Guzman Y Gomez

By Franz Scheurer

King Street, Newtown is choc-a-bloc full of eateries, and Guzman Y Gomez might easily get lost in the plethora of mediocrity. Thankfully this eat-in or take away fast food diner makes a statement with Spanish speaking staff (not Mexican-speaking as their posters are quick to point out?!) and food prepared by people who know what it should taste like.

The menu is easy to understand, starting with a selection of ‘holders’ for the food: Burrito (a soft flour tortilla), Burrito Bowl (a Burrito minus the tortilla for the ones who like to limit their carbs), Soft Tacos (homemade soft corn tortillas), Quesadillas (Grilled soft corn tortillas with cheese) and GYGs Nachos (homemade corn chips). Once you have made up your mind how to eat, you chose the filling, including chargrilled chicken, pork or beef, or, if you’re so inclined, tofu, mushrooms or seafood. Lastly you select your salsa (mild, medium or hot) and you’re ready to enjoy the fare.

Ingredients are fresh, tortillas are very well made and the staff knows how to put the food together so it is visually appealing and full of flavour. It’s ready in minutes and there are a number of accompaniments (coriander, onion, jalapeños, hot sauces) that you can add at the counter.

I particularly enjoyed a hot version of the Burrito filled with Pork Chipotle, smothered in a side order of guacamole and complimentary jalapeños, although I was surprised that the heat level was so dumbed down, Australians are used to chilli heat and don’t need to be mollycoddled.

The restaurant is utilitarian with an aquarium-like bar to sit at in the windows and a low slow-slung communal table in the centre. A wrought iron construction holds four overhead lights with very big bulbs and the chairs make sure you don’t linger.

Finish with a ‘flan’, the Mexican version of a Crème Caramel or Crema Catalan.

The kitchen staff is fast and efficient and the food arrives pronto but common courtesies are observed (no automaton ‘do you want corn chips with that?’ service here) and value for money is terrific. Would I go back? For the Burritos, for sure!

Score: 6/10

For more information go to:

Guzan Y Gomez

175 King Street

Newtown

Tel.: 02 9571 1533