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Address: 12B O'Connell Street
Phone: (09) 377 8384
Web: jalapenos.co.nz
Cuisine: Mexican
Rating: 5.5/10
It was hard to imagine the temperate climes of Mexico as we buttoned up our coats and dashed down to Jalapeno's Mexican Grill on a freezing Auckland Friday night. The new eatery at the back of the small arcade in the CBD's O'Connell St was deserted. Maybe everyone had made a dash for home and the heater or perhaps we were just out too early, but there were tumbleweeds in the place.
However, we'd heard good things about the food so decided to persevere and took a seat in the corner next to a glass cabinet containing glittering Mexican wrestling masks - a la Nacho Libre - and a row of small cacti.
The friendly waitress came over with a couple of menus on paper leaflets - almost like a takeaway menu - and explained a bit about the place. Jalapeno's is Mexican-owned and operated, they use imported ingredients and make their own tortillas, nacho chips and authentic sauces on site.
The owners have made an effort with the décor, which is cute, though a little sparse, with Day of the Dead paraphernalia and other kitsch items dotted throughout. The counter is decorated with colourful layer of children's Mexican playing cards, which is a very nice touch. A television shows a DVD of a live concert, providing the eatery's only ambience tonight. When I walked past again, earlier this week, it was closed for renovations so things may have changed in just the few short days since this review.