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

Origin

I always keep my promises and so here’s a long awaited post!

I’m ashamed to say that this place has been on my list of places to go for months and from reading review after glowing review of the food, the anticipation was only building.  On a blustery and cold winter night I finally found myself at this much-talked about King and Church resto with an open mind and empty stomach.

Origin is designed for tapas style dining which is slowly becoming one of my favorite ways of eating because you get to try so many different things at one sitting.  Upon walking into the side entrance which is lined by twinkling blue lights you notice instantly how open the space is.  Exposed brick and plush seating just inviting you to take a seat and indulge.  You also learn that you don’t get any attention from the side entrance and that walking through the entrance on the King side is where you will be properly greeted and then seated at your table :)

Our coats were taken for us and put away and we were seated at the bar table nestled along the open style kitchen where you can see all the cooks hard at work preparing and designing which was by far the prettiest looking food I’ve ever eaten.  Glasses of Malbec in hand we started to peruse through the options which are very well organized under the categories of Snacks & Sides, Raw Bar, Mozzarella Bar, Chilled and Hot.  Of course we over zealously decide that we want to try one thing from each section.  I’d like to preface at this point that we totally thought this was do-able – 5 plates between two girls?  Totally do-able.

On our Journey:

Snacks & Sides - Spicy Spanish Fries with Chorizo and Manchego

Raw Bar - Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls with apple, shiso, miso mayo and amaranth

Hot - Chinois Duck Wrap with pickled cucumber, hoisin, sriracha and sour cream

Mozzarella Bar – Bufala mozzarella with confit tomato, basil and preserved lemon

The tuna hand rolls came out first and the first thing that came out of my mouth was “but its too pretty to eat!”.  It should be forewarned that this probably one of the few dishes on the menu that actually cant’ be shared so of course we ordered one each.  I can’t even describe how one small hand roll can be spicy and fruity and savory all at the same time.  I’m a HUGE sushi fan so not only was I getting my fix but explosion of flavors I was experiencing was unreal. 

Next came the spicy fries.  Although they were great and the mix of chorizo and manchego cheese made it feel like a gourmet poutine, it was definitely one of the safer choices.  Still fabulous and really, how can you hate on fries? 

Next was the Chinois Duck Wrap.  O.M.G.  It came out and again I wondered how we would shared this but we just wrapped ‘er up and alternated bites.  At first bite the wrap literally melted in your mouth. The duck was soft and tender and perfectly marinated in the hoisin and sriracha (that red Chinese hot sauce!) sauces.  The pickled cucumbers added a little crunch and tart flavor and the sour cream cooled off your palette inc case you weren’t able to handle the kick.  At first glance you may think that this wouldn’t be enough for one person but it was so filling and SO good.  Definitely hitting the repeat button on this one!

 

We were definitely getting full at this point but felt like we needed one last dish to finish off our adventure.  On to the refreshing finish of the bufala mozzarella.  Although in my opinion this was just a fancy serving of bruchetta, I had NEVER tasted bufala mozzarella that was so soft and light that it felt as if it had been melted. Surprise of the night for sure but again was on the safe side.

 

Overall this place met everyone of my expectations – the food was to die for, the service was super friendly and the atmosphere of the place was one where you could be in a big group or on an intimate date.  I cannot WAIT to go back again :)

Origin
Address: 107-109 King Street East
Parking: Street Parking
Price: $$$ - depending on how much or how little you order
Service: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10