We learned about The Smoke Bloke after a mention in Toronto Life and also realizing that we’ve probably tried their salmon at places like Primrose Bagel (e.g., the beet and horseradish salmon) and Gryfe’s. So we decided to order and pick up from the source, which is easier said than done, given the convolutions of their website and online ordering platform. We are pleased to note the focus on sustainability (many fish are Ocean Wise-recommended). We decided to sample two options that we hadn’t had before.
The hot-smoked black cod was a bit salty on its own, so it might be best diluted by some cream cheese and a hefty bagel. Nonetheless, the smokiness and richness were very pleasing. The cold-smoked steelhead trout was better, with a balanced cure and delicate texture.
We would next like to try their haddock and pickerel.
