PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIABeyond the quaint exterior with its prickly cactus and rather formidable wooden double doors, Prickles Mexican Restaurant in Parap expands into an exuberantly decorated space with definite party vibes. Mood lighting and Latino music will have you itching to salsa the night away after a sumptuous meal and a lime margarita or two. Order a strawberry daiquiri and settle in for a festive celebration, or bring the kids (there’s a special menu for little amigos) and enjoy a family meal.
Food is classic Tex Mex – rich, moderately spiced (except for the very hot chilli con carne), beautifully cooked and appetisingly presented. Entree specials include the jalapeno bread with roasted garlic and melted cheese, which literally oozes flavour, and the “great balls of fire” – deep-fried cream cheese and jalapeno dumplings with crispy crusts and melt-in-your-mouth insides – served with capsicum jam. For mains, it’s hard to go past traditional enchiladas, especially as you can choose two different meat or vegetarian fillings (potato and spinach mash is delicious). The Prickles menu features special mains such as the scotch el grande topped with roasted garlic butter and a capsicum and balsamic relish, and salmon Veracruz – oven-baked threadfin salmon with a salsa of tomato, olives and fried capers. A side order of jalapenos and guacamole with your main is well worth the extra $3. If you can possibly squeeze in dessert, try the banana enchilada with butterscotch toffee sauce. Prickles opens Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6pm till late; takeaway available from 5pm. Be sure to book, as this is a popular venue.
Merridy Anne Pugh