The Commerce Times

Something to talk about

Somethin’ 2 Talk About serves tasty kosher food. Courtesy of Kamran Siddiqi

March 21, 2010 1 | By Kamran Siddiqi

If you’re Jewish or Muslim and you feel limited in the number of Kosher or Halal restaurants located around campus, then give these tasty places a try. And of course, you don’t have to be Jewish or Muslim to enjoy the food.

Halal

Somethin’ 2 Talk About: 78 Gerrard St. W. (just west of Bay Street)

This restaurant is definitely “something to talk about.” The family-run business serves Mediterranean cuisine in a homey atmosphere and has been doing so since 1997.  Their motto is “Healthy, Homemade, Halal” and they deliver on that promise. The friendly owners, Salah, from Jordan, his wife Ahdela from South-Africa and the rest of their staff create a variety of meals that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Somethin’ 2 Talk About’s main menu consists of rice plates, sandwiches and wraps. Their rice plates come in two options: Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki or Chicken Tandoori with Corriander Chutney.  Each rice plate comes with a garden salad.  Their most popular chicken sandwich is the chicken shawarma ($4.99) and their most popular beef sandwich is the shaheen steak ($6.50). I’m a regular customer of Somethin’ 2 Talk About and my favourite item on the menu is the Mid-Eastern Steak ($4.99).  It consists of slices of tender beef steak, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, garlic sauce, tahini and the choice of onions and hot sauce, all served in a warm pita.  Couple that with their sweet mango juice, and you’ll have a lunch that will keep you coming back for more.  And you can enjoy your food as you listen to music of the Middle East playing in the background.  During the warmer months, the patio is opened up to offer you a private and peaceful dining experience that separates you from the clamour of downtown.

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Kosher

Oasis Café and Health Bar: 130 King St.W. (in the PATH)

Oasis Café is Toronto’s only Kosher restaurant in the downtown core. In fact, its Kosher sandwiches are certified Kosher by the Kashruth Council of Canada. An Israeli family owns the restaurant that opened their doors in 1996. The restaurant’s special Kosher Manager, Adihanucaiev, ensures that their meat sandwiches are prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.  You can grab a sandwich in the chicken, turkey or beef variety. Sandwiches are served with a baked potato.

Oasis Café offers chicken sandwiches ($9.95) in grilled, Cajun, or teriyaki style. At the same price, you can get a chicken shawarma wrap or caesar wrap.  Their turkey sandwiches ($10.95) are served in either the oven roasted or smoked variety.  And their beef sandwiches ($11.95) come in Montreal smoked meat, roast beef, Italian Combo (roast beef, smoked turkey and salami) or Club House (chicken breast and Montreal smoked meat).  If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I should mention that you can top your sandwich with their flavourful spreads: spicy tomato, spicy mayo, guacamole, tahini and hummus.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.