I haven’t really frequented Ortigas Home Depot, though it’s only a few minutes away from where I work. But since having a taste of Mexico at Jalapeno Cantina Mexicana, I might just drop by more often soon.
I like how everything looked made of wood and the way they were struck by yellow lighting, as it reminds me of warm, raunchy bars where one need not have to be so socially apt all the time (but, of course, it’s just a suggestion). More importantly, though, it seemed like a relaxed, casual place designed for enjoyment of good food, drinks, and healthy conversations.
When one says “Mexican food”, first words that come to mind are: beans, nachos, and chili. Well, I wouldn’t think of “soup” as being Mexican. But the Mexican bean soup by Jalapeno convinced me otherwise.
Mexican bean soup, P80
The soup is made of bellpepper, corn, and beans in tomato soup. And cheese! I wish though it had more cheese and it’s a bit more spicy. But then, I guess it’s okay that the soup would be a bit more neutral since main course could get spicier.
My rating:
Baked Jalapeno cheese dip with nachos, P140
I just can’t stop dippin’!
Now this one, I believe, a group of friends would enjoy having while having their tequila or beers. The cheese dip is spot on, not too salty and the sour cream and jalapeno spice just gives it a bit of interesting taste. I think I could even eat all of the dip without the nachos. Nomnomnom!
My rating:
Grilled Chicken Mexicana, P175
Because I’m a rice person, I ordered this with Mexican rice and I love how the chicken was tender and tasted great even without putting sauce on it. The fried beans could use some more spice, though.
And to remedy such a situation…
Hot sauce for the win!
I really truly believe the resto should brand and market this. It tasted sweeter than most hot sauces, but still spicy to the right degree.
My rating (for the Grilled Chicken Mexicana):
My rating (for the hot sauce):
Herbed lemonade (I forgot the price, sorry…)
And to wash away the tasteful spices, it’s refreshing to sip some lemonade with basil on it. I’ve never seen a lemonade with basil on it, actually, until I ate at Jalapeno. It’s a novelty and I think I’m going to come back for more. Not too sweet, just the way I like it.
My rating:
Banana Nutella Tortilla, P140
I guess I never knew tortilla could be used in making desserts. Well, this dessert tastes like a crepe except for the tastier tortilla. Interesting, but I think I’d eat this as a snack more than eating it as a dessert. Or maybe you can have a buddy to split it with. It’s a bit heavy in the tummy, perhaps because of the tortilla (or because I’ve eaten too much Mexican rice haha). I wish though there’d be more flavors available. Perhaps, in the future?
My rating:
WTH, I have to get my friends together and have a smoking conversation over nachos, cheese, tortillas, and burritos soon! And maybe re-learn how to go back to Ortigas Home depot. Haha.
By the way, Jalapeno Cantina Mexicana is located at:
FoodStreet, Ortigas Home Depot,
J. Vargas Ortigas
Unfortunately, it’s only open from 6pm until about 2 am. Maybe soon we’d have Jalapeno open by lunchtime too, for satisfying noontime cravings, you know.
