El Catrin

Toronto's taco trend takeover continues with the opening of El Catrin.  This one is in the city's historic distillery district, in the former Boiler House.  The same owners have given the space a major facelift complete with neon street art scaling entire walls, massive black chandeliers, and little skulls popping up everywhere resembling the 'Day of the Dead' celebrations.  They even brought in chef Olivier El Calvez straight from Mexico who serves up a mix of authentic and modern tapas, and not just tacos.  There's a lobster burrito, cactus salad, fresh guacamole made table side, buckets of shrimp, tostadas with hot seared foie gras, 24 hour braised beef short rib with sweet potato puree, plus a lot more.  If you are going for the tacos one thing to note - you don't order individual ones like at Grand Electric - 6 (of the same ) come on a plate for $14.  Some of the tacos include - shaved pork with pineapple, chili beef stew with pork crackling, shrimp and lobster, fried haddock, sautéed octopus, and grilled swordfish.
The churro is a must order for dessert.  The fried dough is doused in cinnamon and sugar and comes with sweet dipping sauces (chocolate, caramel and strawberry).    

  

Be sure to take advantage of El Catrin's sprawling front patio while the weather's still nice.  They also have the largest tequila bar in the country with over 120 kinds.  You can't go wrong with the traditional margarita, or try the Mayahuel that's loaded with Milagro Reposado tequila, jagermiester, agave nectar, fresh lemon juice, and ginger beer.    

The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.