I have never had Latin cuisine before, so thought this was as good as a time as any. Another dark and rustic modern restaurant in the recently very controversial area of downtown Vancouver. Another higher end restaurant being picketed by protestors. Today we got a first hand look at all this as we were talked down to coming in, and shouted at each time the restaurant's heavy glass door was opened. We were seated closest to the door and it was opening a lot. This was a popular restaurants with long lines and bodies lingering well into 9pm. Luckily we had made a reservation, and I suggest you do the same if you plan on coming down. If you miss the place, a purple neon skull lights the way.
This was our first time navigating a Latin menu, and they didn't make it easy on us. Nothing was self explanatory, with titles and ingredients spelt out in Spanish. Half of what we ordered, we didn't know what it was. We did ask our waitress for clarification over a few items, and even she couldn't pronounce a few of the words. It ended up being a matter of pointing to our selection. I would suggest a glossary if they didn't want to spell it out, for those unfamiliar with the cuisine.
A page each was enough for the food and drinks listing. The drinks were tequila centric. Cocktails with rosemary, egg whites, and sugar cane. With the most intriguing being their "Tequila Flights", three tequila samples bundled together for sampling. Think a beer taster paddle, but tequila in each of the glasses instead. The food was simple. Fresh ingredients prepared with skill, and allowed to shine with minimal seasonings. Each of the entrees came grouped as threes. Our waitress gave us the option to add one of two more servings in order to give everyone their own. This was a nice touch that most places don't offer. Entrees are not typically meant for sharing. By meal's end we agreed that we were all full from sharing; and that it was better to have shared everything, because it was all so rich.
Would I come back? - Yes and no. In a larger group it was fun to share bites and try a portion of everything. But if you are to come and order just one entree for yourself, the flavours are so rich it may prove to be difficult to finish alone. Having tried more than half the menu I can state that the food is solid, yet I am not compelled to come back to order any of what I had again. For tacos I know more authentic places. For steak I have tried better. For seafood the options are endless. And for everything else, it available somewhere. The most unique thing is the tequila flights, if I were a fan of the drink, this would be a place to try. And for that reason I would recommend it. read more