ottawa foodies

I have no problems with Loblaws, but I HATE the Isabella location (of course, the closest grocery store for me). The layout is horrible and cannot sustain the amount of traffic. They regularly run out of product, particularly produce. The staff are also horrible and I've made formal complaints on more than one occasion due to lousy treatment. I go out of my way to shop elsewhere. I think this location is a major waste for Loblaws.

Maybe because my own shopping habits have changed over the last four or five years I have almost entirely lost interest in Loblaws. I buy almost all of my groceries these days at the farmers markets. When I make the odd trip to the grocery stores these days it’s hard to find meats and produce that can come anywhere near as good a quality as what our local farmers can offer. At this time of year there is only one farmers market open which is located in Ottawa South. (They are open year round.) During the winter months they serve most of my needs since I am still able to get meats and breads however only one of the veggie stalls is open during the winter months (they grow their veggies in a greenhouse). One other vendor was talking about doing the same this winter however I haven’t been to the farmers market since Thanksgiving. I guess I’m due for a visit-;) I am just thankful there is a Farm Boy up the street so what I can’t get at the farmers market I can pick up at Farm Boy. Loblaws definitely seems to own the lions share of the grocery stores in Ottawa (Loblaws, the Superstores, Your Independent, T&T) but they seem to have lost the appeal they had a decade ago when they offered a lot of new ingredients when other grocery stores did not. They don’t really offer anything unique to draw me in and, as Ken V. said, if I want clothes I can go to the mall. There is always Price Chopper (two locations only), Produce Depot (two locations only), and Food Basics but their locations aren’t terribly convenient. Sure I can tie in a visit on my way home from the mall but out of the three closest grocery stores to my home two of them are owned by Loblaws. I keep spying that old Goldsteins grocery store on Elgin and I keep hoping someone will open a decent grocery store there.

I agree that I too have found shortcomings in our local Loblaws (Vanier) or missing products, and both times that I've felt strongly about it, I've emailed or written a comment card.

A couple of years ago, I asked for some products to be introduced and after a couple of months, they were on the shelves. Not super fast response time, but my request was taken into consideration.

Most recently, I had a laundry list of irritants and complaints that I emailed to them (empty produce section, poor signage following the store being rearranged, and random, varied placement of products throughout the store) and received not only a prompt email outlining what the person had done to resolve the issues, but also found the following week that the signage had been improved and the produce section was better stocked.

I still find that often employees in the big stores have no idea where things are.

Anyway, all that to say that it's worth getting in touch with the head office when you have specific complaints.

HONEY

Ken - Gosh do I hear you on this one... I recently needed some liquid honey on short notice, and went to my local Loblaws to discover that they indeed had no Canadian Honey, US Brands and a couple that were a mix of Canadian and Australian (including their No Name Brand). Have to say I too found it a bit strange (and a sad statement)... and made a note to pick up some local Honey next time I am at a Farmers' Market.

BTW, if anyone wants to join on a discussion (actually a long rant) about Lowlaws (vs commenting on any specific products here) there is a long established Forum Topic where many of us have already expressed our dissatisfaction with this Vendor that can be found at www.ottawafoodies.com

Had to add my 25 cents on this one. Seems the Ottawa area is lacking in good grocery stores. I cant even get Canadian honey at Loblaws at South Keys. I guess trying to compete with Wall Mart is to much. If I wanted clothes I would go to the mall and shop. That space may be better used to stock more food items instead of clothes. I can't even get a good pretzel in town(thick cut Snyders) all I can find is Rolled Gold. I have to cross the border into Watertown to get a decent bagel at Price Chopper pretty sad. With our population closing in on the million mark you think we would have better choices in the lager stores. Metro and Loblaws seem to have a hold on grocerys in Ottawa yet do not offer much. The meat at Loblaws is advertized as AAA yet when I complained to Loblaws they did not have a suitable answer for their poor quality meat. Sorry for the rant but we seem to be getting a raw deal in grocery stores in Ottawa and I do not understand why.

"It's interesting hearing other peoples experiences of shopping at Loblaws. I have also noticed the increasingly empty shelves"

Things have not improved since this post almost a year ago. Actually since I've moved to Ottawa, I have gone to grocery stores and left somewhat annoyed because they consitently do not monitor stock.

I used to shop at Metro in Montreal and I NEVER had any annoyances.

