the PATH - Freshwest Grill, Hero Burger, Freshii, Druxys, Amaya, a lebanese place, pasta and pizza place, sushi, Quizno's, etc.

[magic]

Is Freshwest Grill decent?

[midtowngirl]

I like the Inside Out Burrito which is all the burrito fillings served without the tortilla over rice. It is a lot of food though!

[magic]

I think I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[CocoaChanel]

+1 for the inside/out burrito at Freshwest

The Lebanese place next to it (Tabbouleh?) is pretty good food court food

Also, the Marcello's in the 145 King St food court on Thursdays - it is Carribean/West Indies day. o They have excellent chicken roti and doubles (among other things, but one of the two are a relatively frequent Thursday lunch)

[Teep]

All the Marcello's (I know of 3 in the PATH) have the Caribbean Thursdays. I find that the roti and doubles suffer from sitting around too long in the wax paper on the steam table, especially the doubles which stuck to the paper.

[CocoaChanel]

I didn't know/realize about the other ones - apparently I am a creature of habit :)

We go early -- 11.30/11.40 to avoid crowds and lineups and the roti is good. Have not had the doubles in a while, so I can;t remember.

Since The Bay had its big re-do, does anyone know if they still have the Carribbean counter/hot meat area in the Concourse level floor?

[magic]

No, that is gone. Replaced by a startingly mediocre and pricey Oliver & Bonacini marche-type cafeteria.

The older hot table area was much better. Or so I think.....

[CocoaChanel]

:(. Boo

The West Indies counter was great!

[julesrules]

Has anyone mentionned the personal pizzas at Longos in fcp? I can't believe it took me this long, but I just got a pesto one (rapini, artichoke and mushrooms) and I am pretty impressed. Unlike most chain pizzas this is well-browned to the point of char. The crust is thin and chewy. Toppings are generous. Although I love these toppings I think I would prefer tomato sauce to the pesto which is bit oily, but overall quality is great. It gets pretty nuts in there (you would have to wait for your pizza then line up again to pay) from 12-2 but I go early or late anyway.

[magic]

Never had the pesto one but the pizzas I've gotten in the past from Longos (been a couple years) were always surprisngly good!

[pakmode]

I just tried the pizza from Longo's on Laird a couple weeks ago, and I was really impressed. For a 'grocery store' pizza, it's actually pretty good.

[julesrules]

Honestly, I thought mine was better than most chain pizza place slices, never mind grocery store pizza.

[MiniMom]

Still good but they have raised their pricies to $8ish + tax so almost $9 for the pizza which is a decent size but i thought they jacked it a little to high. The sandwiches are quite yummy as well with a good selection and nicely done on the panini press.

[julesrules]

The panini do look good... nice to know they press them properly. Some places really have no clue. I do think the sandwiches are a little pricey too however - $6.99 for a regular deli sandwich, which probably has more meat than I want anyway - and got burned by the hot table today ($9 for small servings of fish, rice and veg). The pizza looks even better to me in relative value (I got more than one meal out of it, although more like "a meal and a snack" than two full meals!).

[Wil]

Guys (and gals), it's been 6 months since the last post, time to revisit yet again! :) It's -20 out, so the PATH is perfect. I need some new spots and as always am relying on the awesomeness that is CH! I'd contribute, but sadly have been stuck with the same places!

[julesrules]

I could have sworn someone started a new thread but I can't find it.... anybody?

[magic]

I heard Buster's Sea Cove of St. Lawrence Market will be opening a second location somewhere in the PATH. Yay!

[Teep]

There is a new place called Kupfert & Kim in the First Canadian Place, by the LCBO. It has only a few healthy vegan choices, but I've yet to try it, as every time I walk by there is like 20 people standing in the order line and half that number waiting for their food.

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/kup...

[Chester Eleganté]

you can work a serviceable rotation in FCP:
Maxim's foremost as Mila noted - one of the best lasagnas around, shepherd's pie, various rotating mains + very competent soups and salads for about six or seven bucks. They've also been known to give me extra portions later on in the day, I'm just sayin.
Brick Street Bakery - sandwiches, sausage roll, pies, shepherd's pie, chili, croissants, tarts..there's a lot to like here.
Soly's Grill - as good a food court burger as you could expect (though it's been awhile for me)
Pumpernickel's - yeah, it's pumps, but that schnitzel sangwich hits the spot sometimes.
also there's Amaya express I guess and Longo's fires up these $6 pizzas that don't look half bad. Okay I'm reaching now.

The soba dish at the Cereal Bar is a real gem though; everyone who knows about this raves about it. It was baffling in the past as to just how they survived serving frickin cereal while paying Path rents, but hey, they found a niche.

[Wil]

New find, not sure if others know about it yet. It's called Touch (of the world) It's right across the Staples near the King subway (I keep forgetting what that food court is called - but it's not in the food court) Really good Indian food in there, pretty authentic...FRESH Nan made to order! Easily the best Indian on the path. Quite happy that a co-worker brought me here.

[Teep]

Don't know about this one, opposite Staples is an office building, with stairs going down into the food court. Where is this Touch? street level?

[Wil]

Opposite staples in the Path entrance that goes into the food court (that leads into the subway)

[farmgirl1836]

Touch is under the HSBC at the south/east corner of Adelaide & Yonge. Just walk down the stairs and turn to your right and it's right there!

[dannyboy]

I've been going here a bunch - right below dundee place not in the foodcourt.
Good indian, and cheap - you get rice or nan a meat and a veg for 8 bones ; )
their butter chicken is the way to go as they use breasts and not thighs or whatever

[Manybears]

Prairie Girl is opening their second location in First Canadian Place (more or less across from Longo's) in November... my sweet tooth will be happy!

[julesrules]

Prairie Girl has been open for a while now. I generally don't like their vanilla-based cakes but the current eggnog offering is great. The icing has appropriate salt and yummy rum so it's not so super-sweet. They also have daily special uniced cakes at this location (sort of like very rich muffins). The raspberry cheese streusal was over the top for me, more topping/filling than actual cake. But some of the other flavours look good.

[Manybears]

Agree on both counts (egg nog--very subtle and rum-warm! and vanilla--meh). I like the chocolate cake minis with berry icing too.

[julesrules]

Yes I like the chocolate/strawberry but my favourite is the chocolate/peanut butter. I think again because it has a little salt from the pb. Wish they would do a salted caramel icing.

[magic]

Just a heads up, Shawarma's King will be moving from the Eaton Centre to the Bay Adelaide Centre food court next week according to the supernice lady working there (I believe an owner). I quite like this place and will follow it.

Also, the Eaton Centre's new food court will be opening on Thurs Sep 1 after what seems like years of construction.

Star article on it here:

http://www.thestar.com/living/food/ar...

[canmark]

BlogTO also has coverage of the upcoming Eaton Centre food court, Urban Eatery.

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/urb...

[julesrules]

I like Shawarma King too (and always had the sense it was a family business). Good addition to the PATH, thanks for the tip.

[magic]

Pleasure!

[magic]

Does anyone know what happened to Shawarma's King? They are no longer at the Eaton Centre.

I reported a few weeks ago that they were moving to the Bay Adelaide Centre food court, as per the owner’s info. Yet I walked by and did not see them. Anyone? Anyone?

[julesrules]

I see what you mean. I can't actually figure out where they would go, I see no empty spaces in the food court or the other corridors. And there's already Extreme Pita and Grill it up (with vaguely middle eastern food) in that food court. Neither of which are any good but they might fill the same niche to a landlord's thinking.
I walk through fairly often on my way to work so I will try to keep my eye open for them.

[magic]

Thanks julesrules. It's odd, the lady (who I presume is an owner) said they'd be there already. Not sure what's going on. Thanks for keeping an eye out. I will as well.

[julesrules]

I may have seen this in another thread but didn't make the connection - Sharma's King us taking over the old Gios pizza location at Church and Queen. Good for them, too bad for the PATH.

[magic]

Ahh! Ok, thanks for the scoop. Great to know. Was wondering!

[julesrules]

They have wisely put up signs saying they moved from the Eaton Centre. Otherwise I never would have realized just by the name alone. All papered over and still Gio's signage so could be a while.

[magic]

I guess Bay/Adelaide fell through.

Will keep the peepers out, thanks!

[Otonabee]

Excellent news! Now it will closer to my office. Thank you for the tip.

[Teep]

A few mentioned Noodle King at the Sheraton Food court, here is my 2 cents. It can get really busy (one time I saw about 15 people lined up) and it's hearty food and the only traditional Cantonese lunch place (apart from Furama) on the Path.

But while the staff and menu are Cantonese, the food isn't 100% authentic. For example, the rice noodles are the dried stuff, not fresh. The "shrimp wonton" is more like dumplings (水餃). The "BBQ duck" is actually stewed, etc. And the soup leaves my mouth dry.

