For someone not usually lured by the American diner experience, DF wouldn’t be the immediate choice. Wahaca’s newest offspring is the urban Latin dining experience (hence the pseudonyn for Distrito Federal – the other name for Mexican City) which proposes modern Mexican dining, shaped by traditional flavours and modern American influences, accompanied by all-you-can-drink Mexican sodas – Hibiscus, Lima and Horchata. The latter is strange kind of rice drink, that has yet to work its an acquired taste on me.
Perhaps being more the low-food than fast-food type, made me perfect guinea pig; the food would have to be darn good. I don't care how long it takes (wthin reason) it’s about the quality. My first test of anything Mexican is the Guacamole of course, which epresents the entire ethos of a restaurant, since you can taste immediately whether its fresh or not (believe it or not many restaurants buy it in a jar rather than make it in the kitchen). Surprisingly, the DF version passed the test with flying colours. Not only was it fresh but extremely tasty, seasoned and sweetened by tomatoes, onions and other secret ingredients.
Having just come back from Yucatán, where I feasted on Pibil Pork for a weak, I also felt compelled to assess DF’s version of it, as one of the many fillings in their menu of Tortas - basically a burger type sandwich. Again, this was fantastically fresh and tasty. My partner chose the Steak and Cheese Alambre from the make-your-own tortilla menu, and also said it was delicious.
The only thing to make the meal perfect ofcourse was a Margarita, which being lunch time I declined. I would certainly come back in the evening however, for a dinner-time version of my surprisingly pleasant lucnhtime visit, the next time with Margarita and all.
You’ll find DF on Tottenham Court Road http://www.dfmexico.co.uk
