Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 20 and Version 6 of Sala Piquin, SW9 8LD

Version 20 Version 6
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Mexican taqueria and grocery shop on Market Row in [[Locale Brixton|Brixton]].
 No-frills but authentic, good-quality and fun Mexican taqueria on Market Row in [[Locale Brixton|Brixton]].
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It was previously known as Casa Morita <small>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/26031658843/ photo]</small>, but rebranded to Sala Piqu&iacute;n in early 2020. A staff member told us that it's the same people running it but the focus has changed from Mexico to "Mexico and more", with a few "fusion" dishes added to the menu; they also intend to increase their grocery selection and reconfigure the space to allow them to host events.
 Casa Morita had only been open for a day when [[itsbruce]] and Jen visited; the decor and menu were initially both quite basic but the proprietors have already improved both and intend to do more.
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It's a small space &#8212; a single market unit with seating inside for around 25 (half of it on tall stools) and four more tables out the front in the glass-roofed market row. The floor is unfinished concrete, and the walls are painted in dove grey, complemented by the bright pink and light grey of the folding chairs that provide all the normal-height seating. Cutlery and paper napkins sit in old tomatillo cans on the varnished wooden tables.
 Free totopos and chipotle mayonnaise were provided at the tables ([[itsbruce]] is not sure if this is still the case). The totopos were satisfyingly crunchy and the creamy, piquant mayonnaise very addictive. There were three kinds of taco filling on offer; three of any combination could be had for &pound;6. This was the only option on the food menu<small>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6153591439/ photo]</small>. The gluten-free tacos are soft enough to be folded but with a hint of brittleness so that there is a faint crunch when you do so. Of the fillings, [[itsbruce]] and Jen thought the mole rojo with chicken was the best, with very tender meat and a rich, complex sauce. The chorizo and guacamole does make a very good combination, though, the creamy avocado a good complement to the dryness of the sausage. The rajas (peppers) with cream filling is the lightest of the three; the peppers are not overcooked and retain some texture and their flavour is enhanced by the cream rather than being masked. This is authentic Mexican cuisine, not at all Tex-Mex.
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[[itsbruce]] and Jen first visited in September 2011, just a day after it opened for the first time. Totopos (tortilla chips) were satisfyingly crunchy, and the accompanying creamy, piquant chiptole mayonnaise was very addictive. A glass of hibiscus water was nicely refreshing while not too sweet.
 Since the first week, the menu has been expanded (and has become more vegetarian-friendly)<small>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6173051971/in/photostream/ photo of page 1] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6173581060/ photo of page 2]</small>. Tacos are now simply &pound;2 each and a new pork-in-salsa filling has been added. Quesadillas (&pound;2 for vegetarian or &pound;3 with added chorizo), Mole Negro (&pound;12 and only with chicken - it would be nice to see a bean or Queso Blanco alternative) and stuffed Poblano chillis (&pound;12 vegetarian or &pound;13 with chicken) are now available.
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We also had a couple of rounds of tacos (&pound;6 for any three). The tortillas were soft enough to be folded, but with a hint of brittleness so that folding produced a faint crunch. Of the fillings, we thought the mole rojo with chicken was the best, with very tender meat and a rich, complex sauce. The chorizo and guacamole did make a very good combination, though, the creamy avocado a good complement to the dryness of the sausage. The rajas (peppers) with cream filling was the lightest of the three; the peppers weren't overcooked and retained some texture, and their flavour was enhanced by the cream rather than being masked.
 The venue is licensed and bottles of Corona were available for &pound;3. Non-alcholic alternatives included sparkling water (&pound;3 per bottle), soft drinks (&pound;2) and hibiscus water (&pound;1.50)<small>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6153592185/ photo]</small>.
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On a lunchtime visit in October 2011, [[itsbruce]] had a tomato salad (&pound;3) and a vegetarian tostada (&pound;4.50) <small>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6246494774/ photo]</small>. The tostada was possibly the best dish [[itsbruce]] has ever been served in a Mexican restaurant in London; the tortilla base was crisp and firm without being brittle, so that it could be cut into smaller sections with a knife but those pieces could then be lifted to the mouth with a hand and not collapse. A thin layer of black bean paste was spread across the tortilla, on top of which was a mixture of lettuce and goats cheese, coated in a creamy guacamole. The whole dish was absolutely delicious. The tomato salad was fresh, crisp, and lightly but piquantly seasoned.
 On a September visit in the opening week, [[itsbruce]] and Jen both had one of each taco filling and a glass of hibiscus water (which was nicely refreshing while not too sweet). Service was very quick, which was not surprising given that tacos are the only thing on the menu but which does speak well of their level of organisation. Because of the swift service, high quality of the food and small portions, they then had the same again. The final bill was &pound;30, service not included.
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When [[Kake]] visited on a Thursday lunchtime in May 2019, at their opening time of noon I was the first customer of the day, but another arrived shortly afterwards. Upbeat music was playing, not too loud. La torta with queso fresco <small>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/47936169092/ photo]</small> was quite simple-looking, but done very well. The bread was lovely &#8212; light without being insubstantial &#8212; and the filling of black beans, spinach, tomato, onion, avocado, and queso fresco all went together just right. I'd order it again.
 There is seating for 20 people. With the current level of interest and fast service, this did not result in a noticeable queue but this may well change as their reputation spreads and their menu expands. While the decoration is basic, it is cheerfully and wittily done and gives the feel of a lively, no-nonsense street venue.
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Taco de cochinita pibil (pulled pork with spiced onions) <small>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/47936186498/ photo of both tacos]</small> was perhaps a little too oily, but the pork had a good texture. I liked the inclusion of fat and skin. The filling of the taco de vegetales al chipotle was cooked very soft; it wasn't very spicy, just gently warming, and had a subtle smokiness. As [[itsbruce]] notes above, the tortillas were very good, with just the right amount of roughness to the texture, and robust enough to keep in the vegetable juices while remaining soft enough to easily bite through without losing filling through the other end.
 [[itsbruce]]'s verdict: the combination of high quality food and fast service make this a great stopping point on a night out in Brixton. I won't be wasting any time before trying out the new menu.
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[[Kake]] visited again with a friend in March 2020, after the rebranding to Sala Piqu&iacute;n. I didn't take detailed notes on the food this time, but the tacos <small>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49662111207/ photo]</small> were just as good as last time, as was chicken tostadita <small>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49661831976/ photo]</small>.

