Weekly Lunch Pick: the heavenly tinga tostada at Agave y Aguacate
Desperate for decent street food, eager Torontonians line up daily at this little Mexican food stall in Kensington Market. Francisco Alejandri makes each item to order, employing the expert knife skills he honed during his years at Scaramouche, Torito and the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar. Different combinations of avocado, tomato, lime juice, red onion and pork-fat fried black beans adorn most of the dishes, but each has its own charms. The heavenly tinga tostada ($5.50) is a mound of tender, pulled chipotle chicken sautéed with cabbage, that comes on a crunchy, fried-to-order tortilla shell. A cooling slice of creamy avocado, dribbled crema fresca and slivered red onions provide a nice contrast to the bold flavours below. The meal is best enjoyed al fresco on a nearby park bench with a decadent square of tart lime charlotte ($2.75): rich lime custard sandwiched between Maria biscuits dusted with lime zest and a drizzle of buttery Arbequina olive oil.
The cost: $8.25, tax included. Cash only.
The time: 20 minutes on a rainy weekday (from order until the last crumb was polished off)—relatively speedy compared to the snaking lines you find on sunnier days.
Agave y Aguacate, 214 Augusta Ave. (look for El Gordo Fine Foods), 647-208-3091.
After seeing the Food Network show Eat St, one has to wonder why Toronto – with such an abundance of cultures and great restaurant food – is so dismally lacking in great street food. The food trucks that they feature on the show are wonderful – bring some of that to Toronto!!! Enough bureaucracy already. If every great city around the world is known for their version of authentic, delicious street food (that is also fresh and inspired), why is City Hall so unimaginative and miserly with street vending permits? Any suggestions of great street food around town??
Politics suck thats why!
I would love to do A Dominican food truck. Sandwiches, Jugo, Arroz, carne.
Okay, fine, but let’s talk about this post!
I’ve been to Agave y Aguacate. And . . . it is everything said here, and more. Worth every minute. Each and every bite will delight.
Go Francisco, go!
I say: visit, and visit often. Just save me a piece of the lime charlotte. MMMMMMmmmmmm. Unbelievably delicious food!
I agree. When I travel, I seek out the street food. The best street food has to offer is a hotdog – BORING! imagine the possibilities that lie here in this city! Makes my toes curl in delight, but alas, it is only in my dreams. Excuse me while I whip away the drool from my lips.
I think the word “feast” is being used to liberally by the writer.
To correct one previous poster, the best street food that Toronto has to offer is not the hot dog. Rather, it’s the Italian sausage. Despite being an avid foodie, I must admit that the sausage does have its appeal. Sometimes you just can’t beat a properly charred spicy Italian on a soft poppy seed bun (complete with all the necessary toppings, of course). All that fat, sodium, nitrate, and unidentified animal protein…as Rachel Ray would say, YUMMO!
I have to echo the sentiments of By J; Toronto is in desperate need of adding the “proper” Food Truck culture to its mix. We have the space; we have the multi-cultural base to make it pleasing; we just need to get rid of the idiot bureaucracy who tries to make every “fun” or “good” initiative into a tax grab! Enough is enough – bring in the trucks!