Salsa & Agave

Recently, two of our friends took us to a great 

Mexican place in Yaletown. It was funny because when we arrived at the restaurant there was a long line-up of people waiting to be seated or for take-out. I figured it would be quiet a few minutes before we got our food until my friend mentioned just two doors away they have another location and there were just a few people waiting. I'm not sure why they would have two locations so close but it worked out well. They have a large variety of dishes on their menu but I was there specifically to try their tacos.

I have to say that I was very impressed. It was mucho authentico and reminded me of past experiences at street vendors in Mexico. Jamie and I ordered four different kinds to try; Pollo (chicken), Chorizo (Mexican sausage), Pastor (pork) and my surprising favorite... Lengua (beef tongue)! I can appreciate that each was served on a corn tortilla... not a flour tortilla that's common in North America. It also came with diced onion, cilantro, lime and a special sauce for drizzling.

I figured it would be best to wash it down with a Coronita.. so I did. There are few things better than some authentic tacos and Mexican beer. Next time you're looking for an authentic Mexican experience, head over to Salsa & Agave Mexican Grill at 1223 Pacific Boulevard for a sip and a bite.

De Dutch

This afternoon I felt like having a nice hearty brunch so I headed to De Dutch in New Westminster. I recently noticed that they opened this location in Columbia Square at the end of the main strip of Columbia Street. The restaurant was fairly big so I didn't think there would be a wait but when we arrived the place was packed. We only had to wait about ten minutes to get a table but I figured it would be worth it simply judging by the number of people waiting.

As soon as we began to look at the menu I couldn't believe the amount of items they offered. From Platters, Scrambles and Benedicts to Omelettes and French Toast. They even had burgers and of course their specialty...Pannekoeken. Its basically a Dutch pancake that's thicker than a crepe and thinner than a traditional pancake. I considered having this but I couldn't pass up the BC Bene with smoked salmon topped with the most perfect hollandaise sauce. It was served with hash browns and garden salad. We also ordered the Sausage Scramble which was served with toast, hash browns and a bowl of fruit. Both dishes were well prepared and tasted great. I'd recommend trying a glass of their freshly squeezed orange juice with your brunch too. 

I don't often go out for breakfast food but I'm glad I did this time. Even if you're not a big breakfast person like myself there's surely something at De Dutch worth having a sip and a bite.

Las Margaritas

There aren't alot of great, well-known Mexican restaurants around but one of the favorites for Vancouverites would have to be Las Margaritas. I went there on a Saturday night and as I expected, the waiting area was full. We were told the wait may be up to thirty minutes but since most of the other groups waiting were larger, we only waited for about five minutes before a small table came open.

Once we were seated it didn't take long to order. On a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Jamie and I had fallen in love with Enchiladas Verde so we have to order that. It's made from shredded chicken wrapped in two overlapping corn tortillas and covered in a green tomatillo sauce and cheese. It was served with beans and Mexican-style rice. We also wanted to try something new so we ordered the Pollo Chipotle. It was made from two boneless chicken breasts that were marinated in lime juice, cilantro, triple sec and of course tequila! It was grilled and topped with a chipotle cream sauce, mushrooms and feta cheese and served with black beans and house salad.You can probably guess what we ordered to drink... you can't go to Las Margaritas and not order a margarita! We had a "Monster" blended lime margarita that contained fresh lemon and lime juice and their house brand; Sauza Gold Tequila. If you don't like lime, they also offer a variety of flavors made with real juice and nectar including banana, coconut and pineapple to name a few.
When it comes to Mexican food in Vancouver, this is the place to be. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy and the food and drinks are consistently great quality. Next time you're in the mood for Mexican head to Las Margaritas in Kitsilano for a sip and a bite.