The best place I have shopped here is out in Embrun, it was an Independant. Then it became a superstore and guess what? It was not as good :( Even the staff said so when I brought it up in conversation. In fact, I've mentionned my confusion and annoyance at this issue in almost every store and most of the young kids working there agree with me :)

This is an interesting discussion... so I'm going to open it up in the Forum: ottawafoodies.com/forum/785

It's interesting hearing other peoples experiences of shopping at Loblaws. I have also noticed the increasingly empty shelves and the sales aren't any great savings. I didn't mind shopping there a decade or so ago since they had alot of neat stuff there. They had a large selection of ethnic ingredients and they even sold a few Marks and Spencer products for awhile after their Canadian stores closed. But on a recent visit to the Loblaws on Rideau I went to pick up some of the Natures Path cereal that was supposedly on sale. I found the cereal eventually (it was in the club pack section?!) but didn't see any of the tell tale yellow sale stickers attached to the shelf. So I picked out my favourite flavour and took it to the cash to find out if it was one of the selected varieties on sale. I was out of luck but the cashier suggested that if I go back to the shelf and pick out one box of each flavour she could scan them and tell me which ones were on sale. To which I said no thanks maybe someone from Loblaws could just go to the shelf and stick some sale stickers on the varieties that are on sale. Needless to say they just lost my business. The superstore on Richmond is pretty well the only Loblaws that interests me.

I've only been half following this conversation, but I did just read Pete's bit and I will echo that I noticed probably 10 years ago shortly after moving to Ottawa that Loblaw's has serious stocking problems, and it seems to have stayed this way at any of the many stores I've frequented. The worse part about it is that it should be very simple for their computer inventory to tell them when to order new stock, but for some reason that just seems beyond them. Rolled Oats is the latest on my long list of items that that Westboro location seems to have trouble stocking. Kitty litter seems problematic for them as well.

I have to agree with Marno, and not as much with Food&Think. I had thought it was just the Vanier Loblaws that had serious stocking problems (i.e. empty shelves, empty fresh vegetable section.. gasp.. running out of BANANAS!) until I read a newspaper article about how the problem is widespread across the chain. I also found that sale items in the meat section are not very good quality, and they often run out of sale items. I've also noticed the sale signs disappear before the sale is over (even though the items still ring up as on sale) and I've found the occasional misleading sale sign (where the sign referred to an empty 'single' row of product, but which looked like it referred to the 'full' multi-row product right beside it. Only Independant is worse, in my experience, at running out of 'sale' meat products. I've also had freshness issues with fresh cut fruit, and with the fresh salsa in the fresh fruit section (I had to return a container that was rotten). I also agree the the quality of the produce is a little hit an miss. I go elsewhere whenever I have the opportunity, and only go at all because it is withing walking distance of my house.

Hey Glinda! Welcome back!

You can find both at most middle eastern groceries. Harissa comes in a tube sometimes and doesn't take up a lot of shelf space, thus making it hard to find. I've been able to find harissa at the Loblaws/RCSS at College Square, from time to time as well.

Found them on sale 50% off at Loblaws in Carlingwood. They're doing some kind of renovation, so they're getting rid of some stock. Picked up two packs of the caramel ones!

Saw a big pile of these in the cookie aisle at the Loblaw's in Westboro this morning (13 Feb 2009). Left a slightly smaller pile behind for other foodies.

Just in time for Valentine's Day for my partner, who is a Tim-Tams fanatic.

They're available at the College Square Loblaws in the 'cookie' aisle (top shelf near the imported cookies)

I love the President's Choice kind because it has tiny little cubes of cucumber in it instead of grated. Yum!

Enjoyed a good feed of King Crab this week... available from Loblaws in the "frozen" seafood section (open freezers usually found near the deli). Is often a featured Loblaws special. Are packaged in a heavy plastic bag, black writing on a white background (sort of no-name looking) 1.36 Kg (3 Lbs) in weight. Can be served chilled (defrost) or hot (oven or steamed).

Delicious King Crab and a good value.

Frozen Octopus from Loblaws and Super Store (same brand, which i can't recall). Works great in soups.

As part of our Valentine's Surf & Turf Dinner we had Alaskan King Crab from Loblaws... as I have remarked elsewhere previously, Loblaws doesn't always have the Alaskan variety, more often than not they stock Non-Alaskan from the Russian Pacific or the Barents Sea (which as I recall is somewhat cheaper... probably why Loblaws stocks Non-Alaskan most of the year).

