It's enough to make one cry... (Mexican food article in Star)

[TorontoJo]

So in light of all the recent discussions of Mexican food in Toronto, it's ironic that Jennifer Bain has an article in today's Star about visiting Chicago to check out the Mexican food scene there.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Cont...

This is why so many of us lament the scene here in TO. Just the paragraph on carnitas has me in tears (ok, not really, but you get the point). Does anyone know of a place in Toronto that makes carnitas? When done well, it's one of the most sublime forms of cooked pork. I would drive far for real carnitas in Toronto. My husband and I once made 4 lb. of carnitas and ate it all in a day. Eep.

[SusanB]

I love Rick Bayless's show on PBS - if I ever get to Chicago again, I want to go to Frontera Grill.

[aimeemj]

we were at frontera grill in chicago last easter and it was, bar none, the BEST mexican i've EVER HAD! the margarita's were outstanding and the mexican hot chocolate at the end, OH...MY.

we went for late lunch but i believe we had reservations so there was no wait.

[Gritseeker]

El Jacalito sells carnitas by the kilo

http://www.eljacalito.ca

Not the same vibe, obviously, as a specialized carnitas place but still very good

Haven't tried it, but they do barbacoa de borrego on Sundays

[Kagemusha]

They're just not on the culinary radar, TJ. My Mom in Phoenix sends chiles, corn husks for tamales, and other goodies several times a year. I love green corn tamales but unless you've got the right corn and a metate to grind it, you're SOL. I make regular tamales for Easter and binge till they're gone. They're impossible to get in TO in a form I'd recognize. Carnitas are very nice. I really miss good fish tacos, too.