Little Italy boasts more than just Italian restaurants. Alongside Japanese, Southern U.S. smokehouse, Greek, Thai, Vegan, Mediterranean, and plenty of traditional Italian, you can now also enjoy authentic Mexican food on Preston Street.
With the opening of Eldorado Taco at 170 Preston on April 6th, Little Italy laid further claim to hip, international diversity.
What’s the vibe?
Casual, hip, urban. However, Eldorado is a bit of a contradiction. It has a hard edge – Day of the Dead imagery, bright green and red pleather banquettes, exposed ductwork, and staff dressed in black contrast with the giant sparkly crystal chandelier overhead. A larger than life size mural by local artist Prank lines the wall to the bathrooms.
What’s on the menu?
Traditional Mexican street food. From tuna or scallop ceviche to five different types of soft tacos to grilled corn with diverse toppings, nothing is priced over $16.
Who’s in the kitchen?
Brendan Cullen, formerly of El Camino and Fogo Island Inn, and Philip Un, formerly of Whalesbone, are behind the line. They’re producing zingy, well-seasoned fresh fare at whistle-stop speed.
Who’s behind the bar?
Quintana Taylor, master mixologist and Ottawa’s recent winner of the Made with Love cocktail competition. Taylor, who has previously worked at the Elmdale Tavern, Riveira, and the Fogo Island Inn, has designed an extensive cocktail menu, based on mezcal and tequila.
Who’s on the floor?
Plenty of well-trained staff happy to answer questions. Really friendly people led by manager Mike Stawicki.
What else should you know?
Plans for the future include an expanded menu and a mezcal sipping program – flights of this Mexican spirit made from agave will soon be available. Oh, and Eldorado only accepts cash. Since it’s well priced, this shouldn’t be a problem (unless you intend to drink several cocktails, which start at $15). There’s a cash machine in one corner that doesn’t charge fees. “The money we are saving in credit card charges is allowing us to invest in the highest quality local ingredients,” explains Sawicki.
Eldorado Taco, 170 Preston St., 613-680-8226