PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAGringos Mexican Cantina is a laid-back character, beloved by visitors to “the bay” for 16 years. Casual it is but boring it isn’t. Owners/chefs Helen and Duane Donlan start by welcoming you into a warm, festive atmosphere. Cheeky donkey pinatas hover overhead in this cheerful room festooned with colourful paraphernalia. Order at the counter off a simple board menu bursting with traditional fare. Start with chile con queso, a spicy cheese dip served hot and ready for you to plunge corn chips into. Tuck into potato skins erupting with salsa and cheese or tart sour cream and chives. Gringos is famous for its nachos, which makes choosing your meal delightfully difficult.
Taquitos, tacos and burritos compete to impress with fillings of moist chicken, tender beef, or refried beans. A piping hot bowl of chile con carne also tempts the tastebuds, brimming with plump beans, beef, tomatoes, herbs and spices. Crank up the chilli-meter with a serve of jalapeno peppers, and cross the border into the Mexican Grande Combo which lets you fortify yourself with both a bowl of chile con carne and a choice of any burrito; just sling in sides of tasty frijoles and creamy guacamole and you’re on your way. A dessert of homemade, mellow pecan pie should be accompanied by some Mexican coffee with Kahlua and cream. Not ready to siesta just yet? Then salsa with some sangria or make friends with a margarita. If the sun is smiling, walk off your feast on Adelaide’s famous Glenelg beach.
Roz Taylor, September 2007
