It’s been a year and a half since our last visit here.
Not sure why it took so long to get back, especially since we moved in just down the street a few months ago. But we haven’t been in a rush to try it again.
Our last visit saw some pretty good food, but some pretty terrible service. And I’m not talking about the waitress herself she was fine. Long story short, I was refused refried beans when asked if I could have a side order.
Read the full story here.
It went so far as to even having a back and forth with the owner on Facebook. In the end it left a rather sour taste in my mouth about eating here again.
But a year and a half is long enough. We’ve been avoiding it and trying everywhere else in downtown New Westminster.
Time to give it another try.
When we walked in the owner was at the front desk. If you recognized me he said nothing.
We were seated at a small table in the back section. It is my least favorite part of the restaurant. It’s dark and rather noisy when it’s busy due to the low ceilings, like it is tonight. I recommend sitting at the bar.
As we are in a Mexican restaurant we are starting with a traditional margarita. On the rocks. None of those frozen, girly drinks tonight.
Having had previous experience with the salsas, we are skipping them and going right to some mango guacamole.
They make it fresh in-house, though not table-side, and it’s very nice. In this particular version I’d like to see a little bit more fruit. The mango flavor isnt as strong as I’d like. The freshly made tortilla chips elevated it to a rather nice snack though.
And since we’re In a snacking mood we decided to try their Ceviché.
Unfortunately it didn’t live quite up to expectations. They cut the fish into pieces that are too small. With everything being the same size you cannot appreciate the fish as well as if it were in bigger chunks compared to the other ingredients.
I would also say that the Tigre de leché is a little one note. At home I use orange, lemon and lime juices to add multiple levels of flavor.
You also have to throw a little heat in there from some Habanero or Serrano peppers. Or Ghost if you dare. This was missing that heat.
But don’t get me wrong, still good. With the homemade tortilla chips I ate the whole thing.
I ordered a side of beans just to see what would happen.
Yes they’re not refried. But tonight I wasn’t going to push the kitchen to see if they would make me some. But I have to tell you these were way better tha soupy mess that looked as if it came from a baby’s diaper that they gave me last time.
Full of flavor and packing heat, I polished these off easily.
I wonder if my influence had any factor in the decision making to change their menu?
Doesn’t matter. At least they got rid of that awful shite.
Is it going to be another year and a half before we get back to El Santo?
I’m not sure.
It’s certainly not my favorite restaurant in New Westminster. But it’s not the worst. Might be worth checking out a couple more things on the menu before I rule it out completely.
Piva managed to change my mind after all.
7/10