Dining at Inigo Restaurant, Toronto

Inigo restaurant is chef Carlos Hernadez' new effort located at 927 Queen street west. It is hard to see because the signage is not obvious at all, but, for those of you looking, it is on the south side of the street just east of Strachan avenue. It is worth a journey. When he was at Torito restaurant, I found that his oeuvre, for me, made him one of the best chefs in the city. At Inigo, the menu is very limited so his range is not appreciable, but trust me, this chef can cook! What makes him so good for me is the range of intense flavours and textures that are so complementary and that the flavours can be so well appreciated on their own. His cuisine is true comfort food.

Peruvian chicken flavoured with Parmesan cheese, cumin, sunflower peppers from Peru and walnuts. Crispy chicken skin was scattered on top. A wonderful combination of South American flavour with just a bit of a bite.

Lamb chunks with chick peas and dried apricots. Chopped cilantro was scattered on top. The tender lamb, the sweet soft apricots and the chick peas provided a pleasant contrast of textures and the stronger flavour fo the lamb was well balanced by the fruity apricots.

Braised beef cheeks with root vegetables is one of chef Carlos Hernadez's classics that he does so well and is one of my favourites.

Tender roasted chicken was moist and flavourful. I chose to have the leg.

And remarkably, this wonderful selection of perfectly executed dishes came in at $20.62!! Now you readers of this column know I don't discuss price, but this, was great value!

INIGO RESTAURANT 
927 Queen Street West, (at Strachan Ave)
Toronto, ON
416-645-6707

INIGO IS NOW CLOSED