Review: Pablo Picante’s, Baggot St

Thousands of years behind the Aztecs, Mayans, and Western civilisation, Mexican food has finally arrived in Ireland. Lidl is currently promoting Mexican specials, M&S has launched a new range of Mexican food, and the past year has seen the opening of Boojum on Dublin’s northside and Pablo Picante‘s on the southside.

Okay, okay. We’ve yet to see the arrival of authentic Mexican cuisine, but I’ll settle for this. Jean has already said great things about Boojum, and while I’ve yet to try it, I think it’d be hard pressed to beat Pablo’s offering. My friend Criostoir and I tucked into one of their take-away burritos while soaking up the sun in Stephen’s Green and we both really enjoyed them.

Pablo’s is not a sit down cafe like Boojum, and this is reflected in their significantly cheaper prices. Pablo’s staff were really helpful and friendly and, as I  was staring in a confused daze and completely unable to make a choice, really keen to help. I went for the Victoria Verde, a vegetarian burrito with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, black beans, refried beans, cilantro and lime rice, guacamole and salsa in a flour tortilla (€5.50).

The burrito was HUGE, delicious, and more than enough for dinner. You can choose your own spice level, but even though I’m a chilli freak, I’m glad I didn’t go above medium. Yowza. One slight quibble: it was a little too heavy on the raw onion, although next time I’ll just ask for less. Criostoir’s Sonny San Diego, with grilled marinated chicken, refried beans, grated cheese, cilantro and lime rice, green salad, and salsa in a flour tortilla (€5.95) was a really nice blend of flavours. Criostoir and I will both be back: the burritos are perfect fare for a sunny day in the park.

• Pablo Picante’s, 131 Baggot Street (at junction with Pembroke St.), Dublin 2