Don Pedro's

Don Pedro’s Authentic Mexican Grill
114 Market St
204-956-7465
info@donpedros.ca
http://www.donpedros.ca/


June, 2011

I admit that I have very little experience with Mexican food. The rage in Winnipeg now is the search for “authentic” Mexican as thousands of vacationers flock south annually to get away from -40 degree weather. While more people everyday claim Mexico as a second home, my experience limits to lumbering the streets of Tijuana and rocking back rotgut tequila. I can’t honestly tell you what’s real Mexican and what’s Taco Belled. I recently learned that the stuffing essentially remains the same (with some limited variation) and the naming of the basic foods determines the covering type and cooking method.

The burrito comes with a flour tortilla; the enchilada uses a corn tortilla; and the chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. From these casings, you can choose your fillings, which normally come chicken or beef based. Pedro adds some varying adornments, according to your preference. I often use staples as a gauge to how well ethnic restaurants prepare their foods. In assessing Mexican food, I look to the salsa as a prelude to the quality of the meal to come. Pedro’s salsa comes a little runny and lacks the ample chunks of vegetables that I often see. Although the absence of chunks also reduces the textural component, the great combo of herbs contributes to good complexity and depth of flavour. It’s not the best salsa I’ve had but it’s good enough to have me asking for more.

Another Mexican standard, the Sopa Azteca (tortilla soup) has a rich tomato base with lots of flavour. My past experience with this soup found it to have more of a zip, but those with non-spicy palettes will find this version ideal. The fajita burrito starts with a massive flour tortilla, which comes stuffed with considerably-sized cubes of beef; although the simple but good tasting beef is almost lost in the wealth of flavours that surround the dish. The grilled peppers and onions pack a powerful punch as they crawl all over the tortilla. Finally, drop-cloth-like melted cheese smothers the dish and dares the diner to finish this loaf-like meal. Don’t overindulge—you need to save room for the delicious Mexican rice and fabulously flavoured and textured refried beans.

This is a deliciously monstrous dish for a mere $15. I always take a step back when someone mentions fish sandwiches; I guess fishy tasting tuna in stale bread left more scars than I realise. To me, the Fish Tacos sound challenging and basically incongruent. As I’ve been proved wrong many times before, the combo of deep fried whitefish in tortillas gives a delicious flavour with wonderful crunchiness. Add the abundance of vegetables and this taco serving will also leave you loosening your pants. The same beans and rice come with this selection, so be sure to save room.

Whether you sit on the calm and quiet street side, or in the rustic and bustling dining room, the service is always attentive and friendly. Again, I’m not sure if the food is authentic Mexican, Tex-Mexican or American-Mexican—but I’m certain that it’s delicious Mexican.

**** /5

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