This cozy 15-seater makes for a special lunchtime addition to the burger-choked Alexandra Park landscape. The snackbar-style setting serves up quick and tasty Mediterranean-style sandwiches, falafels and poutine, all with a decidedly healthy bent to them. Everything is prepared in house, including the stone-oven baked pita breads and the zingy Jordanian hummous in which to dip them. This sunny spot is the introductory location for what promises to be a Middle Eastern snack bar chain that will eventually extend its reach across the city.more...See more text
There’s something oddly similar about the ancient Jordanian city of Petra and the bustling modern city of Toronto. They’re both cultural crossroads, where the talents, customs and flavours of distant places congregate. And that’s exactly what Rose City Kitchen – a Queen West sandwich joint - celebrates.
Petra, also known as the Rose City, was an inspiration to Rose City Kitchen owner Nipun Sharma. “The people who lived in Petra were the spice traders of the Mediterranean coast,” says Nipun. The region shares certain culinary constants: spiced meats, garlic sauces and flat breads. “We took signature ingredients from regions across the Mediterranean and created gourmet sandwiches.”
House-made hummus pairs well with the hand-held sandwiches at this Queen West snack bar. Bite-sized pita pockets are stuffed with chicken, falafel, steak or Halloumi and dressed with unique ingredients inspired by different regions. The Greek features tzatziki, cucumber and red onion while the Egyptian arrives with eggplant, dates, cabbage and lemon juice. If you’re just looking for a quick bite – grab a 4 oz container of humus and a couple pieces of pita bread for under $5.