Spicy and Beef are not my thing, so maybe that choice is good, but I don't think I would go there unless I have a hankering for duck on rice.

BTW Furama sells mostly buns but for lunch they have things like chicken and mushroom on rice. They're listed on the wall menu but you may have to ask for them if they are not in the warming cabinet.

-----
Noodle King
123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H3M9, CA

[julesrules]

Thanks for this - I'm no expert on Cantonese so I couldn't figure out why my BBQ duck just wasn't very tasty.

[eco987]

I haven't tried Noodle King, but I kind of like Modern Wok in 145 King. They have bitter melon as a combo option, half sizes and my latest obsession is the beef brisket/tendon rice noodle. The noodles are not the best but the topping is tender and well-seasoned. Plus I enjoy a proper chili-oil (not the best oil, but way better than wing's hot sauce).

[grandgourmand]

i'm not saying it's the best, but i had noodle king for the first time and i'm ecstatic. food court offerings are usually so bad and here's a place that's pretty legit at what it offers. i had the spicy beef with thin egg noodles. the broth was a bit salty, but it was fine. the noodles stayed springy until i got back to my desk and the beef (pretty sure it was brisket) was tender and succulent. i'll be hitting up this spot regularly when the colder weather comes.

[julesrules]

The new O&B cafe is open at the north-east corner of the Bay's basement (a little far north perhaps, but on the PATH). They were giving out free Illy coffe with purchase of pastry to the hoardes getting off the subway this morning. I didn't stop to see everything but spotted one dangerous offering: a pretty decent selection of SOMA chocolate! I'm excited about this, it's on my way to work and I like the muffins and pastries that I've tried at Canteen.

[magic]

Thanks for the tip, I will have to visit!

[ekim256]

O&B is taking over!
Canteen does a good almond croissant and their butties aren't bad for a quick nosh. Dinners are not so great, but I'm guessing that the O&B cafe will be sticking to coffees, pastries, etc? :-) I won't be in TO for awhile, I'll see how good it is in a month!

[julesrules]

They have sandwiches, salads etc. They are also doing prepared foods including a takeaway dinner concept - main course, soup, dessert (the ones they had out were Dufflets), small baguette and bottle of water for 2 for $29.99, and of course all those items are available individually along with pasta sauces and the like. I didn't see if they have breakfast sandwiches like at Canteen.The staff are eager and friendly, for now anyway :) I really enjoyed my peach danish today. I like that they are doing seasonal fruit danish (peach and blueberry today) which is something I noticed at Canteen as well when they first opened. But the muffins looked to be a more general selection.

[julesrules]

I am still liking the danish and muffins which are fresh and good quality. But not impressed with the prepared salad and sandwich offerings. I grabbed a pre-made sandwich this morning to have for lunch. It was bland and the baguette totally soft & flabby, the sandwich fell apart. I've honestly had a better premade roast beef sandwich from Loblaws. the bread was way fresher and better. Downtown you can do better at Mercatto, even Sandwich Box on Richmond, for the same price. The salads I won't be trying because they are the teeniest servings for $5.99 and up. I did have a decent soup the other day.

[Otonabee]

I got a double chocolate chip cookie with walnuts from the smaller stand in the O&B Cafe (the side that has all of the chocolates). It was impressive for $2 gooey in the middle and crunchy on the outside. Haven't checked to see if they were still selling them this week,

[magic]

Has anyone tried Sammy's Gourmet in the Richmond Adelaide Centre food court? They seemed to specialize in chicken, doing it in several different styles. Visually, it looked good. Might have to check it out. Anyone been?

[TheGloaming]

Another vote for the soba-chicken-spinach-cucumber-carrot salad bowl at Cereal Bar in the Commerce Court food court! Good portion, delicious, and just under $6 with tax. A refreshing lunch option during summer.

A huge thank-you to all those recommended this hidden gem. A bizarre but delightful discovery. I don't know how this place stays in business, btw.

[magic]

Buh, I tried Petit Four's turkey sandwich today. Terrible. Tasted like something Druxy's or some cafeteria would make. What could have been their one saving grace, their bacon focaccia (which I assume is house-made) was so hard it destroyed the inside of my mouth. Will definitely not be going back to try anything else. Especially with Fast Fresh Foods across the hall.

[Mila]

The summer "above ground" path is here. Yes, technically not on the path but some tasty options.
Bay Adelaide Farmers Market - Thursday
Metro Square Market on Thursday
City Hall on Wednesday

Has anyone found any good chow?

-----
Metro Square Cafe Restaurant
3636 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R1K9, CA

[SMOG]

Where is the Bay Adelaide market? I didn't see it there last week (July 7). Is it Brickworks like it was last year?

[gregoryyyz]

Runs Thursdays until September 15th but they did skip last week:

http://info.evergreen.ca/en/cal/event...

[gregoryyyz]

Also Tasty Thursdays at City Hall July 14 - September 1:

http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/...

[pravit]

I'm a fan of the Korean place in the Standard Life Centre (it's on the way to 145 King from TD Centre). It's similar to Ho Shim in FCP, but they also have chicken katsu and fish katsu as well as teriyaki and tempura.

[magic]

I was wondering about this place, thanks! I remember it smelled good walking by....

[julesrules]

Has anyone tried IQ Food Co. in the TD Centre? They are featured in Metro today and the items sound good - Mexi Cobb salad, Beet and goat cheese wrap, Spring Pea soup.

[Manybears]

Yes. I think it's good for PATH standards, low-cal/fat (generally) and satisfying. It has become a favourite at our workplace. $10 (more or less) gets you a brown rice box with generous toppings, my favourite is the Lima (avocado, cheddar, cherry tomatoes, chili-lime sauce, chicken, corn and black beans) although I also like miso-miso (can't remember the whole list). All the nutritional info is on their site. The chicken actually looks and tastes like it, rather than the pressed protein squares you get in some other places. Waaaaay better than Freshii. My only criticism is that some of the other flavours of rice boxes sound interesting but can be bland-- I'm looking at you, blueberry crunch.

ETA: I should mention I am comparing it against other foodcourt places, not "nice" lunches. I also haven't tried any of the three things you mention specifically.

[julesrules]

That's very informative, thanks. I have a horror of that processed chicken! I will check them out soon. Do you know if they do breakfast? That part of the website seems to be broken.

http://iqfoodco.com

[Manybears]

Don't get me wrong, the chicken is still just pre-cooked breast-- it just isn't processed spongy salty wet cubes.

I don't think they're doing breakfast yet, according to a conversation I had with one of the employees a couple of weeks ago-- although it's rare that I go by there in the mornings so it's possible they've started in the mean time.

[julesrules]

Thanks again. Don't worry, I know what you mean about the chicken, and I get the context : this is the PATH we're talking about. But this sounds like an option worth trying.

[MeMeMe]

I went there once before I left the delicious PATH. I loved my meal - they let you make substitutions. It's healthy and extremely filling. I did need to add hot sauce as healthy food can often be a wee bit bland.

[Wil]

Where is this inside TD centre? Food court?

[MeMeMe]

Where Druxy's used to be - across from Freshii.

[kasey j miller]

IQ is very good but even more expensive then the other "good" overpriced options. I like their sweet potato and lentil wrap. They are not open for breakfast yet.

[ekim256]

Fast Fresh underneath 145 King has pretty good, toasty sandwiches
Marcellos across from it is a bit too pricey for my taste for what you get (har har)
My go-to is still Salad Creations for a Big Salad with lots of Stuff :-)

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[julesrules]

I just had a quite tasty beet-based "Russian root vegetable" soup from Naturally Yours in FCP. With caraway, dill, and apple cider vinegar, it was close to something from my own kitchen.
Agree that the soup at Maxim's is also homey & good, a little bland for me but cheap for sure.

Any other winners at Naturally Yours?
Monthly menu here:
http://www.naturallyyours.ca/daily-sp...

[pescatarian]

I like the spelt scones. The berry ones are best. If you get there just after 8 am, they are straight from the oven.

I like the sweet potato quinoa pie and the zucchini lasagna. lentil loaf with gravy is good too. I put hot sauce on everything (near the cutlery at the cash) and I get the green salad with the entrees.

[sasgirl]

I agree, those scones are delicous!!

I like the mexican lasagne and vegan souvlaki. And I always take that hot sauce too for the lasagne, I sometimes get it just for that sauce. :) And with the souvlaki, they ask if you would like some garlic sauce on top and I always ask for it because it goes so well with it.

You have a choice between a green salad or coleslaw, I just get the green salad with their delicous house dressing. I used to eat here all the time when it was in Commerce Court (now it is a Fast Fresh Foods).

