Armed with a top tip from Conch Records we made our way to Mexican Specialities for Friday lunch. Primarily an import business for you’ve guessed it, Mexican specialities (chili sauce, homeware, jewellery and enough religious kitch to make the most penitent catholic guilty).
Owners Jose and Maria have been hawking their wares on Auckland markets for some years and now from their shop which on 3 lunches a week (Thur, Fri & Sat) deputises as a restaurant for the good people of the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie.
We were drawn by the promise of authentic Mexican cuisine and whilst I have never been fortunate enough to visit Mexico I have had my fair share of crap Tex-Mex. Whilst i can’t personally attest to its authenticity I can say that their version of Beef Soft Taco is delicious and tender, the Chicken Enchilada comes slathered in a tasty salsa verde and their home-made tortilla with guacamole leave Doritos for dust.
It’s not licensed but they do have Mexican Coca-Cola (better than The Real Thing) or a selection of homemade juices, pineapple and coconut did the trick for me. For the sweet toothed they do a decent version of that old Mexican classic Creme Caramel or my favourite, chilli chocolates formed in the shape of skulls. Service was friendly and there was an encouraging mix of Latin accents and Ellerslie office types.
Mexican Specialities is a little out of the CBD but totally accessible for the car loving kiwi and there’s free parking.
Give it a go.
Mexican Specialities
5/92 Marua Road
Ellerslie
Auckland 1051
09 580 2497
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