Get Dirty

I was wandering down Dundas St. W on Sunday morning when I noticed that the BBQ place Smoke Signals has been replaced by a Mexican street food joint called La Chingada. Though this word has some iffy connotation slang-wise, the inside was bright and welcoming. A large street mural decorated one wall and earthen pots and painted clay plates adorned another. Looking over the one-page menu, I settled on the Queso Fundido ($12), a Veggie Huarache ($7) and a Planta Asado ($6) for dessert.

The fundido came as 3 corn tortillas wrapped in a paper with a small pan of gooey cheese blend. Now, it may be possible to make or buy your own cheese. But bless the hipster for their dedication to authenticity because the hand-made tortilla made the dish. Thick, fragrant, and with a nice chew, it was the perfect vehicle to transport all that cheese. The Huarache was also good. Like a larger, flat taco, the tortilla has been made slightly crispy, all the better to hold the toppings.

Unfortunately, the plantain dessert was a bit disappointing. The condensed milk and chocolate mix was good but the banana was somehow both simultaneously too soft and yet mealy. Despite this small mis-step, I shall make a return visit here. I've been avoiding the trendier Mexican joints as there are several alternatives in my area run by actual Latino families. But this place has some interesting offerings. One warning though, the portions are small for the price so Chingada would probably make a better brunch spot than dinner option.