Aquarela Restaurant just looks so dark from the outside, and trust me it is much darker in the inside.
Having a drink here with the loud Latin beat music from a Live DJ does make me feel I am back on an Caribbean Island somewhere.. Unfortunately the beers here are limited to "Canadian Domestic" and Corona or Heineken. And I could not find my Caribe for 99 cents each!
Aquarela aside from being a neighbourhood watering hole, it also serves authentic Dominican & Latin American Cuisine. We shared:
Tostones ($3.50)
- soft and moist and addictive
Chivo a la Monte Cristi ($11.50)
- Stewed Goat in an Oregano Sauce made to a taste of Monte Cristi Served with Rice
- Goat is soft and tender and the seasoning is really subtle without being overpowering
- A popular dish in Northern part of Dominican
Mofongo ($11.50)
- Deep Fried Plantains Mashed with a House Garlic Sauce and Chicharron de Puerco Served with A Choice of Meat
- Served in a pilon (wooden Mortar) is really nicely presented
- The shrimp is on the smallish side but I do love the mushiness of the plantains and the sausage gives it an extra bite and the smokey taste
Watching reruns of the Blue Jays 1993 final games when they won the World Series while dining was just a really strange experience for me... But it can be worse, watching reruns of the Leafs 1967 when they won their last Stanley Cup!
Here at Aquarela, one can find a taste of the Caribbean. Warm hospitality, loud music, good food. If you prefer a more family environment, they do opens during lunch..