Introducing: Fonda Lola, a new Queen West cantina that serves kombucha on tap
Name: Fonda Lola
Neighbourhood: Queen West
Contact Info: 942 Queen St. W., @FondaLola
Owners: Ernesto Rodriguez, Howard Dubrowsky and pop-up chef Andrés Márquez, who is also involved with the Charlie Burger supper club
Chef: Howard Dubrowsky, the former chef and owner of L.A.B. on College
The Food: Traditional Aztec recipes inherited by Márquez from his anthropologist aunt. Mains include grilled steak with mole sauce and Ontario trout marinated in aguachile, a blend of lime juice, macerated jalapeños and cilantro. Taco specials change daily.
The Drinks: Tequila-based cocktails made with unconventional mixers like kombucha (i.e. fermented black tea), coconut water and maple water, which is used instead of simple syrup. Traditionalists might opt for the classic margarita, which blends grapefruit, orange and lime juice. Fonda Lola is the first outfit in Canada to serve kombucha on tap.
The Place: The warm room is crammed with bird cages, painted ceramics and other Mexican tchotchkes, which liven up the DIY aesthetic. Antique wooden tables are topped with cheery woven napkins and blue-and-white patterned crockery imported from Mexico.
The Numbers:
• $2000 for a bottle of Clase Ezul, the most expensive tequila on the menu
• 1852 hours for Márquez to renovate the space
• 150 distinctive blue-and-white Anfora plates shipped in from Mexico
• 25 bottles of tequila consumed during construction
• 18 inches of water in the basement after last July’ s epic flood
• 2 culinary fact-finding missions to Mexico
• 1 tequila library where customers can store bottles of tequila until their next visit
• 1 kombucha tap, the first to be installed in Canada
248645 Fonda Lola is on Queen Street West, at Shaw (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-01.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-01/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-01 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248652 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-08.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-08/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-08 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248666 Owner Andrés Márquez devoted almost 1,900 hours to renovating the restaurant (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-22.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-22/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-22 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248647 The blue-and-white ceramic plates were imported from Mexico (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-03.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-03/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-03 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248648 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-04-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-04.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-04/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-04 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248650 A statue of St. Mary (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-06-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-06.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-06/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-06 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248656 Guac and salsa verde with house-made tortilla chips ($5) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-12.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-12/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-12 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248661 Aguachile trout garnished with garlic chips and chrysanthemum petals ($7) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-17.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-17/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-17 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248662 Aguachile trout garnished with garlic chips and chrysanthemum petals ($7) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-18.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-18/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-18 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248663 Bavette with house-made mole sauce, pepitas and hibiscus-pickled jalapeños ($8) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-19.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-19/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-19 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248667 A triplet of chicken tinga tacos with caramelized onions and hibiscus-pickled onions ($10). The two taco options on the menu change daily. (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-23.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-23/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-23 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248665 Chicken tinga taco (3 for $10) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-21.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-21/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-21 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248659 Mexican chocolate pot de crème ($5) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-15.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-15/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-15 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248660 The DIY bar (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-16.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-16/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-16 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248657 Margarita ($10) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-13.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-13/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-13 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248664 These file cabinets are the restaurant’s “tequila library.” Diners who purchase a whole bottle can store their liquor at Fonda Lola until their next visit (they also get VIP invites to special events and tastings, and preference for reservations) (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-20.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-20/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-20 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248654 The bathrooms have chunky wooden rafters and big metal tubs for sinks (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-10.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-10/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-10 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248655 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-11.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-11/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-11 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248653 A collection of luchador (i.e. Mexican wrestler) figurines (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-09-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-09.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-09/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-09 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
248651 Owner Andrés Márquez (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Fonda Lola https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-07.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/food/fonda-lola-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-07/ toronto-restaurant-fonda-lola-07 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
Is anyone reading this and believing it? Toronto dining scene is so lame when compared to some of its counterpart cities that the restaurant owners are having a hard time differentiating themselves in sea of overpriced italian, mexican, ramen and elevated greasy pub grub. There is much to be said about the city which discovers Napolitan pizza in the 21st century, where before this the staple was the high attaining standard of Pizza Pizza. Back to the point…..So its not Mexican, now its Aztec? Ancient recipes pre-Mexico given to the owner by his anthropologist aunt? Being an anthropologist makes her an expert I guess. Presumably she found the recipe scroll in a cave? What do you know, the ancient book of Mexican, sorry Aztec, recipes calls for organic certified Ontario trout. The other items in the scroll were a little hard to read, so the boys decided to make a trip to Mexico on a fact finding mission. Couple of things standing out in the “By the numbers” section:
– 1852 hours to renovate…if its an average 10 hour day, that would be a rough 185 days to complete the reno. 25 bottles of tequila for that amount of time? This works out about 3 shots a day. Pretty lite considering the connotation here. Aztec warriors would not be proud.
Good eatin’
Did you try their food at that Tromba tequila party? Just disgusting. Worst tacos I ever had in my life.
Thank god for the great tequila and the other restaurants that were there serving food.
You’re an idiot, try serving 3000 tacos in an hour. The smaller tastings they had were outstanding, better then Grand Electric, and makes Playa Cabana look like a toilet, come to think of it, it does.
Toronto Foodie,
Please don’t knock it till you try it. This place offered up some of the best food ( mexican, aztec or otherwise) I have had in YEARS.