While Ossington Avenue between Queen and Dundas is becoming the new hot strip, Little Portugal still spills over into the area.
In between the shiny new restaurants and stores are thriving mom-and-pop businesses.
Gigi and Kevin took me to Alex Rei dos Leitoes, a churrasqueira, where they get barbecued chicken.
It’s a tiny counter place, with haphazard menu signs. As far as I could tell, you can order one-plate dinners (meat & potatoes/rice) for less than $10, as well as just things in bulk.
They have the chicken (orders of 1/4, 1/2 or whole), and roast suckling pig (order by dollar amount) which the lady cut up, through the bone, in front of us with large shears.
For three of us, we got take-out of a whole chicken, $10 worth of suckling pig, roasted potatoes and rice for a grand total of $26, taxes included.
I must say the suckling pig was super, super salty. Not sure if it’s like that all the time, but be warned.
They have bacalhau on Fridays, and specials on other days. Best bet is to ask the lady to lift the lids of the silver warming trays behind the glass and show you what she has. We saw roasted lamb, pork chops, and grilled white fish the day we were there.
Further south, the Venezia Bakery is a great place to stop for an espresso and Portuguese tarts. It has a few tables to rest your weary feet, especially by the window so you can people-watch.
I got there too late in the afternoon for a veal sandwich, but the woman offered to make me a ham and cheese panini. Simple but totally delicious, and a steal for about $4.50.
Alex Rei dos Leitoes, 219 Ossington Ave. at Dundas, Toronto, (416) 537-3175. Open Monday to Wednesday 8 a.m.-8:30 pm, Thursday to Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Unlicensed. Cash only.
Venezia Bakery, 114 Ossington Ave., Toronto, (416) 537-2914.
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