Bridget, the roti lady is back!

[sake]

After all the articles about her and the disastrous A la Carte program, I thought for sure we wouldn't see her this year, but she is back at the corner of Bay & King, outside Commerce Court. So happy! She only had chicken today, but she said the beef would be back soon, and hopefully the shrimp/pumpkin.

[ylsf]

Can someone save me from searching through the thread and confirm if she is just there during the work week or ever there on the weekend too?

[MissBingBing]

Weekdays only if the weather is nice.

[GoodGravy]

Bridget's back! Today's her first day back at the usual location in front of CIBC on Bay and King. About to tuck into a shrimp roti that I've missed for months.

[Breadcrumbs]

Oh yum! Thanks for the alert GG! I haven't had a chance to enjoy her food before and I'm excited to work in such close proximity now.

Let us know what you thought about today's roti...was it as good as you remembered?

[GoodGravy]

Today's curry was plain shrimp and potato. I hadn't asked if it was shrimp and pumpkin curry which is the one I was craving for. It's good, but I still miss the shrimp and pumpkin. Be aware they still operate according to the weather so while they confirmed they'd be open tomorrow, Wednesday was iffy because of the forecast.

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks so much GG, that's good to know. I'm hoping to get over there on Wednesday or Thursday so I'll be sure to keep the forecast in mind.

[magic]

Yayyyy!!!! Nice! Thanks GoodGravy.

[jlunar]

Thank you for the report GG!

Pumpkin and shrimp I still dream of you... Now, gotta figure out when I can go. She might even be there today!

[Teep]

Had my first shrimp roti this year. Apparently she's been back for 3 weeks, but only when the weather was good enough. I was the only customer at 12:30 pm.

It seems more yummy than I remembered, but a little smaller and at $8 now.

[magic]

Sold out of everything by 1 pm!

I like them, they're very sweet and the food is great but these sellouts are starting to get frustrating for me.

Not like I was there at 2:30.

1!!!

:(

[Wench Foraday]

Yeah, I was there at maybe 1:10 and they were already cleaned up and getting ready to leave. Was jonesing for a shrimp and pumpkin which they were offering today. Definitely will make a mental note to go next time at 12:30.

[jlunar]

Shrimp and pumpkin!! Thanks for the update. I <3 their roti.

[julesrules]

She had at least 20 people in line at 12:30 today.. . too long for me, but hopefully she has a good summer.

[fickle]

Got the jerk chicken mango and the curry chicken rotis for lunch today. LOVED the jerk one. The curry chicken one was good also. Both worth reordering. Unfortunately no pumpkin shrimp available today :-(

[magic]

I'm not sure it exists ;)

[jlunar]

I swear it does! I have photos! XD

--
http://www.foodpr0n.com -- food. is. love.

[magic]

It exists!!

Thanks for the photos. You take great pics.

[jlunar]

haha, thanks! And keep trying. It'll be worth it (well, it would be for me!)

[magic]

You bet : )

And I will!

[magic]

Success! Got one! So they DO exist!

So I liked it, but not sure I loved it. It was beautifully made, don’t get me wrong. But I thought it was a bit plain tasting, no? Anyone agree with that? Or is that just me? At least when I compare it to the jerk chicken roti which I think of as an explosion of flavour. And I thought it was a bit light on the shrimp.

I went light on the pepper sauce as I didn’t want lots of heat on my first try… I just wanted to taste the roti. Maybe the hot sauce adds flavour.

At any rate, there was already a line at noon! But it moved fast.

Happy to have tried it, it was a nice lunch, but I don’t think it will be my go-to there.

[jlunar]

I tend to get it hot and love it. To me, the shrimp and pumpkin is a hot and curried mixture studded with chunks of snappy shrimp, creamy pumpkin, and just a hint of sweetness. Every time I unwrap this roti, a delicious and savoury smell wafts up and whets my appetite – right before I tear into the fat pocket of goodness. Really tasty and filling.

The jerk is both sweet and hot as well, but more tangy in nature vs the creamy of the S&P. I found the jerk only okay in comparison.

Ah well! At least you know now! It's not a Polkaroo!

I still need to try that oxtail curry...

