Mexican Food at Long Last in London: Cantina Laredo opens first UK restaurant

Something I gripe loud and clear about, moan endlessly, even contemplate throwing a full blown temper tantrum over is the fact that there is no good Mexican food in London. Every time I go home, it's 24/7 burrito-fest and I'm pretty sure my bone marrow turns to guacamole on account of so much sudden consumption. But in the last month or so, things seemed to have changed on this side of the Atlantic. A tacky Tex-Mex outpost opened across the street from me on Westbourne Grove called Loco Mexicano. But it's deliciously familiar sizzling fajitas and pitchers of frozen margaritas make up for the Best of the Gypsy Kings playing on loop and sombreros decorating each and every table. A Chiptole (thanks be to God) has opened on Charring Cross Road and is the main reason I am actually excited for LFW this season (visions of myself stuffing my face between shows keep the spirit of fashion week alive). But I suppose the crowning jewel, something the likes of which this city has never seen before is new gourmet Mexican restaurant, Cantina Laredo which just opened in Covent Garden. 

Ruben at Work

A while back, I had the fortuna of being invited to a preview tasting of the restaurants delicious new offerings. The head chef of the American franchise, Ruben, who has 40 years experience in the business as well as a proper bar-handle mustache and chops, was flown in to prepare the exquisitely fresh guacamole and chargrill the skirt stake for the foodies who gathered eagerly round his kitchen table, gulping down margaritas so tasty that I swear I was lounging on my favorite beach in Cabo San Lucas rather than loitering about Good Housekeeping's press kitchen in Central London. The chimichurri sauce drizzled over the carne asada was enough to make me swear to forsake forever all things couture and catwalk to become a Mexican food junkie.

You can always judge a good Mexican restaurant by its Guac, and that of Cantina Laredo rivals my all-time favorite NYC Mexican joint, Dos Caminos. So I beseech you: if you live in London and you're British, prepare to have your mind blown. And if you live in London and you're American, hurry up and book your table now--there's no taste like home.

 10 Upper Saint Martin's Lane, Westminster, London, UK WC2H 9‎ - 01865 88298‎

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The team spent weeks training in the US before launching the hunt for fresh, Mexican-style ingredients over here in the UK. The results of their research was rather staggering, with various veggies and cuts of meat having to be sourced from all over Europe. 

TOP SHELF GUACAMOLE : Avocados, tomatoes, red onions, coriander, jalapeño peppers and spices. Made fresh at your table, serves two £6.95

FRESH CEVICHE: Tiger prawns, scallops and fresh fish marinated in lime juice with a selection of vegetables and spices £8.95

CAMARON POBLANO ASADA : Grilled carne asada steak wrapped around a fresh poblano pepper filled with sautéed tiger prawns, mushrooms, onions and monterey jack cheese. Served on a bed of chimichurri sauce with Mexican rice and sautéed vegetables £18.95

MEXICAN APPLE PIE : Mexican apple pie served on a sizzling skillet with Mexican brandy butter and vanilla or cinnamon ice cream £5.95

C A S A R I T A : Our signature margarita is a premium blend of Sauza Blanco, Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices £9.50

T E Q U I L A F L I G H T: Try a flight of any three tequilas from the Añejo, Reposado or Plata sections and save 20%

S I G N A T U R E T E Q U I L A S A N D M A R G A R I T A S: Enjoy a margarita with any of these fine tequilas for an additional £7.50