Fonda Balam
| Fonda Balam | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | October 2, 2021 |
| Closed | June 8, 2024 |
| Owner(s) | Matty Matheson |
| Head chef | Kate Chomyshyn Julio Guajardo |
| Food type | Mexican |
| Rating | Bib Gourmand (Michelin Guide, 2022-2023) |
| Street address | 802 Dundas Street West |
| City | Toronto, Ontario |
| Country | Canada |
Fonda Balam was a Mexican restaurant that operated in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. It was owned by celebrity chef Matty Matheson.
History
[edit]In April 2021, Toronto-based celebrity chef and restauranteur Matty Matheson collaborated with chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant Quetzal, to launch a pop-up restaurant named Birria Balam in Toronto.[1] The pop-up specialized in birria, a traditional Mexican dish. The trio stated the concept evolved through their friendship, "love for authentic Mexican food," and exploration of regional ingredients through Chomyshyn and Guajardo's extensive travels in Mexico.[2]
Later that year, in October 2021, the trio opened a permanent establishment, Fonda Balam, located near the Trinity Bellwoods and Little Italy neighbourhoods in Toronto.[3] Fonda Balam expanded its menu to include birria and a variety of other Mexican dishes.[4]
In May 2024, head chefs Chomyshyn and Guajardo announced the restaurant would be closing at the end of the month.[5] The closing was considered abrupt, and no specific reason for the shut down was public communicated.[6]
Recognition
[edit]The restaurant was awarded a Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide at Toronto's 2022 Michelin Guide ceremony,[7] and retained this recognition in 2023. A Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants who offer "exceptionally good food at moderate prices." Michelin particularly highlighted the restaurant's lengua and birria tacos, as well as their homemade tortillas.[5][7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Chef, TV Personality Matty Matheson Signs With WME (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. April 1, 2021.
- ^ Doradea, Karen (20 October 2021). "Matty Matheson among chefs behind Toronto's new Mexican hotspot". Daily Hive Vancouver. Daily Hive. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Agrba, Liza (20 October 2021). "What's on the menu at Fonda Balam, a new sit-down Mexican restaurant from the team behind the summer's hottest taco pop-up". Toronto Life. St. Joseph Communications. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ Karounos, Patricia (19 August 2021). "Yes, there's always hot sauce: Toronto chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo share their pantry essentials". Toronto Star. TorStar. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ a b Marcelo, Breanna (22 May 2024). "Toronto restaurant owned by 'The Bear' star Matty Matheson is permanently closing". Now Toronto. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Carlberg, Amy (21 May 2024). "Michelin-level restaurant suddenly shutting down in Toronto". Your City Within. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ a b "2022 Toronto MICHELIN Bib Gourmands". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
