Showing posts with label beef tongue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beef tongue. Show all posts

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana (Washington)


Biting into the thin non-oily tortilla chips dipped in the slightly spicy salsa was the first hint there’d be good food to come. Mexican cuisine is a meal I always look forward to in America. Where choices are abundant and things just taste more authentic compared to Canada.


Oyamel Cocina Mexicana didn’t disappoint. Their tacos were each four delicious bites. The palm sized shell could barely contain the lengua guisada ($4.50), to the point I had to finish the second half with knife and fork as the thick slices of tender beef tongue fell out. Braised until permeated with flavours, this is the way tongue is meant to be served: bites of the soft meaty properties while the unsightly bumps are hidden from view.


The pollo a la parrilla ($4) had lovely smokiness with the chicken even the green onion garnishes getting some time on the grill. If you order multiple tacos, eat this one first as the flavours are mellow. The smear of smashed heirloom Resboseros beans at the bottom were the perfect condiment, just thick enough to hold everything together but fluid enough to not get sticky.

Cheese lovers, the quesadilla huitlacoche ($10) is for you with tons of soft gooey Chihuahua cheese studded with corn and bits of bell pepper, onion and tomatoes. There’s something magical about the preparation of the cheese, slightly crusted so the caramelized parts breaks into pieces that tastes like bacon bits. We had to double check with the waitress to make sure it was indeed vegetarian and pork free as it tastes so real.


Of all the items, the guacamole ($15) seemed the most run-of-the-mill. But, to be fair, it’s a dish that’s easily made at home. At Oyamel, a staff member stands in the dining room making it fresh with mortar and pestle, before topping each with queso fresco and a green tomatillo salsa. I would have liked a more of the Serrano chile for heat, but did enjoy that the acid was balanced so the creamy avocado was present.


Oh land of stars and stripes, just remember how lucky you are to have such tasty Mexican food. Just why would anyone ever want to build a wall to keep out something so delicious?

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 401 7th St NW

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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!


Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

Oyamel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


FAMO Sandwich Creations (Toronto)


When Chef Babak Fami told his wife Shabnam Moier he wanted his own restaurant, she listened and supported him. What type of restaurant? Even though he worked at Terroni, Chef Fami had no desire to cook Italian. Instead, he wanted an inclusive menu where numerous cultures were represented and to share the diversity through a sandwich. Eighteen months later, FAMO (a combination of Fami and Moier’s surnames) finally greets Queen East.

I know what you’re thinking … sandwiches? What’s special about that? FAMO stays away from the overdone BLT and cold cuts. Instead, you’ll find ingredients like beef cheeks, lamb and tongue. Moreover, each incorporates spices, herbs or ingredients from different cultures so they’re global sandwiches. Oh my!

In tribute to our city, the Six ($13) takes beef tongue and braises it in red wine for hours until it becomes a flavourful piece of meat. For those who haven’t tried this part of the cow before, when prepared correctly, it’s like eating beef tenderloin.

After thinly slicing the tongue, it’s topped with truffle mayo, arugula slaw and red onions. Overall, a delicious combination of flavours – the truffle essence is evident but not the first thing you taste. However, the tongue does get lost between all the ingredients and thick bread. Perhaps a different bun or more meat would help.

The Cheek and Bun ($13) consists of slow braised beef cheek and caramelized onion – already a good start in my books – then adds arugula slaw for a bit of crunch and freshness. Of course, the beef is succulent and tender and this one of the more flavourful sandwiches I tried.


Since the East Ender ($12) uses chicken breast for the base, the meat is drier than what you’d expect from pulled chicken, but is lighter tasting and seems healthy. I love the spicy mango slaw that tops the creation, which adds a tropical twist and interest to this safer sandwich. If their vinegary hot sauce is available that day, be sure to grab plenty as it goes great with the chicken.


Although they’re all good, my favourite is the Famous Lamb ($13), which pays homage to the owners’ Persian heritage. In between the crusty toasted baguette are thick slices of slow roasted lamb leg rubbed in earthy spices such as cloves. Topped with a fragrant turmeric onion slaw this is a tasty sandwich. It goes even better with some of FAMO’s house made green chili hot sauce, just use it sparingly … it’s powerful.


Chef Fami tries to keep the sides that come with their sandwiches healthy with a variety of slaws (beet, fennel or green apple). Even the FAMO fries won’t leave you feeling guilty since they’re blanched and only fried once, instead of the multiple dips that competitors often rely on. Despite only one kiss with the hot oil, the wedges are crispy. Made with huge wedges of fingerling potatoes, these fries are hearty and will leave you full.


Drinks are affordable with $5 red or white wine that’s chosen to complement their sandwiches. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try the Station cold brew coffee ($4.50), which steeps the ground coffee in water for 18 hours so there’s no risk of scalding the beans. The coffee is so mellow, but still flavourful, I drank it black. 


Even though sandwiches are made-to-order, they’re finished quickly so it makes for a quick lunch. Additionally, FAMO’s dining area has long communal tables so you can sit and eat if you’re not taking out. Plus, you'll get to check out the heritage fireplace that the owners preserved when restoring the building. 


Shabnam is pleased with the great feedback they’re receiving from the neighbourhood. She notes they’re sticking with the seven sandwiches and burger for now. But, every week there’s also a special creation and depending on its popularity, may become part of the permanent fixture. Moreover, office lunches may soon get tastier as FAMO expects to start catering later in December. Goodbye cold cuts, hello tongue and cheeks!

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10
Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 122 Sherbourne Street
 Website: www.famo.ca

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!


Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

FAMO Sandwiches Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato