HOME  |  March 13, 2010  |  Blogs: The Dish, The Goods, The Hype and The Informer

My Toronto Life: Sign In  |  Register   |  Contests  |  Subscribe

Toronto Life

advertisement indicator

Wrap Artists

A resto-lounge’s take on the taco and the real deal By Eric Vellend

From Burrito Boyz to Big Fat Burrito, there seems to be endless purveyors of Mexico’s missile of meat, beans and cheese. But with taquerias popping up all over the city, the oft-forgotten taco—the burrito’s corn-based cousin—is finally earning its props. Here, two vastly different tacos that don’t require a run for the border.

High

MARBEN: Duck confit tacos, $12
488 Wellington St. W., 416-979‑1990
When conceiving the two-bite tacos for Marben, chef Craig Alley first had to order a pair of taco tongs, a V-shaped instrument that holds the miniature tortillas in place as they fry in hot canola oil. The crisp pockets are then stuffed with zippy ancho aïoli, crunchy napa slaw and succulent shreds of citrus-cured duck confit. A side of house-made salsa cuts through the richness of the duck and hits all the right cuminy notes.

Low

LA TORTILLERIA: Tinga taco, $6.50 68 Wales Ave., 416-546-5516
As Toronto’s only producer of fresh corn tortillas, La Tortilleria cranks out 6,000 a day for wholesale, retail and their own tempting tacos. Originally from Mexico City, owners Axel Arvizu and Juan Roman keep the fixings muy auténtico. The popular Tinga finds a soft crêpe smeared with refried black beans and folded around red rice, shredded chicken and caramelized onion. Red (tomato) and green (tomatillo) salsas pack a tangy punch of chili heat.

Photographs by Robert Gagnon


Originally published October 2008

Follow Toronto Life on Twitter, Facebook and via RSS

advertisement indicator
advertisement indicator

TODAY IN TORONTO has moved to our new culture and entertainment blog, The Hype. Look for it every morning here

Special messages from our partners Toronto Life and Yellow Pages Wedding Guide 2010. Click here for Perfect Escapes Click here to view the full Private Schools Directory Click here to view the Home Renovation Guide Click to search careers on Toronto Life. Powered by Career Builder Canada
advertisement indicator 5th Elementt HomeStars Ottawa Marriott California Closet