5 /5 Rich Deerdog: I’d heard of this chain previously but had allowed myself to be put off by a general distaste for the person who recommended it. Foolish of me. I learn. He was someone who never tipped though, so you can understand the sentiment.
Anyhow, staying in Stratford for a couple of nights and this place was very near my hotel (Hyatt) – I love Mexican food and, from what I could see through the window, it looked very tasty. I thought therefore I’d give it a go.
The interior of the restaurant has a faux industrial/rustic vibe going on, with exposed rebar (I like a bit of exposed rebar) and mismatched seating, some of it sunken in the manner of the 1970s. The restaurant is brightly lit, which is a good thing as there were several steps. The kitchen is semi-open and raised, so you can see the food upon the pass. Nice to see. The only negative for me was a big painting of sweetcorn on the wall – I have a visceral dislike of sweetcorn. This is a personal thing though and shouldn’t put you off visiting. For some reason the sweetcorn is multicoloured and is being visited by a large honeybee, I didn’t understand that.
Service was quick and efficient, and the waiter tried hard to interest us in the special – normally I would have jumped at this as the special was Birria (I love Birria), but it was a sort of sandwich thing and I wasn’t in the mood for bread. I find bread is a mood these days, whereas once upon time I couldn’t get enough of it. Interesting how we change as we age. I ordered a Diet Coke for my drink, as I continue to offer respect to my liver ahead of the festive period.
The menu is interesting, it isn’t divided up in a traditional way – starters, mains etc. You have some small things as like pre-dinner snacks, then some small plates, then some large plates, some sides and some random things that don’t fit anywhere. You can design your meal. I like this, but I know some it would not sit well with. Anyhow, given that choice I thought I’d have a double helping of tacos, because tacos are life. Beef Gringa and buttermilk chicken – these were very different, the beef was saucy and rich, the chicken was fried and crisp, both adorned with loved accoutrement. Impressive tacos, I really enjoyed these and would certainly order them again. Whilst dining, I saw a burrito being eaten at the next table – it was huge – I’m glad I didn’t order that.
I thought I’d break tradition and have a pudding here – this was mainly because they have combined two of my favourites into a single dish with a marriage of tiramisu and a tres leches cake, to create a tres leches tiramisu. Gosh this was rich, delicious, creamy and rich. Beautiful, sweet pudding, I could have had this again and again. Definitely have this if you visit.
Overall, a successful visit and the price was more than reasonable for such tasty food – I would recommend a visit here. Two paws up. Don’t let yourself be put off trying things, give it a go.
Dining in Stratford is a strange experience – I prefer these restaurants that are ‘outside’ of the shopping centre rather than clustered together around it’s internal food market area. Better opportunities for people-watching.
