After being forced to abruptly close their doors along with a handful of independent businesses on Dundas St. E due to a massive 52-storey condo development back in July of 2018, Tacos 101 finally returns to the downtown core.
With a new location, new ownership, but the same chef and menu -- Tacos 101 is officially making its long-awaited return. After losing his job and business chef Julio Campos still wanted to pursue a culinary venture in Toronto's food scene, ideally within the downtown core, which he had grown to love while operating Tacos 101.
When a struggle to relocate the taqueria ensued, he continued to work in various restaurants across the city, then managed to spot an available stall in the World Food Market by Ryerson University and opened up Fruta Libre.
Here, Campos built a new brand that focused on Mexican snacks and became well-known for Mango in a Cup, chunks of mango seasoned with Tajin and chamoy -- Mexican condiments dominantly made with chili peppers and lime, with the latter having a base of pickled fruit. Campos says that he'd always wanted to share his love for Mexican drinks and fruits, so he was excited to get the opportunity to through Fruta Libre.
Despite opening a new venture, he still got customers coming back to him asking if Tacos 101 would ever return, and he too wondered the same. After recently expanding Fruta Libre into a space at 178 Baldwin St, Campos decided that now was the right time to also bring back Tacos 101.
A joint storefront of Fruta Libre and Tacos 101 is now a reality in Kensington Market. When it opens this week, loyal fans of both businesses can expect to see the return of the same Tacos 101 menu with their classic five tacos, paired with offerings from Fruta Libre.
Tacos 101 was most beloved for their no-frills approach to Mexican street-style food and many were disappointed to see the lively storefront shutter. Despite inhabiting a tiny space near Yonge and Dundas Square, you couldn't possibly skip over the vibrancy and quality tacos this joint provided the neighbourhood.
Though constantly praised for their Al Pastor Tacos, which include tender shaved pork shoulder with tangy pineapple, Campos says that many tell him Tacos 101 sold the best fish tacos in the city. You won't want to skip over ordering this juicy, fluffy beer-battered cod surrounded by refreshing mango pico de gallo and creamy avocado purée.
Campos says the menu at Tacos 101 will resume with limited offerings for now as he settles into the new space but is eager to expand the menu to include other items like birria tacos, taquitos and even Mexican-style breakfast. As someone who's worked in Kensington Market, Campos observed how very few shops open for or serve breakfast. He'd love to start his days early at 9 a.m. and serve traditional breakfasts like Chilaquiles and Molletes to early risers, adding that he hopes these dishes, not as easy to find in Toronto, can bring some nostalgia and excitement to the Mexican community nearby.
On the menu at Fruta Libre, you can pair your tacos with the perfect beverage like a creamy Horchata or refreshing Agua Fresca. As the perfect dessert, pick up one of their most popular mango-based treats that are often bathed in Tajin and chamoy, such as the Mango Chamoyada. This item is a mango slushy buried with fresh mango chunks, Tajin, chamoy and topped with a tamarind candy called Tama-Roca.
You may recognize Fruta Libre, as they were known for their mangoes on a stick last summer in Kensington Market, where Campos set up a stand that quickly grew in popularity. In his new spot, Campos hopes to eventually be a late-night staple in the area and looks forward to selling a variety of Mexican chips and candy as well.
The new storefront in Kensington Market is set to open this week. Be sure to follow Tacos 101 and Fruta Libre on Instagram to get confirmation on what day that will be and what their official hours are. Until then, know that they'll for sure be open until 9 p.m. so you can grab some late night tacos. Opening hours will vary depending on demand.
