Looking for kebabs for BBQ season 08

[JamieK]

Now that summer’s here (I think), I’m starting a fresh thread on where to get tasty ready-to-grill marinated kebabs in Toronto (and for me, preferably east of Yonge). We’ve tried kebabs from Loblaws, Royal Beef, Cumbrae’s, Nunzio’s, Summerhill Market, and a place in the middle upstairs at STL (forgot name) and none completely satisfy due to a variety of factors such as taste, quality, cost. Any other suggestions?

[JamieK]

so, revisited Cumbrae's keBOBs tonight (don't know why I started a thread with 'kebabs' when I prefer the other spelling) and they are the winners so far this year.

We had the Cumbrae's pork (Berkshire) satay 'kabobs' (their spelling) and they were tasty. Moist, flavourful and the marinade was perfectly seasoned. The sticks were $4 each and I believe 1 stick would be fine for one person unless you're dealing with really hungry guys or teenagers or major carnivores.

A much better deal than the kebobs we got from Summerhill a couple of weeks ago. Two chimichurri beef kebobs for (sold by the pound) for about $20. Mind you they were huge, enough meat for maybe three or four people but they didn't taste that great for the money.

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Cumbrae's
1636 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G, CA

[Otonabee]

Try the ones at Whitehouse in the SLM.

[Mike from Hamilton]

This isn't a Toronto recommendation but it is east of Yonge...I would suggest the kebabs from Buckingham Meats in either Oshawa or Brooklyn. They also make an awesome chicken cordon bleu...

[JamieK]

So on my way to Sun Valley yesterday, what with rush hour traffic, parking challenges and general craziness, I missed my mark and ended up at Maselli's. My first time there, it's a traditional Italian market with hams (I think?) hanging from the ceiling behind the butcher counter.

Picked up some chicken and pork souvlaki kebabs, $5.99/lb. Not bad but not great either, typical Greektown garlicky souvlaki taste, a bit on the salty side. I'd pick up the pork again but wouldn't make a special trip. Good value though, cost me $6.20 for five sticks.

[foodyDudey]

You may want to try the ones at Pape IGA. I haven't tried them, but they looked good and appear to have very little seasoning. That IGA has usually had some good items and it appears the selection is getting even better over the last month. The kebabs looked better than SV, I was at both stores yesterday. Why not try some from each store and write a mini review? Another option is to marinate them yourself. you can even do that a few days ahead.

[Googs]

I agree. The best kebabs are the DIY ones. However, in a pinch and when Mark has them, I get the kebabs at St Jamestown Steak and Chops. He's the only butcher and provisioner in town where I don't feel compelled to pick over and chose for myself. He selects his wares so carefully I could navigate the place blindfolded. Not your fancy shmancy place, but very solid indeed.

[gwenchick]

Maselli's has great bbq meats but the best deal on chicken and pork souvlaki is at Mr Greek Meat Market They supply many of the restaurants in the area
Its on south side of Danforth between Jones and Pape. They throw in free tzatziki too.

[KevinB]

If there's a Bruno's near you, I'd suggest checking them out. I stopped by the Healthy Butcher on Queen West this afternoon, and was shocked that most of their meats are $25-$40/kilo. Bruno's has top quality meats at much lower prices, and they offer a variety of marinated kebabs featuring chicken, beef, lamb, and pork.

[JamieK]

yes I work near Bruno's on Yonge at Heath and I agree with you they have top quality meats at relatively good prices. In fact I love Bruno's. However, the kebabs at this Bruno's are naked! Not marinated (although I'll check again tomorrow to make sure).

I've done this before but I guess the smart thing to do is to buy the Bruno's plain kebabs and then throw them into a marinade as soon as I get home, which would give them about three hours since we eat late. Alas, sometimes I work late or am too tired or too lazy!

[KevinB]

I wonder if you asked them to marinate the kebabs for you if they would? They seem very helpful with special requests at their Richmond Hill location.

Just a thought..

[miranda]

The Healthy Butcher has chicken,pork,beef and lamb marinated kebobs...and Pisces has marinated fish kebobs which are yummie....Miranda

[torontofoodiegirl]

I'm loving the Healthy Butcher since they opened in my 'hood (Avenue and Eglinton location). Although they're expensive, I feel better about eating meat when I know it's been ethically raised. Also, I've generally been quite impressed with the quality of their meat and prepared food. However, probably the biggest disappointment we've had thus far is their beef kebabs - very tough/gristly (sp?). I thought perhaps it was just the batch we got, but I then sampled them again in the shop and was of the same opinion. Nice marinade, though...

It doesn't help with JamieK's question, but HB has great sausages - the french onion soup ones were especially delicious!

[foodyDudey]

Did you try Sun Valley? They may not be what you are looking for, but worth a try.

[millygirl]

I had some chicken kebobs from Sun Valley last night. They are huge and meaty - but everyone commented that they were extremely salty.

[foodyDudey]

Someone must have made a mistake in the preparation. I've not had that problem with SV kebabs before. But we did toss out some that a guest had bought from SLM a month back which were so salty that they were inedible.

[Mila]

Had the chicken kebabs from SV last week. They were good and meaty, but garlic overload. I love garlic but everytime I opened the fridge the garlic assault from the leftovers was too much.

Lesson learned - just eat them all, no leftovers please.

[millygirl]

I agree way to heavy on the seasoning for my taste.