Caplansky’s Delicatessen

Annabelle Goodman —

I love fine dining. I also love diners and delis that bring back old world experiences with delicious home cooking. Caplansky’s has been a hit on the College St strip since it opened. I noticed on this visit that the menu has greatly expanded. Vegetarians can also dine in style on many of the delicious items. Three women were craving a nostalgic ‘trip back to the past.’ The décor was reminiscent of the old delis that were found throughout the city. Much of the food is what our grandparents prepared when they lived in this area as immigrants. The menu offered so many of the delicacies that we grew up with. The service was outstanding. Every bite was a perfect delight. The three of us had a delicious time.

356 College St – 416 500 3852

Our host was determined to have a bowl of Matzah Ball Soup. It looked so tasty. She was delighted. I opted for a bowl of Lentil Soup. It was thick, hot and beautifully spiced. I could have devoured another bowl. Soup can be ordered as a cup or a bowl. The host and I shared an order of Blintzes. They were the best. The skin was soft and perfectly cooked. The blintzes were filled with a creamy cheese. Apple sauce, sour cream or blueberry sauce was available as a topping.
 
Our other dining companion enjoyed a Caesar Salad. It was fresh and flavorful. Her Corned Beef Sandwich was thick and full of delicious meat. You can order your meat, lean, medium or fatty. Part of the sandwich was packed up for a lunch the next day.
 
Breakfast Food is served all day. I had my eye on the Yiddish Rancheros. A cast iron skillet with three poached eggs in a savory tomato sauce with chick peas is topped with feta cheese and oregano. In Israel this dish is called Shashouka. I eat it every day when visiting that country. Guaranteed it will be my next meal when visiting Caplansky’s.
 
Signature Sandwiches are popular. The Honest Lawyer offers smoked turkey, kishke, gravy and cranberry sauce served open face on challah. Fat Sam’s Grand Slam is a selection of deli meats piled high on double rye.
 
Dinners are served after 5:00 pm. Smoked Beef Ribs are meaty maple smoked bones finished with a BBQ sauce on the grill. Liver and Onions is prepared with ‘schmaltzy onions’, beef bacon and mushroom gravy. Vegetarians can enjoy a Salmon Fillet baked or pan fried and served with lemon caper sauce. All dinners are served with seasonal veggies and a choice of fries or garlic mashed potatoes.
 
Caplansky’s is often seen about town with the large van selling these mouth watering goodies on the street. The van ‘Thunderin Thelma’ is also available for parties. What fun? Consider ordering some of the goodies for your next event.
 
Zane has the deli business in his blood. His family has lived in Toronto for four generations. He claims that all his recipes are his own creations or taught to him by his grandmother. Zane stated,” My mother’s grandmother, Molly Goodman, used to make pickled tongue and corned beef sandwiches and sell them to workers at her shop on Spadina Ave. It is a trip to the past and well worth it. The service was outstanding. I can’t wait to return. Next time I will leave room for the Chocolate Bread Pudding, Apple Crumble or Lemon Square.