Tex Mex 2

The warm pink-purple and lime green interior of Tex Mex II could be described variously as intimate, cosy, close, or uncomfortably cramped. Having been dazzled by the bold colours you will be bewildered by the busy menu. On closer inspection the majority of the dishes seem to be largely similar: some kind of meat wrapped in a flat bread disc. One dish, myriad descriptions. A few of other main courses are available (beef, tuna and swordfish steaks) but they are dominated by the fajita-taco-enchilada family. All these similar options combine to the effect that no matter what you chose, you feel it’s the wrong choice. After a small pitcher of 'the best margarita in town', however, you may have relaxed a little and settled in.

The ‘Cerviche Pacifico’ a mixture of 'shrimps scallops and seasonal fish' was an underwhelming starter, a scattering of rather piquant peppercorns spoiling the more subtle flavours. ‘Soft Shell Crab Flautas’ were more successful, the warm crab meat didn’t jar too badly with the formulaic sour cream and guacamole dolloped on to its tortilla wraps.

The generic salad with squeezy-bottle dressing zigzagged over it common to both our starters reappeared with our main courses. Unfortunately the flaming fajita, although delivered dramatically by the friendly but flustered waiter, was rather greasy and burnt. The ‘Gaucho Grande’ was more palatable, and for £8 was good value given that it comprised of a pork burrito and a taco filled with chile Colorado. Two dishes in one!

Tex Mex II is cheap, its portions large (after starters and mains we couldn’t manage a dessert between us) and it doesn’t have ideas above its station. Fine dining it is not, but if you know what to expect when you go then it’s not impossible to thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.