More than six months following our last Scarborough excursion, a hangout had finally been secured with feedthebear.
The drive was a bit hectic, given the unforeseen traffic conditions diverging weekend morning congestion to the southeast quarters of the city. A few detours later, I found myself heading down Victoria Park in search of the spot.
Had I not been on the lookout for this particular establishment, I would have missed it entirely. Situated in a small plaza, neighbouring a tech shop and shady-looking nail salon was the black and yellow storefront.
We had made a reservation prior, though the restaurant was largely peaceful before noon. Instead of the dim booth offered, I inquired whether we could occupy the end of a communal table instead. This request was granted instantaneously.
While in wait, I narrowed down my entrée pick and called for a Thai Iced Tea. The opportunity to taste one of my favourite sweetened tea renditions at an authentic diner could not go to waste.
The beverage was served in a mason jar donning a mustache print - scratched from long periods of usage. Distinct layers of dark tea and off-white creamer were visible from the other side of the glass.
The popular appetizer consisted of about ten wings, each dressed in a sticky red sauce. Crispy skin was offset with a sweet and spicy sauce, while fleshy bits remained supple inside. Whether individually frozen wings were used is questionable, as the skin and flesh detached from the bones in a strangely effortless manner. Rather than being "fall off the bone" tender, the fine bones actually showed signs of detaching from each other at the joints.
The marinade was largely devoid of lemongrass, though notes of sweet chili were enjoyed.
A side of Coconut Rice rang in at $3.95, which is on the hefty side of the spectrum considering the soup itself to only be $6.95. In spite of its not-so-economic nature, it was deemed indispensible in the devouring process. The grains were neither too frail nor too plump. Between each speck was an indescribable cohesiveness - it bore a resemblance to sticky rice, but contributed a comforting fragrance amidst delicate flavour.
It paired exceptionally with the soup, establishing status as a Thai street food power duo.
Bathrooms were located at the foot of a creaky wooden staircase. Probably the most ancient aspect of the eatery, inefficient toilets, sticky floors, and a classic (read: old) paper towel dispenser were its defining characteristics. The toilet paper dispenser had been substituted for an unprotected wooden handle instead, while the metal locks on the door had evidently undergone up to two installation/removal procedures.
With the exception of the bathroom facilities and communal table stool seating, the remainder of the restaurant remains accessible.
Should Jatujak open an outpost closer to home, I'd likely take to feasting every so often. Mississauga is devoid of unique and authentic eateries such as this, though Scarborough is too lengthy a trek to consistently visit.
Locating a parking spot was less stressful than feared. Dropping by at the same visiting hours back home would be pose an unthinkable feat on a warm weekend afternoon.
in hand and at least one of Brioche Dorée's extra scrumptious Portuguese Tarts.