The crab was very succulent... Alaskan King Crab Season is October thru January, so this batch was quite fresh. Very yummy indeed! Get it while you can.

I have tried the Blue Menu one and was surprised at how good it was - shocked actually.

While I would love to use the product tagged by Food&Think, I am afraid that looking at its food label is too scary. As I recall, the sodium and fat content is TOO ridiculous! The Blue Menu is a viable alternative.

Captain Caper--bear in mind, when you're talking about "artificial flavours" that a company can list flavouring as being "natural" even if it's not made from what it's supposed to taste like. For example, raspberry jam can have "natural flavour" that is not from raspberries, but rather from modified corn products, or something that is "lemon flavoured" might have a cheaper acidic liquid in it (some sort of vinegar) that has been modified.
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As for the Butter Chicken Sauce, I've been impressed with the PC stuff and I would say it's comparable to the other brands, but slightly cheaper--which right now is not a bad thing.

Captain C - With all due respect... These are two "very different" products.

I have been very happy with the "jarred" sauce, and you are not the first person who has told me they've been disappointed with the "prepared dish" in the Frozen Food Section.

No real surprise there... I have to say that I haven't been a big fan in general of prepared dishes in the Frozen Food aisle at Loblaws.

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MMF - I totally agree... speed and convenience are always a BONUS... and I've discovered you can always "spice up the dish" if that is your preference. I have also found that if one uses the whole jar as recommended to the amount of chicken, it is not thick enough for my personal taste, so now I either use half-a-jar or double the amount of chicken, and have leftovers for another day. MMF, Thanks to this post, I now recall that it was you who recommended this item to me at least a year ago.

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Quite some time ago, I decided to try the PC Butter Chicken.

What a disappointment. Super-processed pre-cooked chicken chunks (that were fluffy?) in a frozen sauce (That is to say the meat was not even cooked in the sauce).

Even with all the thickeners, and not much much real cream, the sauce was still thin and soupy. Poor chicken to sauce ratio. Even the customer feedback on the Loblaws website, clearly stated that there was way more sauce than chicken.

The taste was almost OK. I dared not read the ingredients list... I was scared to see if there was artificial flavours. Yeeesh.

I totally agree! I very rarely buy pre-made sauces or meals but tried it on a whim a while ago and now use it when I have a craving for quick indian. By the time the rice is cooked the chicken, sauce and pompadoms are ready:)
As for the blue menu version. Can't imagine it being very good as it is 'butter' chicken sauce how could it be good without lots of clarrified butter???
It is like low fat alfredo sauce, what is the point?

PRESIDENT'S CHOICE

This product was first brought to my attention via Ottawa Foodies (sorry can't recall which Poster).

I initially tried the Blue Menu version, and was highly disappointed (just not rich enough... somethings are not meant for "healthy" eating)... it was then suggested that I stick with the regular "hi-test" version, and I have to say I've been happy ever since.

A great product to have around for those nights when you want something quick, easy and flavourful.

For those seeking good options for coleslaw, the take-away counter at Loblaws has a "creamy crunchy coleslaw" with dill. But the dressing isn't really creamy. And there really isn't much there. Oh well. It was also on sale, so it's not as though I lost much by buying some.

I'm working out near College Square again this summer *sigh* and finding myself more often goign to Loblaws for a quick bite. Their salads are pretty decent and the bean salads and such can sometimes be found for half off (I had an edamame and tomato salad yesterday). I might replicate a few of these in the future, but for now it seems like a cheap and tasty lunch option.

The Loblaws at South Keys has panko, but it is sometimes hard to find. Last time I asked the staff had no idea what it was.

I am big into the "Garden Fresh Gourmet" salsa these days. The "Jack's Special" variety is excellent.

Ditto on their tortilla chips and guacamole.

I love Kickin Salsa as well, but have had bad experiences as well. When purchased from the Vanier Loblaws, I've at least TWICE purchased bad, or almost bad salsa of this brand. Both times the due date was many days away. The one time, it just smelled downright rotten when I opened the container. I 'figure' it wasn't likely the producer's fault, but more likely Loblaws left it on a palette in an unrefrigerated area for a day or two, but either way.. not an experience I'd like to repeat.

Great minds think alike. ;) I've actually wanted to comment about Kickin Salsa for a while now but didn't know where to put it. I was introduced to it years ago by the owner of the company who was giving out samples at a grocery store. She makes it locally and from scratch (at least at the time). I've been hooked ever since.

