Posted on:
20 October 2008
London must have a severe lack of good mexican restaurants if wahaca’s queue is anything to go by. The patiently expectant diners spilling untidily into the street conjured expectations of a post cinema nando’s, or tourist trap T.G.I.s. But the more inspective would be surprised to see that the queue snaked further: down two full flights of stairs before joining the restaurant. The no reservation policy was clearly in effect. But coolography does things a little differently to most, and as we manouevred past the line (enduring the daggered stares from other patrons) we entered the basement eatery and were met with a pleasant bustle of a busy restaurant. Wahaca’s street market food ethos was certainly reflected by the service; the boisterous servers exuded a refreshing no-nonsense demeanour.
wahaca - the staircase leading into the restaurant
We settled down and encountered a drinks menu focused mostly around tequila.. as one might expect. Emphasis was placed on “real” tequila, and not the throat disinfectant commonly masquerading on these shores as a real drink. Compelled, i ordered a Don Juan tequila shot, sipped slowly as recommended. It looked like tequila, smelled like tequila, but didnt taste like it required adjacent doses of salt and lime. Instead it drew parallels with a fine aged whiskey. Deep and aromatic; i was a fan. Before long i was grabbing a classic margarita on our effusive waitress’ reccommendation. Sweet and refreshing, although the glass was rimmed a bit too liberally with salt. continue reading »
