Life & Style | Food

Don't seek Chico

I want to be honest upfront and say that I've really struggled to write this review.

  • By Leisha Petrys, tabloid! Editor
  • Published: 22:51 June 30, 2009
  • Tabloid

I want to be honest upfront and say that I've really struggled to write this review.

Not for the usual reasons of writer's block or a week-long distraction with reading every snippet of Michael Jackson news. No. The real reason is because within 15 minutes of leaving the El Chico establishment, my sister-in-law was using the inside of her handbag as a safety net for a rather unhappy stomach. Now I am no expert on the human body, so I won't be so bold as to suggest that the food was entirely to blame but I don't think my low opinion of this Mexican eatery on The Walk is unfounded.

The dishes, while more than substantial in size, could only be described as adequate. Even a rather large bowl of freshly made Top Shelf guacamole (usually one of my great vices) was overpowered by citrus and the accompanying corn chips had the consistency of cardboard. The service was intrusive rather than attentive, which would almost be forgivable if the alfresco dining area had been sparkling clean or our orders had been taken correctly. A request for one beef taco and one chicken taco is not exactly difficult.

Dubai has plenty of blue ribbon Mexican restaurants - of which El Chico is not one - so do yourself a favour and seek the others out.

Where: El Chico Café, The Walk Phone: 04-4233828

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