Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 7 and Version 6 of Sala Piquin, SW9 8LD

Version 7 Version 6
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Authentic, good-quality and fun Mexican taqueria 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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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 significantly improved both.
 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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In the opening week, free totopos and chipotle mayonnaise were provided at the tables (no longer 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.
 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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Since the first week, the menu has been expanded, changes regularly and has become much 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>, usually with several extras on the Specials menu. Tacos are now &pound;2.25 each or three for &pound;6; on most days there is an extra, vegetarian taco filling available on the Specials section. There is also now a brunch menu, usually offering huevos rancheros, heuvos revueltos and huevos divorciados, each of which is &pound;7 for the vegetarian version or &pound;8 with added chorizo.
 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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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 were 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.
 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 an October lunchtime visit, [[itsbruce]] had a chance to sample the expanded menu, ordering a tomato salad (&pound;3) and a vegetarian tostada (&pound;4.50 <small>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6246494774/in/photostream photo]</small>). The salad was fresh, crisp and lightly but piquantly seasoned. 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. With the addition of a bottle of Ossies ginger beer (which can be found in many of the Market Row and Brixton Village cafes and restaurants, &pound;2.20 at Casa Morita), the final bill was &pound;9.70. Service was still very fast, despite the larger menu and confirmed popularity of the venue.
 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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There is seating for 20 people and it is possible to stand and eat at the bar when they are full (this taqueria has become deservedly popular, with short queues often forming at the busiest parts of the day). They also offer a takeaway service (tacos and burritos only) and have begun to sell a small range of Mexican groceries (e.g. chipotle chillis in adobe sauce).
 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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[[itsbruce]]'s verdict: This is authentic Mexican cuisine, not at all Tex-Mex and among the best to be found in London. The combination of high quality food and fast service make this a great stopping point on a night out in Brixton.
 [[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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<div class='last_verified'>Last visited by [[itsbruce]], 15 October 2011.</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='Cheap Food,Mexican Food,Mexican Groceries,Restaurants,Takeaway,Vegetarian Friendly'
 category='Cheap Food,Mexican Food,Restaurants,Vegetarian Friendly'
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host='195.137.89.217'
 host='81.187.166.218'

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.

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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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