Nasr Foods: the culinary phoenix rises again
Red thyme (za’atar) from Syria, preserved lemons the product of the United Arab Emirates, and earthy Lebanese-made Cortas pomegranate molasses. These are the culinary gems found — and then lost — when Nasr Foods in Scarborough, Ontario closed its doors last November.
I was heartbroken. My beloved Nasr’s was a stone’s throw from my home. My home away from home, if you will. I knew most of the staff by name. Over time, I’d developed a savant’s mindset mapping ingredients aisle by aisle. I could spend a day discovering what’s new or be in and out in 15 minutes having shopped the best of the Middle East.
Now a trek to Toronto’s west end was required to source these authentic ingredients. A culinary journey worth taking, I know, but one that necessitated a “stocking up” to make the drive and parking nightmares worth the trip.
But like the proverbial Phoenix rising from the ashes, Nasr’s has been resurrected, reopening as “Rami’s Market” a short while ago. And me? I’m back in my happy place once again.
Curious what you can do with these amazing ingredients? Drop me a line and I’ll send you my original recipes for Eggplant Gratin with Za’atar Crumb Topping; Moroccan Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons; and my easy-peasy Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette. YUM-O!
If you should find yourself in Toronto’s east end, check out Rami’s Market, 2000 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, ON (416) 757-1111: the Middle East in a hand basket… sans the airfare.
Is this the place we visited for my za’atar packet and assorted other items of Middle Eastern provenance? It was soooo nice!
Hi Anita,
So great to hear from you!
Yes, it was Nasrs we visited. The new owners, for the most part, have kept the old Nasrs intact so zeroing in on coveted ingredients is easy peasy.
When next you’re back in Canada I’ve got several new haunts to show you. One is at the Pacific Mall where one of the vendors in the food court makes Udon noodles by hand… you should see the length of the noodle maker’s arms!