In the 1930s, doctors in Mexico recommended the following drink concoction ratio to fight off a cold:
1/3 measure of tequila blanco
1/3 measure of agave nectar (to eliminate bacteria and soothe sore throats)
1/3 measure of fresh lime juice (for Vitamin C)
So, in March 2016, I decided to try out their advice. Full of hayfever lurgeys and the beginnings of a monster cold, I took a decision in the name of science to sneak into El Camion in Brewer Street for a catchup with the lovely Mr Fresh and Fearless and to try a little of their menu.
Disclaimer: We were invited guests of the El Camion but my (very many) opinions
are
only ever my own, and I would never recommend anywhere that I
wouldn’t happily revisit,
in fact I’ll be taking my chilli-loving husband shortly.
El Camion is a little rough diamond of Mexican kitsch literally minutes from tourist-central Picadilly Circus. A restaurant by day with a late night members-club in the basement, this is a perfect post-work stop for catching up with good friends.
Bottles of exotic hot sauces line the walls and the bar is surrounded with an enviable selection of tequila, this isn’t a restaurant for the faint of palate. We both opened with margaritas; strong, fruity and kick-ass – incidentally how I like my friends to be. I rolled with a Tommy’s classic Margarita; Olmeca Altos blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and agave syrup (doctors orders remember?) whilst Aftab tried the Pomegranate Margarita; Olmeca Altos blanco tequila, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, grenadine and triple sec. It knocked his socks off.
Saucy.
The menu is filled with classic grills dishes with a heavy Baja California influence (think traditional Mexican fare with fish, beef and a lot of friendly smiling whilst you can’t decide) and covers all the great carb traditions; totopos, tomatillo salsa verde, soft shell tacos, enchiladas, tostadas and ensaladas (aka salad “mehican” style).
My blate tried a chicken tinga quesadilla whilst I grazed a selection of tacos – pork carnita, chicken tinga and chorizo (colds make me hungry, what can I say?) stuffed with guacamole, perfectly piquant pico de gallo, lettuce and home-made salsa. My mouth is watering just writing about them again.
Whilst we nibbled, a second round of drinks appeared on the table – a strawberry daquiri that had me tempted to steal it from Aftab and a passionfruit batida making for a sweet, creamy dessert.
I think my life motto needs to be “there is nothing wrong with a taste of mischief here and there“. We were a little disappointed by the crunch of the churros but the chocolate dipping sauce was delicious.
After a few tequila heavy beverages, I woke up the next morning feeling much better, and my sniffling symptoms were much reduced. Perhaps those 1930s doctors were on to something…
I definitely want to pop back to explore more of the tequila menu and to laugh my abs into shape again. The next time we’re undecided about a michevious dinner, I’ll definitely be heading back towards El Camion.
Watch out Soho…