From the blog: http://www.foodpr0n.com/2011/07/14/ca...

[magic]

Yup, oxtail and beef next!

[fickle]

Finally got a shrimp & pumpkin one today (yay, it does exist for me too now!). I don't think it's plain tasting, the shrimp with pumpkin is very nice when there's no potatoes involved. I would order it without potatoes next time, I find they obscure the flavours too much. Good amount of shrimps in mine so no issues there. Still loving the jerk chicken with mango best of the 3 I've tried. Does anyone know how late in the year she sets up till? Until snow falls on the ground or sooner?

[julesrules]

Both times I've been there was shrimp available. Shrimp slightly overcooked but overall delicious. I preferred it to the jerk chicken and mango, which I found too sweet and not just from the mango? I got it hot and I think she put two sauces on, wondering if one of them was sweet. Anyone have ordering tips to perfect the jerk chicken roti?

[magic]

Been 5 times and they were out or just not serving the shrimp every. single. time.

I thought the jerk chicken roti was delicious though. I just nodded when the woman motioned for sauce. I have no idea what when on there. But it had a nice kick!

[julesrules]

Yeah I'm clearly in the minority on not loving the jerk chicken, and lucky with the shrimp! But maybe I'm forever spoiled by having had the shrimp first. Overall, this is really good food, not just by Toronto street food or business district standards. And what nice people.

[magic]

Agreed. Lovely people, great food.

I wish Toronto had more street food like this. But that is another thread...

[aktivistin]

Can anyone confirm that Bridget is still there? I will be visiting Toronto next week (from Calgary), and am itching to eat all the things missing from my home city, including rotis.

[JennaBean]

This is a new thread that just started in May. She's still there.

[jlunar]

Just not today... *sob*

[Teep]

That might mean she'll be MIA for the rest of the week because of the rain...

[iMarilyn]

Monday to Friday only, weather permitting, 11am-ish to 2:30pm-ish unless she gets tied up in traffic.

[aktivistin]

Thanks, iMarilyn. I'll try to stop by on a sunny day next week--hope she's there!

[jlunar]

It looks like it's supposed to rain today. If it does start dumping on us does anyone know if Bridget will still be there? Or does she run for cover?

[corinaci]

as far as I can see, she is not in her usual spot.

[jlunar]

;;_;; noooo..... but thank you for checking!

Dang. I'm not always in the area for lunch and I really wanted to get some roti from her! Oh, shrimp and pumpkin. So tasty.

[JennaBean]

Went today for the first time this season. SOOOO good. Today was the jerk, next week I'll go with the curry or pumpkin if she has it.

[dannyboy]

I was munching on a pumkin/shrimp as i read your post : )
I've had most of her stuff, all is quite good (jerk maybe so-so, could use 2 pieces i think) but
personally i think the beef is killer...
deal and a half for $7 and real good hot sauce as well!!!
have yet to try the curry goat am looking forward to that...

[jlunar]

I need to try their curry... Fridays only I think though. Maybe next week.

Though... you said pumpkin and shrimp and I really wanted one. Maybe Wednesday! You should bug me and we'll lunch, Jenna!

----
http://www.foodpr0nn.com -- food. is. love.

[piccola]

Any vegetarian options? Also, what's the price point? (Sorry if this has been addressed, I skimmed through the thread)

[GoodGravy]

Not really. There's mango salad, but that's an accompaniment for the jerk chicken, and the grilled pineapple which is sweet, juicy and covered w/ cinnamon, but not really a meal.

[garfield]

Not sure but I think I heard someone order a veggie roti or something. Even if its not on the menu I believe she should fix one easily with chick peas and potatoes.

[piccola]

OK, I'll check next time I walk by there, thanks.

[magic]

Does anyone know if debit is accepted or is it cash only?

[jlunar]

Cash only!

[magic]

Thanks jlunar :)

[magic]

I've gone about 5 times and she never seems to have the shrimp!!! At least on Fridays, which is when I tend to go.

So today I just gave up and went for the chicken and it was delicious! Was definitely worth the wait in line.

Plus they really are sweethearts. Gotta try that shrimp though..... :(

[JennaBean]

Oh keep trying it is really tasty!

[magic]

5 times!!!!

(but I will keep trying)

[jlunar]

You want the shrimp. Trust.

Are they sold out of the shrimp or maybe they just don't have it on Fridays?

[JennaBean]

I've had it on Friday BUT I arrive between 1130 and 1145 to avoid the rush.

[magic]

Man that is an early lunch, I dunno.....

[JennaBean]

I know! But it is worth it. Normally I don't eat lunch until 1230 or 1 BUT on the days I know I'm going I skip breaky and just count down the mins!!!

[magic]

I didn't even realize there were lines until today! When I previously tried for the shrimp roti it was always around 2 pm, and there were no lines. So when I arrived at 1 today I was shocked to see a huge long line! And STILL no shrimp!!

Haha, oh well. I'll get it one day soon hopefully. It's been quite the adventure.

But a tasty one...

[jlunar]

Yeah, I'm usually there right before noon as well to avoid the line. And to secure the shrimp roti.

[magic]

I think sometimes it's sold out, sometimes she just doesn't make it for whatever reason.

:(

[sake]

I think she usually she doesnt' have it on Fridays, because she has other specials like oxtail, sometimes goat.

[magic]

Hmm, that's crappy for magic. I usually bring my lunch but treat myself on Fridays.

I guess I might have to bite the bullet and go on another weekday. Thanks sake :)

[garfield]

Made my way here today for a chicken curry roti. To me the roti seemed more like a paratha or a buss up shut , which is probably the USP of the place. The filling, while certainly nothing earth shattering,was well spiced and flavorful.

[JennaBean]

If the roti has changed to paratha style I will be there everyday!!! I haven't been this year but last year it was dal style.

[garfield]

There certainly wasn't any dal in it - though I couldn't say how authentic a version of paratha it was.

[jlunar]

Was there today at noon on the dot and already a line up. Moves pretty fast though. Having the shrimp and pumpkin now. It's tasty. And hot (the one where I can still taste things). Not as crazy as last year when I had the chicken roti (that was brutal) though.

Jenna > I can't tell what from what in terms of styles, but here's a photo... http://instagr.am/p/FE9NR/

[dannyboy]

Just had the pumpkin & shrimp, it's killer --- her friend makes the roti skins & they're quite good, also i like the hot sauce as well. My friend had the beef and liked it alot as well says it was super tender. Was already out of the chicken curry (which i had earlier in the wk and loved) which she says goes first. She's gonna have oxtail tomorrow, what a great spot to have in the hood.

[jlunar]

It could have been because I was starving, but the roti smelled soooo good. Definitely a re-order. Pondering getting the oxtail tomorrow too.

Oh! And I got the pineapple. Less exciting than I wanted it to be.

[GoodGravy]

I asked about rice and peas and she told me to come back tomorrow. They had it the last two days so I thought they'd have it today. I'm almost tempted to have lunch their for a 4th day in a row. Curry beef and rice & peas....mmm....

[duckdown]

Are the shrimps de-veined and tails removed?

[GoodGravy]

Tails are removed, but they're not split so probably not de-veined. I tried it again today w/ hot sauce and the way to go is w/o hot sauce. Savory and sweet together w/ enough background heat to keep it interesting.

[Teep]

Had the curry chicken roti, the wrap tastes great (because of the large amounts of oil? - the wrapping paper was saturated), but the filling was merely ok. (@geekwithspatula, no cinnamon/brown sugar). Will try jerk next time.

BTW I asked her and she said yes the City Hall program is over, but she's allowed to operate to recover the money she'd lost.

[dannyboy]

good roti had one for lunch today - pretty rich curry & nice roti skin --- maybe a little on the small side but not bad...
didn't try the jerk, maybe next time --- she also said as of next wk she'll have shrimp & pumpkin roti and that fridays she's gonna do oxtail or curry goat YUM : )
hot sauce was good as well, this place is gonna be busy really soon...

[MiniMom]

Went the other day not sure if due to rain or not but she was not there? Recent articles in the news stating this project is kaput? Is she gone for good or not? help need roti....

[corinaci]

She was there yesterday - around 12.00 or so.