-----
Fast Fresh Foods
199 Stn Commerce Crt, Toronto, ON M5G, CA

[julesrules]

I just tried the Mexican lasagne with hot sauce and the salad with house dressing per your suggestions sasgirl - very tasty!

I also like the "kamut protein cookie". There's actually no protein ingredient other than the kamut, but it's like a dry, cakey molasses cookie and quite tasty.

Another big advantage of this place - no line-ups. I tried to hit IQ food co today but that place seems to be very popular, way too long a line for me... I always forget how crazy the PATH can be between 12 and 1, I will have to go back at an off time.
Does anyone know of a forum or website to discover non-food PATH stores and services?

[sasgirl]

I'm glad you liked it Julesrules! :) I haven't been there in awhile as I now work close to Yonge and Bloor and not in that area anymore. Next time, try the vegan souvlaki with garlic sauce, that was my fav too! I remember they only had that on Tuesdays.

[pescatarian]

They list their daily specials here: http://www.naturallyyours.ca/daily-sp.... The hot sauce makes all of the offerings better IMO. I like the lasagna and the lentil loaf, which comes with mushroom gravy.

[julesrules]

Thanks - even at mid-afternoon, this scone I'm eating *is* quite tasty. Once I got over the expectation that it should be sweeter like most purchased baked goods, it is once again just like something I would make at home. I'm going to try the steam table stuff soon, the hot sauce sounds good.

[Mila]

For any hounds trying to recover from December excesses the grain muffin packs 16 grams of fiber, 180 calories and keeps you full for a day and a half. The taste grows on you.

[pescatarian]

According to their information posted, the scones are ony about 250 calories and they have 10 grams of fibre. Plus, I think they taste way better than the muffins and are more satisfying. But the muffins would be a good choice too.

[julesrules]

The scones turn out to have more than double the posted calories. I'm not surprised - based on the size of them alone, I was wondering how they could come in so low. This column annoys me when they "expose" foods that are obviously not healthy like cinnamon rolls but other times it can be quite illuminating:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietf...

[Mila]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !
That just freaked out our whole office.
lol

[julesrules]

Yup. For those calories I imagine I can have a pain au chocolat from Petit Thuet an a snack later, too. I didn't like the scones that much!

[piccola]

They really do pick foods based on reader requests, so clearly someone out there doesn't know cinnamon rolls are fat-and-sugar bombs. :)

[ekim256]

I actually rather like Salad Creations, under the Sun Life building. It's basically a "big salad with lots of stuff" that would make Elaine proud :P
I usually get the large. Good leftovers.
I posted it on my blog awhile ago:
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com/201...

There are four bases to choose from: Romaine, Iceberg, Spring Mix and Spinach.
Then, choose "throw ins" - With the Junior size, you can only ask for 4, but it's unlimited when you purchase the Full Creation - even more reason to grab it in a to-go container and save leftovers if you're a light eater.

Chickpeas, artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, corn, mushrooms, etc. There were over 40 choices. The salad was huge. For the next step (protein), I opted for Wild Alaskan Salmon ($3.50) while my friend ordered hers with Teriyaki Chicken ($2.50). They either toss the salad, or chop it up.

Not bad for $10, imo.

Erin

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[pescatarian]

That sounds similar to Fresh Food Fast in Commerce Court West, which I used to go to occasionally, until Druxy's started offering a similar salad - no extra for stuff such as avocado, but slightly more for added protein, still cheaper and just as good and fresh. They have small, med and large. All work out under $10. I usually get the small, which is $6. I doesn't look that big, but they really stuff it in there.

[ekim256]

Thanks for the tip! I should go back and compare. I often go to Salad Creations with my picky & health conscious friend (she hates most ethnic foods and many spices, but she's wonderful company!).
The extras at Salad Creations are pretty great though and I like how you can get ALL of them for the large. It's been also nice on days that I'm not that hungry, so I can save some for later or eat it on the Go Train or something. I've noticed Druxy's salads, but I haven't tried those yet either.

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[pescatarian]

I'm not a big fan of Druxy's prepared salads, but I like the salad bar they provide now. The protein options aren't as exciting as what you describe, but I don't usually get them because there are a lot of veggie protein options that are included. Even in the small size, you could keep adding on all the regular items and they'll never tell you that's too much. Plus, I find it just as fresh, etc. as Fresh Food,.., although I haven't tried Salad Creations, I'll have to check it out. Oh and if you go to Druxy's, near the cash, you can grab a couple of complimentary wedges of bread they provide to go with your salad.

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[ekim256]

Nice! You can get bread with Salad Creations too - two flat bread things or two sticks. Nothing special, but free bread is free bread :P
I think that I'm going to be exploring the PATH now that winter is creeping in. Great thread.

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[Wino In Training]

Their wraps are also tasty, and the soups (which change daily) are excellent.

[julesrules]

So there are soups at Salad Creations? Or Maxim's? I can't quite tell which post you are responding to and the weather has me craving soup :)

-----
Salad Creations
150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G2, CA

[Mila]

Since I started this thread forever ago, I thought I'd update with my favourite food place in the path. After 10+ years here and more and more chains serving crappy food there is a light at the end of the food court.

Maxims in FCP Food Court. Always fresh, always cheap, always generous serving and always delicious.
It's a short menu with comfort food: mac & cheese, sheppard's pie, club sandwiches toasted to order. The salads include a fantastic nicoise, with big chunks of quality tuna and a waldorf salad which is very good. The soups are always very good and $2.89. Two salads are $6.50.

These people really care about the quality of food.

and btw...
Longo's is overpriced and mass produced
Brick Street in opening downstairs in FCP

-----
Food Court
161 Richmond St, Chatham, ON N7M1P1, CA

[AverageJo]

Yeah, last week I spotted the Brick Street "opening soon" sign on that window and I'm looking forward to having the bakery so close to work.

Here's hoping Brick Street can overcome the curse of that retail space; at least 3 different businesses have occupied it in the past 10 years. None of them lasted long.

[KitchenVoodoo]

I havd found tgar Brick Street breads have a cake like texture, and their burger buns are too sweet.

[Mila]

Still waiting.....

The spot was planned to open weeks ago, but starting any new business in the Path is a serious undertaking. “I’ve never been put through so many hoops before,” Silander says, “or had to deal with so much red tape.” Still, he and his crew will be working day and night to get the place open by his dad’s birthday, February 20th.

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

[julesrules]

So is the dream dead? They never opened, am I correct?

[AverageJo]

No, it hasn't opened yet, but I don't think it's toast (no pun intended). The hoarding's still up, and I see construction workers coming and going out of the site. Just really behind schedule, I guess.

[AverageJo]

UPDATE: The doors were open today and it's basically all done inside: counters, display cases, signage, etc. -- all there! Only thing missing was the food!
Looks like BSB really is getting close to opening...possibly next week?

[Wil]

Yes, this thread is so good we almost need a consolidation post :)

Yes, Maxim's is awesome, their daily special save another .50! :)

[pakmode]

Thanks for rec.

Tried the Nicoise and Waldorf the other day.
They were both pretty good and the server loaded up the box to the max.
Good value.

I gotta try the mac'n'cheese and other hot items next time.

[julesrules]

Maybe we should start a new thread... some of these places, I wonder if they still exist.
Brick St also has great sandwiches of course, they will be an excellent addition.

[apilati]

I LOVE Maxim's. Honest, fresh food, great price. I've taken many of my colleagues there, and it's an office fave now.

Total quality place.

[julesrules]

Sampled frozen kefir at a new place in Bay Adelaide centre (next to Second Cup, bottom of the escalators). They are also doing kefir parfaits. A serving with one topping is under $4 iirc and an extra $1 gets you 4 toppings total. The frozen kefir was a nice sweet/tart balance, quite tasty. The staff were really eager to explain the concept and recipe - no HFCS in the frozen version, and the fresh parfaits can be sweetened to taste with honey. The toppings looked decent, fresh fruit, granola etc, there was what looked to be a candied walnut/sesame combo that I will be back for.

[pescatarian]

That sounds interesting, will have to check it out. I enjoy kefir

Found this website with a bit more info: .http://dekefir.ca/index.html

[julesrules]

I finally went back for a kefir parfait. The parfaits are more expensive than the frozen variety, so with the extra buck for toppings a fairly small "regular" size came to $6.10, and unfortunately left me hungry. I liked the toppings, the granola and walnut clusters are nice and not too sweet or oily.
I had forgotten that they have waffles made with kefir batter, I will give those a try next. Things seem a little slow, I hope they can survive until it's frozen treat weather again!

[kwack06]

Hi Julesrules - what is the name of this place? I'm trying to visualize where it could be and am failing... Thanks!

[julesrules]

Check out pescatarian's link - it is called De Kefir. Also
featured in Toronto Life this month. They are at the
bottom of the escalators from the lobby, so not in the actual food court.

[Otonabee]

I have become quite a fan of this place as of late. Love the staff and the frozen kefir is excellent. They have been giving fresh Ontario peaches as one of the fruit options this week. Heavenly!

[pakmode]

Not a meal recommendation by any stretch, but there's this small market/ fresh food place in the Standard Life Building - 145 King W, called Marcello's Market. If you get a fresh baked Choc-Chip/Banana/Walnut muffin at 8:30AM it's still warm out of the oven and only $1.25.

Almost as good as a dark chocolate & raspberry muffin from Apricot Tree Cafe in Mississauga.

-----
Apricot Tree
1900 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON L5K1P9, CA

[Arcadiaseeker]

They also do a decent toasted bagel. And the lineup is a lot shorter than at Tim's.

[piccola]

I think Marcello's a chain -- used to go to one in Ottawa. It was always the best option in the food court. If it's at all similar, check out their salads at the deli counter. The one I went to made a killer fattoush...

[ekim256]

You're right, it's a chain (http://www.marcellos.ca/home.asp). I've never ventured in, though if they serve interesting & ethnic salads sounds like it's worth a try

[piccola]

Besides the fattoush, there were at least a few other good options -- a lentil salad and I think a tabbouleh. But this was more than five years ago, so they may have changed the lineup. :)

[ekim256]

Nice nice! I think I'm hitting the PATH for lunch or breakfast next Friday. I might end up there =) anything with "fat" in the name is intriguing :P

[ekim256]

Man - Excessive travelling made a major delay in my visit to Marcellos. They actually took down the salad bar by the time I got there, and I was only able to grab a quick sandwich since it was near EOD. Thought it was a bit pricey, and Fast Fresh makes a better quick sandwich - but I still want to try their salad :-). I spotted a Marcello's in the +15 in Calgary earlier this week - I might have to see if they make a killer tabbouleh here!

Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com

[pescatarian]

I found a delicious lunch option at Cereal Bar in Commerce Court today. Odd, I know, but the new owners have started offering soba noodles, with fresh white chicken meat, cucumbers and red peppers. They put a teriyaki sauce on it and if you ask about it, as I did, you get to add their hot sauce, which is a crushed pepper/sesame hot sauce and is very tasty. It is a large portion for $5 and change and I thought it was delicious and healthful. Just thought I'd share for those in the area.

[ekim256]

Thanks for the tip, great to know! I wouldn't have thought to check this place out for lunch :)

[pescatarian]

No problem, and me neither, I was just walking by and noticed their special. It's a simple dish, but it seemed very fresh and it was tasty.

[Wil]

Thanks for the tip, I will try it out!

[SMOG]

Plus one for the Cereal Bar's soba noodle dish. For $6, you get a full bowl of soba noodles, chicken, cucumbers and peppers. And like everyone says, it's very fresh. It's also healthy and fills you up without that gross overfull feeling. I'm surprised they're not more busy for lunch. This has been a weekly staple for me.

[peppermint pate]

Plus two. Had a meeting downtown today and decided to explore the underground - OMG, I so don't miss my days of working down here. Holy crazy crowds. Anyway, I whipped out my phone, found this post and headed over to the Cereal Bar. There was nobody there (hard to convince the crowds to try a prepared dish at a cereal spot, I guess) and they were sampling the soba salad. For just under $6, I picked up a way huge bowl of spicy soba noddles tossed with red pepper, cukes and chicken. Very tasty. Thanks!

[Wil]

Finally got over there to try this, it's as advertised, huge bowl, fresh, tasty, cheap, we need to get more chowhounders over here! One thing not mentioned, super nice owners!

[SMOG]

Agreed. I hope they do well, as they're certainly trying hard and making an effort to expand the product line beyond just breakfast. It's a winning dish, but doesn't seem to be getting any attention.

[pescatarian]

Glad you are all enjoying it, and yes, the owners are super nice.

[julesrules]

Now that was a fresh, tasty and affordable lunch. Best I've had in the PATH so far. The spicy sesame sauce really makes it. I can forgive the *slightly* overcooked chicken. Great tip pescatarian! They had samples out today too.

[Wino In Training]

Just had the soba bowl. Really good (not fresh handmade soba but hey, it's a food court). And they gave a cup of their homemade chicken broth too!

[julesrules]

yeah the chicken broth (the poaching water from the breast meat) is a nice touch in the winter.

[Wino In Training]

Huh, that's almost like a play on how real soba is served, with the water from boiling the soba afterwards (Soba-yu).

[littlelam]

Just want to add another "thank you" for sharing this lunch tip with everyone - would never have found it on my own. $6 for a huge bowl of food is a great deal and it's tasty and healthy to boot. Noodles are a bit overcooked for my preferences but everything else about the dish is great.

[pescatarian]

Pleasure ;)

[dannyboy]

the bowl is good - but huge? it's actually small.

[Wil]

It used to be huge, I'm finding it's getting smaller and smaller

[foodaddict3]

I talked to the lady and she told me that many customers have complained that they cannot finish the dish and it's wasteful to throw it away. So they did take out some noodle. However, for people who have great appetite (like me), I always ask for extra noodle for my lunch, it's free. You just have to ask, and they are more than happy to add it for you.

[canmark]

I tried this for the first time this week (thanks to this thread) and was quite pleased. I said I didnt want the spinanch and the lady offered to give me more of the noodles, cucumber, carrots. I said the regular size amounts were fine (as it was my first time and didn't really know what to expect). It was a good-sized portion at a reasonable price. After I had eaten much of the noodles I poured the chicken broth in the bowl and ate it like a hot soba soup. I'll be back again, particularly in the warmer months when a cold soba salad makes a refreshing meal.

[Degustation]

I still think the soba noodle salad is a better offering than most in the Path, but now I wonder if I can ask for the dressing to be reduced. A caution for those folks with hypertension...

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietf...

[MeMeMe]

Was at the food court beside Scotia Plaza yesterday and walked past a place beside Wendy's called WikiHut. Not sure what it's all about - has anyone eaten there yet?

[madhatt]

Ho-Shim is pretty decent from $4-$6 tax incl. you can have your choice of deep fried chicken, stewed chicken, stir-fried organic beef, bulgogi, udon soup, veggies etc. w/ rice, glass noodles, broccoli and coleslaw. I can't see why people still go to Thai Express etc., and pay ~$9 for less.

I've also recently had the Chicken Curry from Sandwich World (near the Hero Burger in the Sheridan Food Court). It wasn't great, but for $4 tax incl. you get a full lunch (rice, salad, meat or veggies).

Noodle King is also decent at ~$6, but it just doesn't compare to a quality bowl of Pho. There are also numerous asian places selling Beef Brisket Noodle Soup for about $4 (directly next to Noodle King, is one example).

For about $7 you can have a decent vegetarian meal at Naturally Yours in First Canadian Place. They typically have items like Yam Burritos, Mexican Lasagna, Mac & Cheese and other caseroles. It costs a bit more, but may be appealing to those with strict diets.

Also, there's Ho-Ga which is near the Subway and Cultures between St. Andrew Station and TD Food Court. Korean food, most meals under $6 (Tempura, Don Buri, etc.).

Generally, it's a tough area to find decent, healthy cheap eats. In the summer I usually venture up to Baldwin Village or Chinatown.

[canmark]

The Marche(s) in Brookfield (BCE) Place are open.

The take-out location on the lower level (near the Hockey Hall of Fame) has got a nicer selection than in its previous Richtree incarnation. Although I haven't tried the hot food yet, the birchermuesli is better with the addition of golden raisins, and there's a good selection of fruit (incl.dragon fruit) in the fruit salad bar.

The main restaurant is still under renovations, but they've opened a small outlet (featuring crepes) on the street level.

I believe there will also be an outlet in the Bay-Adelaide Centre. Don't know if it's open yet.

http://group.moevenpick.com/content/p...

[Squeaker]

The full Marche has been open since August or so.

Unfortunately other than refurbished decor, it's pretty much the same but with a bump up in prices ($4/5 for a small glass of orange juice!)

[pescatarian]

If you like the salads at Fresh, you should try out the make your own salads at Druxy's in CC. They've modelled it after Fresh. They have 3 sizes. I usually get the medium for $6.50, which is a generous bowl, and you can choose any of the 40 non-protein items, and are not limited to 5 as at Fresh for a comparable size. I used to go to Fresh all the time, but I think that you get better value and the salads are great at Druxy's. Things like avocados, which are extra at Fresh, are included in the 40 items to choose from at Druxy's.

