Electrifying Mexican Delights

After starting to pay attention to the dining scene in Toronto you realize that just like fashion we go through our own ebbs and flows of trends.

There was a time when everything was “Enoteca something”.  Then there was mixology which I still don’t completely understand.  Gastro-pub invaded the city for time period which I loved and now it seems to be a trend towards authentic, eclectic and DELICIOUS Mexican food.  From the likes of Playa Cabana, La Carnita and Grand Electric leading the charge, we finally have more options than just Burrito Boyz for our Mexican food fix.

 I’ve been to La Carnita and loved it – review here: http://torontoismine.blogspot.ca/2012/08/la-carnita-fusion-of-food-art-and-music.html and Playa Cabana is still on my list.  I did however get to check out Parkdale’s ever popular Grand Electric.  Just from the lineup that forms outside night after night it was clear this place was building a reputation of its own.  It’s a small little place with hip hop music blaring from its windows and the second you enter its doors you know you’re embarking onto something special.  We got to sit outside in what I like to call their backyard because it’s probably not big enough to be called a patio but feels cozy enough to feel like you’re in your own backyard.  Except you probably don’t have a huge lit up menu like this in your backyard:

 

Ambience Check.  Hip-hop music check.  Cute backyard check.  And really strong tequila drink which I can’t remember the name of (obviously) CHECK!

 

And then came the food.  SO good, so messy and doesn’t matter who you’re with, you’re gonna lick your fingers and the plate CLEAN!

From the selection we decided to go with Baja Fish Taco, Spicy Arbol Chicken, Corn Supreme and Beef Cheek – I was too scared to try the beef cheek, won’t even lie.  Something about the words cheek, belly and other body part names in my food that just throws me off.

 
Everything was to die for.  From the tender tilapia to the smoky heat in the sauces and the fresh citrusy flavors of onions and coriander.

We also tried the special of the night which was sweet and sticky ribs which fell off the bone and made me realize that it had been a LONG time since I had good ribs.

 

 

The line ups in these places really don’t amuse me but I guess it always comes back to the old adage of good things come to those who wait.

Will definitely have to head back to a) figure out what the name of that drink was and b) enjoy the little backyard patio before winter invades our city.

Till next time!

Nothing much on their website:  http://www.grandelectricbar.com/

Follow them on Twitter:  @grandelectricTO

La Carnita - Fusion of food, art and music!

Looks like my real life commitment issues are overflowing into this blog as I noticed the last time I wrote was a month ago.  Art imitating life.  Go figure.

I was scrolling through the photos on my phone and realized that I've been to some pretty cool place over the last month and shared them with no one.  Awful.  So here I am on the afternoon of a lazy long weekend Monday trying to play catch up.  Kinda wish I was on a beach instead.

The buzz around La Carnita was absolutely palpable.  The first time I heard about the Mexican pop up was when I went to the Toronto Underground Market Street Food Block Party.  Say that ten times fast.  Their fish tacos were delish and then before I knew it the little pop up resto "popped up" a few blocks down from my office.

Between the reviews from co-workers, crazy Tweets and pictures that literally induced mouth watering reactions, I knew I had to plan a visit.

I showed up with my dear friend on a Saturday night and based on their no reservation policy put our name down and had to wait 45 minutes which I actually expected so it didn't come as a shock.  Once inside it was a sensory overload of conversation, music and abstract wall murals and art. I didn't know whether to keep following our waiter to the table, stop and look at the art on the wall or start two stepping to the hip-hop beats.

We sat down, ordered some kick-ass margaritas and tried to figure out what to eat.  Oh and LOVE the slight references to hip-hop on their menu, ie their list of BALLER CHAMPAGNES.

On the menu for tonight - Ceviche, Mexican Street Corn, Tacos (In Cod We Trust and Chorizo) and a Coconut Paletas.

The street corn was what I was most excited about - I mean look at it! It was drizzled with Mexican creama, queso anejo and arbol and ancho chili powder.  I don't think I actually know what most of those mean but it basically comes down to a creamy sauce with some heat inducing spices.  Delish.

The ceviche was fresh and was a cool, refreshing starter, not something I would get again but glad I tried it.  The tacos literally disappeared before we could even speak.  I had the Chorizo which had a spicy kick to it and the Cod was flaky crunch with green apple and cabbage.

We finished off our meal with a Coconut Paleta (read Popsicle) which obviously didn't even make the cut of a full picture.

The best part of La Carnita is that every time you go back you can go and try something new. The price point is affordable, the atmosphere is buzzing and its a perfect spot for any occasion.

Can't wait till the next time!

For More info visit: http://lacarnita.com/

Or follow them on Twitter @la_carnita