Restaurants
Patria
Patria is now officially open to the public after a 2-month-long soft opening that's had food enthusiasts drooling in anticipation since a sneak peak during TIFF. After opening American comfort concept Weslodge Saloon this past summer, owners Hanif Harji and Charles Khabouth are tackling this neighbouring restaurant which aims to offer a taste of regional Spain.
Upon entering, it's the bar that makes the first impression, as it prominently showcases an array of house-baked breads, imported cheeses, wines, and beers. Inside the dining room, the Spanish theme is dramatically interpreted by Commute Home with rich colours, eclectic painted antiques, and a fabulous embroidered mosaic from Marlo Onilla of Biography Design.
Harji and Khabouth note that Spanish cuisine is not well represented in our city, despite the fact that Restaurant Magazine has crowned Spanish restaurant elBulli número uno on its worldwide Top 50 best restaurants list for a record five times. Now, Executive chef Stuart Cameron (also of Weslodge) is ready to showcase what we've been missing by importing the best of the best, straight from the motherland.
Naturally, we sample small plates from the tapas bar first, like the Pan Con Tomate ($5), that pairs the simple flavours of fresh tomato and glorious olive oil on house-baked bread, or you can choose to add roughly sliced Serrano ham ($6).
Next is the 12 Month Manchego Cheese ($8) paired with sweet quince jam, followed by the savory Pimientos Rellenos De Buey ($12), which highlights the same Manchego cheese, although this time it's grated finely atop piquillo peppers stuffed with braised oxtail.
For me, the stars are bite-sized offerings such as the bacon-wrapped dates, Datiles Con Tocino Iberico ($9), as well as the Pulpo A La Gallegos ($15), featuring Spanish octopus from tonight's seafood menu (note: it changes daily) and potato in a smoky paprika olive oil.
For heartier appetites, there are rich pasta dishes suitable for sharing such as the squid-ink-dyed Fideos Negros Con Chocos ($18) and the Fideos Con Almejas Y Chorizo ($16), made with Fideo pasta (an imported short angel hair variety) tossed with clams, diced chorizo, and topped with a creamy aioli that's meant to be stirred in at the table.
In true Spanish fashion, there are also several rice dishes to be shared, like the Paella De Conejo Alcachofas ($45) with chunks of tender rabbit, artichoke, Serrano ham, and green beans.
Though desserts like the Leche Frita Con Helado De Azafran ($6) are tempting, we are too stuffed to even consider it. For my next visit, I've already made note to bring more friends and sample more plates, but for now I am leaving exactly as Patria intends: with a full belly and warm heart.
Photos by Jesse Milns
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The mancheego cheese dish sounds like it's taking a stab at Alinea's mancheego dish.
Thanks
I love Spanish food though! Happy to see it! Just do some basic research before making the menu thanks. I hate mediocrity. Xox. Love, alex.
Also,one slice of cheese and little of "membrillo" 8$!?!? Are we nuts!!!
Anyway,hope the food is good and glad that somebody is thinking about bringing food from Spain,because there are many organic and amazing products worth to give a try!
Unfortunately, unless Toronto gets a large influx of immigrants from spain, spanish food will be confined to the realm of high-priced themed restaurants like this one.
Maybe the crappy spanish economy will urge some spaniards to move here, canada should set up an immigration office in madrid or something.
Also blog to does not claim that this is a "review" so quit your typical Torontonian complaining.
The tapas was delicious. Everything was so rich in flavors! Not to mention an amazing pairing of many difference ingredients to create a whole new taste I've never had.
The service was perfect. The staff not only had a passion for guest service but of the quality of their food.
The over all cost was also quite reasonable. I went with 3 others and in the end we spent $50 per person which included all our food, bottle of wine, dessert, and tip.
I can't wait to go back!
I know you all think Spain is the centre of the universe and the food down there is the best of the world and that everything in Canada sucks but of course we don't expect a Spanish restaurant to be "the real deal spanish" restaurant here in Toronto and we it's never going to taste exactly the same as your mother land but I've been to this place and it's fuckin good. I'm Mexican and I don't expect every taco in the world to taste like they do down in Mexico so chill the fuck down and enjoy all the great restaurants we have in the city and stop complaining if paella is suppose to have chorizo or chicken or noodles or whatever.
If they really want authentic spanish food, MOVE BACK!. Accept the fact, at least they made a good attempt...not perfect, but still.
... and insider FYI - Kabouth is a partner in the project for financing. Hanif Harji (blowfish, colborne lane, nyood, kultura, etc) was the concept, menu, design creator