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Taco Bar:

Mexico by Way of Syria

QUICK BITE LATIN MEXICAN DOWNTOWN CORE CASUAL

Disclaimer: This meal was comped.

The Pitch

Last month, I was invited to sample a Syrian concept called Souriana in the Shaugnessy Village/Concordia Ghetto area.  Obviously I could not say no as a Syrian myself; and I am glad I accepted.  The two-year-old, fast-casual operation does affordable, authentic grilled meats and broasted chicken like no one else in town.

With a few locations already open and a couple more planned, tonight I was summoned to their spanking-new, two-in-one Souriana x Taco Bar venture.  For the occasion, a small group of influencers converged at the centrally-located eatery just behind The Bay's flagship downtown store on this quiet Sunday evening.

tagged:  MEDIA EVENT SUNDAY NIGHT

The Mood

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A number of quick-service restaurants have paired up in shared spaces of late, which spreads out costs in high-rent areas.  In this case, the Souriana folks have taken on a franchise of Taco Bar, a new express concept from the 3 Amigos banner.  Incidentally, this corner last housed a 3 Amigos Cantina, which was preceded by an unrelated shawarma joint; meaning things have gone full circle it seems.

The space is loosely split down the middle via a pair of eye-catching room dividers.  While the two halves have a distinct look and feel, the Middle Eastern vibe has a stronger presence thanks to oriental accents and classic Arabic tunes.

The Food

The classic Tex-Mex taqueria was given a streamlined, customizable treatment.  The main offering lets you pick your vessel – taco, burrito, quesadilla – along with your meat – chicken a la plancha or al pastor, barbacoa or ground beef, steak.

There are also low-carb and animal-free options such as a tortilla-less burrito bowl, a taco salad and "vegan beef".  The second half of the menu adds burgers, chili and side dishes, among others.  As for Syrian/Mexican fusion, look no further than the pineapple chicken shawarma from the Souriana counter; it's legit!

Steak & Ground Beef Tacos thumbnail (click to enlarge)
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Steak & Ground Beef Tacos

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl thumbnail (click to enlarge)
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Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Ground Beef Quesadilla thumbnail (click to enlarge)
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Ground Beef Quesadilla

The Verdict

With the Montreal fast-casual sector in full expansion mode, hurried diners' options are nearing limitless levels.  Those working, studying or dwelling in our downtown core now have two more choices with the one-two-punch of Souriana and Taco Bar.

And while any serious critic should not objectively review a one-week-old restaurant, we can all agree that Middle Eastern/Latino marriages occasionally give birth to gems such as Salma Hayek, Shakira and my own kids ;)

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514eats

Montreal restaurant and bar reviews brought to you by two regular guys who like to eat and drink.  We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.

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