On both [[Kake]]'s visits, service was friendly and helpful, a large swing-top bottle of tap water was placed on the table without me having to ask, and no service charge was added to the bill.

Accessibility: No steps to get in. Toilets are the market toilets, just down the row, cost-free and step-free entry, including an accessible one.
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* Photos of the menu as of March 2020: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49661832311/ lunch], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49661290908/ main], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49662111647/ desserts], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49661832381/ drinks]
* [https://www.chowhound.com/post/excellent-mole-poblano-casa-morita-brixton-market-london-807813 Chowhound thread]
* [http://eatlovenoodles.blogspot.com/2011/11/full-mexican-casa-morita.html Eat Noodles Love Noodles review]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20150918235612/http://toastandbutter.net/ Toast &amp; Butter review]
 * [http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/807813 Chowhound thread]
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<div class="last_verified">Last visited by [[Kake]] and friend, March 2020. Opening hours provided by sign outside and a member of staff, March 2020.</div>
 <div class='last_verified'>Last visited by [[itsbruce]] and Jen, 16 Sep 2011. Prices taken from the menus chalked on the walls and a copy of the new menu. Opening hours verified with the proprietors on 22 Sep 2011.</div>
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category='Featured Article,Mexican Food,Mexican Groceries,Restaurants,Step-Free Access,Takeaway,Vegetarian Friendly'
 category='Cheap Food,Mexican Food,Restaurants,Vegetarian Friendly'
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formatted_website_text='salapiquin.com/" class="external">salapiquin.com'
 formatted_website_text='www.casamorita.com/">http://www.casamorit...'
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hours_text='Mon: closed; Tue-Fri: noon-11:30pm; Sat: 11am-11:30pm; Sun: 11am-6pm'
 hours_text='10am-5:30pm Tue-Wd; 10am-9:30pm Thu-Sat; 10am-4:30pm Sun'
== Line 41 == == Line 32 ==
node_image='https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49661291078_7c940578e8_m_d.jpg'
node_image_copyright='Kake'
node_image_licence='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/'
node_image_url='https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/49661291078/'
opening_hours_text='Mon: closed; Tue-Fri: noon-11:30pm; Sat: 11am-11:30pm; Sun: 11am-6pm'
 node_image='https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6154133822_3eb6ba9db1_m.jpg'
node_image_copyright='itsbruce'
node_image_licence='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/'
node_image_url='https://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6154133822/'
opening_hours_text='10am-5:30pm Tue-Wd; 10am-9:30pm Thu-Sat; 10am-4:30pm Sun'
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phone='020 8127 5107 '
 phone='07952717351'
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summary='Mexican taqueria and grocery shop in Brixton, previously known as Casa Morita.'
website='http://www.casamorita.com/' website='http://salapiquin.com/'		 summary='Basic but very good taqueria in Market Row, Brixton.'
website='http://www.casamorita.com/' website='http://salapiquin.com/'

