FoodMetroManila

I know “Authentic Mexican Restaurant” is plastered up there in their sign but it should really be “Authentic Tex-Mex Restaurant”. But thank goodness they don’t serve hard-shelled tacos! For some context, here’s a BuzzFeed list you may browse: 13 Dishes That Aren’t Actually Mexican.

Yes people. Burritos, Fajitas, Taquitos, and probably even Margaritas did not originate from Mexico but good old ‘Merica itself. Although you can’t deny that they’re still very good grub!

We went here to have a working lunch. You know, conduct a meeting over lunch? That’s actually a thing. Anyways, I found this place very suitable for such an activity. There were few people dining here, the ceilings were very high so the other table across the room will not be able to hear our conversation easily, and they kept blaring Mariachi music in their speakers.

The serving portions are huge! And they have good guacamole!  But please people, don’t say “eating authentic Mexican food” or something like that when in here on your social media.

Chicken Quesadilla

Okay, after all that, I start with something that originated in Mexico. However,  having chicken meat was something that was allegedly popularized in the USA.

The chicken filling is not dry and very tasty though I felt it needed more cheese. I’m not a big avocado fan but the guacamole/guac gave the dish a fresh taste. This is further accentuated by that sauce and the spicy salsa.

Have you ever heard of Chipotle’s Quesarito? It’s a Burrito wrapped with a Quesadilla. It’s so popular that I think Taco Bell also now carries it in their menu (but not in the Philippines). I was thinking about trying to order that here but was afraid of getting strange looks from the staff. 

All-meat Carne Asada Burrito

I have pretty big hands for a Filipino but I had to eat their Burritos with two hands. My colleague ordered this but could only eat one half and had to wrap the other to go (I got to eat that half later at the office because she was still full).

The meat was a bit bland and dry though the salsa took care of the latter. More of that lovely guac is incorporated in here as well. If you love meat and burritos, be prepared to shell out 350 Php for one of these. It is super-darn expensive!

Surf and Turf Burrito

Shrimp (Surf) and Beef (Turf) together in one Burrito? It is so American and large that I feel it should be talking to me bluntly. What I don’t like about this is that rice.

Though not mushy, the rice was bland and is concentrated in one whole half of the Burrito. Meaning, you bite a whole lot of just rice at some instances. There’s no guac on this one but they did splash some of that white sauce on it. They could have at least put some of that over the rice though. The shrimp was prepared and cooked well and the beef is the same carne asada.

Churros

Churros are supposed to have a crunchy exterior but should still be soft and almost moist inside. And it is most typically partnered with thick molten chocolate for a decadent dish.

Hermanos’ Churros are crunchy alright but has a very weird consistency, almost like a cheese puff. It doesn’t come with a chocolate sauce either but is drizzled with what I think is condensed milk. Come on now, if you’re going to ask almost 100 Php for three small pieces of dry churros at least give us the chocolate!

Ruminations…

Again, Burritos are not authentic Mexican food but I don’t really care. I love myself some good burritos at times. I think the food in this restaurant is a tad bit too high. The food tastes good but not amazing to warrant such high prices even if the serving sizes are huge. And get some more flavor in that Burrito rice!

It’s not authentic Mexican food therefore it’s not an authentic Mexican Restaurant. But if you’re craving for an all-meat Burrito with guac and white sauce you know where you can get some!

Chipotle! Please come to the Philippines!