Fringe Festival Festivities – Little Miss Mexico & Vinteloper Urban Wine Project, 188 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA

Posted on February 25, 2013 by hayleybishop

This time of year the city is a-buzz and I absolutely love it. Fringe, Adelaide Festival, Clipsal, Womadelaide (soon) and hot summer weather… it is a great time to be in this city with so many venues and activities humming around every corner. If only we could stretch it out, as there isn’t enough time to enjoy everything out there in such a short time.

One of the new additions perfectly timed around Fringe is this pop-up (potentially permanent) bar/eatery/art-space called Little Miss Mexico, strategically placed in the east end. It has certainly caught the eye of many, as several mates have mentioned I should check it out.

I am lucky enough to mix a visit with some “work” interest as a way to justify a trip out of the office. David Bowley (Vinteloper) is running a wine pressing over the lunch period so a few of us head along. I figure it is nice to check out a venue in the light of day too, it is almost like the morning after a hook up where you can see if they are as good as you thought they were without beer goggles and getting caught up in the momentum of the evening.

As I walk in on a warm day it is obvious this is going to be a place hard to leave when my work desk calls in about an hour. On a Thursday afternoon it is pretty busy as people enjoy Mexican food, cold Coronas, sangria carafes and some boutique vino on offer.

We settle in and first things first – we head to Vinteloper bar area and sign up for the “Urban Winery Project Tasting” card that allows us 5 (from 8 varietals) tasting samples for $15. We begin with the Rose as the recommended starter before later testing out the Riesling. The ‘Adelo’ blend sounds very interesting and will be tested next visit (a seemingly random blend of Touriga, Shiraz, Pinot and Grenache – wowee). Overall I commend him for the offer in a venue like this, not only are his wines (tasted so far) clean, crisp and easy drinking but the fact that it is likely to push the “I only drink Sauvignon Blanc” drinkers into actually trying a few varieties, who knows – they might actually like something else. A great initiative and arguably also a community service! Unfortunately spoilt by a wine industry palate, the wines in my opinion could do with a little more complexity but for the likely crowd and the setting a simple and well-constructed crisp wine is very very easy to swallow. As I sit in the sun and look around, it probably is perfect for here and don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining.

Now onto the food… heading to the counter I notice that the menu is for the most part exactly the same as my La Cantina Co food-truck experience (review here) so I now understand they are related. However, luckily I see some tapas options which is a great thing as I don’t really want the same again. As a result I order the dip plate (deconstructed nachos with beef), some zucchini fritters and chicken skewers to share. They come out in reasonable time and are all yummy. Nachos feature a very tender and flavoursome beef mixture with dense (non breaking as you scoop) corn chips, fresh guacamole and salsa… the fritters are a little watery and lacking a great deal of flavour [especially compared to my zucchini slice I made at home this week – I suggest they add some chilli flakes and maybe some tomato for some interest – especially trying to channel Mexican flavours?!] but the chicken tenderloin skewers are so juicy, tender and well flavoured. I wouldn’t mind a bit more marinate to really add some zing though. My major issue is the presentation, they are all served in the same takeaway style box which is fine for the bigger items, but for the fritters and skewers they look really lonely as a small thing in this big white boat with a splash of sauce in the corner. It could be done more cleverly I think, we do eat with our eyes too. Could they also maybe move away from budget white plastic cutlery? At least go wooden if they want to remain disposable? It feels cheap as is.

A colleague who didn’t get the La Cantina experience recently gets the Quesadillas and enjoys them, I see the mix is the same as we had from the truck but has been served more evenly and generously than our portable serving version which is good to see.

The venue ambiance is what makes each mouthful taste better though. All set up to enjoy nice weather and support the crowd atmosphere is the retro and recycled furniture (which I believe was from a community call out to donate) complemented by cooky extras like the basket lamp shades along strings of lights and succulents in planter boxes. The Urban Winery is also providing some interest during this quieter time and generally the crowd has a great vibe – all wanting to enjoy the space.

I can see that this place would be great at night, and advice is that the atmosphere is amplified thanks to a DJ on the decks and the buzzing ambiance after sunset. I can tell it would work really well. Not sure how well the bar or food would keep up in a busy influx but get the carafe between two and just sit and enjoy perhaps?!

Side note; Porta-loo toilets I hope may be upgraded if this does become a permanent offering. I only really accept this type of toilet in short term locations and at music festivals!

Here is hoping that this venue, and many others like it (or not even created yet), can benefit by the new laws around licensing of small venues. I would love to see more of these options really spice up our city. We are all calling out for them, which is why this place is already so popular.

So I recommend you head to this little urban oasis and try the Vinteloper Wines (and more than just Sauvignon Blanc), some cheap and cheerful Mexican/Tapas food and soak up the atmosphere in this good weather before heading to the Garden of Unearthly Delights or your Fringe show. Get in early on popular summer nights as it isn’t big and would fill up quickly… and support this great venue format which hopefully might become more prevalent throughout the city and that this one will stay around post-Fringe. I might see you at the bar?!

Little Miss Mexico
188 Grenfell Street, Adelaide (Next to Crown & Ancor)
http://www.facebook.com/LittleMissMexico

Urban Wine Project – Vinteloper
http://www.vinteloper.com.au

Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Vibe: 9/10
Cost: $$

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Adding some spice to a bland work day… La Cantina Co Mexican Street Kitchen.

Posted on February 10, 2013 by hayleybishop

It doesn’t take much to encourage me to skip my bowl of leftovers or a home made ham sandwich and have a ‘different’ lunch while I am at work… and so the arrival of a custom flyer (impressive marketing!!!) to advise that La Cantina Co Mexican Street Kitchen is visiting our office’s street was very welcome news.

Food trucks or the ‘pop up’ style of hospitality are growing in availability and gaining popularity at the same time – and why not, we all love to see a new eating option where it didn’t exist before. I hear that bricks and mortar retailers in the city are getting peeved of such options literally lobbing up nearby and stealing clientele, but it certainly all makes sense to me. Clever business I say.

From mid morning I am thinking about the delicious Mexican I imagine I will be enjoying at lunch and by 12.30pm a few of us head down. The line is big from both my colleagues and those from other buildings nearby. It’s a nice day so we don’t mind being ‘forced’ to enjoy some sun as we line up to order then wait for the goods to be cooked. I see that the options include soft tacos $6 each or (2 for $10) or quesadillas at $7 each. I decide to go one of each for ‘research’ and then the fillings include beef & chorizo, chicken, pork or vego. I see servings aren’t that big so definitely need two, Beef & Chicken for me.

We wait over 15 minutes in the sun for our orders… still nice as we take the opportunity to forget about work and get some Vitamin D. However, upon presentation of my order they have done it as 2 x tacos, I decide that “no I want to try both” (and I did repeat my order twice and she even repeated back) and ask them to correct it. We wait another 5-7 minutes and while genuinely apologetic I get 2 x quesadillas, still not the combo I ordered – it is all too hard, I am hungry, I just take it and run. Seriously though, there isn’t that much on the menu, they should be able to get it right. What I paid doesn’t even match any of the combinations in the end.

We head up to our office balcony deck to dig in and it is certainly yummy and piping hot to boot. Just the right level of spice heat mixed in with a great concoction across filling types. Luckily my generous colleagues let me try theirs so I still get a mixed experience. The tacos are better I think, with additions like sour cream, guacamole and salad it increases the freshness rather than my toasted basic filling only options that by the end feel a little stodgy, now seeming like the poor cousin although beautifully toasted on the outside. The beef mixture is great – black beans, a hit of chilli warmth and maybe a bit of chorizo (but not enough, I can’t really see it!) is delicious. The chicken one – it should have been called “corn… with a bit of chicken”. I feel like they tried to use up a mega can the size of a bucket in the mix. The meat and flavour is delicious, but I need more of it and without corn dominance. Some of my quesadillas quarters have maybe two small bits of chicken and others have good coverage throughout, so it is very inconsistent. The food is pretty ugly from a photography point of view but certainly tasty. The authentic bottled green hot sauce was good on the side and I noticed they had Jarritos (Mexican) soda too – nice touch.

Still, we easily smash these out and they are pretty yummy with each bite making you want more… which is a good sign and you get that lingering mouth burn from chilli that reminds you for a decent time after that you just ate something delicious. I was probably over mine though by the end without the same salad/freshness of the guys with the tacos. There is plenty of the finely diced filling that has made its way down our hands. Unfortunately no napkins at the truck to make it cleaner eating as they had ‘ran out’. You’d think they could be stocked up given the style of food.

For a $10ish lunch it is good, and it did offer a bit of spice (literally) to an otherwise average day in the office. I think they need to maybe look at their filling mixture, perhaps up the meat content, even if they charge a buck or two more. I also think they need to look at including more of the salads or salsas to freshen it up and add some moisture – tomato salsa, more guoc, lime, other greens, they need to have a play with the balances of their mix and also ensure for the tacos filling is spread throughout and not all at particular layers. From my experience they certainly need to get their staff more schooled in getting the order right, hire people good under pressure. Fundamentally, I think if they really want to excel they need to be quicker at getting the orders out, even cut the menu down and just crank out multiples to hand out as purchased as over 15 minutes is not fast food and takes up a hefty part of your lunch break… they’re busy enough over the peak time to avoid any wastage!

So certainly not a bad option and most definitely better than the alternatives at your fingertips so close to work. I’d go the taco options, at least two, and make sure they take your order right. Maybe you can request a visit to a well populated lunch location or check out where they are next via their social media feeds (links below).

