If you love to cook, but need a little new inspiration – try taking a trip to one of these neighbourhood groceries for tastes from around the world. This week, treat yourself to a Middle Eastern picnic, Sunday morning dim sum and authentic British teatime. Bon voyage!
For more than 20 years, the Spice Centre has been a community hub in the city’s Little India in Mill Woods. You’ll find a huge selection of spices and curry blends, fresh vegetables, imported East and West Indian groceries, glamorous bangles and fashion. The shop also stocks an impressive collection of Bollywood music and movies.
A trip to this shop in Little Italy is always a special treat. Buy pasta, olives, deli treats and baked goods for home or pick up everything you need for a picnic at lovely Giovanni Caboto Park right across the street. Buy your naturally raised chemical-free meats and wine grapes for home brewing here. The shop has been an Edmonton landmark since it opened in1959, and they now have shops on the south side and west end, too.
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Lucky 97 is a big grocery store with fresh vegetables, fish, frozen foods, groceries and housewares from all over Asia. You can do your whole weekly shopping trip here – they have every kind of tofu imaginable – or take out hot foods from the buffet or dim sum.
Visit this Dutch bakery the next time you’re hosting brunch. Treat your guests to almond and apple torte, mocha cake, Dutch bread and buns bursting with raisins. You’ll also find imported groceries from all over Europe – and you can stock up at the deli on meat and cheese for brown bag lunches, picnics and easy dinners.
Located in the west end, this neighbourhood grocery and deli serves up warm fresh bread and quick prepared meals like roast chicken, samosas, tabouli, stuffed olives and hummus. You’ll also find lots of dry goods and fresh meats here to make your own Middle Eastern feasts.