Remember Cheval on King West?
It's no longer a hunting ground for cougars or a playground for bachelorettes.
Well, maybe that is to be determined but at least they can now have Latin American eats thanks to Steve Gonzalez
Firstly, the space is sexy and fun and there has been a lot of thought put into the decor. They have fantastic rooftop patio with views of King West. The patio had lots of standing space and seating, but it will probably be packed once it is discovered.
I would definitely agree that Valdez has potential.
However, the service just plain sucks.
Inattentive, forgetful, and slow.
Suuucks.
Unfortunately, the food also fell short of our expectations..
If you have to ask for hot sauce...
It's just not good.
They boast that they have 5 types of ceviche.
I only had to try the one of them to know that I did't want to try any more.
The mixto was octopus with squid ink.
It needed more citrus, seasoning, and more seafood.
The chorizo was dry and crumbled while you were eating it.
Not enough fat or flavour.
The fish wrapped in banana leaf was one of the more popular share plates.
The basa fish was a large size. They will de-bone it for you if you ask.
But you're still going to get fragments while you chew.
They fish was bland.... Moist and fresh, but bland.
The rice had more taste than the fish.
I can't say that I loved the radish salad it was served with.
One of the better dishes of the evening was the pastel. Crispy on the outside and stuffed with a warm, soft, sweetened cheese mixture.
This was the best thing we had that evening.
As for cocktails, they do have Pisco which I haven't had since traveling in South America.
Their version of a margarita was extra spicy and I liked that the paprika-salted rim. It was good drink but not cheap.
Valdez, you should be trying harder, especially with Patria so close by...