!Viva Mexico!

Two days ago was Mexican Independence day! Three belated cheers for Mexico! I’m not going to get into the politics that surrounds ex-colonial nations finally becoming recognised states – that’s for another day.

Here’s my take on Viva Mexico, “Edinburgh’s Original and most authentic Mexican Restaurant”.

Last week, Noelle, my amiga americana, and I were looking for lunch in the Royal Mile area of Edinburgh. We were so hungry, we could have eaten a scabby horse (a Liverpudlian phrase). We walked up the street and I said “Viva Mexico”. Noelle smiled. We went in.

I picked from a set menu lunch plan – the kind that runs out around 4pm, not 2.30.  For only £8.50, you get  cheese nachos or sonoras (refried beans with classic Mexican trimmings) and sopa de tortilla, plus whatever you actually order. I like good quality food, but I also like bargains.

We had fish tacos and pork in salsa verde enchiladas.  Both served hot – unfortunately, this is not a given in many eateries. The pork was soft and there was just enough salsa verde surrounding the pork, which generously filled the enchilada. The soup was spicy and deceptively filling, although it came in a small bowl. If you’re not too keen on spice, if you let the staff know I’m sure they’d accommodate you. They seemed nice like that. I’d never had sopa de tortilla before, but Noelle, having lived in Mexico had assured me it was good stuff.

 My only disappointments were that there was no Hibiscus flower water available, but the replacement horchata (made from rice milk, sugar and spices) was really creamy. It was so delicious; Noelle smiled even more and ordered two. The other slight disappointment was the music, as many of the ‘Latino tunes’ were exactly the same as the ones we had danced to the night before. Not everyone likes to listen to Pitbull when they’re eating.

So, if you’re looking for some homemade style, classy comfort food, which doesn’t skimp on the sour cream, Mexican authenticity or service, go to Viva Mexico on Cockburn Street in bonnie Edinburgh. You won’t regret it.