Burritos at Chiquitos (Chiquito)

Member Name: fruityzo

Product:	Chiquito
Date:	02/08/09 (302 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good if you fancy something a bit different.

Disadvantages: Could be difficult to persuade kids to try certain dishes.

Up until recently it'd been a long while since I'd visited a Chiquito's restaurant.

Past visits to my local branch had resulted in a noticiable decline in quality of the food, whilst prices still stayed rather steep. Obviously this led to me avoiding the place for a long while.

I was recently tempted back by a combination of laziness (a particular aversion to cooking that night), and a voucher for a free plate of 'Fiesta Nachos' from the Chiquitos website.

**Basic Info**

Chiquitos is a large chain of Mexican themed Bar/Grill style restaurants:
"The Original Mexican Bar & Grill. Est. 1989".

Most major towns and cities have a Chiquitos (in many cases, situated in close proximity to a cinema complex).

There are 2 branches close to me, although my review is predominantly based on the Port Solent one (near Portsmouth).

**The Restaurant**

This particular branch offers free parking (a fairly large car park that also accommodates for a small number of shops, and a 6 screen cinema). Parking has never been an issue for me, even when the cinema is obviously busy. Saying that, I would not mind a 5 minute 'space hunt' when I'm not paying to be there!

The restaurant is easily accessible from the car park (about a 30 second walk), and although this is limited-mobility accessible (gentle sloping walkway); the entrance to the restaurant does have steps; as does the inside of the restaurant (split level flooring).

According to their website; all Chiquito's restaurants are open 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 12pm-11pm & Sunday 12pm-10.30pm.

The decor in all branches is fairly similar (obviously expected from a chain). The tables are dark wood, with a Spanish Amarillo (yellow) on the walls. Some days I have visited and there are mini sombreros placed on tables (I'm not sure whether this is for parties or not).
I can't profess that I feel it has a particularly Mexican feel to the place, but it is pleasant enough nonetheless.

The Port Solent branch has a mix of individual tables and padded seating booths (the tables nearer the entrance have views onto the marina).
It is a fairly large area, so although there are a lot of tables/booths, you do not feel hemmed in when it is busy.
There is also a small outside terrace area (around 5-6 tables), looking onto the small marina (which is a particularly enjoyable place to sit on a sunny day).

On entering we are always greeted by friendly staff who let us choose where we would to sit.
We've never had to wait longer than around a minute to be seated; even when the place is quite busy.

Tables are kept clean & usually already laid (unless they are heaving that day). Each table is a good size; I mention this because I find it frustrating in a restaurant when ordering food; worrying whether it'll fit on the table!

**Menu**

I will not list all items on the menu as it won't make for great reading. The menu includes more 'traditional' Mexican themed food such as Enchiladas, Tacos, Nachos, but also simple things such as Beef, Chicken & Veggie burgers, (which is great for those who are maybe a little cautious food-wise).

There is also a good selection for vegetarians (this is one place I can take my 'Veggie' friend and know they will find something other than "cheeeeeease and tomaaarto paaasta or pizzzaaa") - it bores him to death when restaurants assume vegetarians have no taste buds!

* * * * *

There are essentially 2 menus to choose from; the lunch menu, and the regular menu:

**Main Menu**

The menu is quite varied, and up until recently there was a little too much choice (there were so many dishes and variations that it was a little confusing in some areas, plus a lack of explanation on some of the Mexican dishes).

Thankfully they have streamlined it slightly (with positive results), meaning there is still a large choice of dishes, but it is easier to navigate (and better explanations of what you get for each dish).

Starters range from £3.45 for a Stone-baked Flatbread, up to £5.95 for 'Caldo Largo' (a seafood soup with bread).

Main dishes can vary anything from £7.95 for a vegetarian chili and tortillas, to £13.95 for sirloin and rump steaks.
All mains have their sides included (so you don't have to worry about adding on a portion of chips, or nachos unless so inclined). This does make it a lot easier to keep track of how much you're spending.

The desserts seem to cater for most tastes, with your usual culprits (such as ice cream & cheesecake), along with some more interesting puddings. Desserts range from £2.95 - £6.95.

**Lunch Menu**

The lunch menu is currently my favourite thing about Chiquito's.
It is essentially a lesser version of the main menu (but still with an excellent choice of starters, mains, and desserts), for a lot less money!

The lunch menu is available Mon-Fri, 12-5pm. This allows you to have 1 course for £5.95, 2 for £7.25, or be a piggy-wig and have 3 for £8.45!

I feel this represents even better value, especially considering most of the items I usually order are catered for on the lunch menu. Plus, unlike some other restaurants' lunch menus, none of the portions are reduced sizes from that of the dinner menu.

We quite often visit on the cusp of the cut-off point, and have never been refused the lunch menu yet... I think this is great on the part of the staff, and is what has kept us coming back recently.
If you so wish, and point it out to the staff, they can take their time between making/serving courses, so that you don't have to eat too early in the evening if you'd prefer to 'drag' your meal out.

Full menus (including drinks lists) can be found at www.chiquito.co.uk, and are downloadable.

**Overall**

Having had a negative view of this chain for quite sometime, my opinion has really changed of late.
It is possible the company realised that it was lagging behind the 'newbies' on the food scene (such as Nandos), and decided to revamp to reflect the times.

Based on a fair few visits:

* If I don't want to wait long for my food, I don't have to.
* Have yet to come across an unhelpful staff member.
* Food is always well cooked & to a good standard.
* Have not left unsatisfied.

It is worth keeping an eye out on their website for any other offers they may be partaking in, as the plate of nachos I received was a starter for 2, that would've cost nearly £8!

My only criticism of their menu change, is the termination of the bottomless soft drinks offer. This is a shame, but I can imagine that places offering this are likely to have it subject to abuse of sorts.
Regardless, I'd rather have a cheaper lunch (stretched into dinner!) menu, than the possibility that I may need to spend around £1.80 on a second drink).

Summary: A much improved chain.