I learned recently that Grace Foods makes jerk chicken patties. I had to figure out where I could grab some. Aunt Elsie's Caribbean Kitchen had them in stock. I decided to drop by on Saturday, just after noon.
It's in a fairly dumpy strip mall on Eglinton Avenue East, just west of Brimley Road, in Scarborough. There is plenty of parking. I parked fairly close to the entrance. A car was illegally parked in front of the business next to Aunt Elsie's. I don't get why folks need to do that when there are so many parking spots.
Aunt Elsie's looks like a tiny convenience store from the outside, but looks are deceiving. It's also a small Jamaican grocery store that doubles as a takeout eatery. I was not expecting such an amazing place. I simply wanted patties!
I found the Grace jerk chicken patties. They came in mild and hot flavours. I always go with mild when I'm not familiar with how spicy items can be. There are also Allan's and Michidean patties. You know that you are at a decent place.
Although I felt like Ms Pac-Man as I moved around a small space with a bunch of folks while trying to physically distance, I looked at all the condiments and spices. This place uses space wisely. The wall of condiments and spices is impressive. I also looked longingly at the chilli peppers. They looked pretty and deadly!
The hot foods counter blew me away. You can't help but gawk at all the yummy food options, from various fried fish, to jerk chicken and curry goat while you are in line to pay for your items. I took one look at the salt fish fritters and knew that I needed to try them. I got two.
Note to self: Get the oxtail dinner next time. Get more hot items after that.
I had a lovely, sweet woman behind the counter get my fritters and cash me out. I paid using my debit card. She also bagged my goodies. I thanked her and wished her a lovely day.
The customers at this store are friendly. I loved the vibe. They were courteous and nice, which I'm not necessarily used to in my neck of the woods!
I was still full from breakfast. However, I made room to consume a salt fish fritter in my car before I continued running errands. OMG! It was so flavourful. The fish was salted, but not to the point where you feel like you need to down a litre of your favourite beverage afterwards. It was seasoned perfectly. I think that there was garlic, onion, and red pepper, at least. So good! I have such a weakness for fritters and I'm glad that I caved here.
I heated up a jerk chicken patty for breakfast (hey, why not?) this morning. It does have a spice kick that is more than what you'd typically expect from an item that is labelled mild. Highly yummy. The filling is flavourful and the dough part was perfect. Each patty is individually wrapped to preserve freshness. A box is $5.90. I love them!
Aunt Elsie's was such a terrific find. If you want to order hot food in advance, this eatery is on Uber Eats. Otherwise, you can call ahead.
(396) read more