The first thing I do whenever I'm heading to a new neighbourhood is get onto Chowhound and find out where I can eat. So when work took me to Finch and Weston Rd. on Sunday, I at first complained about what I knew would be an endless TTC trek (and it ended up clocking in at two hours) then started doing my gluttonous research. My first choice was actually a place called Thai Royal Orchid, which got many raves, but alas, it was closed. I find the Thai food downtown generally lacking, except at Salad King. Unfortunately I can't go there too often, since the cacophony requires that I either shout at my companion or give up on conversation for the duration of the meal.

Anyway, back to Etobicoke, where I crossed the street to check out Pupuseria Salvadorena.

The place itself was a bit of a scene - we got there around 11:30 am and there were five or so guys downing beers and shots and basically partying their Sunday morning away. That was kind of hilarious. Being a big fan of Emporio Latino in Kensington and Tacos El Asador at Bloor and Christie, I knew to expect cheap and tasty treats. My companion, a great fan of the rice milk drink horchata (kind of like liquid rice pudding), proclaimed the tipple here the best he's had in the city. The tamarindo was also really good. Beef tacos, at $7 for three, were tasty (if a bit chewy), each topped with a slice of fresh avocado and pico de gallo salsa. The pupusas, topped with lots of crunchy coleslaw and thin red hot sauce, were also satisfying, although I think Emporio Latino is still my favourite. The chicharron (pork cracklings) and yuca was dry and a waste of $5. But the reason I go to El Salavadorean places is the tamal, and this one was really good. Moist, with a touch of Mexican coriander. Soooo good, and so $2. All in all, if you ever find yourself hungry in the west end, I'd say very worth it.

2459 Finch Ave. West

(416) 743-4001