Looking for a fun night out, full of cool drinks and hot food, without breaking the bank? Then head directly to Rancho Relaxo right in the heart of the city.

Rancho Relaxo is the realization of a dream for owner Donnie Blais. Don wanted to create a warm and friendly restaurant that served great Mexican food for great value, something that he thought Toronto was definitely missing. "I've always loved Mexico," says Don. "I've been making several trips a year there for over thirty years now. That was my inspiration for this place."

When you enter the restaurant the inviting, fun atmosphere instantly strikes you. Souvenirs, crafts and artwork from Don's travels cover the warm ochre walls. Latin music plays gently in the background adding to the ambience but still allowing for quiet conversation. Stop in on a Friday night and the joint is jumping with the addition of a live Tex-Mex band.

The best way to start your evening at Rancho Relaxo is with one of Don's famous Margaritas. Choose from the purists' favourite - the lime margarita, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, or opt for the decadent frozen version in lime or strawberry. One sip and you will be instantly transported to a cantina down South.

Not to be missed is the impeccably fresh guacamole served with tortilla chips. It arrives at the table in the stone mortar and pestle it is made in. You can't help but think of summer as you dip into the chunky mix of bright green avocado flecked with tomato, jalapeño, onion and cilantro. The accompanying chips are crisp and full of rich corn flavour.

All the soups on the menu are wonderful, but for something truly unique Don suggests the Lime Soup. Made with freshly squeezed lime juice, this clear broth is tangy and warm, and is a great light start to any meal.

Don is particularly proud of the authenticity of his menu. In fact, many items are family recipes of Chef Alejandro Corona, a native of Mexico. The truth is you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. All entrees are incredibly generous both in quality and quantity. Don points out that one of the great things about the restaurant's location is its proximity to Kensington Market, giving him access to the widest variety, freshest and most authentic ingredients.

Signature dishes include the Chile Relleno - a wonderfully spicy stuffed Poblano pepper, the Enchilada Mole - the secret ingredient in the sauce is chocolate and the Chimichanga Al Camarones - fried flour tortilla stuffed with at least a dozen large shrimp. All entrées include refried beans (made with 100% pure vegetable oil), fluffy Mexican rice and a salad of mixed greens gently dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Unbelievably, not one of the meals above will set you back more than $12, and Don guarantees no one leaves his restaurant hungry.

The wine list at Rancho Relaxo is short yet thoughtfully put together. Don specifically points out the Mexican red wine, L.A. Cetto - a Barbera that he makes sure is available at the restaurant even when it's hard to find in the liquor store. Like the food, the wine is more than reasonably priced at an average of $25 per bottle.

So whether you're a party of two or twenty head down to Rancho Relaxo for a great night out. As well, the upstairs lounge at Rancho Relaxo is available for private parties of up to 100, and as Don likes to say, "We throw a mean party!"

Rancho Relaxo
300 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R9
Phone: 416.920.0366
Fax: 416.920.2780
Web: www.ranchorelaxo.biz