Ahh Mexican food. The first time I visited Chiquito’s I was very apprehensive. You see I don’t like hot and spicy food and that’s what Mexican food is all about, right? Well no not really, yes you do get some hot dishes but not all of them are like this. So if you are feeling put off because of this then don’t. There are plenty of dishes that will appeal to you. As well as boasting authentic Mexican food it has Mexican interior and music. So you really feel like you are there (hmm for those dreamers!)
I have only eaten in Chiquito’s a few time but I have been in them many of times as they have a separate bar area. Now anyone who likes cocktails has to come here and try a few. I certainly have! With it being a Mexican restaurant this is excellent for those who love tequila. Tequila doesn’t like me so I can’t really comment on the different tequilas. However, the cocktail I DO love is
the Key West Cooler. Now this I the only cocktail that you can’t get in a pitcher. The reason being that the way they mix it comes out like traffic lights. I’m not 100% what goes in first but the cocktail contains Malibu, Midori, vodka, peach schnapps, orange and cranberryjuices. The Midori gives the green, the orange the amber and the cranberry the red. It’s a shame they can’t do a bigger glass of this I’d get it lol There are many other cocktails as well as your normal beers and spirits. They also do shooters if you like something to give you a kick start and non-alcoholic cocktails for those of you driving who fancy something different. I’m not a wine drinker but there are a variety of reds and whites to choose from. Enough about the drinks as I’m starting to sound like an alcoholic!
Starters
The menu has a variety of lovely looking starters but unfortunately I haven’t sampled any of them. I will list a few to give you an idea though, Garlic Bread, Tomato and Pepper Soup, Chilli Poppers, Potato Skins, Prawn Cocktail, and Nachos.
Main course
Well I will first comment on the dishes I have personally eaten. The first time I ate here I was with a group of friends some who were encouraging me to be more adventurous. I was just going to opt for one of the burgers, as it seemed a ‘safe’ option! In the end I went for a King Prawn Sizzling Fajita. Well I must say I was impressed with this. Now when they say sizzling they mean sizzling, it comes on a platter and this is hot so be careful!
The only other dish I have had is the BBQ Chicken and Ribs. I have had this twice in two different restaurants. Now I had excellent service in Bristol (Cribbs) and the food was hot. But when I ordered this on my hometown of Swindon I was very unimpressed. To be honest with you I have never had good service in the restaurant in Swindon (with exception of the bar.) On the one occasion we went when it was quiet and there was plenty of staff walking about but still it took 15 minutes for them to come and take our order. Had I been in a rush I would have left but we were going to the cinema afterwards and had plenty of time. However, the food was cold (when it arrived). This was because it was cooked and then left on the side for too long. I saw that our meal was ready. They have there kitchen on display so you can see when its ready. What was more annoying was that several waitresses walked passed and even a manager!
Desserts
I must add that I have only had one dessert (shock horror!) I had the Pecan Pie, which is served warm with ice cream or cream. Now it was absolutely gorgeous mmmmm. I noticed they had Fried Ice Cream as well, which sounds like its either going to be great or nasty.
Prices
Here are a few dishes and prices to give you a rough idea:
Main meals Sizzling Fajitas range from £8.95 to £12.95 Texas BBQ BACON Burger £7.95 Burritos £8.45 and £8.95 Vegetable Wrap £5.45 BBQ Ribs £10.45
Desserts PECAN PIE £3.50 FRIED ICE CREAM £3.20 WARM WAFFLE DONUT PLATTER TO SHARE £4.95
Drinks TEQUILA SUNRISE £3.50 KEY WEST COOLER £3.95 LONG ISLAND ICE TEA £4.25
So my opinion overall is Chiquitos is a great place to go for a variety of drinks and food. However the service and quality of food in Swindon put me off. Hopefully they will sort it out as they few times I have been to the restaurant in Bristol its been excellent. Like a completely different chain. And it seemed to have more atmosphere in Bristol, as it was busy.
The overall rating is judged on both restaurants.
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Very good review, it seems a cheaper alternative to nandos, though i think nando's is also another over rated restaurant. i like mexican food and prefer to make it from home :)
baby_uk 03.11.2005 23:44
I do like mexican food, mmmmmm x
Majiggy 14.09.2005 01:54
Mmm, sounds nice. You're making me hungry. :) Never heard of fried ice cream before, how would they even do that? lol :)
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Jan 9th, 2004
(Jan 16th, 2004)
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