La Condesa

234 Johnston Street 

Fitzroy, VIC 3065

http://lacondesa.com.au/

I’m all about the Mexican food, and whilst a beer garden with a taco truck would be a smashing place to dine in summer, I’m not so sure about now, given the winter we’ve been having so far. Luckily, La Condesa has now expanded itself into a little Mexican cantina with a healthy dose of Fitzroy. And whilst it’s more of a bump-and-grind bar at the launch event, we were assured that on any other day, we’d enter the side door to find a sunny little spot for drinks and tacos. 

Tromba Palomas ($10)

Proudly named after a bohemian district in Mexico, La Condesa is pretty big on the tequila. Lining the bar was a row of pink drinks with salt-encrusted rims in the making, which we later found out were Tromba Palomas ($10), a refreshing blend of grapefruit, agave, lime, and of course, tequila. Lightly carbonated and pulled through a beer tap, this is a fun little party starter that won’t break the bank.   

 Tortilla Chips with Guacamole

Ceviche ($12)

 Alitas ($15, dozen; $8, half dozen) 

Elotes ($5)

Then the party food came out. We were served Tortilla Chips with Guacamole, the green dip tangy and just a little spicy. Small Ceviche ($12) rafts of delicate snapper and a citric combination of tomatoes and orange segments. Alitas ($15, dozen; $8, half dozen) – slightly too sweet but very flavoursome chicken wings marinated in chipotle and agave glaze. And finally, Elotes ($5), an inventive take on corn, the juicy kernels mixed with queso, sour cream, and a sprinkling of chipotle peppers.

Unfortunately it was a school night, so we couldn’t stay forever, but the nibbles we managed to try piqued our interest enough for a repeat visit in the near future. But of course, the promise of 3 tacos for $12 isn’t something I would turn down regardless.

Rating: to be continued...

Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of La Condesa.