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| - I must preface my remarks by saying that the location for this store has changed to Yonge and Eglinton (south west side) but Uzel Olive and Olive and Oil has only been open here for about 2 weeks as of this writing and I appear to be its first reviewer since its re-opening.
I was intrigued by the store front where the name was inconspicuous but very fresh and tasty looking spinach pies stood temptingly in the window. I am always attracted to foods that I would never attempt to make myself as I know I could never do as good a job. I went in after a Barre class (they are a neighbour of Barre Beautiful) and decided to order a few slices of pie as well as one of several freshly made sandwiches served on a white baguette (a combination of ground beef and lamb with sliced red onions). Other options that day were mixed grilled vegetables and basa fish but the owner Mehmet advised that there is also a tomato and feta sandwich. I found the spinach pie to be rather light, chewy and filling (it would probably be great with one of the Turkish coffees, which I did not sample). It was not salty, or overly greasy and was light on the feta. It is a delicious alternative treat to a sweet pastry, also on offer (there was baklava in the window as well). The sandwich was very tasty though not quite spectacular. I found the meat to be a little on the salty side. Everything is homemade by the owner Mehmet Uzel. One can also purchase various other treats, such as Turkish delight, dried seasonal fruits, organic tea, and dried goods from Turkey, like legumes and handmade olive oil soap.
The main attraction of the operation, however, are the olives and the extra virgin olive oil. I tried the spicy green olives (there are several varieties in different marinades) and after several tastes have become quite a fan. They are pitted and stuffed with a pimento. The flavour is well balanced and not overly salty. They were also reasonably priced (especially as you are not paying for pits here-the olives are weighed) and I would definitely repurchase. The black pearl olives, are a specialty item here, native to Turkey and sold by Uzel in a variety of marinades and aging processes. I tried those a few days later (there flavours are regular, bay leaf/lemon and spicy) and like them as well (they are in line with a nicoise olive in terms of salt -higher than the green variety-but tastier). The black olives aren't pitted. All in all this is a nice, friendly, neighbourhood specialty shop, selling very good quality olives, and where one can also go for a reasonably priced sandwich or snack, Turkish style.
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