Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Jul 19th 2018, 6:21 pm
#46
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
It seems to me poor form to sift so, after each chomping session, we have a pile of toffee pennies. I bring them into the office for someone who likes them. I get in early and typically strew them over her keyboard and desk in an unnecessarily theatrical display.
Jul 19th 2018, 6:29 pm
#47
Stand-up Philosopher
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Regina Saskatchewan
Posts: 16,344
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Considered bad form to get banned from Bulk Barn! 
Jul 19th 2018, 6:35 pm
#48
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
I've no idea what these numbers mean but plainly we're on a different wavelength when it comes to Christmas bon-bons A shopping bag of them, about fifty bucks worth, is the smallest quantity I think it worth going into the shop for.
Jul 19th 2018, 6:38 pm
#49
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: South of Calgary
Posts: 13,374
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
On both fronts, you have far more class than I do.
Jul 19th 2018, 6:40 pm
#50
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,827
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Fair enough then. It certainly saves having tins that you don't want to throw out but have no use for if you keep them. 
They'd have come in handy for cigarette coupons and Green Shield stamps once upon a time.
Jul 19th 2018, 7:36 pm
#51
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Near Kingston, Ontario
Posts: 1,318
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
oooo I remember sticking my grand ma's greenshield stamps in the books !
Jul 20th 2018, 12:41 am
#52
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
You could buy the loose ones and fill the tins you have already up and give them as gifts
Sorted!
Jul 20th 2018, 9:07 am
#54
Sidecar Falcon
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,504
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it since this thread is quite long but some of the ethnic food stores for Indian immigrants sell British biscuits like Rich Tea, Hob Nobs etc and the prices were pretty reasonable as I recall. You can also get decent curry paste and stuff from there.
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Jul 20th 2018, 9:46 am
#55
Concierge
Joined: May 2006
Location: ex ex-pat, in Taunton
Posts: 27,212
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
That's the same no matter which country you move to, we found products in Spain by the simple method of 'try it and see', if you like it, OK, if not try a different product.
Jul 20th 2018, 11:54 am
#56
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,827
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Jul 20th 2018, 1:23 pm
#57
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,232
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Jul 21st 2018, 3:22 pm
#58
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 1,371
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Canadian supermarkets have a place and a time, but given what you're seeking, you're looking in the wrong places. You might even be shopping with your old UK habits (shopping at one supermarket for everything) and you'll very likely need to change those habits in Canada and start shopping at multiple places.
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe | Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe | Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
Hi guys!
I just recently moved to Toronto, and enjoying it so far. I've been checking out the local supermarkets (Metro, Sobeys, and Loblaw), and I have some questions about the food differences here that I hope someone can help me with:
Thanks!
I just recently moved to Toronto, and enjoying it so far. I've been checking out the local supermarkets (Metro, Sobeys, and Loblaw), and I have some questions about the food differences here that I hope someone can help me with:
- Where can I get some decent bacon? I mean a decent thick slice of back or middle cut bacon? All the bacon I've seen so far are the thin rashers that are 90% fat - what do Canadian butchers do with the rest of the pig?
- What is the difference between white and brown eggs, other than the colour? Brown eggs *seem* to be more expensive - why?
- What's a decent loaf of bread? The ones I've tried so far are all sweet and very dry.
- Is Canadian butter...OK? It looks very pale...
- Any recommendation for a decent cookie/biscuit that isn't Oreos? What is the nearest equivalent to some chocolate Hob Nobs?
Thanks!
Jul 21st 2018, 3:48 pm
#59
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Canadian supermarkets have a place and a time, but given what you're seeking, you're looking in the wrong places. You might even be shopping with your old UK habits (shopping at one supermarket for everything) and you'll very likely need to change those habits in Canada and start shopping at multiple places.
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
Also, I do four step shopping, LCBO, St. Lawrence Market for cheese and some specialty items, Costco for almost everything, Loblaws for the rest. I've no idea why people feel the need to go into many shops just to have dinner for the week.
Last edited by dbd33; Jul 21st 2018 at 3:50 pm.
Jul 21st 2018, 5:20 pm
#60
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Food differences (i.e. where's the bacon?)
Canadian supermarkets have a place and a time, but given what you're seeking, you're looking in the wrong places. You might even be shopping with your old UK habits (shopping at one supermarket for everything) and you'll very likely need to change those habits in Canada and start shopping at multiple places.
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe | Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
Metro, Sobeys, Loblaws are all generic supermarkets. There's nothing wrong with them, and I say this with no disrespect, but they stock mass-produced products and cater to the masses - the undiscerning Canadian masses aren't demanding specialty English products (English bacon is a specialty product in Canada) or higher-end/luxury gourmet products. They offer one tier of grocery shopping. Great for the basics if you're not fussy, but if you're discerning about your butter, your bread, your meat, you should really shop elsewhere.
First tip: consider some gourmet grocery stores if you need a one-stop shop: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
For bacon, go to a proper independent butcher, an English specialty shop, or when you can't do that, look for the term "back bacon" or "peameal bacon" in generic supermarkets.
Ex: The British Butcher Shoppe | Pork (this one's in Vancouver, but you get the idea)
For bread and cookies, generic supermarkets will always have underwhelming bread. You must go to a proper independent bakery for good (non-sugary) bread. Generic Canadian supermarkets typically sell a lower tier bread. If you're not discerning, it can be fine for toast, but if you're looking for a beautiful fresh slide of bread, do seek out those bakeries. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...ad_in_toronto/
In Canada, boxed biscuits/cookies from generic supermarkets are almost always junk food and they don't hold a cultural signifance in the Canadian diet like they do in the UK. If you want a quality cookie, buy them from an independent bakery, but they will be Canadian cookies, not English-style biscuits, which are not in demand in Canada. Ex: https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_b...es_in_toronto/
I can see going to a farmers market or specialty cheese store, or a specialty butcher if your local supermarket doesn't stock what you like, but there are TONS of good cheeses available in places like Fortinos - and even at Costco if you bother to look properly instead of being blind to the possibilities of shopping without an ex-pat mentality that thinks everything is crap because it's not like it was back in blighty!
Somewhere like Starsky's have over 400 cheeses - many from Europe - as well as fish, meats, cold cuts, breads, and everything in between.
Starsky Foods - Homepage
Bread - there's tons of european breads available in supermarkets if you look.. not just generic white pap -- which, by the way, you also get in the UK - and there's tons of in store bakeries where they bake breads, biscuits etc. I can buy Hobnobs, MCVitae's digestives, chocolate digestives, Peak Freans biscuits, garibaldi, ginger nuts and even bourbon and custard creams, arrowroot and pims biscuits that are identical to Jaffa cakes at many NORMAL grocery stores - Fortinos, Walmart, BulkBarn.
Sure, order from a Brit Store, Amazon or where ever if there's something you desperately miss... but otherwise, I don't get it, sorry... when do you reach the point of actually integrating again? There's tons of BRIT products in stores - and yes, even in Bulk Barn, Walmart, Fortino's, Metro! Why the generalisation about 'undiscerning Canadians'?? UGH. That kind of comment just puts my back up - and I'm not even Canadian.
Last edited by Siouxie; Jul 21st 2018 at 5:29 pm.