The World’s Kitchens Are Just Around the Corner

Explore international flavours at the 6 & 10 Euro Market, Dutch delicacies at The Gas Barn, and a world of Indian spices and prepared meals at Clark’s of Silcote—all just a short drive or stroll away.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

After the grey skies of November close in, sometimes you just want to eat at home, ideally with a selection of ethnically interesting foods to choose from. Here are some of my favourite outlets in the area that specialize in delicacies from far away.

Thursday is donut day at 6 & 10 Euro Market — take this as a tip, or perhaps a warning if you are short on self-discipline. These glazed fruit or custard-filled beauties arrive fresh from Mississauga and, I’m told, are gone within the day. They are a highlight among the fresh breads and pastries offered at this specialty store at the north end of Chatsworth.

Poppyseed Rolls, Walnut Loafs and Strudels at the 6&10 Euro Market in Chatsworth.

Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and the Balkans, are well represented among canned and cooler ingredients as well as prepared fresh or frozen meals. Prepared salads, soups and other goodies are the creations of in-house chef Olenka.

This store stocks some products from area suppliers, too, such as Mennonite farm produce in season and, recently, frozen goodies from Chef Patrick of Thornbury. The 6 & 10 Euro Market is open 10-6 seven days a week at 317080 Hwy 6 & 10, Chatsworth. Call ahead to check what hot dishes are available for takeout or to book catering: 519-794-3581.

While we explore all things European, we should include The Gas Barn and Dutch Store on the Owen Sound bypass (Grey Road 18 and Concession 5).

The Gas Barn and Dutch Store on the Owen Sound bypass.

You’ll find traditional Dutch foods there, with lots of breads and biscuits, rounds of Gouda big enough to feed a battalion, plus Indonesian spices and mixes, and the biggest selection of licorice I have ever seen.

A recent addition to this little store is liquor, wine and beer, and notably, for the upcoming season, Bols Advocaat, a Dutch egg liqueur. There’s lots to look at in this friendly shop while you stock up, including wooden shoes, of course, and assorted giftware. It’s open Mon to Fri 6:30-7, Sat 7-6, and closed Sunday. Give them a call at 519-372-2634. 

You don’t even have to leave Owen Sound to find a vast selection of foods from the Indian subcontinent. Clarks of Silcote is a modest convenience store across from the fire station, but step inside to be quickly swept into the aromatic world of spices and incense.

Clark’s of Silcote at 1210 3rd Ave E in Owen Sound.

Here, I find ingredients I recognize, like star anise and jaggery, but much more that is mystifying, like rajam sukku malli powder, a herbal substitute for coffee. Rice and flours of all kinds fill almost a whole aisle, and the inventory of frozen and chilled products is rapidly expanding, more so each time I visit.

If the owner is there, he gladly helps interpret packages or offers cooking tips. Is it really a convenience store? Well yes, you will find the expected cokes and nachos, but also black pepper banana chips and khatta mitha mix. Clark’s of Silcote is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 1210 3rd Ave East, Owen Sound. You can reach them at 519-376-6171.

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