LIFESTYLE

Everybody deserves a review, says Valladares. I know many restaurants that arent located downtown, who also serve very authentic food for good prices, but have no marketing skills. Margaritas Restaurant in Missisauga and La Pasiva Uruguayan Restaurant in North York are prime examples. Another restaurant that is extremely underrated is El Pulgarcito, a Salvadorean restaurant located in Scarborough, that serves authentic Salvadorean food, which includes the ever-so-popular pupusas. But since it is located in an area that is predominantly South Asian and Caribbean, there is not much opportunity for exposure. And because most Canadian media outlets, which are very dominant in Toronto, are not as investigative, this creates a problem for the business. I am always at El Pulgarcito and even though I am not Salvadorean, I really get a feel for the culture here, just by eating the food and just taking in my surroundings, says Allen Pena, a Dominican student, living in Scarborough. I enjoy the atmosphere a lot and the service makes you forget you are in a restaurant. Many restaurants, especially in Toronto, are adapting to the diversity of the city by creating a fusion cuisine, where they experiment with different flavors and integrate food from other cultures into their dishes. Latin culture is deep and also passionate. Your passion should notdie down by settling with something where all the flavour and passion has been sucked out. Let your willingness to learn and experiment take you through a journey and you will see that your own discovery will show you wonders. BOTTOM: Chicken tacos with salad, cheese, corn and hot sauce accompanied with guacamole and sour cream

FAR LEFT: A burrito being prepared with salad with cilantro, tomato and onions, corn, beans, cheese and chicken RIGHT: A finished burrito after being toasted, loaded with the works

PAGINA p.aji.na 6 seis (say.ees)

Did You Know? El Salvador is smaller than the entire state of New Jersey.