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Cantina Laredo

The first time I tried authentic mexican food was in Coco Amigos in Dumaguete City, the only mexican restaurant along the Boulevard (its version of Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard) in the pier. After four years, I re-explored it in Cantina Laredo which offers gourmet mexican food. (Followed by my pre-birthday celebration in 2009.)

The moment you set foot in the resto you will feel the groove of continuous playing of mexican music which I found entertaining. Minus the waiters and waitresses whom I wished were aptly dressed as natives. You can leave that to your imagination, anyway. The place was comfy and candid yet vibrant enough and you will see but attentive staff of different nationalities.

These australian avocados found on each table aren’t regular free appetizers or desserts. But they are strategically there to do some marketing to try their avocado dishes. I would probably chance on it next time. I’m curious how it’s going to enrich and accessorize the gourmet picks.

These free nachos are automatically served after moving out the avocados. You’ll absolutely love the salsa. I almost generously stuffed myself, until our food came.

Camaron poblado asada. One of the bestsellers.

I think it takes much patience to prepare this camaron. A carne asada steak is wrapped around a grilled poblano pepper filled with sauteed shrimps, mushrooms, onions and monterey jack cheese. The serving is filling enough but you’ll amaze yourself that you’re already finishing it. This asada steak is specially tempting as you cut in and the shrimps, mushrooms and cheese are coming out. What makes it yummier? It’s served on a bed of chimichurri mixed herb sauce (check that green sauce).

Mexican chicken and fries, will they make a difference?

It pays to check the difference amongst fried chicken and fries in different places, comparing it versus Filipino’s. The mexican fries and chicken tasted like the ones in Chili’s. It’s the ketchup that made the difference.

Mexican sunset

As I was checking the menu, I wanted to try margarita to match Camaron poblado asada. But I might not be able to manage. Never tried a margarita yet! I instead opt for the mexican sunset. It’s a fruity combo of pomegranate and orange juice. A delicious blend. This is so much better than Bottlegreen’s pomegranate and elderflower juice.

I’ve tried a sizzling dessert for the first time. There’s mexican brownie and apple pie to choose from. We tried the brownie. As you can see from the photo, the staff prepared infront of us the choco brownie with pecans on a sizzling skillet. A mexican butter and vanilla ice cream (you can have cinnamon ice cream also) were put on top.

Mexican brownie

The skillet was still hot when put on the table, and as the ice cream slowly melted and blended with the brownie and mexican butter, the melted portion tasted like caramel. It’s fun to watch and try, but it’s too sweet even for a sweet toothie that I am.

This dining experience is worth a second visit. The steep price serves the quality and cozy place.

Cantina Laredo is at the 2nd level of Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi

Related post: My pre-birthday celebration in Cantina Laredo (2009)