[Arcadiaseeker]

My two PATH favourites are Sukiyaki in the Exchange Tower -- not so much for sushi as for the udon noodle soup with tofu and veggies. I also really like that tiny Korean place in 121 King Street across the street -- I cannot recall the name and it is really small and wedged into a corner. They do a really good soup with noodles and tempura and good grilled chicken and rice. Does anyone recall the name?

[Wil]

It's been 6 months since the last post, might as well revive this classic, anything new open up? I know the new path between Commerce Court and Eaton Centre has a new food court, but nothing there except Timmies right now.

[Mila]

I haven't found much new lately. At the Richmond Adelaide Centre there is a new Indian which is quite good. Get some of the green hot sauce on the side, hot and very good. The new Greek in the Exchange tower is awful and I'm waiting to see the unveiling of the new FCP marketplace.

[Wil]

Is the new marketplace just a big Longos? Will they differ from what's offered at the Longos in Brookfield?

[Teep]

This new Indian at the Richmond Adelaide is called Biryani Place (or something). I had the chicken biryani, and while it was tasty, there was nothing else in it besides chicken and rice and they don't serve you anything else with it. Didn't feel like a complete meal!

There's also chicken tikka, saag paneer, goat curry etc. served with naan or rice.

[Mila]

Yes, the shine is off this place. Last time chicken tikka was dry and prices were going up. It would be better if they came smaller portions in a combo meal.

[kwjd]

They have more than just Tim's at the new food court. So far they have a Mucho Burrito, a pita place, Thai Island and some grill place.

[Wil]

Good to know, last time I went a few weeks ago it was just Timmies. Nothing of note then? How is this grill place?

[pescatarian]

Where is there a new path between CC and EC? I work in CC and did not know there was a new path.

[dxs]

If you go through Scotia Plaza via Commerce Court North and head past Winners and Ninki Sushi you'll see a new doorway leading to the Bay Adelaide Centre. Just go through there, hang a right then a quick left and you'll see the new food court.

[kwjd]

It is actually through Scotia, not CC.

[Wil]

Ya my bad, from where I am coming from (Brookfield) it's all the same :D But yes, technically through Scotia

[AJMC791]

Thank you so much for re-introducing this topic!! As I spend a great deal of my time looking around the PATH for breakfast/lunch/snack/dinner...

Over the past 6 months, the food places between exchange tower and sunlife (st. andrew station) have opened with a Thai Express, Salad Creations, Tim hortons, Sushi place, Juice bar and a Subway. As mentioned, there is a new greek place (Feta & Olives) in the Exchange tower - which is, admittedly, pretty bland. In addition, the old Taco Bell in the FCP food court is now a burrito place.

I am also really looking forward to the new FCP marketplace - which is going to be a large Longos as well as other things. Also, in the Brookfield place food court, a new Marche will be opening

My favorite lunch in the PATH, however, is still the Korean Chicken with noodles from HoShim. 6 bucks... really good.

[Wil]

Is the sushi place there just another one of the existing chains or an independent?

[AJMC791]

Its a chain... but slightly better than the others in the PATH.

As I walk by every day to get to St. Andrew station, you'd think I would remember the name.

1/3 off after 4, and 50% off after 5pm though.

[sasgirl]

It's a Bento Zushi, owned by Bento Nouveau.

[Negaduck]

Ho Shim also has a $4 (tax-in) chicken + rice thing. It's not very good though.

[Wil]

I thought it was $5 no?

[optionman]

I went back to Sandwich Box on Richmond near Yonge (have to cross street from PATH access at Scotiabank.

I was a big fan many years ago when it opened in the St Patrick's Market when, for less tan $10, you could get a very tasty sandwich with:

- 1 spread
- 1 meat
- 1cheese
- 2 veggie toppings.

They used to allow me to waive the salad and add some arugula to make it 3 veggie toppings.

Not any more. After ongoing cost cutting measures such as smaller portions, reducing the 2 veggie toppings to 1 veggie toppings, not allowing reasonable substitutions and throw in a very spongy crappy baguette not even worthy of a Druxy's, I have decided never to go back. And it cost me $11.25 (!!!). I will continue to give Petite Thuet my business (100% accessible by PATH) for sandwiches, even though they are more limited in their offerings......will update on my PATH recommendations later - many which have already been mentioned.

[hippotatomus]

How do you access it via the Path without having to step outside?

[optionman]

Very tricky - not sure if I can explain - you make your way to Commerce Court and follow the path as if you are going to the King Subway, past the entrance to Athlete's Care. There is a non-descript door on the left (North side) that will lead you to the One King West Hotel. You then meander through the corridor past all these mailboxes and past the old basement bank vault. Turn left up through the stairs to the lobby of 1 King West hotel Just past the bar and concierge on left side is a door which will put you into Petit Thuet. Once you get the hang of it - bring your friends - will impress them as it is a bit off the beaten "path". If you still have trouble, let me know and I will take note of landmarks next time I go....

-----
Thuet
609 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1M5, CA

[julesrules]

Last time I looked at the sandwiches and salads, they appeared to have serious freshness issues. The roast beef for example was like the dried out end piece that's been sitting in your fridge unwrapped for a week. Granted this was Saturday morning.
Have you been lately? I *want* to love the place! For now I work much closer to Mercatto and the sandwiches and salads are super fresh. Take the PATH to Bay Adelaide Centre and dash across the street.

[SMOG]

While I love their sandwiches, I have noticed that sometimes the bread is not as fresh. I have a feeling that they sometimes carry over sandwiches from the previous day when they're not busy enough to sell out. Disappointing when that happens.

Access through the path: Another way is to walk as if you're going to the King subway. Just before the turnstyles to get into the subway, go up the staircase to the right, which takes you to the north-west corner of Yonge/King and directly to their door. You have to walk outside for 10 seconds basically. Doable without a jacket in the winter.

[hippotatomus]

Oo sounds exciting! I just stumbled on to a picture of the bank vault the other day and it'll be interesting to see that too. Yay - now I can eat croissants all the time!!
Thanks, I think I should be able to find it now.. I just saw the door to the One King West Hotel today in fact and was thinking whether it would lead me there, but I thought it would be locked since there was a card sensor thing there. The doors to the left looked like it went into those off-limits corridors.. thanks for the advice I would have never tried going through those doors..

[optionman]

I haven't been for a while so I think I will go there today for lunch. Will verify my directions as well as the "quality" of the food. I went with a friend a couple months ago - they had a take-away quiche - they cut in half, heated up for her - she raved about it and took the other half home.

[optionman]

Ok - popped in quickly today and here are my comments based on previous threads:
1. My directions were pretty much bang on - only thing I would add is that when you get into the hotel lobby - turn left into the little coffee alcove which leads to the washrooms. When you get up the short flight of stairs, there is an entrance to Petit Thuet right in front of you.
2. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and it was perfect in its grilled simplicity. I was brought up with a european admiration for simple sandwiches - like the Dutch broodje. Exquisite bread, fine quality filling and just a little something extra, be it butter, mustard or other spread.
3. As for looking "fresh", this tends not to worry me - lettuce always looks fresh at Loblaws thanks to misting gases, but is rarely the case.
4. Second point on freshness - good baked bread's freshness deteriorates exponentially with each hour after it is baked. Which brings fond memories of when I lived near a bakery in Collioure in the the south of France - if I couldn't get there by 8:30, 9:00 for the fresh baked fougasse - forget it - I wouldn't bother *grin*.

-----
Thuet
609 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1M5, CA

[magic]

I've been enjoying Feta & Olives at Atrium on Bay for a while now. I think their chicken shawarma is really good!

Fresh bright toppings, steamed soft pita, juicy spiced chicken. SUPER NICE owner who really cares about details and serving nice food. I enjoy giving them my business.

[scrummy]

I personally like the Indian place in First Canadian. Tucked in the corner next to the Chinese place with the purple sign...ack, what's it called...NASHTAH!... yeah. Tandoori chicken salad (or wrap) is OUTSTANDING!!!! And a very yummo dahl. Plus I like that they are not a chain.

[SMOG]

That place is long gone, now replace by Amaya Express. I agree, the tandoori chicken wrap was pretty good, but I found everything else to be bland. Massive portion size, but no quality. Amaya is the opposite. You still get a decent portion size (certainly not massive, rather just right for lunch), but quality of food is significantly higher. Give it a try!

[TOchowgal]

Has anyone tried the Tamarind Indian Kitchen in the Brookfield Place (BCE Place) food court? Was wondering how it is.

http://www.tamarindkitchen.com/

[Negaduck]

Scroll up. Or alternatively, http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/4512...

