Two for the Price of One

Since we at Vanity Fare are all about community and sharing - and are also lazy and sometimes do not feel like stirring from the couch - we like to offer our space to the occasional guest contributor. So today we present you with our very first party trick, Wilson. In the name of all things tasty, he roamed the fruit-peel littered streets of Kensington on a quest for doubles. Was the mission a success? Read on.

She pushed forward my doubles wrapped in wax paper and handed me my diet coke. I’ll readily admit my fascination with doubles was partially due to the pragmatism of the name; what can be better than knowing upfront that you are getting two of something? Sure, I was not altogether sure what I was getting two of but my North Americanism told me two for the price of one was a very good thing indeed.

Prior to my trip to Kensington, my knowledge of doubles could be described as hopeful at best. I only knew the name, the fact that it was some sort of street food from the Caribbean, and that it existed somewhere in Kensington. Armed with this knowledge, sheer persistence led me to Patty King and its promise of doubles. Patty King is an example of the many mom and pop ethnic-esque bakeries that exist across Toronto: linoleum, harsh florescent lighting, curt but friendly service. It smelled mainly like Jamaican patties and, while I will admit to being swayed for a moment, my endgame was to get a doubles, the flaky spicy goodness of a Jamaican patty be damned.

Photo courtesy of Nosuchsoul

Unwrapping the wax paper I discovered two yellowish pancakes. A closer inspection revealed that the pancakes were being held together by a chickpea curry, or chana. The pancakes seemed to be griddle-fried and coloured with turmeric, although Wikipedia suggests that saffron is the traditional colouring of choice. While a bit greasy, this only reinforced its street food heritage. Soft with an almost cake-like texture, the pancakes were savory and a nice texture contrast to the slight firmness of the chickpeas. They had an almost indiscernible sweetness, nicely complementing the mild curry flavour of the chana. Satisfyingly savory and umami, the doubles more than lived up to my non-existent expectations.

-Wilson

Link:
Photo of Patty King in Kensington