Tuesday 2 October 2012

Wahaca: Drool worthy GF Mexican street food

Oh Wahaca, you're such a cutie. You're so smart but still friendly, funky and chic but still a bit rebellious. You're like the bad boy boyfriend that I really wanted at 18, that my mother would actually let me go out with.

Welcome to a fresh, lime and zesty, even zexty interior of the Wahaca chain - all bright turquoises reminding us of those Cancun beaches we couldn't be further away from, and with a menu that takes right there.

In a casual cantina style, albeit a very stylish and minimalist one, the menu is on your paper placemat. In the three times I have been to various Wahaca's the same excellent customer service has prevailed. Namely, when I mention being gluten free the waiter or waitress has promptly leaned over and with their pen crossed out what I can't have (the quesadilla section) and crossed out the salad, with the caveat that if I wanted it they could make it gluten free on request.

This is great for two reasons. Firstly, it's so easy to see what you can actually have! Basically, everything they haven't physically crossed out in front of you. Secondly, because this has consistently happened every time I have eaten there it means, and this is the ABSOLUTE golden rule for a chain establishment, that the staff have been well trained. There has been a moment, a directive, part of the training, where gluten free/ coeliacs has been discussed and they have taught every member of wait staff what is gluten free and what isn't. The peace of mind that that gives you is in valuable.

Now, enough boring you senseless with restaurant staff training practices and on to the food, which after all is why we are here in the first place.


Fabulous, fresh, modern Mexican. And that comes from me, someone who was born in Texas and has spent their life eating copious amounts of Tex-Mex and has, up until the last few years, been genuinely upset about the foods called "mexican" in this otherwise fast improving, most excellent foodtropolis.

The food is made for sharing, served up in small tapas style plates. The tacos are soft corn tortillas with flavour packed protein morsels on top  - whether that's the Chicken Tinga or the grilled steak - it's all clean, fresh and awesomely flavourful. I'm talking lime, coriander, chillis. The Mexican good stuff.

The tostadas are crunchy, sexy little roundels, topped with the perfectly balanced sharp but still creamy seafood shrimp and scallop ceviche. All ethically sourced as well.

And don't forget the corn side dish. Heaven is a sour cream,  chilli-sugar-salt covered corn on the cob, with a squeeze on lime on top. You heard it here first. Don't forget the toothpick.

Gluten Free Knowledge: ★★★★
Gluten Free Range: ★★★★★
Taste: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★

Verdict: Modern light Mexican, perfect for most any occasion. Did  I mention the margarita? Get the margarita.