Best in Chow Season 1 Episode 11 Taco Wars Toronto

In Best in Chow season 1 episode 11, titled "Taco Wars Toronto," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through Toronto to discover the best taco joints in the city. Hosted by food critic Frank Pinello, the episode features a showdown between three local taco shops, each vying for the title of "best taco in Toronto."

The first stop on the tour is La Carnita, a trendy Mexican restaurant known for their creative takes on classic tacos. Pinello meets with head chef Andrew Richmond, who walks him through the restaurant's menu and shares the inspiration behind their unique flavor combinations. He then prepares two of their most popular tacos for Pinello to try: the "In Cod We Trust," featuring crispy battered cod with pickled cabbage and chipotle mayo, and the "Gringa," made with slow-cooked pork, pineapple, and salsa verde. Pinello is blown away by the bold flavors and declares La Carnita a strong contender for the title.

Next up is the family-owned Seven Lives Tacos, a street food-style eatery located in the Kensington Market neighborhood. Pinello meets with owner Sean Riehl, who explains the origins of his love for Mexican cuisine and how he brought his passion to Toronto. Riehl then prepares two of their signature tacos: the "Gobernador," which features sautéed shrimp, cheese, and avocado, and the "El Pastor," made with marinated pork, pineapple, and chili sauce. Pinello is impressed with the authenticity and simplicity of the tacos and notes their strong potential in the competition.

The final stop on the taco tour is Wilbur Mexicana, a fast-casual restaurant with locations throughout Toronto. Pinello meets with owner Zac Cullen, who shares his vision for bringing high-quality Mexican food to the masses. Cullen then prepares two of their most popular tacos for Pinello to taste: the "Baja Fish," featuring beer-battered halibut with cabbage slaw and lime crema, and the "Short Rib," made with slow-cooked beef, chimichurri, and pickled red onions. Pinello is impressed with the accessibility and versatility of Wilbur's tacos and considers them a formidable opponent.

After visiting each taco shop and sampling their offerings, Pinello convenes with a panel of local food experts to determine the winner of the "Taco Wars Toronto" competition. The judges weigh in on the taste, presentation, and overall experience of each taco and deliberate on which shop deserves the title of "best taco in Toronto." Viewers are left on the edge of their seats as the judges make their final decision and declare a winner.

Overall, "Taco Wars Toronto" is a thrilling and mouth-watering episode of Best in Chow that showcases the diverse and delicious taco scene in Toronto. Pinello's enthusiasm for food and knack for storytelling make for an engaging watch, while the taco showdown adds a fun competitive element to the episode. Whether you're a die-hard taco fan or just appreciate good food, this episode is sure to leave you craving a taste of Toronto's best tacos.