8230 Gateway Boulevard NW, Edmonton

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to come to El Cortez to try their new winter menu. I’ve been here a few times before, for their annual Cinco De Mayo party, and for drinks and appies. Being right off Whyte, parking is limited to the side street. It offers a Mexican kitchen and tequila bar. They specialize in modern Latin food and tequila. Interesting fact : they are one of only 9 establishments in the world certified by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (The Tequila Regulatory Council)! Admittedly, most of the time that I’m here, it’s usually not for food. The music/bar scene here gets pretty rowdy on weekends. It’s usually really packed, and lively, so it seems like they are looking to promote their dining scene a bit more.

The event was in the evening, and was a little bit louder. I didn’t get to try too many things, but of the things that I did, everything was pretty good.

For appies, I had the Valentina’s cauliflower tempura. This comes with cauliflower tempura, with a Valentina glaze, and served with a chipotle salsa creama dip. This was said to be a staff favourite and for good reason. It’s nice and crunchy, and very satisfying to eat! And great for sharing.