An Indian Twist on a Mexican Dish

Restaurant: The Smoking Buddha
Country of Origin: India

Location: 265 King St, Port Colborne

How was it?

Excellent with a hint of mediocrity. 

The Smoking Buddha, an Indian restaurant nestled away in the city of Port Colborne is one of the Niagara Regions best kept secrets. 

With a very unique menu and an equally unique venue, The Smoking Buddha is a small town restaurant with a big city feel. 

The Smoking Buddha boasts a menu that features Thai, Indian, and Mexican selections, which all have an unique Indian influence on the ingredients.
Despite the restaurants business, the atmosphere was unexpectedly cozy, and had a cool "indie" feel due to it's art and decor.

The service was quick and ridiculously friendly.

I ordered an Indian inspired burrito, which found it's way to my table quickly. 
The burrito was delicious and unique. 
It had hints of curry and copious amounts of meat.
The plate would have perfect if it weren't for the bland and overly dry rice served with the burrito. 

Overall, a mix of decent food and great atmosphere makes this restaurant a winner.

I would recommend anyone with a sense of adventure check out The Smoking Buddha.

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Return of the Burritos: The Frijoles Strike Back

Restaurant: Frijoles Fresh Mex

Country of Origin: Mexico 

Location: 3465 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls

How was it?

So. Damn. Good.

My first rendezvous with burritos was good, this encounter was nearly religious.

I was told about Frijoles Fresh Mex from a friend, and decided I needed to check out the small mexican themed take out for myself.

I'm very glad I did.

Both inside and out, Frijoles Fresh Mex looks very unassuming. 
It's not until you begin ordering that you realize the depth of the meal you're about to eat.

The ordering process was quick and concise. 
I was asked rapid fire questions about what ingredients I wanted in my burrito by what sounded like an amateur auctioneer. 

"White whole wheat beef  pork guacamole no guacamole hot sauce mild sauce brown frijoles red frijoles or golden...." the Busta Rhymes sound-a-like cook shot at me.

My expression must have told her I had no idea what I was doing.

"First time here? We'll take care of you," the burrito architect calmly replied.

Walking me through the order, and offering samples of anything I was unsure of, was greatly helpful and allowed me to create the perfect burrito.

The whole burrito building process took no more than three minutes, followed by a two minute grill.

The end result was like nothing I had previously experienced. 

This burrito completely blew me away; it was big, beautiful, and full of flavour. 

Because I personally chose every detail of this golden brown concoction, it was completely to my liking. 

Every ingredient was fresh, service was quick, and my meal was massive.

To recommend Frijoles Fresh Mex for Mexican take out would be an understatement. 

It should be mandatory for all Niagara Region residents to taste this food.

The only complaint I can think of is that the burrito was so large my, apparently, little lady hands wanted to cramp trying to contain all this manly meal. 

Seriously though, try this food.

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Me Gusta La Comida Mexicana

Restaurant: Chile and Agave

Country of Origin: Mexico

Location: 51 Hartzel Rd., St. Catharines

How was it?

“Las cosas buenas vienen para las personas que esperan por ello”

A Spanish phrase which means "good things come to those who wait."

This phrase can best be applied to the St. Catharines Mexican restaurant, Chile and Agave.

From attempting to get into the miniscule parking lot, waiting to be seated, given menus, or ordering, waiting was present. 

The atmosphere and decor at Chile and Agave was -- okay. 

The walls were decorated with sombreros, and the tables laid out rather strangely. 

I was seated next to a giant plant that tried its best, the whole night, to put it's leaves in my ear.

Needless to say this evening started poorly. 

Things went from bad to worse after ordering.

Fifty minutes passed and still food was nowhere to be seen, (other than the plates of other tables.)

The waitress must have seen the look of desperation and emaciation I was giving her because she brought my table tortilla chips and offered a free drink.

This was a beautiful gesture that brought my hunger and anger levels from hungry Hulk to slightly satisfied and slightly intoxicated Bruce Banner.

Alcohol and free food, the solution to many of life's problems.

It was a brilliant move on their part. 

Shortly after inhaling the free tortilla chips, my food arrived.

The food looked phenomenal, glorious, and a little flirty (Note: opinion may have been skewed by extreme hunger.)

Rice, a beautiful salad, and a massive burrito filled with beef, beans, and possibly magical sauces. 

This food was authentic, delicious and unique. 

My mouth was in heaven. 

This was seriously the best rice, salad and burrito I had ever had.

Was it worth the wait?

Possibly... 

For authentic Mexican food in The Niagara Region, there's no better place.

My only advice would be to avoid this restaurant if you're starving and can't wait an hour to eat. 

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