Introducing: Branca, an Argentine grill house in a former residential home on Dundas West
Name: Branca
Contact Info: 1727 Dundas St. W., 416-519-8165, branca.ca, @BRANCA_TO
Neighbourhood: Dundas West
Owner: James Bateman
Chef: Kanida Chey, the former chef de cuisine at Weslodge
The Food: Barbecued meats, cooked via traditional Argentinian methods—a charcoal parrilla grill for smaller cuts, and a blazing wood fire for large cuts and whole animals. Short ribs and skirt steak are sliced, fanned across a wooden board and served with house-made chimichurri, harissa and salsa criolla, an Argentinian condiment made with onions and vinegar. Starters include grilled shrimp and Spanish octopus.
The Drinks: The South American cocktail list includes caipirinhas, pisco sours and Argentinean Fernet with Coke.
The Place: Branca is housed in a former residential row house near Dundas and Lansdowne. The room’s plush green banquettes, marble tabletops and exposed brick walls create a warm, buzzy ambiance.