The jerk chicken and mango salad was great, but on whole wheat, not my best idea :).

[pescatarian]

She was there today. It's in front of the building where I work.

[MiniMom]

She had pumpkin roti today but sold out as did not expect to be so popular.. tried the curry chicken. Yummy...

[tylerchris]

yea, she said she had pumpkin and shrimp roti? i am going to try and order it next time, she said she was planning on having it every day. FYI, in terms of hours - it looks like she is there around 11am and packs it up at 2pm.

[mamaseto]

Thank you Sake for posting this and for Dannyboy for mentioning the oxtail.
I was there last Friday and had the oxtail with rice and peas....it was delicious. She cooked it with Love. It was also served with some salad and that too was really tasty..the dressing was fantastic. Did not try it with the hot sauce, but will the next go around. Will be back next Friday.

[GoodGravy]

I'm eating the shrimp and pumpkin on pita now. She ran out of roti skins, curry chicken and was low on jerk chicken and patties, but she gave me a free patty for being the last in line. Everyone behind me was sent away because she didn't have enough food left for a complete order.

I'd have paid for a patty this good. The flaky crust tasted like meat which made me love it immediately. The filling was nicely spiced w/o being too much or too little heat or filling.

Bridget said the shrimp and pumpkin would be the best sandwich I could get on Bay St. She wasn't joking. It's sweet and savory and leaves a pleasant heat afterglow after you're done eating. I'm definitely getting this again if it's available, but I'm going for the roti version next time.

I noticed the top of the cart was missing, replaced by an umbrella. I guess since the cart program is over, they had to remove the signage?

[principessa del pisello]

Does Bridget make the patties herself? They sound amazing!

[GoodGravy]

No, she orders them. Don't know from whom and she was too busy to talk.

BTW, had the grilled pineapple to snack on while I walked. It's a spear sprinkled w/ cinnamon and grilled. Could've used more char, but it's tasty.

[JennaBean]

Oh yum! I will make a trip down there soon!

[MiniMom]

Pumpkin roti.. yay there is only 1 place i know that makes this. What are her hours and costs?

[tylerchris]

I work right by there and so stopped by today and said hi. Great lady and her husband, very friendly, got a curry chicken roti for $7, quite tasty (if you get it hot, there's quite some kick to it!). Not sure of her hours, but she's definitely there for a big part of the lunchtime.

Snapped a photo of the menu with my phone - I asked about the pineapple roti and she said she's going to wait until the weather gets warmer. She said that often, people just get one pineapple roti, and she ends up cutting a few slices (guess it's fresh pineapple?) and the rest turning cold?

In case pic doesn't come out well enough:
jerk chicken with mango salad on pita - $5
on roti skin - $7
curry chiken roti - $7
beef patties - $2
grilled pineapple - blank
647-268-0157

[Herb]

It's not a pineapple in a roti. It's just a slice of grilled pineapple - dessert!

[tylerchris]

Gotcha, makes sense :) The curry chicken roti was quite good, gonna try the jerk chicken with mango salad on roti next time

[MiniMom]

Was your curry chicken roti traditional style?

[geekwithspatula]

Is it done in the rodizio style with cinnamon and brown sugar?

Love to know where to get that without sitting through a whole meat fest...not that a meat fest is a bad thing!

[jlunar]

Pineapple?! T_T I never did get a slice... sigh.

[Yongeman]

A slice of rotI??

[JennaBean]

Not roti, a slice of pineapple :-)

[Yongeman]

Ha ha. I didn't see any mention of pineapple. Guess you have to be an insider. Does she grill it?

[jlunar]

I think it was on offer for a while, but no one bought. Then she took it away and everyone wanted some. Apparently, she grilled it... but on the few occasions I could make it out to her cart, she didn't have it. Very sad face.

well, at least I have another summer to try!

[MiniMom]

Ok..just finished my Roti. Loved it, not your traditional style but excellent.

Nice flavor chicken, lettuce instead of channa mix, good roti skin. and a really good mango salad that had some nice spice to it.

She also had jerk chicken with rice and peas today. Pumpkin will be coming once the season picks up for her.

Can't wait till next week, hours 11am to 3pm during the week, not sure about weekends.