Nosh & Beverage

Today I'm so excited to present our first guest blogger VJ. 

Living in the Inner West often creates a parochial bubble resulting in trips to the Northern or Eastern suburbs resembling a journey to a foreign land. However on a cold, wintery night in Sydney, VJ made the trek out to the Northern Beaches and now brings us this tale of tortillas and tomatillos. Read on... 

In a quiet little nook tucked away off Ocean St in Narrabeen, lies a quaint little tapas place, a short walk from Narrabeen beach. Deceptively still showcasing the previous owner’s signage at its masthead (AJ’s), it’s only when peering closer that you can see the white screen-printed title “Mexicano” on its window. The decor is basic but provides a cosy ambience, the scene set with a fusion of classic tunes from the 70's and modern indie hits playing on the stereo.

As this is a dinner for two, we are seated at high rise tables and chairs on the right (could be troublesome for the vertically challenged :p) and in close proximity to the kitchen area, though this provides minimal disruption. Staff are attentive and friendly, and service is very efficient. So here commences our meal:

For starters, we order Guacamole blended with lime, tomatillo, garlic, onion and fresh jalepeno, accompanied with fried Doritas, as well as Fries seasoned with smoked spice, salt and valentina sauce. Needless to say the lime, garlic, jalepenos and onions add a great kick to an old fave, and the smoked seasoning and valentina sauce make a conventional cafe offering into a spicy sensation!

For the Quesadillas, the triple cheese variation is a vegetarian’s haven. Stuffed with grilled  corn, coriander, farm cheese, goats cheese and pickled Jalepeno, the light flavour of the cheese enables the other inclusions to excite the palate in their own right. They come in a set of 3, so this can be shared in a couple or three-some with ease.

Then for the Tortillas, the  Achiote grilled chicken with  tomatillo salsa, salsa and farm cheese is a must. Ensure you hold the soft shell tortilla over your plate when you take the first bite, so the juices don’t stain your outfit! Again, as they come in threes, I would recommend that this be shared.

For dessert, the ice cream sandwich takes the cake! The honeycomb florentine encases the ice cream in a perfectly rectangular geometric foundation, with sliver of white chocolate for garnish on top.

For drinks, I would recommend the Passionfruit Capriosca. Though be warned, you need to possess a sour palate to appreciate this beverage.

Overall a great experience, and would highly recommend for an intimate dinner (with a night time stroll along the beach following for those that can bear the brutal winter cold) or a group outing. Dinner for two with starters, mains and desserts came up to just under $100, or alternatively you can book for a group of 8 ppl or more and pay $35 a head.

Muy Delicioso :)

Mexicano is fully licensed and does not accept BYO.

Shop 2, 209-211 Ocean St Narrabeen 2101