I enjoyed a catch-up dinner with friend and Chef Pedro Gonzalez while talking about Mexican culture and the dishes his mom had made for him while growing up in California. We shared a variety of dishes, some new, some not on the menu and others that were slightly refreshed by Chefs Maria-Elena and her daughter Greysy.

1^st dish:

Guacamole and chips all house-made! Lime seasoned ripe avocado, onion, jalapeno and cilantro topped with pico de gallo and feta cheese.

2^nd dish:

Cochinita Pibil mini tostadas with refried beans, delicious appetizer which is not on the menu, ask for it.

3^rd dish:

Queso Fundido served in a cast iron skillet with chorizo and cheese, tortilla chips and tortillas for dipping and salsas.

4^th dish:

Sopecitos 3 handmade thick corn tortillas topped with beans, lettuce, feta, and radish, pico de gallo and barbacoa lamb which was moist, and flavourful.

5^th dish:

Delicious combo platter of a traditional Mexican dish rarely found in this city; Tlacoyos a crispy black corn dough topped with cactus, black beans, feta cheese and Guajillo chilies; and Carnitas enchilada with mole sauce: served with Spanish rice

^6th dish:

Bunuelo topped with vanilla ice cream, with dried fruits, pistachios, and a caramel sauce; so good.

7^th dish:

Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream) –Organic strawberry mix with whipped cream, sour cream, sugar and topped with a mint.

8^th dish:

Tres Leches cake – Homemade cake soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk and orange liquor, topped with whipped cream and strawberry, one of my personal favourite Tres Leches in the city.

Patron Tacos & Cantina

265 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-3368

Twitter: @patrontc

Instagram: @patrontc

I am looking forward to returning to try their weekend brunch menu to taste more of their traditional Mexican dishes.

By: Richard Wolak