In the cold climate of Toronto, food must, from necessity, warm the soul. If you are looking for strong and spiced flavours, the right destination is El Catrin, the Mexican restaurant in the distillery district. Great food and top atmosphere, thanks to the interior design project signed by the Munge Leung firm, are the flagships of this new restaurant. Two bar counters and two dining rooms (one internal, the other in a large outdoor patio) create a relaxed and informal area, tastefully finished and with constant references to Mexican folk art. The colourful murals of Oscar Flores do not go unnoticed, as well as the dozens of colourful skulls, similar to those generally made of sugars that fill an ad hoc wooden exhibition cabinet.
Unlike all other similar representations, sugar skulls (also called Mexican candies) are a tribute to the spirits of the dead and thus a joyous symbol. According to the ancient South American folk tradition, these sweets are prepared during the Dia de los Muertos (November 1) because it is believed that the dead come back to visit their families during this period. Colourful and cheerful, the sugar skulls have become part of classical Mexican iconography and are a typical theme for tattoos and local folk art. The Mexican candies could not be anything but the main theme of the decoration of El Catrin, a Latin corner transported north.
Where: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada