It hasn't taken long for El Paso to capture the hearts and minds of Jesmond. Initial shock at the departure of much-loved Scalini's has been replaced by joy as the restaurant continues to dazzle a mix of friends, family, couples and groups alike.
The restaurant’s funky concept draws inspiration from the street food of Mexico, Spain and South America and the team have succeeded in bringing the bold colours, spicy aromas and tongue-tingling flavours which characterise the cuisine to its prime site on Osborne Road.
Inside, the dining area is atmospheric and possesses a great social vibe. Exposed brickwork and loud patterns combine to create a stylish interior whilst many groovy skull platters offer a typically Mexican, day-of-the-dead chic.
You might say then, the perfect place to celebrate the 27th anniversary of my wife Lisa’s 21st Birthday.
On arrival, we were greeted warmly and shown to a prized corner table where our much-obliging waitress cracked open a celebratory bottle of fizz.
El Paso is a place to revel in the good times. Its menu reflects the zip and zing of Latin American cooking, using only the highest quality ingredients to stimulate all the senses. Whilst perusing an extensive menu, we snacked moreish-ly on a bowl of authentic tortillas with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
El Paso aims to provide a truly authentic experience so its menu is prefaced by a glossary of Latin American terms which helped us to better understand the menu. 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.
Diners are given the choice of a selection of main plates: fajitas, burritos, tacos, burgers and steaks or can order all-out in a grand, tapas-style feast. Naturally, we did the latter, plumping for a portion of Cajun chicken fajitas alongside a medley of standout dishes from their tapas menu.
From this, we chose: tempura king prawns with charred pineapple and a zingy chilli jam, latino rib eye chunks with chimchurri salsa, Mexican cerviche (latino-style sea bass), lamb meatballs with feta and almond pesto and sweet potato bravas topped off with garlic aioli. This was a lovely, social meal which we really took our time over, each of us mixing and matching from the dishes we’d ordered and ‘still grazing’ long after our waitress had offered to clear the plates. Of course, all of this was washed down by a couple of glasses of a very good house rioja.
We also learnt that Mexican food isn’t necessarily the unhealthiest. 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. Now, I think I’ve found the diet for me!
If it’s fun, high quality cooking you’re looking for, look no further than El Paso Jesmond this classy restaurant delivers in spades.
Happy Birthday Mrs G!