"The word 'Fonda,' we have no literal translation for it in English; the closest one we have would be 'bistro,'” explains Howard Dubrovsky, chef and partner at Fonda Lola Mexican Bistro. “It's a type of restaurant that's owner-operated and where the owner's actively involved, that serves seasonal, simple and chic dishes. That's our approach to dining." Howard opened his seasonal, simple and chic Mexican eatery in the Trinity Bellwoods area in 2013 with friends Andres Marquez and Ernesto Rodriguez.
"We keep the cuisine as authentic as possible, with flavours in line with what you'll find in modern Mexico City restaurants,” says Howard. “We actually toured the Mexican capital's best restaurants to get a grasp of what was happening there, and brought that back and applied it to what's seasonal and fresh in Toronto."
A modernist cook by trade, Howard finds great pleasure in Fonda Lola's Mexican cuisine, a culinary heritage where flavour and simplicity converge, forming a delicious meal. "I enjoy it a lot; the food is all about simplicity and comfort," says Howard. "I do love modernist cooking and always will, but there's something so convivial and unpretentious about Mexican cuisine. There are very rewarding things in preparing just great, comforting and simple dishes.”
Drinks
COCKTAILS, BEER, TEQUILA & WINE
Jefe Snack
home made potato chips with hot salsa
Hand Held Caesar Salad
Boston lettuce, avocado Caesar mousse, candied jalapeño bacon magic and Parmesan cheese
Mexican Kale Salad
Mixed greens, kale, chayote, jicama, carrots, cucumber and beets in a citrus agave dressing
Trout Aguachile
a more piquant version of ceviche with vegs
Candied jalapeño-maple bacon
almost as good as ... juno ?
Candied habanero-honey bacon
Guacamole
to amuse you!
Consome Lola
A Mexican classic, abuela turkey broth, vegetables, Turkey, topped w onion and cilantro. Add on: boiled egg, avocado, cheese cubes +2.5
Arroz con frijol
White rice w veg and beans, Mexican flava
Carne Asada skillet
Flank steak, ancient raw mole, tortillas ‘nuff said
Pavo pibil
Slow roast turkey, banana leaf baked, pickled habanero onions
Taco fish
warm tortillas, battered sustainable white fish, lettuce, slaw with jalapeño tequila crema 4 tacos
Kale tofu taco
Crispy cornmeal tofu, avocado chile mayo, pickled onions
Quecas
Fresh Corn tortilla, poblano pepper, shallot, and cheese
Fonda special
Just ask juno?
Churros con Cajeta
Cafe Lola
a worth to try Mexican classic
Ate con Queso
Jefe Snack
a delicious selection of all our menu
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For a little Mexican, head over to Fonda Lola in the Queen West neighhbourhood. You can get an authentic Mexican feast on the cheap during Winterlicious this year. You can expect tacos, chips and guacamole and some of the best margaritas in the city (alcohol is not included in the Winterlicious menu promotion).
View this Smart ListFonda Lola keeps the fiesta going straight though to dessert! The Mexican restaurant fuses Mexican flavours into the seasonal dessert menu that has included tequlia lime cheesecake and Oaxaca cheese flan. The churros, served with Mexican caramel and whipped cream, have become a staple at the Queen West restaurant.
View this Smart ListFonda Lola is home to some of the best margaritas in the city, so it’s no surprise that it made the list. The bistro-like atmosphere and delicious eats are enough to get you through the door, but the house-made margaritas will keep you there!
View this Smart List