Toned-Down Mexican

The Pitch

With spring approaching – and the weather slowly becoming more conducive to walking – I have recently started to explore the area surrounding my new workplace.  With a dearth of options for lunch on a Monday in slowly-gentrifying Pointe-Saint-Charles, the nearby Café Cantina came to mind.

tagged:  OPEN ON MONDAY

The Mood

In business since 2011, the casual Mexican eatery must have caught The Point's condo/office boom early on.  A prior visit at noon revealed a tiny dining room teeming with techie types – probably from tech hub Nordelec next door.  Show up closer to one in the afternoon and you should have the place for yourself – as my two kids and I did today.

tagged:  BRING THE KIDS

The Food

The canteen's menu leans towards Tex-Mex with a prominent section of tortilla-centric main dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas.  Guac, chili and a couple salads round up the food selection.

The burrito and tacos we ordered were filling and hit the spot, although I felt the flavours were played safe and subdued.  An extra squirt of lime, sprig of coriander or pinch of spice would have gone the extra mile.

Starter

Starter

$2.95

$2.95

Chips & Salsa

"small"

Main

Main

$11.95

$11.95

Beef Burrito

"wheat tortilla filled with rice, black beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole & salsa, side of salad"

Main

Main

$13.45

$13.45

Chicken Tacos

"corn tortillas served with guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, onions, peppers, tomatoes & red cabbage, side of rice, black beans & salad"

The Service

Our timid punk-ish waitress was mild mannered and amicable.  She was also helpful in pointing out dishes which might prove too fiery for my kids – although a teeny kick would not have hurt. As expected of a spot whose bread and butter is the lunch service, our food came out lightning fast.

tagged:  IN & OUT

The Verdict

Although Café Cantina has a lot going on for it, I personally thought it failed to deliver that punch I desire from Mexican food.  Granted, it is quick and affordable; and its laid-back/grungy vibe fits nicely in its anti-trendy surroundings.  However, I would not recommend it to anyone living or working outside of a two-block radius.

tagged:  PLAN B.

Price per person:  $15.65