A new Tex-Mex joint has recently opened in the Metro and the first thing that caught my attention was its name. May it be that Chihuahua is the Mexican state that borders the US state of Texas or the popular Mexican phrase “Ay Chihuahua!”, Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar, found on 7838 Makati Avenue, is definitely the new place to be!
Partners Ines Cabarrus and Elian Habayeb are no strangers to the restaurant scene in Metro Manila. Together they have written a bestselling coffee table book, Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets (MBKRS). They also host the MBKRS awards, a prestigious awards ceremony involving restaurants in the Philippines.
When I first stepped into Chihuahua, I have to admit that I got excited. Not only am I a big fan of Mexican cuisine, the interiors were very inviting, red walls decked out with lots of fun photos.
Their take on Tex-Mex is fun but straightforward. Ordering is simple. Pick a main course (P295): you can choose from tacos, a burrito, a burrito bowl, or salad with either steak, chicken, carnitas, or veggies. According to Ines, their menu is “fresh, healthy, and fast.”
Nacho Grande
We were fortunate enough to try some of their popular dishes. We first had the Nacho Grande (P245), which is crunchy nacho chips generously topped with queso, chili, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and jalapeños. Then we were served a Steak Burrito (USDA beef) and a Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Steak Burrito
Chicken Burrito Bowl
I have to say that the dish I enjoyed the most is Michael’s Special (P295). A dish concocted by Michael, Elian’s brother, who is based in Houston, Texas. It is Mexican rice topped with “Frijoles a la Charra” (country-style slow cooked beans), Mexican Chorizo, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and pico de gallo.
Michael’s Special
You could say that I have been to most of the notable Mexican restaurants around Metro Manila, but in my opinion there are many things that set Chihuahua apart from all the others, aside from their delicious food.
Here are some of the things I find interesting about Chihuahua:
The Salsa Bar – Yes, you read it right. You can get as much salsa as you want. In fact you can choose from chipotle, tomatillo and habanero. You can also get some pico de gallo, jalapenos, and fresh lime.
The Hot Sauce Library – They have four shelves filled with colorful bottles of hot sauce from all over the world. Dare to try some of them!
The Chihuaritas (P195) – Some say these are the best Margaritas in town and if Margaritas aren’t your thing, try the Micheladas (P95) or choose from their wide selection of beverages. They’ve got imported beer (P160), draft beer (P85), as well as local and imported soft drinks.
Michelada
If you’re a proud owner of a Chihuahua, then it is your lucky day because if you’ve got your little pet with you, then you’ll get a free burrito!
They have different events for almost every day, from the two-for-one Chihuaritas (get the password on their Facebook page) on Mondays, ‘Funny Like Haha’ stand up comedy on Fridays, the Salsa Project on Saturdays, and Hang Over Sundays.
All event details and more can be found on their very active Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill, which has almost 2,500 fans. They’re open Mondays to Sundays, from 11am to 3am on weekdays, and 11am to 5am on weekends.
I personally can’t wait to go back to Chihuahua. See you guys there!
