Listen, I don’t like to say not-so-nice things about food establishments that are clearly putting forth an effort. But TacoLot is not so fantastic. I agreed with my friend’s statement, “I really wanted to like this place.” I really did. But I ended up disappointed. TacoLot’s got much going for it. It’s in the getting trendier by the minute Hintonburgh area. It’s a hut on a lot. It’s an easy to walk to neighbourhood joint. And it serves the ever popular tacos. But the aforementioned tacos are pretty unspectacular. So bland that even a hot sauce couldn’t spice up. The tortillas were dry and almost crusty. The rice was unexpectedly sticky. Even the pico de gallo was flavourless. I’m willing to chalk this up to a bad night and give it another try maybe later on this summer. But for now at least, I’m left dreaming of a better taco. Any suggestions?
Is it sad that one of my favourite places to eat in Toronto is Chipotle Mexican Grill? I mean, T.O. is home to a bevy of gourmet restaurants and we choose to eat at a fast casual dinning spot. We actually plan out our outings around this place. It helps that Chipotle is on Yonge and Eglinton which is near pretty much everything. Oh, as an aside, if you need sweet cheap kitchen stuff, check out Kitchen Stuff Plus on Yonge street, just a few blocks down from Chipotle.
Here’s how Chipotle works. You choose between burritos, tacos, burrito bowls and salads. Then you customize with your choice of meats or you go veggie like I did. Then come the fillers. Guacamole, salsa, cheese, beans, corn, fajita vegetables, lettuce and cilantro-lime rice. That rice is sick and one of the things that sets this place apart from Adobo or Qdoba. My veggie burrito was the size of a small poodle. Their slogan is “It’s not just a burrito. Its a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, local farm supporting, food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you’re in Toronto, go now. If you’re in Ottawa like me, petition. Cause I need to feed my addiction.
My veggie burrito
Zoom in on my veggie burrito. Looks gross close-up but when it’s in my mouth, it’s mmm.
For all the years I’ve been going to Boston, I’ve heard about this place in Harvard Square called Felipe’s Taquaria. Frankly, Chipotle suited my needs for mexican fare just fine. But it’s not exactly authentic. So one night before a Red Sox game, I sought out Felipe’s. It’s on Mount Auburn street near JFK. I had the soft steak tacos. They were fine I guess. I liked that you get to pile on extra condiments like tomatoes and radishes. Service was fast enough. But I don’t get the hype. Maybe I’m missing something? I might be back to try the burrito’s. I hear those are good. The again, Chipotle’s burrito’s are pretty sick.
