Chapter 13 Latin Licks
460 Words
A growing South American population has recently been swelling the ranks of places serving food from Spanish-speaking lands; this is one of the most eclectic categories. Be warned that a mariachi band may actually stop at your table and play romantic songs to your and your sweetie at Jalapeño (725 King St. W., 416-216-6743, jalapeno.ca). However, it may be worth the risk to taste their oh-so-genuine high-end Mexican, with sophisticated hot sauces and real mole -
SOC
cheap, real good, and lots of choices for vegetarians.
the Mexican savoury chocolate sauce. El Sol (1448 Danforth Ave., 416-405-8074) is a northwestern Mexican cantina that's so authentic it has cactus on the menu. Owrner Yolanda also has an interest in promoting Mexican crafts and artwork, and occasionally offers cooking lessons. El Penco (573 King St. W., 416-979-7287) is a tiny little Ecuadorian lunch counter where you can eat a good hot meal for as little as $5. Also minuscule is the trusty, Salvadorean Tacos El Asador (690 Bloor St. W., 416-538-9747). Nudged in among a row of houses on a residential street, Julie's Cuban Restaurant (202 Dovercourt Rd., 416-532-7397 is actually a bit more upscale than it sounds, with good, Cuban-inspired tapas, delectable shredded meat, and a nice patio. Peruvian El Bodegon (537 College St. W., 416-944- 82971, in its unobtrusive corner location, features mouthwatering ceviche: marinated squid, octopus, shrimp, fish, and clams, or (in the Ecuadorian variation) shrimp alone. 97 Bistro and Tapas Bar (97 Danforth Ave., 416-778-0007) is a Spanish-from-Spain spot with live flamenco on the weekends. We might as well have included New York Subway (520 Queen St. W., 416- 703-4496) under Indian food, because it's fusion at its weirdest. We decided it belonged here though because it has the feeling of a San Francisco taqueria, with vinyl decor, quick service, and minimal seating. What do they serve? Burrito-shaped food with Indian spices: real cheap, real good, and lots of choices for vegetarians.
PORTUGUESE PLENTY
One of our friends, a bike courier, has
pretty much detached himself from
his traditional Portuguese family,
except, he says: "I go home for the
rabbit." Portuguese cuisine is also
famous for what it does with salt
cod-while world stocks hold out.
The take-out barbequed chicken and
other meats from Churrasqueira
Oliveira (898 College St.,
416-537-7133) come highly
recommended, as do those from
Churrasco of St. Clair (679 St.
Clair Ave. W., 416-658-0652). If you
can find a seat on the patio, there's
nothing so pleasant as chatting away
a sunny afternoon over plates of
seafood at Amadeu's (184
Augusta Ave., 416-591-1245),
where you may spot NOW Magazine
food critic Steven Davey. Way upscale
is seafood site Chiado (864 College
St., 416-538-1910), which many
consider to rank among the top
restaurants in the city.
- Writer
