Livin’ La Vida Taco

If Sydney’s dining trends are anything to go by, Spanish should be declared the city’s second language. Mexican restaurants have been popping up faster than you can shot tequila. And El Loco cantina is a world away from your school canteena.

The madness that is El Loco’s ensues inside the Excelcior Hotel and this loud cuisine makes up for the live music the venue used to be famous for. The festive feel is amplified by the loud colours and checkered tablecloths and although the cantina is owned by the Merivale cartel, it feels like a one-of-a-kind amigo.

Dan Hong, the chef behind Ms. G’s and Lotus flips the bird at fuddy-duddy traditions and zests up Mexican food his way.

It’s a crime not to try the tacos. They are a Mexican fiesta in the mouth with flavours such as spit roasted pork and pineapple salsa, lemongrass beef and salsa verde; and prawn, salsa and pico de gallo - at $5 a pop, you’d be loco to not try them all.

Diners that like meals with a side of mystery should order the ‘surprise’ taco. But be game to taste flavours which range from pork testicle to tempura zucchini flower.

For senoritas (and senores for that matter) who want to be ‘healthy’ there’s the El Loco Salad. The tower of chilli-spiced tofu, shaved fennel, radish, cabbage, coriander, spring onions, avocado, tortilla chips and El Loco dressing is a delicious version of Jenga. But Jenny Craig would probably say no to the avalanche of cheese on top.

Since hot dogs have taken over town, El Loco offers a special version with grilled pork Frankfurt, pickled jalepenos, pico ge gallo, mayonnaise and cheese. Or go for the grilled fish sandwich for something less carnivorous.

Round out the party with several rounds of margaritas and house-made slushies. And don’t forget shots from the long list of tequila on offer.

This behavior wouldn’t be tolerated at the school canteen but here it is standard. If you act otherwise the cartel just might come after you.

El Loco
64 Foveaux Street
Surry Hills
02 9211 4945
www.elloco.com.au

By Jenna Chaitowitz
Image: Flickr