62. Venezuela: Arepa Cafe

Arepa Cafe
490 Queen Street West
(between Bathurst & Spadina)
416 362 4111

When we arrived at the restaurant we had to wait for a table to become available so that the six of us could be seated together. It was a bit awkward and we helped move chairs to make it easier. They were expecting a party of 14 to arrive and were a bit flustered by us showing up as well.
The decor is a blend of past and present where bare brick walls and tin ceiling are complimented by urban modern fixtures.
For starters we order berros (watercress salad with tomato, avocado and pickled onion), $3.75, lentil soup $4.00 and codfish soup $4.00. The latter was very well seasoned and not overly salty.
Arepas, of the restaurant's name, are made from cornmeal formed into patties then grilled and cut open so they become like buns for sandwich fillings. We try three of the many arepa varieties- avocado & fresh cheese, $7.00 [picture below]; cazon bacalao (salted codfish, sweet peppers, onion and garlic), $7.00 and grilled chicken with herb mayonnaise, $7.50.
Our server explained the tempting desserts in the display case and we chose the guava tart $4.50 and Tres Leches $5.75. We drink decaf Americanos and sugar cane lemonade as there is no liquor license here. Total for four three-course lunches $80.23 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

61. Ecuador: El Tipico Ecuatoriano

El Tipico Ecuatoriano
2312 Keele St (just south of Lawrence)
416 614 1136

We're the first customers in the door when they open up at noon on Saturday but three other tables fill up quickly.
Our menus and a pot of spicy salsa are brought to the table. I notice that the prices are higher than those on the website.
I order a special dish available only on weekends: Encebollado de Pescado [pictured here]- a hearty soup made with chunks of fresh tuna and cassava then garnished with cilantro and thinly sliced, pickled red onion, $11.00. A dish of roasted and salted corn kernels arrives and I'm not sure how to proceed. The waitress explains you can try them in your soup or eat them as is. They are crunchy and addictive; a bit like dry-roasted peanuts. The "arroz con pollo" - breaded chicken strips with rice, salad(again with slices of pickled onion) and fries is a tasty and filling meal but perhaps not as adventurous, $11.00 . We drink coffee at a dollar a cup.
Total $27.12 plus tip for two filling lunches. A large Ecuadoran flag pinned to the wall shows national pride but the strip mall location and Latin music videos on the TVs do little for the ambiance.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

50.Guyana: Bacchus Roti Shop

Bacchus Roti Shop
1376 Queen Street West
(Between Lansdowne and Dufferin)
416 532 8191

Bacchus has long been considered THE roti shop in Toronto. When my sister visits from Seattle, she always puts a Bacchus roti on her itinerary. I sheepishly admit that this was my first time and I must say that I came away impressed.
From the spotless interior to the fast, friendly service you get the feeling that this is a well run shop. When I got there, shortly after opening time, there were stacks of cases of bottled drinks near the counter. A man, I took to be the owner , said to a younger staff member, " I'd like these put away as soon as you get the chance." Between taking orders at the counter, delivering meals to customers and clearing off tables the cases of drinks were soon dealt with.
I order a Veggie Roti filled with squash and curried chickpeas (channa), $6.24, a side of crisp, peppery coleslaw, $1.59 and a can of mango nectar, $2.29. The roti is non-greasy, very tasty and generous but not overwhelming in size. Total for one, including tax, $11.44.The green leafy pattered wall paper, wicker chairs and gleaming wooden tables give the place a tropical feel. But unlike other roti shops, there's no blaring music, boisterous clientele, or clutter to cope with at Bacchus.
Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (4)

44. Uruguay: La Pasiva

La Pasiva
896 Wilson Avenue
(between Keele and Dufferin)
416 636 6555

It's 12:30 on a warm, sunny October afternoon and there is only one other occupied table at this local eatery. Parking was tricky in this strip mall which has limited appeal.
We are greeted quickly by a friendly waitress who brews a fresh pot of good coffee for us, $1.50 a cup including refills.
I chose the tuna stuffed tomato from the appetizer section of the menu, [photo above] $6.00. It comes attractively presented but is unexceptional in taste. The Figazza - crisp pizza crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, sauteed onions and herbs, however is very tasty, $3.50.
Hubby ordered a Chivito, which is a Uruguayan national dish. The menu described a much heartier version - with fried egg, olives and more - than what arrived. Served with fries this chicken sandwich was bland and short of fixings, $9.95.
The lived-in interior is nondescript although there's a map of Uruguay on the wall and jolly Latin music was being played. Total for two lunches, $25.37 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (2)
Value for Money (3)

42. Argentina: Sky Ranch

Sky Ranch
2473 Dufferin Street
(north of Eglinton)
416 787 0491

Several staff members attempted to entice us to come/stay later in the evening to enjoy the live music provided. We were wary of taking public transit home from that neighbourhood later in the evening and so stuck to our plan for a 6:30 dinner and are safe at home by nine.
The menu is, as one would expect, heavy on the beef but we choose to order differently.
For starters: Camarones al Ajillo Shrimp in Garlic Sauce $10.90; Palmitos con Salsa Golf - tender hearts of palm, on lettuce with black olives with a tangy tomato-mayonnaise dressing, $7.90 [pictured here].
Our main courses were: Salmon a la Parilla - grilled salmon steak served with rice $14.90, which was slightly undercooked; Camarones al Ajillo - Shrimp in Garlic Sauce with rice $13.90.
I ask our server to recommend a dessert and choose the Flan con Dulce de Leche -homemade custard with caramel cream, $4.00, and I'm not disappointed.
It's nice to have a house wine that originates in the same country as the cuisine served (Argentine house red $15.00 for a half litre).
Print up a coupon from their website to save 15% on your food order. Total for three courses with drinks and tax was $71.35 for two people, after the discount.
Service was friendly and informal, if a little quirky. Latin and North American pop background music were alternately played. The band setting up were more on the Latin side. We were the only people speaking English in the place, which enhanced the authentic ambiance.


Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)

34. Brazil: Caju

Cajú
922 Queen Street West
(East of Ossington)
416 532 2550

As we arrive at this stylish restaurant in "trendy" Queen St West Friendly, a friendly greeting from the servers makes us feel welcome. The interior has a clean, contemporary decor with gleaming Jatoba cherry wood flooring, wooden table tops and chairs. The framed photos of Brazilian urban and rural life are engaging.
A small wooden platter of bread and butter & glasses of water arrive promptly. Our server described the specials, helped with food selection.
We share a starter [pictured below] : Beringela Grelhada: Grilled eggplant with roasted garlic and goat cheese purée, with field mixed greens and passion fruit dressing, $ 9. Main course: Peixe com Vatapa: Seared fish of the day (today's catch is Monkfish), served with Vatapá (a blend of cashew nuts, ginger and coconut milk) with a red pepper sauce, $ 24. We finish up with decaf Cafe Americano, $2 each and share a rich dark chocolate confection topped with passion fruit for dessert, $7. Total for two with tax and tip, $85.
The quality and freshness of the food is excellent. It may be a bit pricey, but it does not disappoint. The staff are very well trained and gracious in guiding you through an exceptional dining experience.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

22. Chile: Jumbo Emapanadas

Jumbo Empanadas
245 Augusta Ave
(Kensington Market)
416 977 0056

To Kensington Market and Jumbo Empanadas where you order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. You need a help yourself approach as they were busy Sunday lunch time with take-out and the friendly waitress was rushed off her feet. We purchased vegetable empanadas, stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, onions and peppers, $3.99. Corn Pie: beef and chicken layered with onion, olives, egg, raisins and topped with sweet corn, $7.60. Humitas: mashed corn, onion and basil wrapped in corn leaves and steamed, $3.99 - a nice speciality. Chilean Salad: lettuce, avocado, tomato, onion and broccoli in an olive oil and cilantro dressing. There was very little oil on the salad - " I haven't enjoyed a salad so much in a long time".
Coffee $1.25, bottled water $2.00. We took home pastries alphajores - flaky layers with "dulce de leche". The empolvados melt in your mouth with pastry dusted with icing sugar - $2.00 each. $36.00 for three generous lunches and pastries to take home. Would I go there again? Yes.
Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)

14. Colombia: El Arriero Restaurante

Los Arrieros Restaurante
276 Jane St
(north of Bloor at Ardaugh)
416 761 1600

The restaurant is named for the Arrieros who are Colombians that transport coffee, maize and other agricultural products to market in the traditional way - with their mules.
We are greeted promptly and help move rustic wooden tables and benches to accommodate our party of eight.
We try a traditional starter: Arepa con Queso - corn cake with cheese $3.50 and find it a bit bland.
Our main courses: Chicken burrito 6.99, Chicken taco three for $7.99, Fajitas Tejanas - Grilled shrimp, chicken, steak strips, onion , pepper, bean lettuce and sour cream [pictured here] $13.99, Bistec Encebollado - Steak with onions rice and salad $12.99. Those who order the Mini Paisa - beans, rice, Spanish bacon, plantain, avocado, beef, corn cake and egg $11.99, find the portion generous and can't believe they've got the mini version. There are no Vegetarian main dishes on the menu but we ask the server for suggestions and get platters with rice, beans, plantain, avocado, salad and a fried egg on top.
The mango juice (with water) $2.50 - so thick that the straw stood up on its own -was delicious and not overly sweet. Chilean red wine by the half litre is reasonably priced.
Entertainment is provided by Leo Del Ayer who sings to recorded tracks. The walls are covered with traditional folk art and Colombian souvenirs.
Overall - a down to earth local restaurant with large portions of tasty South American fare and exceptional service.


Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)

10. Peru: Boulevard Restaurant

Boulevard Cafe
161 Harbord St
(between Bathurst and Spadina)
416 961 7676

We were greeted cordially and then ushered through a kitchen area upstairs where we were somewhat left to our own devices to choose a table. We sat at the top of the stairs with a view of the washrooms. Service was fairly prompt and genial.
The food rated highly. There must be umpteen restaurants in Toronto selling chicken, rice and veggies in differing styles and this one proved to be near the top of the list. We tried one of the daily specials the Pollo Gitano - grilled chicken breast in a spicy spinach, garbanzo (chick peas) and wine sauce served with garlic rice and veggies, $18.95, and the Camarones Ajillo - marinated and grilled shrimp in a spicy garlic, pimento and wine sauce served with rice and vegetables, $23.00 from the regular menu. Both are ample portions. The vegetables were colourful and crunchy and the shrimp were done to perfection, not overcooked.
We share the recommended "authentic" Peruvian starter from the specials board: Humita - creamed corn with basil wrapped in a corn husk and fresh salsa, $12.95, which was excellent.
The cheapest wine on the list is $35 a bottle but we manage to negotiate a half-litre of house red off menu, an Argentinian Cabernet, not a snip at $26. A small pot of fresh mint tea, although delicious, is overpriced at $4.00.
Understated holiday decorations and pleasant Latin background music added to the overall effect. Dinner for two came to $111.30 including tax and tip. A good restaurant for a treat.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)