August 2nd 2024.
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's bustling Princes Street lies Bar + Block, a charming steakhouse with a prime location. I've lost count of the number of times I've hurried past it on my way to run errands, eager to avoid the crowds and finish my tasks before my patience runs thin. Yet, every time I pass by, my eyes are drawn to its inviting facade, making me long to step inside. So you can imagine my excitement when I received an invitation to try their new Mexican-inspired menu.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the staff and led to a cozy booth tucked away from the bustling main area. Even though we arrived at 6pm, the restaurant wasn't overly busy yet, but our section was alive with families and couples enjoying an early dinner. We kicked off our dining experience with a refreshing cocktail each, as the rare sunny day in Edinburgh called for a thirst-quenching drink. I opted for the Watermelon Salt Margarita, a light and not overly sweet concoction with all the classic flavors of a margarita. My dining companion went for the classic mojito and was thoroughly satisfied.
As for starters, we indulged in some corn tortilla chips with guacamole and pico de gallo. The chips were warm and delightfully crispy, perfect for dipping into the tangy guacamole. I couldn't help but add some extra garlic to the guac, as I tend to have a bit of a heavy hand with this tasty ingredient. The salsa, packed with onions, added a mild kick to the dish.
Being a taco lover, I was eager to try Bar + Block's Mexican-inspired tacos. The menu promised "bold, vibrant and authentic flavors of Mexico," and although I've never been to Mexico myself, I can certainly vouch for the flavors. We debated between the chicken and fish tacos, both of which sounded tempting. Ultimately, we decided on the chicken tacos, enticed by the combination of mango, peach, and habanero flavors. The chicken was tender and had just the right amount of heat from the habanero, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the mango.
Our second taco dish, the Pulled Short Rib Tacos, came with a heftier price tag than the chicken option. I was a bit skeptical at first, wondering if it would be worth the extra cost. But after just one bite, I knew I was wrong. My dining companion paused mid-bite, looked up at me with wide eyes, and then dove back into their taco. I could tell by their expression that this dish was something special, and I couldn't wait to try it myself. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of extraordinary. The tender meat fell off the bone and was bursting with rich flavor. When paired with pickled onions and served on top of a corn tortilla, it was a match made in taco heaven. I don't use the word "phenomenal" lightly, but it truly was a dish that I will come back for time and time again.
Each taco dish came with five corn tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and a side of Mexican loaded skin-on double fried chips, which were perfectly crispy. By the end of our meal, we were both stuffed to the brim, but we couldn't resist sharing a Dulce de Leche Sundae for dessert. My dining companion had initially claimed they didn't want any, but they quickly devoured their share, leaving me with a satisfied smile on my face. It's safe to say that Bar + Block has become a comfort restaurant for us, a place we can always count on for efficient service, excellent food, and a cozy atmosphere.
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