(Credit: Shane Redsar)
The gaudy hot pink exterior at the far back corner of the Westfield Shopping Center was not hard to find. We tucked ourselves into a corner booth at the bar and ordered our drinks; I had their signature Pink Taco Margarita and she had a Pink Lemonade. Unfortunately, they don’t have any “Happy Hour” specials, but this didn’t deter the parade of young execs getting their drink on. The décor is very prefab Mexican cantina with a splash of Las Vegas showgirl, and there is an enormous Virgin Mary presiding over the swank bar, ensuring your inebriation is sanctified.
Perusing the short and to-the-point menu we decided on the lobster enchilada and carne asada skewers to start. It was shaping up to be a good night—the margarita at least was pretty tasty with a nice kick to it, and the clientele was jovial and fun loving.
Our entrees, however, left us scratching our heads; it was as if they smothered a shredded lobster tail with Velveeta cheese and wrapped it up in a tortilla. The carne asada tasted more like teriyaki beef with a sweet and syrupy glaze. I ordered another margarita and the flan, but the beautifully presented dessert was rather mediocre-tasting. I shrugged it off and took another swig of the margarita.
The best part, though—besides the drink—was the young execs getting wild and crazy. There is just something about the two words “happy hour” that really brings the animal out of suits. I’m not sure why but I have always found it entertaining to watch suits get “crazy-go-nuts”. At any rate, it didn’t turn out to be the douchebag magnet I thought it was going to be and in fact, the regulars were friendly enough.
Ah Pink Taco, my brief experience was interesting to say the least. I actually found it enlightening: like, with the right amount of alcohol, I can be coerced into almost anything. (Though that lobster and Velveeta… not so much.) Will I be coerced into trying to Pink Taco again? I guess the better question is: are you buying?
The Scene: Thursday night “Happy Hour” was pretty awesome, even if there are no Happy Hour specials. Watching corporate execs go “spring break” is always fun.
El Alimento: Not highly recommended unless you enjoy the WASP representation of authentic Mexican cuisine.
La Bebida: Go for the margaritas; they even put a flower in it. (Right. No suggestive overtones there.)
