It may be a gloomy day in May, but there is still reason to celebrate — it’s Cinco de Mayo. So we looked back at our Taste Test with chef Mark McEwan where he sampled the city’s best-known purveyors of Mexican street corn — or elotes. Whose kernels rule supreme? Read on to find out.
Winner: La Carnita
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“The charring is right. The level of spice is right. The creaminess with the combo of sauce and cheese is really nice and well seasoned. I like the way they’ve kept the husk on the corn and wrapped it so you have a handle,” says McEwan. 130 Eglinton Ave. E., $11.95
El Pocho Antojitos Bar
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“This is very tasty. I like the addition of the cilantro. It’s not too overpowering. The spice level is nice too,” says McEwan. “The piece of corn is smaller than the others, but it has been grilled well and the seasoning is good.” 2 Follis Ave., $6
Playa Cabana
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“The grilling is good, as is the creaminess. I like the other elements as well, from the cheese to the spice level, and it has a bit of lime on it. I prefer my corn to be small or large, and they’ve cropped off the ends of this one,” says McEwan. 111 Dupont St., $11
Smoque N Bones
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“It’s tasty. The grilling is good, and the smoked cheddar on top is quite rich and pretty powerful,” says McEwan. “I find the chipotle to be a little bit overwhelming. It’s spicy. The overall flavour is quite intense.” 869 Queen St. W., $9
Mr. Corn
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“The spice is good, and I like the presentation of this one. The Parmesan cheese is an interesting choice. It’s different from the others. I’m missing the grill marks on it though, so it doesn’t have that roast feel to it,” says McEwan. Food Truck, $7