CLOSED: Tonantzin

I took Kathleen to Tonantzin last night for Dinner. Wow what a wonderful dining experience. First off we were greeted with the statement that the restaurant is Vegan... I responded by shaking the awesome woman greeters hand and saying "29 years vegan and counting" it seems many come and think there will be meat dishes and walk out. Their loss. Wow what an awesome freshly made vegan meal.... We were on a time limit so we could not experience the slow dining experience. However the chefs created the most amazing meal. We will be back for the slow experience. Freshly made vegan food. Simply amazing. Then I went to pay and we discover they are cash only. Well I received this awesome bill and I gave them a ten dollar tip as that is all I had. Today I biked over to pay my bill. Loved what they are creating. Very Mexican in the best way. I highly recommend you check it out.

Tonantzin was formerly Hernandez' Cochina. The new restaurant now serves only vegan cuisine in a fairly informal setting.

the owners will prepare a different set of meals each day, so the below menu may not be the one you get when you go.

the atmosphere is low key and there is no alcohol available (they do not have a liquor license). with the extended meal time and relaxed vibe, this is probably the best place for a vegan "date night" in victoria.

don't expect traditional taqueria food - this is something completely different and something that victoria has been lacking with the recent proliferation of taquerias.

we got there a little before 7, and with the food and chatting with the owners ended up leaving about 9. so, don't expect a quick dine and dash as you'll probably be there for at least an hour and a half.

tonight's menu was:

first: small handmade corn tortillas with slices of avocado, anejo peppers, and green salsa.

second: black bean soup with sesame seeds, bok choy, and masa balls (like matzo balls, but made with corn flour)

third: caesar salad with a nice lime dressing

fourth: a handmade flour tortilla topped with whole purple and yellow carrots, half a chayote squash, roasted peppers, roasted tomatoes, and pureed black beans.

the fourth course was pretty huge - easily as large as a burrito, so there was no chance of my walking away hungry (as i have everytime i've tried a vegan tasting menu at other places). and, the food was delicious.