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| - Honestly, ever since this place opened, I kept hearing how bad it was and what a tourist trap it was. Then over the last few weeks, I kept hearing and reading contradicting reviews and then, I decided to take the plunge. So, Sunday May 8, at 5 pm, I went there for dinner.
First the weather was crappy and we sat inside. However, we had a reservation, so we would have probably been inside anyways as this patio would already be full if the weather were great. Now, the interior is marvelous and a great example of the "old meets new``style characteristic that is found in most businesses of the Distillery District.
The food is serious business. Delicious and authentic, while creative. Perhaps is it the lack of pretentious hipsters that make some say it's a tourist trap? Hmmm....
Anyways, this is the type of place where the fun is to share. The menu is huge and varied. My dining companion and I shared Tuna ceviche ($10.00), delicious and delicate, a perfect harmony of tastes: great fish, citrus, cilantro. a winner. The chicken burritos(10.00) were good, but very ordinary compared to the wonderful fish tacos(15.00)which consisted of crispy fried haddock,chipotle lime coleslaw presented on a flour tortilla. Refreshing and robust at the same time. Those fish tacos alone are a good reason to visit El Catrin. The costilla corta(15.00) is also a great dish, combining different flavours in perfect harmony: 24 hour braised beef short rib, almond mole, sweet potato purée and sautéed sugar snap peas. Lipsmacking! My Mexican friends believe the dessert we had to be a total heresy. I personally think that the tacos dulces(7.00), while truly unauthentic, were authentically delicious and everything a dessert should be: light, satisfying, refreshing, sweet and with just a hint of saltiness. Think about it: a banana fritter, dulce de leche, crushed salted peanuts, chocolate and strawberry sauce on a corn tortilla. I could have gone for seconds!
But one thing I just love about El Catrin is their strength behind the bar. Although they have wine and beer, cocktails are the way to go here. They also have an amazing selection of tequilas. If, like myself, you are new to the Mexican firewater, this is a great place to get an education. The cocktail I had( or shall I say the 2 cocktails I had, $12.00 each) was a Mayahuel. Milagro Reposado tequila mixed with Jagermeister , agave nectar, fresh lemon juice and what gives the whole drink its zing: ginger beer. Truly addictive.
The service was professional and very friendly. Our server really knew the menu well and gave good advice in terms of drink/food pairings. We never felt pressured and had a leisurely time. The noise level, while rather high, is not at all disturbing as the place is big enough and you can hear your dining companions talk. And that is the whole point of going out for dinner with people, isn't it?
So, we had a great time and at $116.39 for 2 before tip, the price is not more expensive or cheaper than a lot of other restaurants with inferior offerings and a boring atmosphere. And we were definitely full at the end of the meal.
So, for great food, great drinks in a gorgeous setting, go to El Catrin. You will have a great time!
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