Cafe el Paso closed for refurb?

[Keef]

Cassius Wrote:

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> I did try and ask the workmen what was going on

> but none of them spoke any English - I have head

> that it is a chain from Sydenham but whether

> that's just a rumour or not I don't know.

Hmm interesting, there is indeed a Tex Mex place in Sydenham, and I remember commenting to Mrs Keef just how similar the decor / menus were, so you could be spot on.

I hope it stays, I know it's naff, but that's what is great about it. Saying that, I do like Demery's idea of making it more of a drinking place, and keeping the food more snacky.

As long as they still do the ribs!!!

[*Bob*]

Mexican restaurants which feature cacti, spaghetti western-fonted writing and oversized hats are strictly for stags and hens, children under 10, or abysmal birthday group-bookings where the guests are too polite to complain - or simply too drunk to care.

The place has been empty every time I've been past. And I've passed by quite a few times.

The funeral parlour over the road looks more lively.

[Brendan]

Hope they stay as a Mexican and start delivering. There isn?t anywhere around that will bring you Mexican food is there?

[SeanMacGabhann]

The Mexican in Herne Hill (Bandidos?) delivers to Friern Rd - but it really isn't worth it. Very greasy and sloppy - which might be do-able if I was in the restaurant and it was hot and we were on the way to getting drunk.. but in the cold sober light of home it wasn't very appealing

[*Bob*]

Good news, Brendan..

You can re-create that delicate taste sensation right at home with just a bag of Doritos, a can of Napolina toms and half a block of Pilgrims Choice.

Don't forget your big hat.

[Brendan]

I?ve always liked the idea of nachos but can?t say I have ever had any that actually lived up to my expectations.

On Saturday night though I had a sudden craving for a chimichanga but didn?t feel like going out in the rain so ended up having pizza instead.

[Cassius]

Mexican food in this country is a very poor imitation of the indigenous cuisine. I was stunned at just how good food in Mexico was having only had El Passo and similar over here. Lobster filled chilli's was the one I remember best - hot on the way in and hot............

[Jeremy]

I don't think anyone really thinks that places like Cafe El Passo are serving authentic mexican cuisine! But I would say that it's a reasonable reproduction of the bog-standard Tex-Mex food you get on every corner in Texas/California/etc.

[SeanMacGabhann]

to be fair to Cafe El Passo, the food they served was far bettter than the "old El Passo" kits in the supermarket - depends which one Cassius was talking about

Cafe El Passo = 6/10 food wise

Those supermarket El Passo kits = minus numbers. Sawdust. With some suger laced sauce

[Cassius]

Never done a supermarket kit - I wouldn't expect them to be up to standard. Actually only ate in El Passo once, but other London Mexican establishments have not proved very exciting in the past. I do think the chillies in Mexico are very different to the ones available here and make all the difference.

[Louisa]

I remember back in the early 1990's when this place was still an Italian owned steakhouse known as "Never on a Sunday". Fabulous food always fresh and very traditional, to think it was replaced with this craphole has angered me ever since so I certainly wont be feeling the loss if it disappears!

Louisa.

[bob]

Hi Louisa

I to remember never on a sunday with the big fish tank fab food and great service 18 years ago????

Bob S

[Louisa]

Easily Bob yes, it closed in 1991/2 I think, but i may stand corrected on that one. The guys who owned it opened up a steakhouse in islington.

Louisa.

[monica]

I loved the tex mex for all the obvious reasons, not the food but the cocktails and back in the day before i became mrs Mc i use to go in there on a sunday afternoon post liquid sunday lunch to line our stomachs for the good old swan in stockwell oh il miss that place.

[BlueOne]

A friend of a friend works for Nandos and claims they are East Dulwich bound - could this be the premises?

[kford]

EDOldie Wrote:

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> Hope someone saves the sign, proper landmark.

Many a time I've walked past a bit tipsy and thought of pinching that, for historical purposes, of course.

[bob]

Louisa

The guys were realy friendly the food fab I didn't know they moved to Islington

Bob S

[Asset]

gawd, Islington - how poncy and middle class

[SeanMacGabhann]

thank you Louisa.... ;-)

[david_carnell]

For those in search of true Mexican apparently Wahaca in town is meant to be excellent.

It's run/owned by Tommi Myers who won the first series of (the new) Masterchef.

Cheap and very cheerful by all accounts.

[SeanMacGabhann]

I very nearly made it in there (Wahaca) a few weeks back - but went to La Perla a few doors down instead.

Didn't know it was Tommi behind it - will check it out soon

[Dodo1]

Yes recommend it too- and it's child friendly! Just remember- they don't take bookings so it's 1st come 1st served.

[Ladygooner]

I can highly recommend Wahaca - once you have tried their home made tortilla chips you won't buy Doritos ever again! Very reasonably priced. The pork pibil is fantastic.

[Brendan]

I may just scoot over there for lunch one of these days. I've not had good Mexican food in a while.

Hmmm... Perhaps I need to fabricate a "meeting" tomorrow afternoon. Something poetic I think.

[karter]

Now this is just a rumour and not from a usual reliable source but this could be turning into a Wetherspoon. Golly.

I think nando's would ,as blueone has said, would be a better choice.