Call it what you will: Southwestern cuisine, TexMex or New Mexican, some call it Mexican, it's not, although some of the fundamentals are the same.
Originating from the unique boarder influences of Native American, Mexican and Hispanic communities, this food is just about as awesome as food can be.
The state of New Mexico, is This Girl’s spiritual home. It’s my food Mecca; and in the years between pilgrimages, I order spice mixes online and cook up south of the border meals in my southern island home.
A slow burner across our vast land, it’s a cuisine that’s catching on here in Tassie too.
Matt and Chris, first movers in Hobart’s street food, have been doing their take on the Southwest-thang for eighteen months or so at the food van, Taco Taco.
They obviously think they’re pretty hot, as in ‘¡Hola, Chulo!’
And let’s face it, they are, as evidenced by what they’re up to at Chulo Cafe.
Chulo Café has just reopened after a hiatus.
I never made it there during its first incarnation. I don’t know what I was thinking, or what I wasn’t thinking: the Taco Taco boyz, shelter and a main meal. It should have been my home away from home.
Anyway, they’re back and to celebrate their first breakfast on Tuesday, meals were $10 and coffees $3. Yippee! The Lovely Deputy didn't take much convincing of a hot, cheap, tasty breakfast, so off we went.
Chulo is a café stripped bare: clean white walls, minimal furnishings. Be seated on an upturned milk crate on wheels, look up at milk crate light fittings (without the wheels).
Watch the hoards descend from West Hobart, dropping off children and picking up coffee. Eat delicious breakfast (or lunch) with hipsters, parents, suits, parents, and teenagers.
Lovely Deputy rode his bike and I took the bus, getting off on Elizabeth Street opposite the Royal Guide Dogs and walking up a couple of blocks. It was a little more out of the way than what we’re accustomed to mid-week, but it was worth it. As will be the return visit.
It’s my favourite food and Chulo Café is doing it well.
Now, if I could only convince them to add a breakfast margarita….
Find them at 98 Patrick Street, Hobart.
Open Tuesday – Friday 7.30 am – 2.30 ish pm and Saturday 8.30 am - 2.30 ish pm.
Here’s their website, where you can find their menu.
