Escondite

Cerveceria, Tequila, FIESTA

1206 Avenue Union, Montréal, QC H3B 3A7

Downtown now has an actual selection of diverse and trendy restaurants to choose from. Escondite (which translates to hiding place) has recently been added to the roster and is bringing a totally fresh concept to Montreal. We're used to basic tacos served at whole-in-the-walls, and the odd cute Mexican establishment, but this spot is chic in every way and serves up tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes with flair.

From the outside, you expect to walk into an ordinary and casual restaurant, but step inside to find a dimly lit space with ornately painted walls, interesting art, and neon signs that all work together to create a hip atmosphere. This is THE taco restaurant Montrealers have been waiting for.

Ok, so the restaurant is beautiful...but what about the food and drinks!?

Papi Chulo's pork ribs are a must-  sticky and sweet in a black cherry chipotle sauce. And if you're a truffle lover, you need to order the truffle and cheddar cheese quesadillas. I would go for the shrimp ceviche over the beet ceviche-  more zing and flavour. 

Papi Chulo's Pork Ribs

Quesadilla Sincronizada de Hongos

Beet Ceviche 

Shrimp Ceviche

All of the tacos we tried were great. My picks are the crispy cod and cauliflower tacos. The smoked meat tacos (a Montrealer's dream) were good, but not my personal favourite.

Crispy Cod Tacos

Crispy Cauliflower / Vegetarian Taco 

Smoked Meat Taco

Of course you should end your meal with CHURROS-  coated in cinnamon sugar and served with nutella for dipping.

Churros

Drinks were flavourful and colourful. I always love a good Michelada (basically the Mexican version of a Caesar with beer). The La Papaya with gin and papaya purée was another favourite. 

Michelada

Mojito del'King

Cartel de Santa (with Hibiscus Flower syrup and Hibiscus Foam)

La Papaya

Escondite is a real "hidden" gem. The restaurant is a good size allowing for bigger parties and they take reservations. Perfect for your next Mexican fiesta with friends or a date!!

Mind, Taste, Love.

T&T Tacos et Tortas

No Excuse Necessary

51 Rue Rachel O, Montréal, QC H2W 1G2

In honour of yesterday's Cinco de Mayo celebrations, I decided I should tell you guys about T&T Tacos et Tortas, a cozy Mexican restaurant in the plateau. Their focus is on tacos (these need no introduction), and tortas (a Mexian style sandwich).

The place itself is quaint and pretty simple in terms of décor. The excitement and flavour definitely arrive when the plates and drinks are set-down on the table in front of you.

We started with a bowl of soup filled with avocado, tortilla chips, and cheese-  a meal in itself. We then got to sample a couple of different tacos. We chose the Pastor tacos (grilled pork, onion, grilled pineapple and cilantro), Cochinita (pulled pork, pickled red onions, and jalapenos), and Pescado (fish of the day breaded with panko, chipotle mayo, and cabbage salad). If I had to pick one I would go with the Cochinita. The tender meat and jalapeno pairing are unbeatable. All tacos are served with a trio of hot sauces: red salsa, green salsa, and habanero-  so the heat factor is left up to you!

Tortilla Soup

Pescado and Cochinita Taco

Pastor and Pescado Tacos

Chelada and Limonada

For dessert, DO NOT miss the churros. I pronounce these my favourite churros in the city (thus far) and urge you to go try them. They are warm and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and drizzled in a sauce of your choice (chocolate, dulce de leche, or strawberry). I would opt for the dulce de leche sauce, unless you're a big fan of dark chocolate.

Churros with Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Sauce

These are definitely not the cheapest tacos in the city, but if you're looking for a place where you could grab a cocktail, some tacos, and hang out with friends in a cool area of the city, this is definitely it!

I know Cinco de Mayo has come and gone, but who needs an excuse to go out for some quality tacos and margaritas on any given night? I know I don't!!


Mind, Taste, Love.