[Toronto Chower]

I ate at Tamarind Kitchen today for lunch after reading about it on here. I had the butter chicken and some type of peas and mushroom curry. The butter chicken was very nice and the peas and mushroom were ok. I should have gotten the lentils instead. It comes with a tiny little salad which was completely bland and tons of rice. My food was not very hot but I would go back.

[MeMeMe]

I finally ate there today. Not bad, not superb. But the paneer was very tasty...the rice was also good. The saag - a little pedestrian. I'll go back again, however. Next stop will be Amaya Express.

-----
Amaya
1574 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G3B7, CA

[thenurse]

Tried this place today - took the subway from Dundas to satisfy a craving for Indian Food. Definitely liked the place - good, not great, SPICY! I got the goat curry and the chana masala. The goat could have been a little more flavourful, but the chana made up for it. I only ate 1/2 of it so will have the rest for tomorrow's lunch. I'll try it again next time I can swindle a metropass from a colleague.

[SMOG]

Tamarind added some new menu options recently, one of which is a vegetarian dosa stuffed with lentils and potatoes. Definitely worth a try, although I found the dosa itself overly salty.

[apple_pie]

The new indian place in First Canadian Place is open - it's called Amaya Express, with a more limited menu than the other Amaya Express locations

They let you choose one type of rice (basmati or biryani), a naanini (a twist on a panini - sort of a grilled naan sandwich), masala fries and maybe another option, I forget the details

And then you choose one main, they had a butter chicken, some kind of goan shrimp curry, saag paneer (spinach with cheese), a lime masala lamb curry. I think its about $6.99 for the meal...
I tried the biryani with the lamb and it was pretty good for food court fare, there was a definite shortage of good Indian food in the path so I'll be going back to try some of their other options.

I also tried the chicken tikka at the new Indian place in the BCE (Brookfield) Place food court - Tamarind Kitchen - and that was pretty good, not greasy at all and nicely cooked - it was the end of the day when I went so they were out of a lot of stuff and its too far for it to be a regular lunch spot, so Amaya Express is going to be my go-to for Indian for now.

[Wino In Training]

I had the Savoury Chaat. It was a heavily lentil-based chaat, with chunks of potato, some tomato, raita and tamarind sauce (or chutney?). Tasty and actually felt like I was eating something healthy - except for a few uncooked lentils that could have broken teeth. I let them know about it, and am giving them the benefit of the doubt as it's their first day.

Also had a samosa. The crust was quite light, and there was a TON of filling. The whole thing was almost a tetrahedron as opposed to just a triangle. The filling had a bit of tamarind sweetness to it, in addition to the curry. Really quite good.

[grandgourmand]

Surprised there's been only one mention of Medina on this thread. It's consistently good, and I'd say above average shawarma by Toronto standards. The line moves fast. Tabouli in TD food court is also pretty good.

Saint Cinnamon, has Caribbean food every day, used to be only jerk chicken on Thursdays. The jerk isn't too flavourful. I had the roti and it lacked oomph as well. Maybe they dumb it down for the financial district.

Freshwest used to be good. Last time I had it, they skimped on the meat. It's still better than zteca, though.

Here's a good chowtip for lunch value seekers. There's a cafeteria in the older building of the Scotia Plaza complex. The one right on the corner of Bay & King. Anyhow, it's a bit tricky to find, and I don't even remember what floor it's on, but go at lunch-time onto the main floor, where the elevators are. Follow the crowd. I think it's the 4th floor. Anyhow it's subsidized for Scotia employees, but no one checks.

[Negaduck]

It's the Clipper Cafe on the 4th floor. If you have any friends at Scotia they can check the intranet site for you to get you the daily menu, posted every week.

[hippotatomus]

I enjoyed my bento box at Ninki in Scotiabank Plaza (I think).. The chicken teriyaki was very crispy and yummy. Don't know about takeout but lunch will set you back ~15-20..

For an afternoon treat I like to get the fruit tart from Furuma in FCP

[Little T]

You can try the original Ninki outside on Adelaide just west of Yonge, their prices are lower than the nicer newer Ninki in the Scotia Plaza, we called the old one N1 and the new N2!

[adale]

I love the Sandwich Box, with a couple of caveats. The Sandwich Box opened in the last year under the Royal Blank Plaza (PATH-accessible) and closed its location on Queen West quite awhile ago. I used to go when working in the Queen West area and the prices were so much cheaper, the lines less busy, and the feel less "assembly-line." It's one of the city's top sandwiches, but you may have to wait.

[Negaduck]

The one on Richmond is cheaper than the one in RB Plaza.

[excel]

Ya, I have to agree with you. Sandwichbox make a good sandwich but, the wait is just too long (even when it isn't exactly the lunch hour rush). To be honest, everyone talks about choice and customization but, from what I can see, everyone order mainly the same thing. If they didn't have the selection/choice most people would be fine.

We need a PRET/EAT! LOL but that's just me missing the convenience or a good grab and go.

[Negaduck]

They have non-customizable sandwiches (not premade) at the Richmond location which cost less than normal.

[excel]

Yes, I believe the location on Eglington and Yonge have the pre-made sandwiches too. But they're not like pret/eat. But I guess they'll have to do for those that want a grab and go experience

[cynalan]

The need for Pret-a-Manger? Absolutely. Bigtime support here. Discovered this chain while on a business trip to the UK. Although I am not much of a sandwich person, they did really great breakfast paninis and fantastic yogurt combos with fruit and granola (not the watery yogurt we're accustomed to here).

[hippotatomus]

THere was something like that when I deicded to go West on Wellington for a walk in the underground. Forgot the name.... it was a fairly new store, but it might be closed now.... lol. Well this post certainly wasn't useful.

[Mila]

Since this thread came back again, I thought I'd mention that the wonton soup (no noodles) at Thai Island is one of the best deals in the food courts. If you're not too hungry or a little bit poor, $2.50 buys you a flavourful broth with a couple of tasty meat wontons in it.

[Negaduck]

Is this at the TD Centre, Exchange Tower or both? I hardly go to Thai Island but my coworkers say the Exchange Tower location has better broth.

I'm still waiting for the two new Indian places (FCP upstairs replacing Nashtah, and Brookfield replacing Greenleafs).

[Mila]

Can tell you for TD because I always get mine at the Exchange.
Looking forward to some good Indian.

[sasgirl]

I can't wait for the 2 new Indian places as well!

One of them is called Tamarind and the other Naaninni. (forget which building each is in)

[Negaduck]

Tamarind in Brookfield (former BCE) is now open. I didn't want to wait in the line. Has anyone tried it?

[picky_chowhound]

I've tried it a couple of times. Unfortunately, I find it very expensive for what I got. Flavours tended to be bland. Even the spicy options just have additional heat, not additional flavour. I'm going to try Amaya Express and hope for the best. There is a place (not convenient to me, but every once in awhile, I get up there), up in Cumberland Terrace (main floor near Yonge/Cumberland) that serves great Indian-flavoured soups, samosas and entrees. That's what I wish was in BCE Place instead!

[SMOG]

I agree. I got a puny portion for about $7. The taste of the chicken tikka was actually good, but certainly not worth the money for the value. And everything else was mediocre.

Amaya is certainly shoulders above and well worth it.

[sasgirl]

Thanks Mila for that great tip! I love their wonton soup too but never thought to ask for it without the noodles.

[praxus]

I used to love Zteca in Commerce Court; their burritos have been great. But I noticed that they now give you much less meat than they did when they first opened. When I mentioned this to the girl serving me, all she said was "shhhhh".

Its a pretty shady marketing move. I just bought my last burrito from them.

[Otonabee]

I personal always preferred the Freshwest Grill for burritos in TD Food Court. Their inside out burrito (just rice & fixings is enough food for two!

Owned by the same guys at Fast Fresh Foods.

[sam sobe]

I agree, Freshwest is the best burrito Ive had in the Path - and the line moves great as long as you are ok with being pushed through

[Negaduck]

I find the rush there results in insufficient grilling so often the contents of the burrito aren't heated up all the way through. Either that or they just don't want to do it for long. Burrito Boyz takes the time to do it well and obviously don't mind making people wait, which I don't mind as it results in a crispy, hot burrito.

[MeMeMe]

Some things are worth sticking to...here they are:

Commerce Court:
Fast Fresh Foods - their salads are the best in the PATH
Petit Four - Cuban Sandwich and Curry Lentil soup
Fit For Life - chicken kabob pita sandwiches are fabulous, great for vegetarians too
Heidi's Deli - Monday's club sandwich special and WEdnesday's chicken sandwich special - not prefab food
Chinese place - they have a dumpling special with hot and sour soup - my guilty pleasure!
Edo - Tofu Yakisoba
Tropical - a little smoothy place near the subway has great fruit, furama buns, salads and frozen yoghurt

FCP
New Wok New Wok - they have some great black bean dishes and soups, great green beans
Nashtah - only for the vegetarian dishes like chana masala
Szechuan Szechuan - great takeout menu
Kitchen Table Salad bar - huge selection and always fresh, get there early
Naturally Yours - used to be in CC but moved, which is sad. Vegetarian, but definitely not low fat...doesn't leave you hungry!

