July's Pick: Lana Del Rey's Favourite
One of the things I love the most about Toronto is its hidden places. This tapas bar is so ducking (thanks autocorrect) magical I have to write about it day-after the visit!
We all know West Queen West for its rustic, local, and artistic culture and Carmen embodies every single value into its restaurant.
The tapas bar has a humble front with a classic "your local business" look and opens up inside to a sassy and juicy Spanish vibe. This incredible patio is what you get yourself into walking straight through the room.
Not sure if you've seen the movie Call Me By Your Name (if you haven't, we low-key can't be friends) but this patio brings back all of the feels from that movie.
From the long wooden stripes to the light blue and yellow chairs, it almost felt light the place should've been an Italian restaurant!
It also happened that all of these lovely caucasian families are dining in front of my face that day, so the Italian feels were real.
Now that I've established the atmosphere, let's dive in the menu shall we? :D
Shall we be straight forward and talk about how ducking pricey these items are?! I mean, these are tapas - they should be ringing me about 9-12 bucks! But holy mother Lana!
Now that I've finished venting about the prices, here are some suggestions I got from our lovely waitress that we didn't order: the Artichokes + Aioli, Brussel Sprouts + Smoked Bacon + Dates, and the Flat Iron Steak + Piquillo Jam + Whipped Goat Cheese.
We (me and Bobby) ordered 3 tapas dishes in total and first up is the Fish Ceviche + Boston Lettuc + Cactus Salsa! It was actually quite refreshing! I love how the fish was cubed and the cactus salsa was just the perfect topping! I think I'd add some hot sauce on top even!
This next dish was the Chorizo + Cava + Apple + Apricot Glaze and it was EVERYTHING to me! I mean first off, presentation was absolutely stunning! A feast to my eyes with those super tropical but appetizing colours! Second, the apricot glaze was astounding with the chorizo and lastly, those mint pieces WERK the cava real good! Best dish of the night!
Last dish of the night is Bobby's favourite, and I personally found it to be quite a comibation as well!
I mean, who would have thought of Manchego Cheese + Almonds + Dates + Frolic Acres Farm Bacon?! It was a brilliant combination and the dates made it the perfectly sweet ending to our visit!
Overall, the patio took me by the heart and the food was also up there! Definitely will be back for a visit! Perhaps when I get a pay raise! HA!
Visit www.carmensayz.com for more info! All photos are taken by Huy Tran.
(for those that got the title's reference, bless you! LOL)
