Grand Electric, Parkdale

Late 2011, I took my parents to try this new spot in Parkdale. If you're on top of Toronto's food scene you've probably heard too much about it already, so mind this post I guess.

Started by former Black Hoofers, Colin and Ian, the spot's mantra is cheap mexican food, craft beer, brown liquor, and loud hip-hop. Now my parents aren't -- well you know "with it" these days -- I mean my dad doesn't even try. All that being said, this is the only place I've taken them to that they've both actually liked a lot (minus the loud music they told me). It might be because it was so affordable -- at least relative to most of the other places I've told them to try.

The crowd's demographic was insistently young -- 20 to 30s -- all hidden behind the building's cleanly blacked-out exterior. Loud hip-hop was no joke -- good stuff too. Lights were dim as any other Parkdale bar, and we arrived early into the night -- New Year's Eve that is -- so there was no line awaiting us, though we pretty much grabbed the last seats. We started out with the organic corn tortillas and guacamole -- which was as sublime as the all its acclaim suggested. Everything's made in house I should note, from scratch. This was probably my mom's favourite dish, and she actually loved the whole meal; she also apparently doesn't even like Mexican food.

We tried all the four tacos on the menu that night. The Baja fish tacos were great.

If you're into the whole deathly spicy deal, you might want to try the arbol chicken tacos. Although you should also note my tolerance for hot food is at about rock bottom.

The pork belly al Pastor tacos were my least favourite, but that's mostly because I have an irrational thing against pineapples mixed with savoury flavours. I mean, I know pineapples have a special relationship with pork belly and it's the thing you're supposed to put in these tacos, but they're just not my cup of tea.

My favourite of the night however were these beef cheek tacos. Sweet meat with fresh cut chili peppers, that's just my kind of taco.

I had the Grand Electric sour -- egg white, 1.5 oz vanilla bourbon, lemon, and agave -- and I loved it. Keep in mind, I don't drink all that often and Amy Pataki of The Star wasn't too fond of its lack of tartness, but I personally enjoyed it.

I really don't know what's not to love about this place -- 3 for $10 tacos, fantastic bourbon selection, craft beer and good music. The best spot for Mexican in Parkdale, I'm positive you'll love it!

Soma Chocolate

Soma. Yes, the word sounds oddly familiar. I don't know if this is actually the intended case, but I swear it was named after the heavenly pleasurable drug from Huxley's "Brave New World" because it is incredibly addicting.


Situated in Toronto's lovely little Distillery District, Soma is an artisan chocolate factory, boutique, and cafe all in one.





They import some of the most sought after Organic Fair Trade cocoa beans from around the world, and create their very own chocolate in house with the help of traditional and antiquated processes.


They offer everything from unique little chocolate snacks, traditional baked goods, gelato, beverages, and a variety of other little delicious treats.




It is seriously some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted. It's dark, rich, aromatic, and smooth. Absolutely divine stuff. Haha.


You must definitely make your way down there if you're in the Distillery District. You will not regret it.

Matisse / Summerlicious

I usually do Winterlicious and Summerlicious a few times every season. This time around I only went once to a restaurant called Matisse. Yes, named after the Fauvist and Modernist painter, Henri Matisse. The space had a variety of his works painted on the walls, with frames painted around them, haha.

It was pretty good, but it was nothing exceptional in my opinion. My mom loved it because she said there was a lot of Asian inspiration. The servings were decently sized, but I felt it wasn't impressive enought for the $20 Summerliscious Lunch price-tag.

Crab Spring Rolls with Pineapple Salsa

Fresh Linguini Noodles with Grilled Vegetables, Roasted Red Onions
served in an Aromatic Tomato Broth, drizzled with Extra Virgin Herb Oil

This was my Mom's. Pan Seared Citrus Scented Salmon served over Egg Noodles tossed with Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms, Greens, Ginger-Lime and Coriander Vinaigrette

Apple Galette with Cinnamon Ice Cream and Vanilla Essence


I might be able to squeeze one more Summerlicious experience before it's over on the 25th.

I don't know if I recommend this place to you. It was okay.