BCE
Pumpernickels - their schnitzel sandwich is huge and delicious
Piazza Manna - this particular outlet has incredible food - very above average for 'food court' food.

No need to ever bring lunch. Healthy options are everywhere!

[CChan126]

Great Cooks on Eight in the old Simpsons Tower is great - technically reachable by the Path but easier to go from outdoors. I'm glad to find out about other options having eaten down here for the better part of a decade. I'll definitely have to check out Sweet Lulu and Noodle King.

[TOfoodking]

Great Cooks on Eight is 8 floors above average. I found this place courtesy of a chow hound and can't get enough. Great Food and Great Atmosphere without the huge cost of a typical restaurant of this quality. Try it you will like it. If there is a better meal around BAY and QUEEN I haven't found it. Staff is also very pleasant.

[Mila]

In the interest of PATH research, I checked out Medina in Scotia food court. Had the Shish taouk (I think that was what they called it) sandwich, $4.89.

Not bad for food court fare, good tomatoes, fresh parsley salad, pickled turnip and hummus and garlic sauce. The lineup for Thai Express was insane.

[NovoCuisine]

I've given up on the PATH. Bring veggies to work; seems better than most options. It sickens me to think of all the money I've spent on mediocre food over the years.

Cut out daily $10+ lunches and you can justify a monthly luncheon at Bymark or Ki.

[Negaduck]

But then I'd be paying many more dollars for mediocre food.

[NovoCuisine]

Zing! Nah I like Bymark.. never eaten at Ki, honestly; just drinks.

[pescatarian]

Ki is fine for drinks and the apps (edamame, sweet potato fries), but in general, is mediocre.
I agree that in large part most of the food in the PATH is mediocre, but I think some things have improved in the last couple years and you can get decent (I don't expect wow for regular standbys) food for under $10 as mentioned by many in this thread. Food from home is usually better, but not always possible.

[NovoCuisine]

I understand.. it's just time for me to get the hell off Bay Street; my bitterness is showing ;)

[TOchowgal]

There is a new burrito place in the Scotiaplaza food court. I tried their beef burrito and it was ok. The burritos are huge. The one thing I didn't like was the price - for a beef burrito and a drink (they don't sell pop cans, only the big juice bottles) it came to about $10.

I wouldn't go back.

[jennjen18]

OH come on now, have people forgotten about Thai Express? The longest line in Scotia?? .................. I know I have just raved about Noodle King, but when we dont wanna go that far (we're at FCP), we go to Thai Express, the next best thing. Mmmmm... Tom Yumm.... oh - and their mini sizes are much economical. The bigger size is just too excessive, I find. That is - mini size with noodles.

[Negaduck]

Haven't had it in a while, but I don't ever remember seeing mini sizes. Is that a new thing?
Thai Express is decent but sometimes I just don't think it's worth the wait in line. But if I do get it, I never eat it there. I need windows.

It might be closer for some of you to go to Thai Express at the south food court of Eaton Centre.

[pescatarian]

I have never stood in line for Thai Express. To me their food is ok, but absolutely not worth standing in that line.

[Olivia]

Agreed. I'm sure I posted this elsewhere, but a colleague and I once waited a good 15-20 minutes in line there b/c we thought "hey, it must be good if the lineup's this silly"--we were wrong.

[dinin and dishin]

Thanks for recommending Thai Express. Had a beautiful big bowl of vege soup today. Very tasty. Lots of good stuff in it. Love that they have limes on the side. I managed to get there before the line got excessive (just). I'll make sure to go even earlier next time. Some day when I'm not wearing heels, I'll hike up to Noodle King and compare.

[jennjen18]

if youre into veggies ... i usually go to noodle king and order a plain veggie noodle (without beef at all), so they'd give you the noodle, the veggies (broccoli), their famous soup ... and 2 ladels of their spicy sauce. and it's like $2.50 or something for that and it fills you up just like that .... its way more economical than the beef noodles ... and not as heavy for lunch too. :)

[dinin and dishin]

Sounds great...I'll be sure to bring my flats.

[Mila]

Hi JennJen,
I asked them for spicy broth last time and they said they didn't have it. They did offer to add spicy beef sauce but I was having shrimp dumplings and didn't think it would work. Is this what I should have gone for?
Thanks,
Mila
PS - Love the veg soup idea

[jennjen18]

hey mila! .. i think they got confused then ... basically, its the spicy beef sauce that you want. thats what makes the whole noodle bowl hearty. and that soup goes with everything, even with shrimp dumplings! i used to get shrimp dumplings with the spicy beef sauce, and it was divine! but yeah, if that gets too heavy, or youre going for late lunch, just do the plain veggie noodle with the spicy beef soup .... yummy!!!

[jennjen18]

by the way, does anyone know how late Noodle King opens till?

[wdjp]

You hit most of my favorites but there's a couple other places on the Path I would add.
Although most of the other items I would avoid, Thai Island's Basil Chicken is a yummy (chinese/thai fusion admittedly) regular dish for me. The version at the Exchange Tower is better than TD.
The cinnamon bun shop (I think it's a Saint Cinnamon) in the Path between 145 King W and 55 University is the only place I've found for Jamaican in the core. They have a rotating menu that includes ox tail and jerk chicken. If you make it all the way down there is also a place in the HSBC building that has a choose your own pasta or pizza mix (Sante) that's more for variety than ingredient quality but better than most of the food court Italian places.
Since the discussion has gone all the way to Temperance - I've been to Spices Cafe a number of times and it the best Indian I've found off the path close to the core (Nash'tah in FCP isn't even close).

[pescatarian]

ugh - Nash'tah brings back very unpleasant memories from awhile back

[dinin and dishin]

I read this a few times....but did you say you get Jamaican at Saint Cinnamon?

[orangewasabi]

D&D, you made me laugh out loud because Ihad just gotten doing reading that paragraph several times, then once out loud for the exact same reason. SC=Jamcaican?!?! but I do believe that is what wdjp says. I've got to wander by there now.

[gnr]

Believe it! This cinnamon bun place serves Jamaican at lunch, and the line ups are long. It is located at the southeast corner of King and University.
Sante is great for italian.

[skylineR33]

The Saint Cinnamon which serves Jamaican has long line up in that food court ? I think it is the chinese "Modern Wok" besides Tim Horton which got the long line up every day !

[fickle]

I did the same thing and just came back from checking it out. They had some oxtail and chicken berani (that's how they spelt it) left. Didn't try it since I had lunch already but good to know that there's a caribbean option in the path when it gets too cold to head over to Ackee Tree at Spadina & Queen for my fix.

Currently disconnected from the PATH due to the RBC & Ritz Carlton construction is Green Curry at Simcoe Place for congee. It's decent in a fix when you can't get up to King's Noodle for a proper bowl.

[Olivia]

FYI Saveurs de Saigon died a few weeks ago... R.I.P. because it was the only place you could get pho in PATH.

I disagree about Sweet Lulu; I feel it is very over-priced for what you get. Although Noodle Concept (also Richmond-Adelaide Centre) isn't as good as Sweet Lulu, for half the price I feel it's better value for money. As my friend said "we got hosed"--and not in a good way!

Another fave of mine, also in R-A C, is Sandwich World. For $6 you get homemade chicken curry on biryani with salad ($4) and a fresh fruit cup ($2).

Interesting FYI: if you're into Subway, the one at Richmond and Bay (not in PATH) is far better than the one in the food court at R-A C--more generous fillings, and tidier sandwiches.

Thanks for the heads up on Noodle King everyone; I'll check it out.

[Mila]

Oh no, say it's not so. I'll really miss Saveurs de Saigon, but I suppose they never really stood a chance in the foodcourt world of Hero burgers.

Sweet Lulu really was expensive but I was pleasantly suprised at the quality of ingredients and cooking.

A few more favs:
Oasis Cafe in Exchange Tower - Kosher meals with quality ingredients, a bit pricey, great falafel and baked spicy fries
For anyone who likes Soup Nutsy, here is a link to their daily menu.
http://www.soupnutsy.ca/faxmenu.html
Yesterday I checked out Cafe Supreme which is at ground level at the TD Centre. Tasty sandwiches and salads.
Mercatto takeout counter has some good sandwiches and salads.

[Olivia]

I've been keen to try Oasis; thanks for the recommendation.

As for Mercatto... am I the only one who finds the smell of their raunchy hood exhaust being blown all over the sidewalk nauseating? In the name of good food though, I'll give it a shot (and hold my breath!). Thanks for the tip.

[toveggiegirl]

Oasis Cafe's menu is online.
http://www.dairytreats.com/oasiscafe/...

-----
Oasis Cafe
100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X, CA

[Mila]

Thanks for the link. It says falafel on their menu but I never see it there since the reno. Maybe you need to ask for it.

Had lunch today at King Shawarma at the Eaton Centre. Just a heads up, it was absolutely disgusting, undercooked greasy chicken.

[julesrules]

I am pretty much in love with the mixed Italian sandwich from Mercatto on Bay. Aside from the meats and cheese it has an artichoke pesto and arugula, plus the most delicious multigrain baguette with nuts and seeds... YUM!

[dinin and dishin]

Forgot about Cafe Supreme...probably because they are on ground level. Very tasty stuff there.

[vincechan]

so after reading this thread today, I was so excited about the prospect of Laksa nearby.. that I wen straight to Sweet Lulu's for lunch...

Since the comments here was that it was over-priced.. I shamlessly picked the lowest price point - the Vegetarian Laksha (Hokkien Mein, chili flakes, lime leaves) and Ice Tea.. comes out to just over $10... a tolerable price point for lunch.

I didn't miss not having any meat in that dish.. still a quite filling lunch. I echo the sentiments about the quality of ingredients.. and the setup is very hawker-esque..a plus in my books. You can place your order and sit at the long communal tables and they'll bring your order to you when ready.

Not that there's anything wrong with it, but when I saw the young kitchen stuff (non-asian) cooking stir fry.. I instinctively start to worry .. when my Laksa camed.. confirmed! The laksha soup was more like green curry?

The laksa soup (and I really wanted to like it) was overwhelming with coconut flavor... So though the soup was flavorful... at the same time it was truly bland (no excitement, no heat) by laksa standards. I know that didn't make any sense. But there just wasn't that rustic, earthiness quality that laksa's should have.

If you're looking for a good vegetarian eat, Sweet Lulu's laksa might be just the thing.. but if you're looking for authenticity.. this is a miss for me.

[basileater]

This Fresh in CC, is it a Fresh by the Juice for Life people or something different?

On another note, I tried the meal salad at Toasty Jacks on the recommendation of this board and it was tastier than the salads at Lettuce Eatery and at least 2 or 3 dollars cheaper. I am hopelessly lost in the PATH, so I'm not sure exactly of the location. There is a Wendy's and a Tim's there (I know that describes 2/3 of the PATH foodcourts, sorry).

[pescatarian]

Fresh in CC and Fresh by Juice for Life are different owners.

You are describing Scotia Plaza to me - with the Wendy's and Tim's - not sure where Toasty Jacks is though.

[sake]

Roasty Jack's is the The Exchange Tower. Where is Sandwich Box?
Great bakery in FC is Furama.

[dinin and dishin]

Unfortunately, the Sandwich Box is not in the path...Fresh is a weak copy IMHO. Find them in the St. Patrick st food court across from City TV. Just look for the longest line.

I take that back, a post below says there is an SB on Richmond near Bay. If so, I'll be going there from now on. I only hope it is as good.

[pescatarian]

I agree that the sandwiches aren't worth it at Fresh(Fast Foods), but the salads are a decent option.

[Merriam]

Which route do you guys take? Is this all on the University line or the Yonge?

[deabot]

Well, I like Noodle King in the Sheraton Food court after dropping by today for beef brisket and rice noodle soup. Tasty! Nice to have another noodle shop option in the PATH.

[jennjen18]

Yes, I like the King too!!! The King is king .... I looooooooooooove the noodle soup, .... the soup is sooooo rich! ask for extra spice!

[Negaduck]

The Fresh in CC is Fresh Fast Foods. It's across from Petit Four/Soul of the Vine. Looks just like Lettuce Eatery.

As sake said, Roasty Jack's is in the Exchange Tower, west FCP (same food court as Burger King, Tim Hortons, etc.). They advertise that nothing is fried there. It's a pretty good option if you want something relatively healthy. I found their chicken salad just adequate. I didn't like that dressing with the chicken.

Sandwich Box is on Richmond just west of Bay, so it's not necessarily in the PATH. Sweet Lulu is just south of it on Temperance, once again just west of Bay St. I've yet to try it, but I notice there's always cops or security on that street.

Also right beside Noodle King in the Sheraton food court is the cheapest Mr. Souvlaki in the PATH. Under $5 for a pork souvlaki dinner with rice, potatoes and salad. It's not the best souvlaki, but hey, it's under $5. That food court is kind of dingy though, and the hair place makes the hallway smell. I always take my food to go.
Although if you're that close to Bay already check out T Spot in the concourse or Great Cooks on 8 if you're looking for a good sitdown meal.

[dinin and dishin]

I had no idea there was a Sandwich Box on Richmond near Bay. Is this the same owner and quality as the one across from City TV?

[Negaduck]

Just to note, Lettuce Eatery appears to have changed their name to Freshii now. I don't know what's changed though since I haven't been there for a while.

[FoodyGirly]

I believe the owner has re-branded to expand the product line. In the U.S., Freshii has much more than just salads; I guess they figured out they can't survive long-term serving $15 salads.

[pescatarian]

I'm glad you mentioned Sweet Lulu. Just walked by it the other day and was wondering if it was worth trying.
I like Petit Four, although it is precious - I got a cup of soup yesterday (literally a large coffee cup) for 4.70something (I don't remember the exact change). The soup was good though, so I would go back (curry lentil). The 4" wholegrain focaccia with smoked salmon, medium boiled egg (nice and squishy, not over boiled) was good - I think it was $7. It was fresh, nice chewy focaccia.
I like the salads at Fresh at CC - preferred dressings are the light raspberry, caribbean mango and dill poppyseed, sometimes they don't mix it well enough though.
cheap standbys - spicy eggplant, beef w/broccoli with white rice from the Chinese take out in CC; tofu with vegetables from Edo, small roast beef with cheese toasted from Mr. Sub. Haven't tried Zteca yet.
Naturally Yours in First Canadian - I like the lentil loaf with the gravy and the mexican lasagna with hot sauce. Their take out salads are good too - pricey because they are weighed.
I've had decent takeout middle eastern from the place in the TD food court. Has anyone tried the new place in the Scotia food court - I can't remember the name, but the potato guy used to be there (sigh, I did occasionally enjoy a baked potato from that guy with light sour cream and salsa - feeling and oh so cheap).

[Minnow]

I tried it not too long ago. It is a bit of a bizarre combination of South American and Asian (but it is about as South American as Bourbon Grill or whatever is Cajun). It does have a pretty nice mango salad, but otherwise what I tried was about as good as, if not worse, as Manchu Wok next door.

[Negaduck]

I prefer Sandwich Box over Petit Four. Petit Four doesn't allow you to customize your sandwiches, they're expensive, and they don't grill 'em (maybe if you asked). Sandwich Box has recently raised their prices a bit but it's still a much better deal in terms of price and variety over Petit Four. I guess it's the rent in the PATH to blame.

One interesting thing is that Petit Four gives you the glass that your Petit Fours (desserts) come in.

Soup Nutsy is really good, even though it's kind of pricey for soup. At least it's still under $10. I try not to spend more than that for my average daily lunch.

Please do not bother with any of the new burrito places (Zteca or Quesada). If you can't make it to Burrito Boyz find your way to Freshwest Grill in TD. I don't think it's as good as BB but still a lot better than the new places.

When in doubt I go to Pumpernickels. Though selection there can be slim pickings if you go too late. I also noticed they don't seem to change their sandwiches much anymore.

Weather is still decent enough to go to St. Lawrence, but this is a PATH thread.

[dinin and dishin]

Challenging topic Mila.

The PATH offers quantity of choice rather than quality, but I've scoped out a few favs over the last 6 months...and I'm interested in finding more. Sweet Lulu sound interesting, and I've not gotten past the lineups at Petit Four yet, but soon.

I like Sushi Q, just across from Fresh. There is another Sushi place in 1st Cdn that is more expensive, but very good. Sushi Q is closer and they are reliable and consistent in quality.
Fresh is pretty good (not as good as the Sandwich Box), but the servers are so surley--so I tend to avoid it.
When I am feeling like vege options, I like the vege tortillas at Zteca in CC. Messy, but very tasty.
I have also found that all chain locales are not the same. The Edo at CC does a good Tofu dinner. Lots of tofu and quite tasty. The Edo at BCE - not so good.

But other than that, packing my own is still a better option than the PATH. I'll be watching for more reviews.

[BamiaWruz]

I love sushi Q!!