[Review] Chilango, Chancery Lane

Chilango

76 Chancery Lane,London,WC2A 1AA

After the success of my Food and Drink Guide to Nottingham I decided that I couldn’t spend a year at Law School in Holborn without putting together a guide of the best places to eat in the area. So with that in mind here’s another review as I compile my list.

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Last November I posted a review of a little known burrito place called Adobo. It’s no secret that I love this place, but when I struck up a conversation with a friend at law school about good food in the area he said that I’d got it all wrong. Just round the corner is a burrito place called Chilango. Chilango is part of a chain of burrito restaurants and when you Google it, it seems to be a bit of a love/hate affair.

My friend admitted that Chilango is a little bit pricey, but assured me it was still seriously good value for money as the food is THAT good. Now, I’ll never shy away from a chance to try a new place to eat and went with an open mind. This is what I thought...

[Burger recipe] Build Your Own Tex-Mex Burgers

 

I have a new found love. A love for all things round and patty shape. The best thing is that you can make them out of almost any meat and vegetables and pulses too! (Watch this space for a spicy bean burger recipe soon...)

My love for burgers started with an attemp to make a healthier option out of turkey mince. It's now one of our go to recipes in the summer months. The inspiration behind these burgers however was a little different.

Mr KG and I have lots of couple friends (or friends in couples), most of which have begun moving in together and luckily for us inviting us round for dinner. This weekend we're returning the favour.

I wanted to cook something classic, that everyone loves, but also offered the chance for each individual to customise their meal. Many people these days have specific dietary requirements. Out of just the four of us one is lactose intolerant, one is vegetarian and one doesn't eat onions. So, I came up with a simple yet tasty burger which everyone could eat!


Alongside a basket of sesame buns and juicy beef burgers we served the following:

• Sliced beef tomato
• Sliced green jalapeños 
• Cajun mayonnaise (2 heaped tbsp mayonnaise mixed with 1 tsp paprika and 1 tsp cayenne pepper)
• BBQ sauce (Jack Daniels)
• Gherkins
• Lettuce 
• Mexican spiced cheese slices
• Monetary jack cheese slices

By giving our guests lots of options they could build their own Tex-Mex Burger! 

Slow Cooked Beef Tacos

I am a big fan of spice and usually this shows in my cooking in the form of India food. I even have my own mix of spices in a jar labelled "Emma's Garam Masala" in my cupboard much to my friends and family's amusement!

However, last year I began experimenting with other spicy food. I'd always dismissed Mexican food - unfortunately in England its very homogenised, whether you're eating at one of the many chain restaurants or cooking from a ready-made Mexican-sounding spice mix, the taste just isn't as vibrant as the packaging and branding would lead you to believe! But quite frankly it all tastes the same!

So, this time last year I took on Mexican food head on in a fiesta themed dinner party as part of "come dine with my course mates". Ever since I have been playing with spice.

This dish is one of my family's favourites!

(You should have seen them gobble these down on bonfire night!)

Although there are very few spices, they work perfectly together to give a depth of flavour! It may also seem like an odd addition but I promise you, cumin really is the star of this dish!