Monday, July 14, 2008

Eddy's Cantina...Dining Heaven!

Saturday afternoon, Catherine & I headed up to Danshui to check out the much talked about new Mexican restaurant, Eddy's Cantina. Ed & Jo, the married couple that run the place, greeted us with smiles and were very friendly. They opened the restaurant about a week ago, so it was fun to talk about how it all took place. Jo explained that they managed to do pretty much everything themselves. By the look on her face I could tell it was hard work. It looks great. The atmosphere is pleasing and inviting.


The only thing that impressed me more than their hospitality was the quality of the food. The chicken burritos and quesadillas exceeded my expectations. I like to think that I know Mexican/Latin American food pretty well because of my time living in Honduras. Since returning from Honduras, I have found very few places that can compete with the stuff I ate while living down there, Eddy's is one of them.

I found myself, on more than one occasion, calling Ed over to our table to compliment him on the consistency/authenticity of what I was eating.
*The tortillas, which are hand-rolled, are spot-on. They seem to melt in your mouth.
*The chicken & rice mixture in the burrito defies description, especially when you splash it with sour cream and guacamole.
*The beans in the quesadilla had that earthy taste that I enjoyed while living in Central America.
*The tea and horchata complemented the meal.


I know I am gushing! It's just so great to find food of this caliber in Taipei. I can honestly say that this meal may be the best dining experience I have had in the 3 years I have lived here. Click here, or on the above images to visit their site.

Since it's about an hour away from my apartment, I plan on taking advantage of their delivery service. You can email the restaurant and they will deliver the food to your door for a nominal fee courtesy of 7/11. It comes to you frozen...just nuke in the microwave and enjoy. What a cool service for those of us on the south-side of Taipei.

Here are some snapshots from our visit:

The entrance. Finding the place is pretty simple. Exit the Danshui MRT and head left towards Jhongshan Rd. Walk up the hill for about 10 or 12 minutes and look for it on the right. You know you are close when you see a covered bridge.

Jo & Ed Gonzalez, the owners. They are working hard to keep it authentic. Ed spoke to me about doing his best to recreate the tastes he grew up with...I think they are off to a great start!

Taking a break from stuffing my face. In the foreground is the quesadilla. The cheese and beans were mouth-watering good.

About halfway through the burrito. Catherine ate a few chips, but I couldn't be bothered. The main dishes were all I was interested in.

The horchata (the drink on the right) was interesting. It is similar to a semilla de jicaro, a rice-based drink I tried while in Honduras. Eddy's concoction blended milk, rice and cinnamon. Catherine wasn't crazy about it, but I thought it was tasty.

In a nutshell, Eddy's Cantina es un restaurante fantástico!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds yummy David. You always find the greatest places. Should we make a date? John and I miss you two. I haven't seen you since you came back and it's been wayyyyy too long!

David said...

Hey Carrie,
Trust me, it's crazy good. I spoke with John the other day. He said you were free on Aug 9th for a night out with us...we can make it a double date in Danshui. Eddy's here we come!
See you soon,
David

Anonymous said...

Hi David
This is Ted. I took my laptop with me, and luckly I can still turn in the internet in Taiwan.
Oh man! SC is great, but the flight... I don't like it at all. SC just like you said, eveything slow, countryside, and relax. My host family's addres is 1620 Malcolm Prive Columbia, SC 29204.
The husband is called Deve, and the wife is Carolyn. They are very nice, and kind.
Today is my first day to class. It's okey! but the food... Oh it's was fantastic, you have never eat that before, it's too good to stop eating. We went to 5points, and ate the restaurant called Jimmy Jouns. Oh my , it so good, that subway is nothing!!!
Anyway, it's great to talk to you!!! Have a nice day!
TED

David said...

Hey Ted,

Sounds like you are having a great time. I am so happy that you are enjoying yourself. I am sure you were pretty nervous when you first arrived...your message gives me the impression that you got over the fear quickly.

Yes, everything runs a bit slower and quieter than you're used to, eh? It's good for you to see how people in a completely different culture go about their daily lives.

I told you the food would be awesome. Have you been eating lots of great barbecue?

Pay attention in class and make sure your host family takes you to see some of the beautiful historic sites in that part of the country. It will give you a chance to see some interesting American history.

Take lots of photos and have fun,
David

Mark said...

Nice. I went out there to check the place out myself, but I went a couple weeks too early and it was in the process of moving. I've definitely got to go back and eat there!

Andre said...

this looks good. might go check it out soon. thanks!

Taiwan David said...

Nice to meet you. I am going to check out this restaurant today!
BTW, I too am David and living in Taiwan. I have a blog I haven't updated in a while but nonetheless...
sandseasand.blogspot.com

Just thought I'd say hello. It's always nice to make more friends here in TW...

Unknown said...

Hi David!
I was searching for info. on Mexican restaurants in Taipei and came across your blog.

I saw that you lived in Honduras for awhile. I am from Honduras and I am currently studying here in Taipei.

Hope you enjoyed your time over there!