We did a last min trip to Toronto to basically eat, and drink for 2.5 days.
Our last stop was a gamble, Quetzal was booked out, but I was told I should be able to get a walk in seat at the bar. We went around 8pm, and got sat right away, but our host said we I ly had 1hr 45min to eat, which was plenty. I wanted the tasting menu, but our bartender said we didn't have enough time, but he would curate a menu just for me in the alloted time.
We started off with drinks, and the 2 cocktails we tried were OK. Maybe because we just came from some of the best cocktail bars in the city, especially coming from Civil Liberties(#20 best bar in North America).
I started my curated menu with
– SCALLOP Ceviche – Hokkaido scallop, leche negra, ground cherry, crispy leek – this was so tasty, and light. Perfect way to start after drinking all day😅
We moved on to
– EMPANADA OAXAQUEÑA – lamb barbacoa, salsa molcajete, valentine radish, salsa – The lamb was so tender, and I couldn't get enough of the salsa
This was probably the best hanger steak I have had in a long time. It was so tender, and the sauce! They suggested we eat it with their house made heirloom tortilla
– 8oz PRIME HANGER (GUELPH, CANADA) – Kampot pepper recado blanco cream
This was amazing! Cooked perfectly, and with the popcorn texture it was great but even better was that I got to have 4 of them to myself, because this was an actual order instead of the tasting.
– NEWFOUNDLAND Scallops – green garlic butter, popcorn, tajin
I am always in awe when I get an all veggie dish that has so much flavor.
– MUSHROOM & SHISHITO – Shogun maitake & Trinity Farms oyster mushroom, shishito, crema poblana
The pork was so tender, and all the flavors worked well together. I cheated and put the mushrooms and shishito peppers in with the taco I made.
– PORK SECRETO AL Pastor – charred pineapple, caramelized onion salsa
For a michelin place, this definitely packs a heavy punch, and really well priced. I am sort of glad I did t have time for the tasting menu, as they would have given me 2 desserts, and I don't usually care for them. Plus I got big portions, instead of tasting portions. Mexican in Canada eh?
by onemantwohands
6 Comments
I’ve been going for years and have never been let down. It’s truly a special place.
This looks great – I’ve really enjoyed Mexican fine dining; Cosme, Corima, Californios, Empellon…they’ve all been terrific.
I loved Quetzal. My only complaint is how
cramped the seating is; but the food was very good.
The scallops are some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.
That flame kissed food – love it!
i was there back in july, the pork secreto al pastor is to die for… not a huge pork fan but this almost felt like a pork wagyu, was heavenly. the empanada, prime hanger and mushrooms were also great.
i forget what drink i got there but it was some kind of prickly and fruity pear-based drink? i recall it being pretty good but then again i didn’t get to civil liberties on my trip so i can’t compare. i did hit bar raval beforehand (about two blocks down the street) and found it OK but not remarkable.
Quetzal is an all timer, perfect 1 star