Paramount - (bit north of) Yonge and Steeles

[peppermint pate]

Friends introduced us to theThornhill outpost of Paramount last week. I had never heard of it and see there's not too much discussion about it on this board so thought I'd start a new thread.

I don't know if their other locations (Yonge and Dundas and the original in Mississauga) are set up the same way but this is a very large room with a mash-up of cafeteria and table service. You get your numbered table, then go up to the counter to order - people then bring you your food and then you pay at the cash on your way out. The shish taouk was outstanding - large, perfectly cooked, juicy pieces of chicken breast - delicious. Same goes for the lentil soup - a very large bowl of hearty, thick soup served with a lemon wedge and fried pita chips. High marks also go to the super smoky, thick baba ganouj and the hummus and the hot, freshly fired, puffed up pitas they bring to the table wtih all orders. They have a few large cases of traditional Middle Eastern cookies and squares, featuring dates, pistachios, honey and other delectable ingredients. There are thermoses of complementary Turkish coffee around the room. Very friendly service.

Overally, we really enjoyed our meal and the experience. Great for kids (oh yeah - they have a mini McDonalds-esque climbing area) and large groups. Definitely recommended.

[ComerDemonio]

The Mississauga Paramount is an excellent place for authentic middle-eastern food. The fattoush and tabbouleh salads, the hummas and other dips, and their shawarma sandwiches are so well done. They do Foul (a bean stew) which tastes just like it was bought on the streets of Cairo. They also have something I call Lakma Ageen (I don't know how to spell it) which is spiced meat on a thin bread ... some would call it Egyptian pizza. Also very authentic but it doesn't seem to be on their menu unless they call it something else.

The Mississauga location is so much better than the downtown location. I haven't tried the new location at Steeles.

[jlunar]

On the weekend, if it's like the one at Yonge and Dundas, get their fatteh dip. So good.

[kwass]

What's fatteh dip? I've never heard of it before.

[jlunar]

from their menu: Cooked chick peas, hummus sauce, crispy fried pita bread, topped with melted butter & fried nuts served with a plate of vegetables.

I think this was it. I hope I'm not confusing it with the Foul (A mix of cooked chick peas, fava beans, Lemon juice & fresh garlic served with a side of vegetables.)

Crap. Might have been the foul. Need to browse my photos...

[kwass]

Omg!! Does that ever sound yummy! Definitely going to have to try!

[kwass]

I've driven by this place so many times. Sounds like I now have another place that I have to try! Thanks peppermint pate!!