Mexican food, conjured by a Taiwanese dude, against a soundtrack of Billie Holiday, in the Joburg CBD… is United Colours of Benetton shooting an ad or something, I wonder as this playful scene unfolds in front of me.
Butter-yellow sunshine streams in through the plate glass windows, with pops of colour splashed across the cushions that diners are sitting on imbuing the overall ambience with a big dollop of good cheer, as happy patrons tuck into enchiladas and bowls of chilli that steam consolation.
Chef Kevin Liu started with a small stall at the Arts on Main food market, but soon expanded to an understated, industrial bolthole at the Arts on Main complex. Kevin picked up his love for the cuisine when he worked at a Mexican restaurant in Taipei. He has a special enthusiasm for breakfasts (huevos rancheros, anyone?) Fresher, more authentic Mexican I’ve yet to try.
The chicken chimichanga – a deep fried tortilla parcel brimming with coriander-perfumed chicken, onions, green peppers, purply beans and oozy cheese – is ambrosial. The ‘Mama’s’ chilli bowl comes with a choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian, all served with Kevin’s home-made corn bread or a cheese quesadilla. Some tasty Mexican beers are on the menu too, as well as lime, mango and guava margaritas, which really ups the fun quotient all around. Interesting to note is that Kevin ploughs through nearly 1,000 avocados each month to make his tasty guacamole. No cream is added, only seasoning, which makes it a hit with the local hipsters as it’s healthy and vegan friendly. Weekends at breakfast time really hum, so get there early.
Expert Review
Mexican food, conjured by a Taiwanese dude, against a soundtrack of Billie Holiday, in the Joburg CBD... is United Colours...
Mexican food, conjured by a Taiwanese dude, against a soundtrack of Billie Holiday, in the Joburg CBD… is United Colours of Benetton shooting an ad or something, I wonder as this playful scene unfolds in front of me.
Butter-yellow sunshine streams in through the plate glass windows, with pops of colour splashed across the cushions that diners are sitting on imbuing the overall ambience with a big dollop of good cheer, as happy patrons tuck into enchiladas and bowls of chilli that steam consolation.
Chef Kevin Liu started with a small stall at the Arts on Main food market, but soon expanded to an understated, industrial bolthole at the Arts on Main complex. Kevin picked up his love for the cuisine when he worked at a Mexican restaurant in Taipei. He has a special enthusiasm for breakfasts (huevos rancheros, anyone?) Fresher, more authentic Mexican I’ve yet to try.
The chicken chimichanga – a deep fried tortilla parcel brimming with coriander-perfumed chicken, onions, green peppers, purply beans and oozy cheese – is ambrosial. The ‘Mama’s’ chilli bowl comes with a choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian, all served with Kevin’s home-made corn bread or a cheese quesadilla. Some tasty Mexican beers are on the menu too, as well as lime, mango and guava margaritas, which really ups the fun quotient all around. Interesting to note is that Kevin ploughs through nearly 1,000 avocados each month to make his tasty guacamole. No cream is added, only seasoning, which makes it a hit with the local hipsters as it’s healthy and vegan friendly. Weekends at breakfast time really hum, so get there early.