| rev:text
| - After hearing mixed reviews on El Catrin Destileria, my friend and I decided to check it out for ourselves for dinner on a Saturday night.
Before even entering the restaurant, I could hear the lively music as we got closer(already much different from the usual quiet and serene feel of the distillery district). It was actually quite a pleasant surprise as I have always felt that the distillery as a whole has never been utilized to its full potential, as most of the restaurants close quite early (between 10-11pm), and there are not many options with respect to having a later dinner and/or staying out for a few drinks in the area, besides Mill Street and Stirling Room - so it was nice to see a restaurant in the area keeping its doors open until 1am... I truly believe this restaurant is exactly what the area needed as it seemed to bring life to the entire district.
The restaurant was extremely busy, and even so, there was a line of people waiting for tables (if any were to become available) running all the way down the entrance alleyway and around the corner. Luckily for us, we had made a reservation....
Although there was some confusion on the part of the hostesses with regards to the reservation time, and whether we were to be seated inside or outside - which actually led to us waiting at the bar for a few drinks prior to being seated - our friendly bartender Greg was able to resolve the issue, and it was only a matter of time before he had everything sorted out and we were seated on the heated patio.
I must say that the restaurant both inside and out is absolutely stunning, with a very energetic vibe and friendly and inviting ambiance. I was told by the bartender (during our wait for our table) that all of the furniture, including the light fixtures were all imported from Mexico, and that the vibrant floor to ceiling mural on the main wall was actually handpainted by artists who were flown in from Mexico. Out on the patio, the light fixtures and furniture continue with the colourful mexican theme....but what really makes the patio stand out is the open fire pit which is situated in its centre. Albeit mid-October, the patio was well-heated and really let us hang on to the remains of summer. With the cobblestone pathways of the distillery, coupled with the colourful furniture of El Catrin, you almost forget that you are in Toronto.
The tapas style menu was also quite impressive, with its array of tacos, ceviches, burritos and various appetizers. I definitely recommend the guacamole en la mesa, made with avocado, tomato, onion, chili and cilantro. Our waiter mashed up the guacamole at our table and served it with warm tortilla chips. The drinks list is also very extensive...including margaritas, sangria, tequila, mojitos, and various cocktails...
Overall, I feel that El Catrin is definitely not just another Mexican restaurant 'popping up in this city', but rather it is truly a unique experience!
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