Cafe Iguana
You may have noticed that I hardly review Mexican restaurants. It could be due to the lack of Mexican restaurants in Singapore. Unlike Japanese, Italian, French, or Thai cuisines, which have won the hearts of Singaporeans, Mexican fare doesn't really seem to have taken off in Singapore. I have to confess as well, that I'm really not a fan of Mexican cuisine. Sure, I like their signature margaritas, sizzling platters of grilled meat and fish, accompanied by flour tortillas, black beans and spiced rice, but it's just that they love putting cilantro in everything! I really hate that herb, you see.
Of the few Mexican restaurants in Singapore, Cafe Iguana is one of the more notable purveyors of Mexican cuisine. It's the name you immediately think of whenever someone mentions Mexican fare.
Located along the Clarke Quay waterfront, Cafe Iguana has got a pretty view and a breezy, relaxed vibe. But, I really dislike the restaurant's open-air concept. Seriously, when will restaurateurs learn that going completely alfresco is just not suitable for Singapore's hot, humid and muggy weather? Even if the fans were twirling at full speed, all I felt was warm, muggy air. Now that we're right smack in the middle of the hottest months (no thanks to global warming!), we were all perspiring throughout dinner!
Service was great though - smiley, cheerful and extremely prompt with the replenishing of our iced waters. Food-wise, they were pretty alright - grilled meats were moist and tender, and packed with just enough flavour. As and when it was applicable, we requested that the kitchen held off the cilantro.
Also, the happy hours here are one of the longest, from opening time to 8pm, and from 11pm onwards. So, be prepared to load up on their refreshingly yummy margaritas.
The Smoked Duck Platter ($28) was pretty enjoyable. Tender, well-flavoured meat lined with fatty flavoursome skin, was paired with spiced rice, mushy black beans and grilled mild jalepeno peppers and onions.
The Grilled Chicken Fajitas ($27) was served on a sizzling platter with sauteed onions and peppers, and accompanied by flour tortillas for wrapping, and classic Mexican dips such as sour cream and guacamole. The chicken was well-done, tender and moist breast meat that was well-marinated.
The Red Snapper Enchiladas ($25) with house-made tortillas surrounding ancho chilli coated fish, topped with tomatillo sauce and melted cheese was served with Mexican rice. With the exception of the spiced rice, everything else was laced with cilantro. That said, the fish could have been fresher. The robust cilantro couldn't quite mask its slight fishy scent and taste.
The Chile Relleno ($27) was a roasted poblano chile stuffed with spicy chorizo and cheese served over tomatillo sauce and refreshingly piquant corn salsa. Sides such as Mexican spiced rice and black beans helped quell the potent fiery chili.
Cafe Iguana
30 Merchant Road
Riverside Point #01-03
Tel: 6236 1275
Open Mondays to Thursdays from 4pm to 1am;
Fridays and eve of PH from 4pm to 3am;
Saturdays from 12noon to 3am;
Sundays from 12noon to 1am
Website: www.cafeiguana.com
Of the few Mexican restaurants in Singapore, Cafe Iguana is one of the more notable purveyors of Mexican cuisine. It's the name you immediately think of whenever someone mentions Mexican fare.
Located along the Clarke Quay waterfront, Cafe Iguana has got a pretty view and a breezy, relaxed vibe. But, I really dislike the restaurant's open-air concept. Seriously, when will restaurateurs learn that going completely alfresco is just not suitable for Singapore's hot, humid and muggy weather? Even if the fans were twirling at full speed, all I felt was warm, muggy air. Now that we're right smack in the middle of the hottest months (no thanks to global warming!), we were all perspiring throughout dinner!
Service was great though - smiley, cheerful and extremely prompt with the replenishing of our iced waters. Food-wise, they were pretty alright - grilled meats were moist and tender, and packed with just enough flavour. As and when it was applicable, we requested that the kitchen held off the cilantro.
Also, the happy hours here are one of the longest, from opening time to 8pm, and from 11pm onwards. So, be prepared to load up on their refreshingly yummy margaritas.
The Smoked Duck Platter ($28) was pretty enjoyable. Tender, well-flavoured meat lined with fatty flavoursome skin, was paired with spiced rice, mushy black beans and grilled mild jalepeno peppers and onions.
The Grilled Chicken Fajitas ($27) was served on a sizzling platter with sauteed onions and peppers, and accompanied by flour tortillas for wrapping, and classic Mexican dips such as sour cream and guacamole. The chicken was well-done, tender and moist breast meat that was well-marinated.
The Red Snapper Enchiladas ($25) with house-made tortillas surrounding ancho chilli coated fish, topped with tomatillo sauce and melted cheese was served with Mexican rice. With the exception of the spiced rice, everything else was laced with cilantro. That said, the fish could have been fresher. The robust cilantro couldn't quite mask its slight fishy scent and taste.
The Chile Relleno ($27) was a roasted poblano chile stuffed with spicy chorizo and cheese served over tomatillo sauce and refreshingly piquant corn salsa. Sides such as Mexican spiced rice and black beans helped quell the potent fiery chili.
Cafe Iguana
30 Merchant Road
Riverside Point #01-03
Tel: 6236 1275
Open Mondays to Thursdays from 4pm to 1am;
Fridays and eve of PH from 4pm to 3am;
Saturdays from 12noon to 3am;
Sundays from 12noon to 1am
Website: www.cafeiguana.com
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