nown throughout the world for their heavy reliance on the spicey Jalapeno, Mexican cuisine is dished up muy caliente at this West End resto. The menu is extensive, yet somewhat overpriced, which makes me think you are paying more for the King & Bathurst location than the dish itself. That being said, there are some secret dishes of great value hidden on the menu, which is where I come in.

For appetizers, there’s the usual guacamole, however I recommend the Mexican Canapes – a starter full of chicken taquitos, cheese quesadilla, beans tlacoyo, chicken slopes, pork panucho and gordita topped with a generous serving of sour cream and feta cheese – an excellent pre-meal warm up to share with friends. At least once in your life you’ll have to try the Cactus Salad – cactus strips mixed in with the usually greens, avocado and tomato with an oregano dressing.

Classic dinner entrées have chicken in many a meal, but for opt for a dinner De El Mar if your feeling the seafood vibe. They do prawns like no other (how many places sauté their shrimp with tequila?) and the Red snapper fillet is spectacular. The atmosphere is lively come Friday and Saturday when they go full out authentic by hiring a Mexican band (Sombrero adorned) to provide dinner entertainment. Jalapeno is a good choice for a unique (though not necessarily a repeat) night out. - E.J.