loudlunch

I don’t understand why the heck Kitchener doesn’t have a plethora of Mexican restaurants – or other latin-style lunchaterias.  There is a significant Latino population – and more importantly thousands of yuppies who drink Pacifico/Medalla/Presidente because of that one legendary all-inclusive, weeklong bender a few years back.

There are two, both somewhat secret.  Casa Salsa in the Kitchener market, and the constantly-name-changing Mexican place across the street from CIBC on King St. possibly called Taco Delight, probably.  I eat at both somewhat regularly, where regular meals top out around $11 with a soft drink – though the food court value of Casa Salsa can bring the price of a complete meal to around $8.

Casa Salsa

I met the proprietor of Casa Salsa at one of those downtown food events, and was sold on hiking down to the Kitchener Market for lunch.  The menu isn’t spectacularly large, but all of the basics are done exceptionally well.

First off, it’s in the Kitchener Market, so if you happen to change your mind you or your date can go for something Croatian, Caribbean, or organic.  The food court is frequently cited as a drawback, but I’ve learned to love the options. The side of tortilla chips are delicious, the tacos are delicate and wonderfully prepared. The person serving me knew what horchata was, and prepared the delicious beverage, that you must try.  The meal was inexpensive, well done, and outside of being in a food court, the experience was solid.

Comparing it to a super-authentic Mexican place like Mexi-Taco on Bloor @ Shaw in Toronto isn’t fair. For what Casa Salsa offers, it’s near the top of my personal Mexican restaurant list.   I wouldn’t want to see it grab a nice storefront, turn into Margaritas, and start charging for itty bitty guac (which I heard is delicious) to make Uptown rent.

Taco Delight/Delite/Bite

The first time I visited the Taco Delight, I think I just got lost in the sheer excitement of being in a seemingly authentic Mexican restaurant right downtown.  Hurray!

Tacos at Taco Delight

Though completely unlike Mexico, the portions are small, I can’t order beer, they didn’t know what Horchata, pico de gallo, or Jumex were. At that point I started to seriously doubt the Mexicanity of the joint, and mentally checked out.

Though I have to go back to Taco Delight soon, because the service seems to improve with every visit. The back patio is really convenient and never busy. All of the tacos that I tried were good, the corny soft shell tasting delightfully un-Canadian.  The food feels home prepared, and the family vibe of the staff gives me the warm-fuzzies. Bang for buck is a solid 7/10, and the patio is welcome in the summer. Really, as long as you don’t care what part of the Latin world your server is from, and love lettuce, this place makes a great lunchtime destination.  If I were to give them any advice, work on the branding and presentation, as the low quality of both is having a negative effect on how the food is perceived.

Not Mexican

I know that Medalla isn’t Mexican, but I miss the simplicity and light nature of both the food and drink in Puerto Rico. Is there a Boriqua joint around town?

How to be Puerto Rican: Don't order minty cocktails.