Tex Mex II restaurant review in Business 7
Mexican fare takes flavours to the max
22 January 2010
Despite the fact that it is a freezing cold January night Tex Mex II seems to be doing a roaring trade. Cheerful conversation rings around the flamboyant pink and lime walls as we consider a well-stocked menu from our table in one of the window seats. When the original opened back in 1984, on Hanover Street in Edinburgh, it was the first Mexican restaurant in Scotland. The move to Thistle Street certainly doesn’t seem to have damaged its fame and I was keen to find out if its reputation for still being among the best would hold up.
To begin with, I plumped for soup of the day. Wholesome, thick and bursting with kidney beans, peppers and spring onions, this small but hearty soup is filling. Served with hotly-baked tortilla chips, it seems like a meal in itself.
Keen to try one of the hottest dishes on the menu, my partner opts for chilli relenos – cheese-filled chillies, fried and battered and served with chopped tomato and onion – and he wasn’t disappointed. When going for the option of fajitas, sizzle can all too often disappointingly transcend taste. However, nestled on a hot plate of red onion and pepper, these tender slices of char-grilled chicken are mouth-wateringly delicious. Across the table the chili Colorado – pork and beef sautéed in a mild, red chilli sauce -provides another hot kick. With a scattering of red peppercorns on top, even its accompanying simple side-salad manages to be spiced up.
In an environment where so many of the other choices were foreign, the dessert menu was just what it should be – homely and warm – comfort food to the max. We decided to go for one of the restaurants renowned ice-creams. Whilst the maple and walnut ice-cream is tasty I felt it was a little too creamy, however, the pecan pie was delightful.
Owner and head chef Donald Mavor says he likes the honesty of Mexican food with its blend of simple ingredients complementing a creative style of cooking. Keeping things simple means getting things right and Tex Mex II acheives this with a good balance of hot, mouth-watering food inexpensively wrapped up in a lively but informal atmosphere.
You also read this review on the Business 7 website.
Tex Mex II to cook lunch in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Tex-Mex opened in Edinburgh in 1984, to an enthusiastic welcome and is just as popular today, for its delicious Mexican food and margaritas.
On Tuesday 9 Feb (12-4pm), owner and head chef, Donald Mavor is giving diners the opportunity to help him celebrate his birthday, with a free lunch. Instead of paying for lunch, diners will be asked if they would like to help a local charity, Macmillan Cancer Support – Tex Mex II will be inviting diners to make a donation to the value of the amount they estimate their lunch should have cost.
Some of the many dishes diners can enjoy for free include chilli con carne, burritos, fajitas, key lime pie and dark chocolate Mexican tart. While the food is on the house, drinks will still be on the bill. Donald Mavor said: “I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday cooking to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and I hope our diners enjoy the opportunity to combine lunch with supporting a good cause too.”
This is the first in a series of charity lunches planned by Tex Mex II in 2010. Places can be reserved by calling Donald on 0131 260 9699. Tex-Mex II is at 64 Thistle Street, Edinburgh. Telephone 0131 260 9699.
Murray and Currie are now open on Thistle Street, Edinburgh
Murray and Currie, 28 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN
Launched by Richard P Murray and Steven A Currie Murray & Currie is Edinburgh’s answer to boutique style estate agency. The company is fast becoming one of the city’s best known letting agents and is building its reputation on the back of their unrivalled service and passion for property. Richard P Murray, Director, explains:
Our aim is to offer a professional and fresh approach to the way a property is bought, sold and let in Edinburgh. We want to offer a service to people that will exceed all expectations.
The firm now manages almost 600 of Edinburgh’s top residential properties and with the opening of their new agency, they are ready to welcome in potential tenants and landlords, to discuss their property requirements in their new, smart office.
Murray & Currie prides itself on offering a friendly and professional service and, unlike most others in the industry, are open six says a week. So focused on satisfying client’s needs, viewings can be arranged seven days a week, morning, afternoon or evening.
Murray & Currie are located on 28 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN.
Telephone 0131 226 5050.
Café Marlayne makes Peter Irvine’s top ten for French restaurants in Edinburgh
'Scotland the Best' by Peter Irvine
Since its first publication in 1993, Peter Irvine’s book ‘Scotland the Best’ is firmly established an indispensable guide to the best things to experience in Scotland (according to the author).
Mr Irvine gives lists and top tens to help visitors and natives alike enjoy the best Scotland has to offer. His suggestions include: the best accommodation (whatever your budget), the best beaches, the best ice-cream, the best hill walks, the best bakers, the best spooky places, the best seafood, the best places for kids, the best ceildhs, and so the list goes on.
In the 2009 edition of the book, Café Marlayne at 76 Thistle Street, Edinburgh is placed number nine in the author’s top ten list for French restaurants in Edinburgh. Indeed, Café Marlayne is regarded as one of Mr Irvine’s favourite Edinburgh restaurants, he comments: “This tiny bistro is sans pareil.”
Café Marlayne also have a restaurant at 7 Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh.
‘Scotland the Best’ by Peter Irvine is available in all good book shops. More information and reviews can be read on Amazon.
In 1984, Tex Mex Edinburgh was the first Mexican restaurant outside London
Tex Mex was first opened by Donald Mavor in 1984 and was the first Mexican restaurant outside London. It prospered for 16 years with restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Tex Mex II is born with all the experience of the former Mexs but smaller, cuter and leaner. We make the best frozen Margaritas in town – no additives just lime juice, Tequila and Triple Sec. Donald still runs the place and can be found there most days.
Tex Mex II, 64 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN. Click image to visit Tex Mex II's website.
Edinburgh’s first Virgin record store at 61 Thistle Street
In 1973, Virgin record shops opened its first Edinburgh branch at 61 Thistle Street. The shop moved to 18a Frederick Street in 1976, then 131 Princes Street in 1982 and finally 124-125 Princes Street in the mid nineties. Following a management buyout in 2007, Virgin Megastores re-branded as Zavvi. Following administration on Christmas Eve 2008, former rival HMV bought some of the stores. Zavvi is now an online retailer.
Former shop manager from the Thistle Street and Frederick Street era, Dougie Anderson, now owns and manages Coda music shop on 12 Bank Street, On the Mound, Edinburgh. Coda specialise in folk and Scottish music (both contemporary and traditional).
Virgin Record shops in Edinburgh