"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.”
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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