|
|
Mex Cantina
 Hidden away in the heart of Wakefield city centre is Mex Cantina, an eating out experience you’re certain to remember for a long time.
it down at one of the wooden tables and you almost be in Mexico, such is the authentic feel of this place. The simple décor, the bustling atmosphere, the noise – it all adds up to an eating experience you’d have to go a long way to better.
A long time ago I went to an Italian restaurant in nearby Huddersfield which had a very similar feel. Chatty waiters shouted to each other in their own language while dashing round the restaurant with plates of hot food and the place just buzzed with people having a good time.
Not since then have I ever experienced anything similar – not until we went to Mex Cantina in Whitehorse Yard at 6pm on a weekday evening.
How refreshing that this Tex-Mex restaurant has managed to somehow capture the right atmosphere and attract all kinds of people – from couples to families with young children to older people to groups of singletons, all out to enjoy a meal and a good time.
|
 Once seated, we were offered drinks and a look at the menu, stuffed full with Mexican, Texan and Spanish inspired choices such as the Mex Mix starter, a perfect way to share the taste of Mexico, Sincronisada (Mexican garlic bread), tortillas, Chorizo sausage, ribs and nachos.
Main courses include traditional Mexcian enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, steaks, burgers, Jambalaya, a great selection of fish dishes and so much more.
While we sipped our glasses of white wine, we made our choices – a plate of nachos to share, completed with cheese topping, jalapenos, salsa and soured cream. Being quite hungry, we soon devoured these but boy, were they good!
To follow for main course, I chose Mex Veg Chilli, which arrived served in a large flour tortilla basket with the rice and chilli piled high and accompanied by a ring of salad. Chilli, and particularly beans and vegetable chilli, is one of my favourite dishes but again it just touched the spot and was quite delicious. I tucked in with gusto, certainly enjoying my choice.
My friend ordered fajitas, popular both with ‘first-timers’ and frequent Mexican diners. Always popular because you can make your fajitas to suit yourself, piled high with guacomole, salsa, soured cream, cheese, chillies and salad. Ordering the strips of beef option ,this came complete with onion, peppers, spices and mesquite sauce. Generous portions all round and again a choice which proved very popular.
Mex Cantina is one of those restaurants where you want to try everything on the menu – it all looks and sounds so good.
If you don’t know much about Mexican inspired food, then this is the place to go to find out, although there are steak and burger choices for those who want to stick to what they know.
Undoubtedly one of the reasons why Mex Cantina is so popular is because of the great early bird deals it offers. From Monday to Friday before 7pm, the early bird menu offers 50% off the normal price and even on Saturdays this is extended to 25% off before 7pm. Party and group bookings are always welcome and it was obvious to see that a number of groups of people were in the restaurant to celebrate birthdays, special occasions etc.
Although Mex Cantina has been open for nine years in Wakefield, many locals still don’t realise it’s there. Make sure you find out – as this restaurant really is a great place to visit. With it’s bustling atmosphere, simple décor and great food, it’s one way to enjoy a taste of Mexico without leaving home.
During December Mex Cantina is offering special festive menus, both at lunchtime and in the evening. Ideal for party bookings, the lunch menu is served Sunday to Friday 12noon to 2pm for just £12.95 and includes a choice of starters and main courses, followed by a traditional mince pie or Tequilla Slammer to finish. A jug of Sangria will also be on the table when you arrive.
The evening menu offers a very similar choice and is available every evening of the week but is slightly more pricey Thursday to Saturday at £22.95 per person, compared to £19.95 for Sunday to Wednesday.
If you want to push the boat out and go all Mexican on New Year’s Eve then book now.
At just £29.95 per person the special menu offers some slightly more unusual starters and a choice of six main courses with something to suit everyone. A choice of four puddings round off the menu and you will be welcomed to your New Year’s Eve table with a jug of champagne Sangria and tortilla chips/salsa.
It‘s not often you look at a menu and think you’d like to try almost everything. Usually there are choices you just wouldn’t fancy. With Mex Cantina however, I’m hard pressed to find anything I wouldn’t fancy – from Chilli Poppers to Quesadilla, from Mexican prawn cocktail to chimmichangas, Cajun Tuna to Monteray Salmon – I’d try it all.
There’s only one answer, of course. I’ll just have to keep on visiting Mex Cantina and gradually work my way across the whole of Mexico!!
Published Winter 2006. All information correct at time of print
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
