680 Columbia Street, New Westminster

Tel:(604) 727-8176

Web: http://elsanto.ca/

Twitter @el_santonewwest

Advice: Takes reservations and walkins are also welcome.

A couple of cocktails to start off, my cousin Janek had the Rojo Diablo ($10) Vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, cherry, jalapeño; while I had the 20^th Century ($10) Beefeater, Mezcal, chocolate liquor, Lillet blanc, lemon juice; both cocktails were the perfect match for our sharing of the Tijuana 1924 ‘Caesar Salad’ ($12) with grilled romaine hearts, chili dusted chicharones, charred lemon vinaigrette, pumpkin seeds and manchego cheese taking the Caesar salad to whole new level and we loved it.

The Queso Fundido ($10) in an iron skillet is a rich and wonderful dish best shared, with Oaxaca cheese, chorizo, poblano peppers, caramelized onion, tomato, and fresh house-made tortillas; the Pollo Fritto Tacos ($9), tasty fried chicken, blackberry mole and pickled slaw on their house-made tortillas.

The Carnitos de Pato ($20) with Yarrow Meadows duck leg, achiote & citrus marinade, roast tomatillo & guajillo salsa, guacamole & fresh tortillas is a dish for sharing, it’s outstanding and full of flavour; the Cachete Tacos ($9) with braised beef cheek, crisp shallot & jalapeño, salsa rojo on house-made tortillas was heavenly, juicy and flavourful; the Chuletas de Cordero ($26) is best not shared, Peace Country lamb riblets, chile pomegranate glaze, parsnip slaw, with a moist buttery delicious skillet cornbread.

With dessert comes and end to an outstanding meal, truly showing the skills and passion of Executive Chef Shane King and his team. We shared the Churros ($8) pillowy soft on the inside, cinnamon & sugar dusted on the outside with a delicious Dulce de Leche on the side for dipping, served in a paper cone, so good that we ended up ordering another round. I am looking forward to trying more of chefs dishes.

Review by: Richard Wolak

New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9, Canada