Supermarket

I had read about this restaurant and heard good things, so we decided to head over to Kensington Market to check it out. Supermarket, located at 268 Augusta Avenue, just south of College, combines the laid back atmosphere of Kensington Market, Asian-inspired cooking from neighbouring China town and an eclectic mix of people to cook up a casual but delicious dining experience.
After long deliberation on the menu, which offers up a variety of different tastes and flavours under two categories, small or large plates, including organic mixed baby greens served with a miso-passionfruit guava vinaigrette ($5.95) and grilled jerk pork with mixed greens and a spicy scotch bonnet pepper dip ($10.95), we came to the decision to order two small dishes and two large dishes.

First came the sweet potato chips spiced with chipotle & sea salt served with chipotle mayo ($4.95), which we devoured in seconds. It was a great way to whet our starving appetites and kept our mouths watering for more.
Then came the first of our large dishes: braised oxtail and beef shank with lemongrass topped with Thai basil ($10.50). I had never tried oxtail before - the idea of eating the tail of an ox gave me the shivers - but after having a taste of this dish, I can assure you that oxtail is a tender, juicy, flavourful meat. (I apologize for the picture [or lack thereof], we were so hungry and dove into the dishes too quickly before realizing we hadn't taken a picture)
Then came the chicken & shrimp pad thai, which consisted of rice noodles, sprouts bok choy, carrots, egg, chicken & shrimp (of course), peanuts and cilantro ($10.95). You can specify when you order whether you want it to be mild, medium or spicy. I am a big fan of pad thai - when it is done right. That being said, I have to give kudos to Supermarket for making this a dish that will beckon me for repeat visits to this trendy resto lounge. (Once again, I apologize for the [minimal] picture)
Lastly, our order of sui mai, steamed dim-sum style shrimp & scallop dumplings with sesame soy dip ($7.95), arrived. We were pretty full already, but managed to taste a couple. I have to say that this is a dish I could have done without. The dumplings are open-faced and come stuffed to the brim with shrimp and scallop, making it difficult to pick them up with the provided chopsticks - not to mention the dumplings are incredibly sticky and hold on for dear life to the basket they come served in. The scallops and shrimp were rubbery and tasted as if they had been steamed for far too long. Suffice to say, I do not recommend this dish on any trip to Supermarket.
I would return to Supermarket, as long as I can skip out on the sui mai!

Party Size: 2
Price Range: $15-25/person
Visit Again?: Yes
Food: 3/5
Service: 2/5 (very slow - a little too laid back)
Atmosphere: 4/5 (a little dark)
OVERALL: 4/5

StheF