No-frills but authentic, good-quality and fun Mexican taqueria on Market Row in Brixton.

Casa Morita had only been open for a day when itsbruce and Jen visited; the decor and menu were initially both quite basic but the proprietors have already improved both and intend to do more.

Free totopos and chipotle mayonnaise were provided at the tables (itsbruce is not sure if this is still the case). The totopos were satisfyingly crunchy and the creamy, piquant mayonnaise very addictive. There were three kinds of taco filling on offer; three of any combination could be had for £6. This was the only option on the food menuphoto. The gluten-free tacos are soft enough to be folded but with a hint of brittleness so that there is a faint crunch when you do so. Of the fillings, itsbruce and Jen thought the mole rojo with chicken was the best, with very tender meat and a rich, complex sauce. The chorizo and guacamole does make a very good combination, though, the creamy avocado a good complement to the dryness of the sausage. The rajas (peppers) with cream filling is the lightest of the three; the peppers are not overcooked and retain some texture and their flavour is enhanced by the cream rather than being masked. This is authentic Mexican cuisine, not at all Tex-Mex.

Since the first week, the menu has been expanded (and has become more vegetarian-friendly)photo of page 1 photo of page 2. Tacos are now simply £2 each and a new pork-in-salsa filling has been added. Quesadillas (£2 for vegetarian or £3 with added chorizo), Mole Negro (£12 and only with chicken - it would be nice to see a bean or Queso Blanco alternative) and stuffed Poblano chillis (£12 vegetarian or £13 with chicken) are now available.

The venue is licensed and bottles of Corona were available for £3. Non-alcholic alternatives included sparkling water (£3 per bottle), soft drinks (£2) and hibiscus water (£1.50)photo.

On a September visit in the opening week, itsbruce and Jen both had one of each taco filling and a glass of hibiscus water (which was nicely refreshing while not too sweet). Service was very quick, which was not surprising given that tacos are the only thing on the menu but which does speak well of their level of organisation. Because of the swift service, high quality of the food and small portions, they then had the same again. The final bill was £30, service not included.

There is seating for 20 people. With the current level of interest and fast service, this did not result in a noticeable queue but this may well change as their reputation spreads and their menu expands. While the decoration is basic, it is cheerfully and wittily done and gives the feel of a lively, no-nonsense street venue.

itsbruce's verdict: the combination of high quality food and fast service make this a great stopping point on a night out in Brixton. I won't be wasting any time before trying out the new menu.

See also:

Last visited by itsbruce and Jen, 16 Sep 2011. Prices taken from the menus chalked on the walls and a copy of the new menu. Opening hours verified with the proprietors on 22 Sep 2011.

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