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| - Random Acts of Culinary Kindness abound in this hidden gem in Old Montreal. Found this place by accident. It's a block off Saint Jacques Ouest in Old Montreal, between Notre Dame Cathedral and McGill Street (where the new customs house is located).
Amazing vibe on the inside. It's a corner restaurant and has tables and windows on both intersecting streets. Owner/Manager is a dynamic superstar in her 30s with tons of personal style and a strong sense of foodie culture. I had come by earlier in the day and was shown the menu by a sweet greeter who spoke native French and good English. She made some recommendations from the menu and suggested that I return later that evening. Return I did.
At 10:50 p.m. on a Thursday night, Toro Toro was hopping. Not quite fully packed but still buzzing with energy. You can see the kitchen staff directly from multiple dining tables. These guys were killing it and seemed to work well together. Mostly a young, well-educated crowd in the restaurant. Great music (think upbeat Jazz). The restaurant has a Spanish theme (exemplified by the menu and the name) but was filled with native French speakers. The food was interesting -- this is not your daddy's steakhouse. Enjoyed the rabbit and escargot, the mushrooms, the four meat platter, the mancheco cheese plate, and some champagne sangria (outstanding, by the way). The almond tart with pistachio crumbles was a perfect ending.
This is a Spanish tapas restaurant with loads of good food. If you like tapas, great drinks, and a cool vibe, go there immediately. I suspect that by the end of 2013 Toro will have one hour waits to get a table. Get in there while the restaurant is still young and fun. This is one of those places that everyone will be raving about in October. Don't follow the crowd -- lead the way and get to Toro Toro now.
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