For the inaugural restaurant review post* I am so happy to present Anahuacalli, an amazing Mexican restaurant in the 5eme arrondissement, nestled just off of Boulevard Saint Germain and in the shadows of Notre Dame.
We've passed this restaurant MANY times and have always wanted to give it a try - unfortunately we seem to always pass at lunchtime, and the restaurant is closed for lunch, except on Sundays.
After a particularly hard work week, we decided to head over there on a Friday night on our way home from the movies, and we were not disappointed.
Immediately upon entering, we were greeted very warmly by the hostess who later ended up being our server. She was extremely friendly and welcoming, and made room for us at a great table, despite the fact that we didn't have reservations. Note - it would be a good idea to reserve a table in advance, as the place was packed already around 8:00pm when we were there but became increasingly crowded as the night went on.
Our server spoke impeccable French, Spanish, and English and seemed to want to speak English with us as she overheard us discussing the menus in English. Upon being seated we were presented with delicious chips and (spicy!) salsa as we perused the menu.
We of course decided to start with margaritas which were to die for - certainly the best I've had in Paris.
When we first arrived, we thought of getting a PITCHER which I'm really glad to have not done. The one margarita packed quite a punch on its own. No need for anything else or a second round.
My partner in crime who we'll call "FINO" ordered guacamole as a starter. As some of those of you who have known me for a while understand, I pretty much DESPISED all that was avocado-related until about....oh, five minutes ago. I'm new to the guac scene but have to say that this was pretty delicious.
Finally, for the main course, I hesitated between the enchiladas rojas and the tamale. FINO and I have a running joke about tamales in Paris - another Mexican restaurant that we love in the 5eme has tamales on their menu and I try to order them every time we go, and EVERY time they've run out or are not available. I don't know if it's all a lie or what - are there or are there not tamales? Maybe they're just so good that they've run out by noon, a half hour after opening(???)
Anyway, my chicken tamales were delicious although a bit on the dry side. I was happy to heap spoonfuls of salsa onto my bites to give them that extra "kick!" I sampled FINO's enchiladas as well and they were delicious! I may have to try those next time.
All in all, a GREAT place to get your Mexican food fix in Paris - one of our favorites so far.
Anahuacalli
http://anahuacalli.com/
30 rue des Bernadins
75005 Paris
01.43.26.10.20
* Please excuse the cell-phone quality photos. I'll try to do better next time! :)
