I found photos on my phone. I know where they came from, but I am not sure of when. It has to have been in the last two months, but more detail than that I am sorry I cannot give you. I do, however, clearly remember the food!

Santa Fe is a little restaurant in Subiaco that does Mexicana. I have to say. I didn’t hold much hope for the quality. It is my experience that when you hear “mexican food” most people think of those disasterous things out of packages from the supermarket. While I have not had the pleasure of eating mexican food in its place of origin, I have had a Mexican cook for me, and it was an eye-opener to say the least. Such complexity of flavour, that I was not prepared for. One day, I hope to eat in Mexico. One day…

They have a happy hour (6-7pm – 2 for 1 margaritas and cocktails) most nights and Taco Tuesday ($2 tacos!!!). Taco Tuesday, for those who like their tacos, is a glorious thing to behold. They don’t make smaller or less filled tacos simply because it’s a “special”. They are just as good as any other day of the week.

But I get ahead of myself.

Buffalo Wings.

Start with the buffalo wings. Don’t question it. Just do it. They are deliciously sticky and just … delicious. Not too spicy, for those still coming to terms with spice and heat in food, but interesting enough to keep you wanting more. In fact, get more than one plate if you are sharing with a friend. You’ll need them.

You get six to a plate, with a generous amount of ranch sauce on the side. The greenery can be well and truly forgotten, but really, it’s the meat we’re all after, isn’t it? Trust me. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

Santa Fe Tacos.

Now, the tacos come in the choices of shredded beef (my personal favourite), chicken and bean. I didn’t really like the bean mix when I had it last. I find that a lot of places tend to offer “vegetarian” options as an afterthought, but I would have expected a cuisine who has such an emphasis on beans to have something better than the usual. Sadly, this wasn’t it. The chicken is nice, but again lack luster. The shredded beef is where it is at. It’s moist, not overly-seasoned and melts in your mouth. Sadly, what actually lets these tacos down is the tomato and lettuce that accompanies the meat. The three times I have been, it has never been properly spun, so they do tend to go soggy if they sit for too long. Solution? Eat them up nice and quickly, don’t order too many at once. The staff are attentive enough that you could always wave them over and order more if you decide to.

I didn’t have any of the cocktails, though glancing at their alcohol menu, their list of tequilas would be something to work your way through. They have some very nice ones indeed. Perhaps that can be for another outing. Oh darn, looks like I’m having more buffalo wings some time in the future!

Establishment Details:

Santa Fe Restaurant and Tequila Lounge.

315 Hay Street,

Subiaco, W.A. 6008.

(08) 9381 2571

www.santaferestaurant.com.au/