Eating With Vegans: Grand Electric

Grand Electric was hands down, THE spot this summer. At least in Parkdale. Like so many new restaurants in Toronto they don’t take reservations; which means one thing: line ups for days. And line up we all did, all summer long.

It’s located on a stretch of Parkdale that doesn’t have much in terms of food options, and the fact that the staff is smoking hot doesn’t hurt at all. The ladies at the door (all perfect 10s in their own right) take your name and you wait. Inside there’s a bar and some tables and out back there’s a giant patio with shared park bench tables, a BBQ and a small tiki bar. It’s the perfect summer vibe.

The drink menu is Mexican inspired with drinks of the day, lots of margaritas, special bourbons and other tasty cocktails. I had a virgin Paloma, which was like a margarita without the tequila. Delicious.

They always have different specials on the bbq and this time, the vegan one was sauteed onions as a side (however they forgot to bring it before we ordered desert so I didn’t get a chance to sample it). The other vegan offerings are guacamole and spicy chipotle salsa and a tiny bean and mushroom taco that comes with cheese (although you can ask for it without). They don’t have much, I won’t lie, but the staff are really nice and want to accommodate as much as possible.

My date, Tamsin had some lovely other morsels: Tuna ceviche, fish tacos, a special hard-shell shrimp taco and key lime pie in a jar for dessert. I had a delicious hibiscus popsicle.

-tuna ceviche

-crispy shrimp tacos

-fish tacos

My verdict is: not enough for a meal, but certainly enough to enjoy some snacks with friends. It remains to be seen if the hype will carry Grand Electric through the winter. Fingers crossed.