. "2"^^ . "Remember Cheval on King West?\nIt's no longer a hunting ground for cougars or a playground for bachelorettes.\nWell, maybe that is to be determined but at least they can now have Latin American eats thanks to Steve Gonzalez \n\nFirstly, 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.\n\nI would definitely agree that Valdez has potential.\n\nHowever, the service just plain sucks.\nInattentive, forgetful, and slow.\nSuuucks.\n\nUnfortunately, the food also fell short of our expectations..\nIf you have to ask for hot sauce...\nIt's just not good.\n\nThey boast that they have 5 types of ceviche.\nI only had to try the one of them to know that I did't want to try any more.\nThe mixto was octopus with squid ink. \nIt needed more citrus, seasoning, and more seafood.\n\nThe chorizo was dry and crumbled while you were eating it.\nNot enough fat or flavour.\n\nThe fish wrapped in banana leaf was one of the more popular share plates.\nThe basa fish was a large size. They will de-bone it for you if you ask.\nBut you're still going to get fragments while you chew.\nThey fish was bland.... Moist and fresh, but bland.\nThe rice had more taste than the fish.\nI can't say that I loved the radish salad it was served with.\n\nOne of the better dishes of the evening was the pastel. Crispy on the outside and stuffed with a warm, soft, sweetened cheese mixture.\nThis was the best thing we had that evening.\n\nAs for cocktails, they do have Pisco which I haven't had since traveling in South America.\n\nTheir version of a margarita was extra spicy and I liked that the paprika-salted rim. It was good drink but not cheap.\n\nValdez, you should be trying harder, especially with Patria so close by..."^^ . . "4"^^ . "7"^^ . . "2013-07-03T00:00:00"^^ . "2"^^ .