Just a note it only lasts around a week since it contains no preservatives but it should be no problem finishing it off in time. ;)

Jinx.

Loblaw's sells a locally prepared salsa called Kickin' Salsa which can be found in the produce section with the pre-cut fruits/veggies. Very strong onion/garlic flavour with just the right amount of cilantro. It's a little thicker than Farm Boy's version and costs ~$5 for a 500ml tub.

Kickin Salsa is amazing! Very similar to Lone Star's salsa. It's sold next to the pre-packaged veggie trays and such (usually at the front of the store).

I saw some Vegemite at my Loblaws last week. I didn't buy any, but there is some. I'm in Aylmer, which might be a bit far for some yeast based spread.

Yup, ACE Bakery carries the day. Especially if you follow the directions on the side of the bag to "freshen" the loaf up when you get home.

Loblaws led Ottawa's good-bread revolution by carrying ACE Bakery's fine artisan breads. Yep, bread made *without* sugar and oil tastes waaay better. They still sell it and it's still good!

Just nibbling on a Ragusa here. ($2.29/100g)

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm tastey !!

The picture is a real scan.

Is this the Crack of Chocolate ? It sure is instantly addictive.

Got a few more brands in the Kosher section.

PS: Speaking of Kosher. Just picked up some Kosher salt. $2.99/3lb in the Kosher section and $4.29/3lb in the non-Kosher sectioon ... Huh ?? Different Rabbi rates ?

On a whim, I decided to do comparisons of some brands of dark chocolate offered at Loblaws (College Square).

1. President's Choice Organics European Dark Chocolate (70%), Italy - $1.99
2. Schmerling's Kosher Finest Bittersweet (72%), Switzerland - $2.79
3. Lindt Excellence Dark (70%), Switzerland - $2.99

All bars were 100 grams. I tasted them in order of increasing price.

1. The PC bar assaulted my mouth with a harsh sourness. Poor chocolate flavour.
2. Schmerling's was very good and seemed sweet after the PC one. Good chocolate flavour with an interesting depth.
3. Lindt seemed a little sour in comparison to Schmerling's. Good chocolate flavour but a bit harsh.

Schmerling's (from the big Kosher aisle) was the clear winner for me. Slightly higher in cocoa and fat content, and slightly lower in sugar than the other two, this one actually tasted sweeter to me. A nice find!

I tasted the Schmerling and Lindt bars a number of times while writing this, then went back to the PC Organics bar. I almost threw it out! I'll have to eat it with coffee or something, just to get it down.

I should add that I've yet to try an "Organic" chocolate that doesn't taste bad. I've tried many of the pricey options out there and they're just no good. Camino makes good hot chocolate mix but their chocolate is yucky. Your taste may vary. ;-)

Found another gem! In the Kosher aisle (go figure) at the College Square Loblaws they carry Ragusa. This Swiss confection consists of a truffle filling with whole hazelnuts and a coating of good dark chocolate. First time I've seen it for sale on this side of the Atlantic!

I made dark chocolate truffles from the dark Suisse bar and they turned out exceptionally well. I have been banned from bringing them to the office again as I ruined everyone's New Year Resolutions. Of course this is also available at Your Independent Grocer and other stores that carry President's Choice branded products.

Loblaws carries a good selection of Swiss Lindt chocolate. They also have a gem of a product, the President's Choice "Suisse" chocolate. This is actually a rebranding of the Swiss "Mahony" chocolate, made by the Migros company to compete with Toblerone. I think it's better than Toblerone, and my 91-year-old grandmother in Switzerland agrees! Highly recommended.

Very decent being from a grocery store! It tastes amazing baked with cheese and garlic.

Also impressed. It really beats all the other brands one finds around here, which I don't usually find worth buying. The PC is quite edible, though.

It makes a fantastic ready-made pizza crust, too.

I was impressed with the PC naan. It's not restaurant quality but not too far off (certainly better than anything I could make myself). If you don't mind paying a little more than standard flatbread (around $2.30 for a pack of 2), I'd say it's worthwhile.

Not particularly notable Naan, but it certainly isn't terrible. On the plus side, it is quite convenient for home consumption.

The "Saigon Hot Sauce - Chili and Oil" has a surprisingly strong burn and very good flavour. It's addictive in a masochistic sort of way. ;-)

Available in the large Kosher section of the College Square location. You can get a tiny bag for around $1.50 or a huge bag for $10.

