This might just be the best Mexican and El Salvadorian food I've had in Canada. Wow. This might be the epitome of a hidden gem. Tucked away behind a small restaurant plaza, El Padrino is not shiny or flashy, but boy do they make their food dazzle. We tried the fried plantain, bean and cheese pupusa, and the chicken pozole verde. The pupusas were amazing, filled with gooey and hearty goodness, and the curtido was crunchy and refreshing. The pozole... perfect for warming up on a cold winter's day. The flavors were spot on as well. Other pozoles I've tried have been too watery or too acidic without much hominy, but this one was generous with the hominy while carrying the perfect amount of spice. The homemade tortilla chips also made a splendid accompaniment.
The guy running the place was friendly and clearly cared about our food experience. When we ordered the plantain, he brought us out the plantains to check if we were okay with the ripeness. One thing to note is that sometimes they're out of specific items. I wanted to try the horchata, but they were out the day we went. The tamarind agua fresca was a solid replacement, however.
Prices are also quite reasonable; I think the bill came out to about $40 for two people who left feeling absolutely stuffed. I cannot wait to go back to try their horchata and chilaquiles (and to get pictures instead of eating everything immediately)! read more