quetzal toronto

Toronto's hottest new restaurant will cook food over a 28 foot open fire

A new Mexican restaurant near College and Bathurst from one of Toronto's most popular chefs will be hot as fire this winter, mark my words.

Quetzal comes courtesy of Grant van Gameren, Julio Guajardo, Kate Chomyshyn, and Owen Walker. As was the case with nearby Bar Raval, the interior will be designed by Partisans.

It's set to open at 419 College in the former Cafe Awtash space by the end of this year, welcoming Toronto into a "warm, boisterous, convivial atmosphere" with fire everywhere.

A post shared by Quetzal (@quetzaltoronto) on

The restaurant "will celebrate regional Mexican cuisine, inspired by traditional flavours and cooking styles, all cooked over a breathtaking 28 foot-long open fire that runs the span of the space," according to a press release.

Large format sharing plates will be offered alongside individual dishes, encouraging guests to have fun, chat with their neighbours, celebrate."

Sounds fun, but back to that 28-foot-long super-fire.

A post shared by Quetzal (@quetzaltoronto) on

"The restaurant will be elemental; everything will be cooked over an open flame, roasted in the wood burning oven, grilled, or cooked on the estufa lorena," reads the release.

As for what will be cooked on that fire (and in the kitchen, of course), things sound quite promising: grilled meats and fish, traditional moles, Peruvian ceviches and salsas featuring little-known native ingredients like maguey worms and chicatana ants.

"Chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn will introduce Canadians to the huge array of cuisine found in Mexico," the restaurant promises. "Specifically Oaxaca, Yucatan, Baja California and other regions known for creating some of Mexico's most iconic dishes."

Bring it on.

Lead photo by

blogTO


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Here's what's opening in the old Brickworks Ciderhouse space in Toronto

Food prices are so high that many Canadians are eating stuff past best-before dates

Huge lineup of people looking to apply at restaurant shows reality of Toronto job market

One of Toronto's most-hyped steakhouses will be leaving longtime location

Grocery store is permanently closing all Toronto locations

Family compares cost of a week's worth of groceries in Malaysia vs. Canada

Someone released a 'Steal from Loblaws Day' song and people have mixed reactions

This is how Toronto complained about grocery monopolies in the 1800s