Yesterday, my buddy Ivon and I started reminiscing about the stuff we used to eat growing up – chocolates, candies, weird slushy-like beverages sold in blood bag-like containers accompanied by straws so sharp they could be used as weapons. So, today, we decided to check out one of Toronto’s premiere shops for classic treats, and then some: Sweet Addictions Candy Co on Dundas Street West.
We must have circled the aisles a half-dozen times, recognizing old favorites, noting new offerings, and filling our handy shopping basket as we went. By the time we were done, THIS was our haul…
We headed back to Ivon’s place where we proceeded to sample everything we’d bought while Akemi filmed our reactions (Video presently being edited. Stay tuned!). We divided our sugar and salt buffet into three categories –
CHIPS
The chicken tikka masala chips certainly tasted like chicken tikka masala, but not a very good version in my opinion. Although I had high hopes for the cheese fondue, we both gave it a thumbs down as we were expecting more of a cheddar flavor and got blue cheese instead. The Burts’ Guinness were some mighty fine chips – thick cut and crunchy – that, unfortunately, didn’t really taste much like Guinness. Finally, the Combos 7 Layer Dip Tortilla tasted very much like 7 layer dip tortilla, particularly the gross sour cream topping I hate so much. Unlike me, Ivon was a huge fan and I’m sure won’t have any problem finishing off the bag for dinner.
CHOCOLATES
Boy, I have fond memories of the Flake chocolate bars I used to eat for lunch in my youth, easily accessible and delicious mini-meals readily available at the chocolate warehouse my buddy Cas and I would clean on weekends. And, I must say, they’re just as good as they ever were. Another winner was the Zero bar, winning points for taste and texture (although Ivon preferred the milk chocolate). They’re somewhat reminiscent of those weirdly delicious Icy Squares we’d get every Christmas. The peanut butter Kit Kat was fine, though it gets points for offering a touch of salt to balance the sweet. The Snickers white was equally fine, but I can’t help but think it would have been improved with a battering and deep-frying. Finally, that Googoo bar? Where have you been all my life?
CANDIES
I’ve never been a fan of sour candies, but I had to get the SweeTarts because, well, they take me back – yet they’ve still to win me over. Nerds, on the other hand, were surprisingly good, bursting with berry flavor the package claims is artificial-free…but I remain unconvinced. Ivon swore by the Pink Candy Popcorn when he was a kid but, apparently, has outgrown these stale circus offerings. Pop Rocks, on the other hand, remain as awesome as ever – an effervescent, snap-crackle-popping treat. Showing equal staying power was Bottle Caps. Although the size and shape of the caps has changed, the root beer version is as good as ever, and the cola possibly even better! Not as much love from for the Haribo Happy Cola gummies that I found so tough to chew my jaw was already sore thirty seconds in. Finally, the Fun Dip. In retrospect, it’s more about the experience of dipping the stick in the various powdered flavors – and that’s just as fun as it ever was. The butter rum Lifesavers were a list second impulse buy – and one of the only items I actually kept for myself once we were done. I’m a lifelong fan. Ivon isn’t.
GUM
What the hell happened to Gold Mine Nugget Bubble Gum? For some reason, I remember it being closer to gold in color than the present canary yellow. I also don’t recall it tasting like medicinal banana syrup. Not good. Thrills, on the other hand, has not changed much (and whether that’s a positive or negative really depends on your take on this weird rosewater-based gum). In fact, the packaging proudly proclaims “It still tastes like soap!” That it does, that it does. “It’s the cilantro of gum!”according to Ivon.
By the time we were done, I was thoroughly exhausted and, to be honest, ready for bed.
At 4:00 p.m.
Next week, we’re going to put a half dozen of Toronto’s best burgers to the test!
And, on a totally unrelated note, you can actually order one of these on Amazon –
![Jayenkai [JNK] (@Jayenkai) Avatar](https://i0.wp.com/pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/875798051503439872/U_Stl5zW_normal.jpg?resize=50%2C50){kind=avatar}
Leave a Reply