The Blurb
Tacos are quite big these days. Well, in popularity at least because, in practice, they tend to be deceptively small, offering a hand-sized portion easily devoured in a few bites. I say ‘deceptively’ because, to me at least, they tend to be similar to a doughnut, in which eating two or three doesn’t really do much to quell my appetite but the next one can push me from ‘still hungry’ to ‘ actually stuffed’ in the blink of an eye.
Regardless of satiety, one can’t deny that they’ve become much more popular in recent times. I count 5 eateries in my own neighbourhood of Notting Hill within walking distance, and a cursory Google search shows even more Mexican restaurants opening up all over town.
The Style
Santa Remedio is one such outfit, boasting three locations in Marylebone, London Bridge and Shoreditch. I went to the former and I’ll say off the bat, it’s a very good space. Inside, you’ll find sandstone coloured walls, rustic yet modern wooden fittings and warm amber lighting to set the scene. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I was transported to Mexico when I walked in, but it was certainly enough of a contrast from the cold, wet outside of Thayer Street to give my mind enough escapism and fill it with the thoughts of holidays in hot places.
The Food
No complaints on the food, either. Staples like Guacamole and Totopos are complemented by Sashimi grade Tuna Tostadas, whilst the Elote (grilled corn on the cob with chipotle mayonnaise, Pecorino, Lime & Tajin), provided exceptional nibbling material between dishes. The Fried Plantains with Crumbled Feta and an over-generous amount of crema didn’t quite hit the same notes as the other dishes for me, but it’s a minor complaint.
Dessert was over two (shared) dishes. The first, Tres Leches (a classic Mexican sponge cake soaked with 3 different types of milk and topped with a yoghurt cream), was a little too much for me, a tad too sweet and rich at the same time but the always reliable Churros (Churros con Dulce de Leche to give them their fill name), were very good indeed. I might be slightly biased here because I do love Churros and as soon as I see them on a menu, any other considerations – including other dishes and even my own waistline – become secondary. Though speaking as someone who’s consumed a probably rather unhealthy amount of them over my years, I can assure you that they’re worth the trip.
In a Nutshell
So, Santo Remedio. It’s good for sure. You’re not likely to discover some fantastical new culinary invention but what you will find are instantly recognisable dishes that have been complemented by giving them a small twist here, a subtle accent there. Just enough, in other words, to give them their own personality, which means you won’t quite find something the same anywhere else. This is good because in a city that seems to be increasingly competitive for your Taco time and money, you’ll get a memorable meal here.
The Details
13-14 Thayer Street, W1U 3JR
www.santoremedio.co.uk
0207 403 3021
Opening times:
Tuesday and Wednesday 12.00 pm -10.30 pm
Thursday – Saturday 12.00 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunday 12.00 pm – 9:30pm
Monday – Closed
