Note – this review took place during a staff training session with complimentary meals, only drinks were paid for.

I first heard Chiquito were planning on opening a restaurant in Peterborough back in May, so when they invited me to one of their pre-opening staff training sessions for their new Mexican restaurant near Hampton in Peterborough, I of course  jumped at the chance to review the restaurant and headed over to see what they had to offer.

Skip to the address and phone number or just read on…

The paint’s barely had time to dry but inside it’s plain to see a lot of time and thought has gone into the decor.  A high ceiling dotted with soft lighting and an extensive use of wood give the restaurant a rustic feel, almost that of a converted barn even though only a few months ago this part of Cygnet Park opposite Serpentine Green was undeveloped land.

The dining area has a large round table as a focal point in the centre which is surrounded by smaller tables. The large table is ideal for parties of around 6-8 people so ask for this table when you make a reservation!

We were given a complimentary portion of nacho chips whilst looking through the menu which is something I always appreciate from Mexican restaurants.  The cost to the restaurant is minimal, but it’s a nice touch and gets you into the Mexican spirit.

The Food

As a self-titled chilli head I usually hunt out the hottest thing on the menu…

Of course you don’t go to Chiquito’s just to admire the nicely upholstered chairs or their choice of building materials, you go there for the food and drink.  For many, Mexican food conjures up visions of sizzling fajitas, smoky burritos and baked enchiladas and here Chiquito doesn’t disappoint.  The menu still has more to offer however, including burgers, pastas and salads.

As a self-titled chilli head I usually hunt out the hottest thing on the menu – at Chiquito it’s the Pollo del Fuego (fiery chicken), but for those more sensitive to chilli and spice don’t worry, here the emphasis is definitely on flavour more than heat so it’s suitable for all the family.

For our starters we chose Chipotle meatballs and a portion of deep filled Potato skins.  Both were very tasty however the meatballs could have had a stronger chipotle chilli flavour for my tastes.  I would order the meatballs again but would ask for them to be made with extra chilli!  The grilled cornbread served with the meatballs was a surprise as it was slightly sweet, but it was nice and worked with the dish.

Next up, mains.

I ordered the sizzling combo fajitas (choosing classic chicken and steak) whilst my wife had the chimichangas, which are similar to a flour tortilla parcel like a burrito, but fried.  The fajitas certainly lived up to their sizzling description with the smoke setting off the fire alarms on several occasions, much to the amusement of other diners.
The meat was served on an incredibly hot skillet with roasted onions and peppers whilst the five flour tortillas were kept warm in a lidded bowl.  Accompanying the fajitas were servings of guacamole, soured cream and a salsa plus a bowl of salad and grated cheese.  There was so much going on with the fajitas it would be hard to find room on the table if you both ordered them!

The two large chimichanga’s were crisp on the outside and filled with soft shredded beef which had a really rich taste.  For me, the chimichanga’s had the edge on the fajitas, definitely less messing around (but that’s half the fun of the fajitas) and I preferred the taste.  I last had shredded beef in soft tacos whilst in Mexico and the chimichanga brought the memories back.

Both the fajita and the chimichanga portions were generous and could easily be shared between two if you added on a couple of side dishes.

As the mains were brought to our table I asked the server for some hot sauce but was disappointed to see the hottest they had was Cholula Original.  Yes I’m being fussy, but I feel there are much more suitable Mexican “hot” hot sauces available, so hopefully Chiquito will give this some consideration.  If a customer wants to burn their mouth with a super spicy sauce, let them – you’ll sell more bottles of Corona as a result…

By the time I finished my main course I was so full I was pretty sure I didn’t need a desert, but on spotting churros on the menu I soon found room – 8 doughnut style cinnamon fingers and a pot of warm chocolate sauce to dip them in. Pure heaven!  My wife ordered the single shot Banoffee Pie which surprised as it was warm.  The desert shots are a great option if you’re too full for a big desert but just want something sweet to finish your meal.

The cost of the food bill (including two side dishes) came to a reasonable £46.

Drinks

It’s not just about the food at Chiquito, they do a great selection of cocktails and beers too.  If you like your Tequila, you should try the Patron XO – a coffee flavoured tequila which is similar in taste to Tia Maria, but with a kick!

Summary

As this was only a training day, it’s hard to say how the experience will be on a regular night but from what I saw I think Peterborough is in for a treat.  Some of the staff were noticeably nervous at serving the public for the first time but considering some had no previous experience in the hospitality industry, everyone did a fantastic job.

If you like your food spicy, I would definitely recommend you ask for it to be made spicier.  Unfortunately Chiquito have to cater for wimps those more sensitive to chilli so the fire is toned down.  That said, this was still probably the best Mexican food I’ve had in Peterborough – and it’s a chain restaurant!

Chiquito is perfect for groups as well as a cosy table for two, I can imagine once the drinks start to flow the atmosphere will get quite energetic so if you’re after a quiet meal ask for a table away from the centre of the restaurant.

Contact Details

Cygnet Park
Hampton
Peterborough
PE7 8FD (map)
Telephone: 01733 898540
Website: Book online at www.chiquito.co.uk

With less than a week to go, Chiquito, Peterborough’s newest Mexican restaurant is looking good and almost ready for business well ahead of it’s December 6th opening date.  Don’t forget to visit and “like” the Chiquito Facebook page!

I know I’ve berated chain restaurants in the past and I would still prefer to see new independents than chains but I have to admit that they are a big draw for a lot of people.

Chain restaurants are often more clued up when it comes to embracing marketing and promotions and may invest more in staff training.  Many independents would struggle to keep their dining experience as consistent as the chains do.

So now I’ve made my opinion clear, you might be surprised to read I’m actually looking forward to the opening of a Chiquito mexican restaurant just opposite Serpentine Green in Peterborough!  I’ve been told that the opening is expected in eight weeks so approximately December 10th – just in time for your Christmas Parties!

Having spent time in Mexico on honeymoon I know nothing will compare to the food I ate out there but I’ve visited other Chiquito restaurants and found them really pleasant places to eat and especially good with a group of friends or family.

If anyone has any more info on the Peterborough restaurant, I’d love to hear it.

Update – Chiquito has now opened in Peterborough! Click here to read my review

Rumour has it that the Chiquitos chain of Mexican restaurants is looking to open a restaurant in Peterborough – in Hampton!

According to the report, Chiquitos along with another “The Restaurant Group” brand Frankie and Benny’s (there’s already one at Boongate and a Little Frankie’s in Westgate) will be moving into buildings on the Pavillion West development (?).

Does anyone know where that’s supposed to be?

Both Chiquito’s and Frankie and Benny’s will bring a bit of informal dining to the South of Peterborough, but this might be a bit of a blow to existing restaurants in Hampton, especially the established Flamas restaurant.  I’ve eaten at a Chiquito’s a couple of times and think they’ll suit Peterborough’s new found love of Mexican dining.

If you’re a twitterer twit then follow both Chiquito’s and Frankie & Benny’s restaurants.  If anyone from The Restaurant Group is reading this – tell us all about your plans in the comments below!

I’ve heard it on good authority from Richard Kendall (@richardkendall) that Peterborough’s latest Mexican-themed restaurant is open for business!

This does mean however that Prezzo Group neglected to keep me informed… shame on their PR department!  Let’s hope the food and the Tequila is up to scratch.

I’ve already made my feelings known about what I think this restaurant opening means for Peterborough but now I get to try it and put theory into practice.

Hopefully the restaurant will be a success (and not at the expense of other businesses) and encourage others into the area too.  It would be great to see some (if not all) of the following chains in Peterborough:

• Giraffe
• Nandos
• Las Iguanas
• Wagamama
• Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)… I could go on forever!

Not to forget the independent restaurateurs also doing good things;  Like the Beehive being given the gastro pub treatment by the team behind Jim’s Bistro (and Jim’s Yard).  Exciting times for Peterborough’s restaurant industry.

I walked past what was the Verve bar on Church Street and noticed that there’s now a “Chimichanga – We’re hiring” sign in the window, so I’m guessing it’s only a matter of weeks before Peterborough’s newest Mexican restaurant is open.  I reported on Chimichanga coming to Peterborough back in October so have been keeping an eye out for any new developments.

So Chimichanga is a chain restaurant and I can understand why many people loathe chains with a passion, but I think this is probably a good thing for Peterborough and if you’ll bear with me I’ll give you 5 reasons why…

1. I think chain restaurants, like Chimichanga and Prezzo help to raise the profile of other restaurants also in the area by encouraging people to eat out.  It’s almost a Lemming-like effect, where people see others dining there and feel they’re missing out if they don’t visit themselves.  A well known brand gives reassurance to the diner that they’re not going to get any unwanted surprises.
2. Chain restaurants provide an “easy way in” to a potentially new cuisine. Diners worried about eating at somewhere like CoCo where they’re not sure what the food will be like, will have the same reservations about Chimichanga but might feel it’s more accessible.  Once they’ve become accustomed to eating Mexican food maybe the diners will feel more adventurous and try CoCo, Latinis, Flamas, etc.
3. High profile brands help to encourage other brands into the area. Whether it’s sister companies (as is the case of Prezzo with Chimichanga), rival companies serving the same cuisine or another company with a well known brand (think Nandos, TGI Friday, Wagamamas), the risk is lessened by having an existing chain in place.  This can be seen by the number of coffee outlets in Peterborough!
4. Marketing by chain restaurants often surpasses the independent restaurant.  Think discount vouchers: no-one pays full price for Pizza Express or Ask when there are “Second Meal for £1″ deals being thrown around like they’re going out of fashion.  It all helps to raise awareness.
   Websites run by the chain restaurants are typically better designed, developed and promoted than an independent which is a shame because independents can take more risks with their web strategy and can get better local results. (For web development in Peterborough, get in touch with me at gattonero.co.uk!)
5. Consistency across chain restaurants is usually pretty high on the agenda, especially when it comes to the food.  Ok so the interior is all probably supplied from a warehouse full of sombrero’s, empty bottles of Mezcal and fake cactii (no offence to Zeki Interiors – I’m sure Peterborough will look great!) but that’s what makes the brand a brand.  Anyone that has visited a Chimichanga in Cardiff will know what to expect from the restaurant in Peterborough.

Have you eaten at a Chimichanga?  Are you looking forward to visiting the Peterborough restaurant when it’s open?  Or do you prefer to sit at home with an Old El Paso dinner kit and a kilo of grated cheddar? Whack a comment into the box below as I’d like to see what others think.