Dines Out: In the Zona

Before anyone takes a pop, I know that in the past I have been less than enthusiastic about Mexican cuisine, and given some of the foul dishes I have faced I am sure that you would sympathise. But in recent years my views have changed. I have enjoyed meals recently at La Choza, a local independent of great quality with a sense of fun and also at Thomasina Miers’ chain too.

So when my food loving friend Mr F messaged to invite me to Zona Rosa I went with an open mind and an empty belly, quite the right approach I always think. Zona Rosa used to be Spinelli Coffee and has undergone a very smart transformation. The same owner has drafted in an excellent chef and they have created a menu that offers plenty of choices with a slant towards being light and fresh.

Mr F and I decided that we would give the menu a thorough beating by choosing the set menu number three which seemed to have a good selection of dishes for us to try, but in addition we chose the hot tamale which was made with local ricotta cheese and packed a delightful punch of chilli. I was hooked from the word go by this dish. We had a ceviche tostada with avocado and prawns, at least I think we did as the flurry of tasty dishes that followed came one after another in a series of treats.

I am a Mexicana convert

Pork Pibil Tacos were succulent and filling and I loved the pickled red onions on the top, the tortilla discs were good too with a distinct corn flavour. Mollette, a dish I had never heard of, was a Mexican take on a bruschetta but topped with refried beans. It was nice enough but not as exciting as some of the other dishes.

Pineapple, red onion, chilli, coriander and cheese Quesadilla was a challenge for me as I am no fan of pineapple, but in the interests of a thorough report I went with it and have to say that the filling worked well, and the pineapple had the effect of a mild pickle which balanced the cheese in a good way.

Roast sweet potato with chilli lime salt was wonderful, I mean really first class, and this simple dish reminded us both of drinking tequila shots with salt and lime, no bad memory I must say.
Toasted cornbread, berries, vanilla cream was last and my oh my how we both loved that. I’m a huge cornbread fan and this combo ticked a lot of boxes and left us with a nice sweet finish after the spice of the previous dishes. That said, nothing is too spicy, nor too expensive, this is a well placed menu when it comes to cost, and one where sharing is the order of the day. I am a Mexicana convert!

24 Garnet House, College Road, Brighton, BN2 1EU
01273 818 819, zonarosa.co.uk