La Chingada (Mexican)

La Chingada is located at 1242 Dundas Street West, just west of Ossington Avenue in west downtown Toronto so is of course transit-accessible. La Chingada has a Thursday special of “AYCE” tacos, and I put that in quotes as one should beware that the time limit is only one hour, with the first order being three tacos and then one thereafter. Tacos à la carte are $7.50 each, so having 5+ would be a saving over ordering individually. La Chingada has a patio which was our option because it was nice out; the interior is rather dark.

Baja fish was excellent and not too spicy, with cilantro and plenty of pico de gallo and other flavours. Barbacoa was fantastic with plenty of pulled beef which was beautifully seasoned and very savoury. Blackened fish was delicious and not overly burnt and full of very good seasoning. Carne asada is steak, and was my favourite so far (obviously); it was fantastic, full of flavour and savour.

Carnitas is pork shoulder, and unfortunately was my least favourite; although it was still good it was less flavourful and slightly gamey, and the sauce was a bit thin. Still, it was better than some other places’ tacos. Chorizo was excellent and very flavourful even though it is pork it was at a beef level of savor and deliciousness with salsa and cilantro and many other flavours.

Mishy said the fried chicken taco was rather boring, and probably (as per Anthony Bourdain) uses what they would be getting rid of. I didn't mind it but it wasn't the best. Pastor is marinated pork, pineapple and other things and was quite good although not as much so as the other pork one that I had originally.

Due to the short time limit, I used a timer to determine whether this was a factor in how much I could eat; I spent 17 minutes eating and 43 minutes waiting for orders to arrive, and the clock starts when the first order is placed, not when it arrives. It seems that AYCE special is scheduled at the same time as happy hour so that the waitresses and kitchen are very busy, and the diner does not get as much as what was wanted; they didn’t seem to be stalling but were indeed distracted with other customers while I was ready to order. By trying to schedule it efficiently, I was able to do all the tacos I wanted except one (Tinga de pollo) but I still could have eaten at least three more and left only marginally satisfied. Although the tacos were very good to excellent, for nothing but tacos and at $34.50 it’s overpriced with this restriction. 30% loss of wanted food corresponds to a 30% loss of an otherwise very good rating.

Rating: 6.5 / 10