Benito’s Hat (Restaurant)

Best for: People looking for those missing coins down their sofas; people with mean bosses who only give you 15 minutes for lunch in Fitzrovia.

Great: Jaw dropping Wallpaper.

I have to start off by declaring Mexican cuisine is completely alien to me. Tengo hambre is about the only phrase I know to use in a Mexican restaurant (it means “I am hungry”). This turned out to be quite handy when the command centre dispatched me to investigate the phenomenon that is Benito’s Hat. This was the equivalent of sending me to planet Pandora. Chinese cuisine? I am pretty hot on. Japanese cuisine? It’s a personal passion of mine. Having a Mexican was a little like sending me off into outer space, except this restaurant had atmosphere in abundance.

Benito’s Hat recently had its 4th birthday and by all accounts from their Twitter feed, a wild time was had by all. How I’ve missed out on the explosion in Mexican cuisine in London over the last few years, only an alien from outer space would know.

It was perfect timing, I went on the day the Mexican football team beat Brazil to the Olympic football gold medal. I had my sombrero hat and fake moustache at the ready to try and blend in with the locals.

On arrival, I was greeted enthusiastically by Paul, the manager. “We’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond,” or at least it sounded that way. Surely I was looking more like a Bond villain.

I didn’t see Javier Hernandez or any other famous footballers; nor did I see a sombrero wearing mariachi band, just mere mortal earthlings like you and me. Paul actually explained their peak times are Monday to Friday, Saturdays being quiet for them. Compared to other restaurants on the street, this seemed like the centre of the universe.

Pretty soon, I was introduced to the art of “foraging” for food by the friendly aliens there. I plumped for a steak burrito, then had to pick between salsa verde, brava, diabla. “Brava please,” I said, which really didn’t sound brave at all, as it was middle of the road in terms of spiciness. Next was the option of black beans made with avocado leaves or refried beans with paprika. With her sexy silky voice, she said, “It’s very relaxing or one with a kick.” I went for the soothing relaxing feel.

In no time, the whole package was assembled, placed in silver foil on a tray, ready to go, with robotic efficiency. I am not used to this speedy and helpful service back on planet Earth.

I sat at the back of the restaurant, which had the most amazing wall mural ever. The whole wall is adorned with bright green Volkswagen Beetles in Mexico City. Beautiful bright green cars in a traffic jam seemed like another galaxy away.

Paul brought over some beverages: a margarita and a paloma. They may sound like singers, but believe me, there was nothing out of tune about those cocktails. Pretty soon, my friend and I were waxing lyrical about burritos, life, the universe and everything else in between. It helps that the cocktails were refreshing and made with top quality tequila. The 2-4-1 happy hour every day from 5-7pm helped too. There are 6 kinds of Mexican beers on offer as well. It’s great to know no matter what planet you’re on there’s never a shortage of choices for beer.

“Are Mexican desserts any good?” my curious companion quizzed. Well, the summer is almost over and the six packs can wait another year, thought I. We shared a Flan Casero, a Mexican style crème caramel. It was described as light and fluffy, but, disappointingly, that wasn’t quite correct. It was definitely more Martian firm than Earthly fluffy but luckily, despite the syrup, it wasn’t too sweet.

Was I sold on this brave new world? Quick healthy food, staff ready to help clueless earthlings like me pick the right choices, lightning fast attentive service and 2-4-1 happy hour cocktails, what is there not to like? I know where I will be to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the dead) this year: partying the night away at Benito’s Hat. Now I just need an invite.
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