$3.69 at the Loblaws on Rideau

You can buy Edamame at Loblaws. You'll find them in the organics freezer. So yummy!

These are the kind that aren't buttery-tasting.

It is available by request from Loblaws, but you'll likely get it frozen. It's also $100 or so.

After my groceries yesterday evening around 7pm I picked up a seaweed salad and a sushi tray consisting of four salmon nigiri and six maki (avocado, crab stick, cucumber, sesame seeds) and it was fresh and tasty. 13$ for both. Will purchase again.

Pasta lover- I'm fine now but it was just that immediate I need a bathroom NOW! feeling that you don't get from any other illness.

Anything viral usually lasts a little longer.

Pan Bagnat I wouldn't be surprised if the sushi made you ill. I bought some Loblaws sushi about 7 or 8 years ago (awhile ago I know) but I felt very ill afterwards so I stay as far away from their sushi as I can. Hope you are feeling better...

I had some unbelievably bad sushi from Loblaws last week. I thought that maybe their product was improving because they seem to have improved their displays and presentation. Alas, no. Just better marketing technique.

I got a mixture of sushi and california rolls. I NEVER order california rolls. I was mainly just after the sushi. The fish used for the sushi was the frozen, pre-sliced stuff (I am almost certain). It had a watery texture and was some of the pieces were extremely fishy which I ended up throwing out. The little tray ended up costing $11 plus taxes.

I was slightly ill after but it can not be confirmed, although highly suspect, that it was from this sushi. I repeat. Never again.

These reviews reminded me of a trip to Loblaws (Superstore Westboro) about three weeks ago, in which I bought a large salad and vegetarian sushi tray for about $12. I think the only way to win the battle with Loblaws' sushi (or BN sushi) is to not eat any with meat. The veggie sushi was quite good, albeit a bit dry and definitely did the trick before I went to play ultimate. It was good for what it was.

Sharif V. Sorry to hear about your sushi experience at Loblaws. I also tried their sushi once (although from another Loblaws location) and I was up all night with a stomach ache. As Food&Think said NEVER AGAIN.

Pan Bagnat Good to hear that sushi kioski sells good sushi. I like to swing through the Rideau Centre on my way home from a Sunday afternoon at the Byward market to pick up dinner usually at Richtree. I noticed on my last visit there a couple of weeks ago their spring rolls and sushi aren't as fresh as they used to be. Granted I was there at the end of the day the spring roll wrappers were pretty dried out as was the rice in the sushi. It's nice to know there is somewhere in the mall that sells decent sushi.

Friends don't let friends buy sushi from Loblaws.

I've never been sick from it but it's terrible.
Next time you should stop in at the sushi kiosk in Rideau center- theirs is actually decent for a cheap sushi fix.

Sharif V - Sorry to hear that the Sushi won again, and your tummy lost... hope you are feeling better. As said here several times those famous words...

NEVER Again!

I read these posts awhile back and I dont know why I decided to risk it but I bought a few crab crab rolls from the loblaws on rideau. while i was not surprised that the sushi was made out of house by some BN sushi outfit, i was surprised to see that it was made with real crab and not pollock.

didnt taste off but today the score is sushi 1 and sharif 0.

never again!

Yes stay far far away from that sushi! I bought some a few years ago and had an upset stomach afterwards. I figured since it was California rolls with just rice and veg and being sold in a grocery store perhaps someone was carrying it around in their grocery cart for awhile then decided to put it back. Being a glutton for punishment I went back to Loblaws a few weeks later for groceries and decided to give their sushi a second chance. Big mistake - I was quite sick after. Two of my colleagues have since reported similar problems after eating Loblaws sushi.

If a lack of snobbery can be forgiven for a moment, I'm a big fan of this President's Choice five-cheese frozen deal. Nice and creamy...

For some reason, I am intrigued by Red velvet anything. I don't like chocolate cake per se but it's like I don't want to believe it's chocolate.

Anyhow, I had to try this stuff. I will admit, I liked it. It's a vanilla cheesecake with cream cheese icing topping it and then there is a red velvet cake layer surrounding the cheesecake and the bottom has a chocolate/cookie type crust. The combination was nice and not very chocolatey, which is why I liked it.

I always find the PC Christmas products very interesting. I wish they wouldn't discontinue some of their products so quickly though.