Eating out with Baby | Mata Petisco Bar

A couple weeks ago we were invited to dine at Mata Petisco Bar with Baby Boy and Little Monkey and so we checked out this South American petisqueria one Thursday evening. I totally loved the chic cantina-esque vibe throughout the restaurant. From a neon green lit bar to wooden apple crates and metal sheet decor, the place has a trendy, laid back and welcoming feel.  Mata Petisco Bar has been open since June of this year and during our visit in July they were waiting on some high chairs…they are coming soon though!

Both Baby Boy and Little Monkey were welcomed by two of the owners we met during our visit. Both had plenty of experience with kids and when I was telling Little Monkey not to treat the chair like a bed, Steve came by and told me to let her relax and play! He has a younger sister and definitely knows how to treat the little ones. The hubs started with their famous spicy Caesar and I enjoyed a Pisco Sour as we checked out the menu featuring Brazilian fare. There’s five forces behind Mata Petisco Bar and their goal is a simple one… to introduce the good people of Toronto to Brazilian Cuisine. To that end these guys bring their South American heritage, memories and experience working in the industry to our table.

The menu comprises plates that are to be shared (hence the name Petisco) and this makes it a great spot to gather with friends and family. The hubs and I were surprised that Baby Boy was getting into all the dishes. Co-owner Felipe’s mom owns a restaurant back in Brazil that caters to the little ones and while our plates had no animal decorations or smiley faces, the food was perfect for us to share with the little ones.  Baby Boy LOVED the Cheese Bread which was fluffy and I was all over the Requeijão Cheese Sauce that accompanied it.  Little Monkey’s favourite was the Trio of Pastel which is a nod to the empanadas from the region. These were stuffed with Beef, Egg & Green Olive, Chicken & Catupiry Cheese and the best one of the lot…Creamy Lobster. We got a bite of each but it was the Little Monkey who finished off this starter plate. Baby Boy also was a fan of the Beef Cheek Poutine which had cassava frites instead of regular fries. Sure the dish had some wine in it but that didn’t stop him from trying to grab at the melt in your mouth beef cheeks.

Next up was one of my favourite dishes of the evening, Smoked Crispy Chicken Heart. I love chicken hearts, call me weird. This dish was smoked in pecan wood chips and was accompanied with Cauliflower Purée and Ancho Chili Oil. I completely forgot that these guys have some great chili sauce, would have been great  to add some heat. The hubs and I are huge fans of Ceviche and their Corvina Ceviche and Tuna & Watermelon Tar Tare were both hits with us. The Ceviche had maple candied sweet potato chunks which was extremely unique and complemented the lime,cilantro and onion marinade. As you can tell adding watermelon to Ahi Tuna is also quite novel. So refreshing, especially when added to the coconut water, lime and mint base.

We ended the evening with a Guava Pana Cotta which was also refreshing and unique at the same time. Little Monkey and I fought over who would lick the bowl! As you know by now I am a Crème Brulée snob and so I had to try their Avocado version. Very creamy and whilst it’s nothing like a traditional Crème Brulée, it is most definitely delicious. One I’d definitely order again as it reminded me of my favourite way to consume avocado growing up!

The highlight of our visit was the memories that the place and owners rekindled for us. The hubs and I were transported to our Argentine Honeymoon through our casual conversations with Felipe and Steve. Felipe shared tales of growing up in Brazil and both he and Steve took the time to tells about the influence behind each of the dishes and any cultural significance we should be aware of. It’s that little touch that makes South America a warm and hospital region and these guys are holding true to tradition. We were even give Brazilian wish bands at the end of the meal. As tradition goes, you wrap the bracelet around your wrist and tie three knots, making a wish with each knot. When it naturally breaks down and falls off, it is believed that your three wishes will come true. You bet I made a wish to visit to Brazil! Until that wish comes true I’ll be popping by Mata Bar to get my South American fix.