Restaurants
Z-Teca
Z-Teca just opened and already it has the look and attitude of a burgeoning burrito chain. It probably doesn't help (or hurt, depending on your preference) that their first location is in the Commerce Court food court, better known as fast food central with company like Harvey's, MMMuffins and Edo Japan. And, they already have a second location slated to open near King and Spadina where signs hype the burrito's size and quality as being for the two-fisted gourmet.
A pre-emptive strike at Chipotle? A warning across the bow of Burrito Boyz? The intrigue was killing me (not really) so I finally made my way into the depths of Bay Street's convoluted PATH to find out whether Z-Teca brings it or blows it.
First impressions are good. I'm liking the plywood and sheet metal motif and the font of the gourmet burrito sign actually has me convinced they just might be. The menu, though, is a mixed bag. It could definitely benefit from some less carnivorous options. There's no fish burrito, no tofu, no soy cheese, no pinto beans and a knife full of guacamole costs an extra buck.
But on the plus side everything is easily laid out and simple to follow (see menu below) with intriguing options like beef barbacoa and a black bean and corn quesadilla.
Since many burrito joints don't offer the option, I elect for a shrimp burrito. With guacamole and tax it comes to $8.76. I suppose in an era of rising oil, wheat and corn prices, not to mention a devastating wipe-out of California avocado plantations, I should be thankful a burrito is still less than $10.
The burrito is served lightly grilled, wrapped in foil, but a little on the small size compared to what I was expecting. And the taste? Much to my stomach's hopes, it's one of the better burritos I've had in the city lately.
All the ingredients are working in perfect harmony - the white rice, three kinds of salsa, the black beans, the freshly-grilled shrimp (I counted about a half dozen of them) and decent guacamole.
It might just be a burrito chain I'll grow to love.
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The signs have been in the windows of the building with the copy shop for at least 6 months, maybe even since september! I can't believe it actually exists!
ah, but Chipotle is opening just around the corner from Ryerson. I guess my class schedule will determine where I eat. The burrito I had at Chipotle in Brooklyn, NY was pretty good.
Burrito Boyz is still my fav!
BUT I really have to say I was disappointed with the burrito. Very little flavour...
I also tried the quesadilla but was even more disappointed by that: small, dry, little flavour (and expensive!).
As much as I *want* to like this place... burrito boyz and big fat burrito are definitely way better!
It actually can be spelled either way Hass or Haas. Your pick.
Saying a burrito place doesn't have fish, tofu or soy cheese is like saying a bicycle shop doesn't offer caviar, wedding dresses, or roofing tiles.
@c.n. I happen to be Mexican and I am not gasping at a vegetarian burrito. A lot of Mexicans don't have enough money to afford any meat anyways, so they end up being vegetarian. The soy cheese and tofu request, though, it preposterous. No, really.
Burrito Boys soya ground round burrito is to die for, and unless another chain offers something with so much substance for vegans, I have no reason to go.
And I don't think it is "closed-minded" to not cater to people who specific food allergies. The extra time and effort for most restaurants simply isn't worth it. It's tough to be a restaurant. I'm lactose-intolerant, I don't go to an ice cream store expecting lactose-free ice cream. You just deal with it....make your own lactose-free ice cream or find the one special store that does have it. C'est la vie.
Z-teca was o.k. not really coming back...
A Toronto-based business that bases the spelling of its name around the American pronunciation of the letter Z? Someone get them a map, or a dictionary, or a Molson commercial.
Won't be coming back.