LOCATIONNear the corner of Anzac Parade and Carlton Street; 10 minutes’ drive from the city.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAA dash of Mexico has found its way to the suburbs in the form of Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant, a lively family eatery bursting with colourful knick-knacks. The expansive dining room is washed in earthy red and sandy hues and is livened up with a smattering of vibrant art. The bar dominates the restaurant’s entrance, with a stream of cane and wooden chairs flowing through the space beyond. Open seven nights a week from 6pm, Juanita’s Mexican fare is also available to take away.
The menu veers past all the standard Mexican favourites, from quesadillas and nachos to enchiladas and chili con carne. Scoop some cooling guacamole or Mexican salsa up with a starter of crispy corn chips, before moving on to mains. Choose the burrito Tijuana for a cheese-topped flour tortilla bulging with beef, mushrooms and chili con carne. Or have your tortillas another way with Juanita’s fajitas – thinly sliced strips of grilled beef, chicken or prawns teamed with frijoles, sour cream and avocado. Those who can’t decide can opt for a combo, with six different combination options offering a varied taste of the menu. Burritos, enchiladas, taquitos, tacos and tostadas rotate on the list to please all palates. And, of course, the kitchen crew are more than happy to add extra chillies for those who like it hot. Bring your own palate-cleanser to cool the tastebuds, before checking the blackboard menu for the day’s desserts.
Lauren Barker, February 2009