New Mexican Restaurant Escondite Has Nothing to Hide

If we spoke Spanish, Escondite would spell "Fab Mexican Food."

However, according to Google Translate, it actually means “hiding place"—which also works, since this new bar and eatery is slightly off the main downtown grid, just below Sainte-Catherine. Inside, a colourful haven offering tapas, tacos and a variety of tequila shots. At lunch we ordered the spicy, cheesy cornbread, ensalada de jicamas (with watercress, papaya, grapefruit and bacon salad), plantain and shrimp ceviche and the deliciously messy Al Pastor (pork belly with grilled pineapple and coriander) and Baja (crispy cod, avocado crema and cabbage slaw) tacos. For dessert: the best churros ever, with Nutella!

Eat and enjoy the eclectic décor, including a giant mural of two imposing Mexican Madonnas by Montreal street artist Miss Me. —Carrie MacPherson

Escondite, 1206 Union St., Montreal, 514-419-9755, www.escondite.ca