El Jacal

Did you know, out of the 40 Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Toronto 16 are Mexican owned and only 4 have Mexican cooks? These are just facts, I’m not blaming individuals of various non-Mexican backgrounds for being cons. I’m talking about cuisine authenticity, which is rare because many ethnic restaurants have been standardized to American taste. So unless you’re up for a trip south it’s quite sane to be picky about finding a gem in the City. Thankfully, at “El Jacal” you don’t need to worry about being served American-style Mexican food. As chef and owner, Antonio Romero’s ardor to represent his culture assures authentic Mexican cuisine, and 90% of Mexican clientele is solid proof.

Chef’s absolute favorite customers are picky Vegetarians! I’m vegetarian 90% of the time and will vouch for “El Jacal” as the Mexican restaurant with an equal amount of veggie delights as meat dishes. Antonio pointed out a couple of 'mishaps’ with Vegetarians who cleared the lettuce and left juicy and nutritious cactus?! Dear vegetarians, if you’re going to represent, then take some risks, get outside of the lettuce box and try the texture rich, diet recommended (11 calories per cup), nutritious “Ensalada de Nopal” a cactus salad ($8.42), just one of many adventurous meatless options. I went in head first and I'm already craving another chance at the liberating feeling the dish inspired!

If you’re not a carnivore and/or it’s your first time at “El Jacal” Antonio will get quite animated but don’t let that scare you. He’s only excited to surprise your taste buds with familiar ingredients tasting unusually delicious. For example, if you think beans are predictable, try the yummy “Sope” tortillas with beans, green sauce, onion and feta cheese($7.35) or the ultra refreshing “Frijoles Charros” black bean soup ($11.85), and if your attitude towards corn is “been there, done that” order “Pozole” ($11.85) and you’ll go there and do that again.

As for my personal aphrodisiacs, my favorite was the Chelada ($6) beer with ice, lime juice, garnished with hot pepper and salt around the rim. I was skeptical at first as beer tends to weigh heavy on me, but it was a hot day and Antonio put it there to tempt me... after first sip I wasn’t letting go of this purely refreshing beverage. I felt spoiled snacking away on grilled cactus, refried beans and guacamole with corn chips. The chips were freshly made in a traditional way from tortilla leftovers, and what a difference that made! It didn't take long before there wasn’t a trace of guacamole, but I shamelessly devoured the remaining tasty triangles and couldn’t even resist the crumbs!!

From the unquestionable menu, traditional décor, to the lovely, entertaining, and insightful service, “El Jacal” is where it’s at when it’s comes to getting a true Mexican experience. Check out the tasty Buffet style lunch special ($10.00), including a soft drink before 3pm, all-day-Mexican-breakfast and weekend lamb special. One last note for Vegetarian and Vegan friends, anything on the menu can be modified to your likes, and “El Jacal” has prepared vegan feasts for parties and events, creating dishes outside of the menu, so don't hesitate to inquire.

“It is only with this knowledge that the enjoyment of food transcends sensual pleasure to become something much more profound—a cultural experience.” -Jim Peyton’s New Cooking from Old Mexico: