#FOOD: HIPSTER-VEERING MEXICAN FARE AT TORONTO IT-SPOT “LA CARNITA”

Earlier tonight I was humming and hawing about where to have Dinner with my Nephew Ken who drove-in from out-of-town to visit the City.  Being the trendy Uncle always comes with a bit of added pressure but alas, I would not disappoint, bang-on picking pretty much the hottest spot in Toronto – La Carnita.

A self-proclaimed “celebration of Street Art and Street Food”, the College Street It-Spot boasted an hour-plus wait tonight but dare I say it was well worth it?  Service was exceptionally quick in the cramped venue,  our Server quick to  ensure we got the last of the Special of the Day, Beef Cheek Empanadas.  Done!

One-by-one at an electric pace, our Tastebuds were shocked and scintillated by the Hipster-veering Taco-centric Mexican Fare. Tostada de Ceviche (acid-cooked swordfish, guacamole, coconut milk, habanero tomato, cucumber) was remarkably fresh and citrusy – impressive. Pollo Frito (fried chicken, peanut mole sauce, pickled green cabbage & salsa fresca) was recommended highly by our Server and was indeed decent. Carnita (slow-cooked Pork) was almost a mandatory eat although it could’ve used a bit more sauce. The Beef Cheek Empanadas were a hearty and flavourful delight – I’ll even ignore the fact that I saw several others after me receiving their orders at their tables despite the claim we got the last of them (!).  The absolute Centerpiece however was In Cod We Trust (deep-fried cod, Voltron sauce, lime crema, pickled red cabbage, green apple & cilantro) – every bite was  textured heaven.

Unfortunately there was not much room left for tempting Dessert offerings like Churros and Tres Leche Cake. Perhaps next time!

Prices are super-reasonable, serving sizes appear small to the eye but magically are filling, the ambiance festive and the taste immense.  Easily one of my best meals in recent memory and deserving of the feverish buzz.  Daniel Radcliffe and Terrence Howard couldn’t possibly be wrong in their adoration.

La Carnita is situated at 501 College Street (west of Bathurst).

Visit their Website for more details here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)