Well done to them for capitalising on such a popular format and cuisine style and thanks for ‘bringing it to me’… a few little tweaks and they could easily take their offer from good to great. My fingers are crossed that they do.

La Cantina Co Mexican Street Kitchen
Various locations – check out on twitter or facebook for updates

Food: 6.5/10
Service: 5/10
Vibe: 7/10
Cost: $

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Lazy Sundays & Fresh Mex… Arriba Grill – 476 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park, Adelaide, SA

Posted on January 14, 2013 by hayleybishop

Well it is a lazy Sunday and we’re having dinner with my sis and soon to be bro-in-law. We’ve all been busy today, so takeaway is on the cards and we decide to head to Arriba (Mexican) Grill. The claim – organic, fresh and tasty burritos.

I have driven past quite a few times and been intrigued, pleased to see another new funky dining option pop up in Radelaide burbs, and excited to give it a go. I have heard their original Prospect store is fabulous and it is great to have one this side of town. There is also one in Glenside for the eastern suburbs folk.

We head there and the concept is simple – all they do is burritos – & following several steps you make your selections on fillings and style: meat, salad, sauces, spiciness and in a wrap or bowl (great for those avoiding gluten). Between the four of us we pretty much cover the whole menu… yes it is very basic, but on a Sunday night that is probably good!

The menu system is something I really enjoy… up on a board clearly but with a sheet for you to tick your selections, obviously making the cooking process easy and less risk for everyone. I LIKE! The great benefit was my sis had collected forms last visit so the group had filled in at home which was super easy! Pricing is from $9-$15 per burrito, which is extremely reasonable considering the quality of ingredients.

We enjoy the decor waiting for our takeaway, chuckling at the original retro Super Mario video game set up by the window, funky cacti on tables and the basic but sufficient seating set up for this ‘takeaway’ come ‘eat in’ store. The customer flow is consistent, many people agree that a burrito is a good dinner option tonight.

I appreciate seeing our food being made by staff as we wait… all the fresh and organic ingredients visible over the counter as they compile the yummy bundles of goodness. Thanks to the menu sheets they even get named on the bags making distribution in your group a breeze.

Ready to eat we all delve into our burritos and they are just what we craved… hearty, fresh (and from our choice) the perfect level of spice desired. The room is silent, always a good sign, and it almost becomes a race to see who can smash it first. All the components work really well, the tomato salsa sauce and guacamole is delish, meat is tender and all is held/wrapped together really well – there is no liquid escaping from these bad boys.

My only real criticism is that I wish it was hotter (temperature), I even give it a zap in the microwave… From last visit my sister actually asked them about how hot it is meant to be and staff explained their intention is more like a sandwich with warm meat, very lightly heated bread and then cold salads. Intention or not, I just wish it was served warmer. Others in our group disagree and like it as is, verdict is split on this challenge in our group: 2-2. Maybe the temperature option could be a selection – a quick heat post wrapping for those that want it hot? The lime rice could have a little more lime for me, but I do appreciate that there is a fine line when it can then dominate too much.

My other wish is that there were some ‘sides’ options… smokey paprika spiced chips with a zesty dipping sauce or even that amazing juicy mexican corn that made me yell “OMFG” when I first tasted thanks to Melbourne’s Mamasita (which I have since found the recipe for and recreated, here for those begging me for the recipe. The finished result looks like this).

Instead, our “side” this evening was a bottle of St Hugo GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro) at home. In full disclosure a ‘work baby’ of mine. However, I must say though it was an exceptional partner – rich, juicy, savoury. It is heavy enough to work with a spicy burrito but soft enough to let the fresh flavours of the food play their part too. It does cost nearly as much as the four burritos, but damn it was great and why the hell not… Good food, great people and all that. As my favourite wine at work at the moment, I encourage you to check it out (limited distribution in fine wine retailers) but noticed like usual Dan Murphy’s has it far too cheap – so enjoy while you can – only a small make on exceptional years.
This does also make me note, if eating in store there is only a fridge of softies… no alcohol. Perhaps a BYO from the BWS next door would be allowed (?) or grab a bottle of vino or a 6pk of Corona or Sol while getting your takeaway to take home with you.

Overall, the burritos were pretty spectacular – extremely fresh and tasty, packed full, wrapped tight and the store experience was great. I really like the concept and will certainly be back again. If you want a cheap, easy, fresh, tasty and pretty healthy takeaway with a difference… ditch the fish and chips or soggy burger option and trade up from your local yiros – try an Arriba Burrito. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Arriba Grill
476 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park, Adelaide, South Australia
http://www.arribagrill.com.au

Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Vibe: 7/10
Price: $

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Tag Archives: mexican

Fringe Festival Festivities – Little Miss Mexico & Vinteloper Urban Wine Project, 188 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA

Adding some spice to a bland work day… La Cantina Co Mexican Street Kitchen.

Lazy Sundays & Fresh Mex… Arriba Grill – 476 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park, Adelaide, SA

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