Maggie Wrobel
From Saturday's Globe and Mail Last updated on Saturday, Mar. 14, 2009 01:28AM EDT
EL BANDIDO
393 King St. W., Toronto
416-597-8383
If your only memories of tequila are forcing shots of burning, foul-tasting liquid down your throat at a high-school party, Cesar Rios Bailon has news for you.
The owner of downtown Toronto Mexican mainstay El Bandido offers 16 varieties of the fiery brew, and even offers free tastings every Thursday night, with the assistance of the Mexican consulate.
Logical partners for free tequila? Speed dating and salsa dance lessons, of course, both of which are also offered every Thursday. "I don't hire a waitress unless she can dance salsa," Bailon says.
There is much space to move in El Bandido's new location (it migrated a few doors down to
accommodate growing crowds and a condo development), but returning patrons will be relieved that the food is as great as ever and the colourful portrait of Mexican rebel leader Emiliano Zapata is still in a place of honour.
But the spacious new locale is a bit pristine for Bailon's taste. "I have to mess it up a bit," he says.
El Bandido's signature drink is - what else? - the Bandido Margarita, but Bailon is quick to point out it should be served shaken, not blended, for true authenticity.
Bandido Margarita
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Handful of crushed raspberries
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice in a margarita glass. Makes one drink.
Join the Discussion: