Michael had finished the shoot and we were on our way back to Brisbane when the subject of lunch came up.
We both decided that Mexican was what we wanted and Michael suggested Motezumas at Burleigh Heads. Although I love Mexican, the thought of Montezumas did not appeal for two reasons. The first of these is that although Montezumas is popular, I am not drawn franchise or chain restaurants. The second is that 30 years ago when I was in my very early 20s I had gone to that particular Montezumas which was, I believe, the first of the now many Montezuma restaurants. The reason for going was for my farewell from my job as a teller in one of the BIG banks in Burleigh Heads. Unfortunately for me I enjoyed the celebrations so much that next morning I was much worse for wear. Going there would only remind me of some of my misspent youth. I needn’t have worried because I am sure that no one would have been around to remember or remind me.
To avert a trip to Burleigh Heads I tried to think of an alternative in Brisbane so we wouldn’t have such a long drive home after lunch. I remembered a little Mexican restaurant in Taringa ‘Dos Amigos’ that I had been to a couple of times and suggested we go there. I was a little unsure of how we would find it because although on my past visits I had found the food very good and the atmosphere pleasant, I had not eaten there for over four years – and in the life of a restaurant a lot can change in that time.
I managed to direct us there without getting lost (quite an achievement when I am navigating). In busy Taringa, parking can sometimes be a challenge however, finding ample spaces in the undercover parking area downstairs was a great start to our lunch. We arrived just a few minutes past mid day so the restaurant was not crowded with patrons. We were greeted and seated by a friendly waiter who promptly brought our menus and reappeared a few minutes later with some corn chips and salsa dip which was just the thing to get our taste buds working.
The traditional Mexican furnishings with unobtrusive Mexican music created a great ambience. This, and a Sangria each (1 alcoholic and 1 not) helped us relax and we enthusiastically discussed and scribbled down, ideas for the new website Michael is building for his photography business and a series of short stories I want to write about the adventures of ‘The Lilac Cat’ and some plans for the future.
Now to the reason we were here – food. We had ordered a small entrée of Cheese Crisps. The base was a soft tortilla, topped with melted cheese and just enough sour cream and avocado. These were excellent and just a little different to what you might find on offer in many of the ‘restaurants of mass production’.
By this time other diners had arrived and after being greeted by the same friendly and obliging waiter were seated, laughing and talking and quickly devouring their corn chip and salsa appetiser.
Another Sangria arrived and we wished we could spend the afternoon there. I hate being rushed from one course to the next and in some restaurants I have felt that the only thing the waiter or waitress is interested in is getting you out the door. This was not so at Dos Amigos and after time to digest our entrée, and more conversation, our mains arrived.
I was not feeling really hungry so had ordered Tacos (shredded beef and shredded chicken) which I thought would be a small meal. Michael had ordered Chile Con Carne. Not adventurous selections I agree (especially after my comments about the sameness of chain restaurants) nevertheless they suited our appetites.
I was surprised by the size of the 2 Taco meal. It was quite large. It had the right amount of flavour and spice in the shredded beef and chicken. Really very enjoyable.Michael’s said his Chile Con Carne was good. The spicy shredded beef (not mince as in some places) was ‘chile hot’ enough to be enjoyable without leaving his mouth on fire.
As I said – not an adventurous selection of dishes, nevertheless we were sufficiently impressed by the service, the staff, the food, music and ambience to put it on our list of restaurants to visit again in the near future and to wish we didn’t have to leave quite so soon.
Next time I’ll be trying some of the more adventurous selections on the menu. Go on give it a go!
Rating out of 5
Value for Money: $ = cheap, $$ = reasonable, $$$ = expensive
Mine : Michael’s:
Food: 4 3
Service 3 3
Ambience 3.5 3.5
Cost $$ $$
