El Paso brings a flavour of Latin America to Jesmond's dining scene.
The restaurant – which occupies the former Scalini’s site – draws inspiration from the street food of Mexico, Spain and South America, capturing the bold colours, aromas and tonguetingling flavours which characterise the cuisine.
Its menu comprises a stylish offering of tapas, tacos, fajitas, burgers and burritos, freshly cooked with trademark Latin American vim and vigour.
My wife Lisa and I took full advantage on a scorching late Summer day, enjoying a few looseners on the venue’s outdoor terrace before retiring inside for a late lunch.
The dining area is very atmospheric, possessing a great social vibe with a mix of families, couples and group parties seemingly all enjoying the new addition.
Since the Scalini’s days, the décor has been comprehensively transformed and looks better than ever. Much like the food, the dining area is big on colour with funky skull patterns creating a day-of-thedead chic.
El Paso aims to provide a truly authentic experience so its menu is prefaced by a glossary of Latin American terms. We’re talking ‘Pibil’ – strong, citrus flavoured, slow-roast pork, ‘Esabeche’ – an acidic Latin American marinade and ‘Mole’ – foodie parlance for chilli and chocolate sauce.
Being our first time at the restaurant, we looked to our server for inspiration. Hoping for the full sharing experience, he recommended for us a medley of tapas alongside a portion of fajitas which is quickly becoming a firm favourite.
Whilst we sipped on a good red wine, dishes came thick and fast. We enjoyed; tempura king prawns with salsa, charred pineapple and chilli jam, Latino rib-eye steak with chimchurri and fiery Latino croquettes with black pudding and chorizo. Then came, Mexican Cerviche – Latino sea bass to you and me – and a grand helping of that old favourite, Patatas Bravas.
Alongside this, we sampled the sizzling, signature El Paso fajtas which were cooked to order for this chilli monster.
Tasty food doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy food however. Our server – who was very well clued up – explained that the black beans found in many of the dishes are a great, natural source of protein and complex carbs whilst their homemade salsas – made with fresh fruits and chillis – are loaded with essential vitamins. I think I’ve found the diet for me!
In addition, El Paso serve a number of vegetarian and vegan options whilst mineral-rich corn tortillas (arguably as good as the real thing) make for a great Gluten-free alternative.
Admittedly, I’d had my reservations about El Paso. Scalini’s was something of an institution and a tough act to follow. The Malhotra Group – who are updating the New Northumbria Hotel – have got this bang on though. El Paso captures the zip and zing of Latin American cooking and is set to become a firm favourite in the months ahead. Arriba!
For more information, visit their website elpasojesmond.co.uk