Homemade hacienda
Catherine Macpherson
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All the comforts of home: Burritos, books and Bach
photo: Marianne McEwen
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No danger of wasting away in Burritoville's new three-storey downtown digs
We missed out on some free desserts, beer specials and great bands by less than 24 hours. The balloons still littering the floor at Burritoville's downtown location were the only remaining hint of the grand opening party the night before. This outpost of the original NDG neighbourhood Burritoville has, in fact, been open for six weeks, but with the second floor finally finished (complete with piano and stage) and the third floor (soon to be a lending library) close to completion, the owners - two Torontonians and a Montrealer - were in a mood to celebrate.One might think that the prospect of opening a cheap eats restaurant on three spacious floors of prime downtown real estate during a time of looming recession (yes, I said the r-word) would put a damper on the festivities. But I don't think it'd be easy to kill the buzz at Burritoville. Or should I say, harsh the vibe.
Sunny yellow and cantaloupe-coloured walls, a few country antiques, ornate wood trim and other handsome hints of the building's lush architectural past make for a cozy environment. The even sunnier disposition of staffers feeds the all-round feel-good vibe. Call it crunchy-granola if you will (it kind of is), the extremely easygoing nature of the place is made all the more pleasant by the fact that the service is speedy, professional and attentive, lip rings and all. Food's pretty good too!
We placed our order at the counter, picked out our drinks (Santa Cruz organic sodas, Sarah's Juices or McAuslan beers) and had barely
settled at a table when a basket of really, really good corn chips and spicy fresh tomato salsa (from a choice of over half a dozen homemade salsas) was brought to us. The menu is simple: burritos, tacos, empanadas or quesadillas, on their own or as a plate with salad or chips and salsa. A variety of fillings, such as sweet potato, spicy pinto bean, roasted vegetables, three-bean chili, tomato-corn or a "seasonal" inspiration, keeps things interesting. The sweet potato burrito was full-to-bursting, the soft sweetness of the potato nicely tempering the cayenne heat from the black beans simmered with apple. Brown rice, pico de gallo and cheese made this a hearty, healthy lunch (non-cheese options are available at a reduced price).
Spinach and mushroom empanadas were pretty mild, but a little salsa and a piquant potato salad side perked things up. Soups, salads and guacamole and chips are some of the snacking options. When a huge pot of organic tea and a fat, spicy ginger cookie (plus a free pumpkin-oatmeal cookie thrown in for good measure) set you back a mere $3.50, and the suit beside you is raving to the long-hair behind the counter about the bean burrito he had the day before, you can't help but feel some warm-fuzzies.
The food is vegetarian Tex-Mex, all organic, homemade, fresh and local whenever possible. Concordia students - likely the largest customer base at present - have been praising the restaurant for finally bringing healthy, homemade food to the neighbourhood. Our lunch was a far cry from the slick tartare-and-burger joints that typify much of downtown's recent offerings, as if we'd stepped into the Plateau or some rural college town. We felt well nourished, warmed and cared for - just the sort of thing you might want as winter, or a recession, descends.
Burritoville
2055 Bishop; 514-286-2776
Dinner for two, before tip and beverages (tax is included; cash only): $12-$24
When I am in Montreal I always go to Bishop St. Can't wait to go back.
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Fred Aitchison
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| All the best to you guys! |
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The staff and owners are amazing people as is the food, beer and wine selection. Its nice to know what your eating is made with the healthiest of ingredients and care. Good luck in your future success guys!
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Geri lee Arie
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I am a big guy and I would say the size of the burritos are just fine. Not cheap, but not too expensive and you pay for the biologique ingredience and a good space that has had a lot of thought put into the design. It feels like a youth hostel almost, but a cool one, not the granola stinky ones. The emplyoyees are very nice except one guy who never smiles, but maybe he is just 'emo' nature. I don't really mind. good job Burritoville!
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Sylvain Barouche
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At best mediocre i would say. Portions are quite small for the price and style of restaurant, and the strongest salsa has all the spice of a packet of ketchup. C'mon guys.
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John Howard
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| Proof that community really does pay off! |
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I just want to congratulate my friends on this brave venture. It started as a tiny, warm place for pals to hang out and eat good food in NDG - the kind of place where ''everybody knows your name.'' It's always been much more than just a restaurant, and now, through the support and encouragement of many, it's started to open its arms to an even wider community.
All the best in the upcoming year guys!
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Erika Pipe
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