Casa Mexicana Labrador Great Mexican in Gold Coast

by Paul
(Labrador Gold Coast)

Casa Mexicana Review Saturday 6 August 2011 by Paul of Labrador

Okay so I don’t wear a cravat, have a bald head, or wear and apron, but inside us all lurks a food critic don’t you think?

Our little local restaurant closed early this year. Little India was a favourite for the whole family and we were sad to see it go. The months ticked over, the doors still closed, and then suddenly Casa Mexicana pops up!

Now I like Mexican and was looking forward to trying this one. Mexican cuisine done well can be such a good experience, but done poorly like many Mexican restaurants in Australia, can leave nothing but disappointment.

The decor has been revamped and gives that lovely feel of a little Mexican Cantina. Warm and inviting you are greeted by a lovely smile from the front of house staff (we don’t actually know her name yet). Unlike myself my Wife and Mother in law are less familiar with Mexican cuisine. However a quick walk through the menu soon found something for them both. They are not big fans of super hot and spicy food.

We started with the Nachos to share and they were great, very crisp tortilla chips with super fresh guacamole and lovely salsa and sour cream. The portion was a nice size for the three of us to share.

For main, we all ordered the Quesadilla, the girls choosing the chilli con carne and the chicken for myself. I like mine a little spicy so opted for some jalapeños inside the tortilla. The meal sizes were generous without being oversized, and what I would call sensible. For children there is a choice between a 10 inch and 6 inch tortilla (yes even Mexico is imperial).

Mexican food can be quite filling and this was plenty for us. The flavours were fantastic and very fresh. The ratio of each ingredient is well judged by the chef. The rice and frijoles’ were amazing, beautifully flavoured and just the right amount of each. The thing that shone through for me was the lightness and crispness of the flour tortilla. I have not tasted better. Just like something Grandma Juanita would hand roll with the end of a broom handle – lots of love in that.

I know I have used the word “Fresh” several times in this review, but that’s the key. That’s what makes Casa Mexicana the real deal. The Chef and his brother started the same style of restaurant in Melbourne. Both had experiences in a chain restaurant and decided that was not how to deliver good Mexican food. You won’t find refried beans out of a can in this place. The frijoles’ are cooked down and soaked just like they do back in Mexico, slowly with time, effort and passion, and it shows, they are as smooth as silk. The chefs mantra is healthy food for all, and he means what he says and does not try to pad the meal out with beans and cheese like some chain restaurants do.

The heat applied to the spices in the dishes are mild, making it ideal for families with children. The food can be spiced up for dear old dad and he can extinguish it with a Dos equis or your favourite beer here.

The ambience and staff are warm and friendly. These guys are the new kids on the block and are setting a new standard for small casual dining on the Gold Coast. I recommend you try it, even if you don’t think you like Mexican food, your ideas will defiantly change.

Casa Mexicana is BYO but is also waiting on a License to serve liquor

3 Sombreros ! - la comida es fantástica mis amigos
Adiós

Paul

Annie's Comments
Paul and his wife run a local Gold Coast curtains and blinds business. They both have very discerning taste when it comes to their food so I am REALLY looking forward to checking out this new Mexican Restaurant in Gold Coast. Thanks Paul for taking the time to write this review.