Ok so before I start this post, let me first apologise for my lack of blogging! In between starting my first proper grown-up job as a journalist for the North Devon Gazette this month, creating a brand new wedding magazine with my friend and several other side projects, I have gone from sofa to full-time workaholic at about a million miles an hour.
That being said, I actually had a free evening (first one in weeks!) and my friends and I went out for a meal for my lovely friend James's birthday.
When I heard we were going to Jalapeno Peppers, I was torn. On the one hand, I was delighted - I knew from a guy I used to work next door to that they had a range of foods that were labelled gluten free, happy days!
On the other hand - and I apologise to James if you're reading this, I may have neglected to mention - I really don't like Mexican food.
I'll be the first to admit my experience of Mexican food has been very limited, but I thought hey, it's my friends birthday, and I'm going to give it a go! And surely, with a range of tortillas and other flour-based products on offer I wouldn't be able to eat much anyway. Right?
Wrong.
I went for the Enchiladas, what would you choose??
Jalapeno Peppers gave me a wonderful suprise with their menu. Enchiladas, tacos and fajitas are all a gluten free option! Normally, the shop-bought versions are stuffed with wheat flour, so in the name of being brave, I just had to try these!
I went for chicken enchiladas - tempted by the cheesy topping (I am a nightmare with cheese, ask my personal-trainer boyfriend who hates me for it!) I decided it was a safe choice.
Jalapeno Peppers is the only mexican restaurant in Barnstaple, and I'm really glad I have tried it. In the interest of fair comment, I will put aside the fact that I have realised I still, definitely don't like Mexican food, because I can't fault them one bit on my meal.
It was so nice to feel included - that I could eat such a wide range of options and not have to order off a separate menu from my friends, like most places.
Delicious enchiladas, and the best guacamole EVER
The serving was generous - a dish of yummy looking enchiladas with a side salad - and we even had a small serving of nachos with salsa dip on our table on arrival, which was delicious!
Considering my distaste for Mexican food, I was really impressed with my food. It had just the right amount of spice, a delicious topping of melted cheese and the most AMAZING guacamole I have ever, EVER tasted. I think I would happily go back and just eat a giant bowl of it!
The prices aren't bad either, and I really would rate this for a restaurant with a fun and friendly atmosphere.
So if you're in the area and you think Mexican food is out of bounds, think again!
Sooooo glad to see you enjoyed your meal at Jalapeno's and... I love the fact that you blogged about it.
A, once again, brilliant read that 'tickled my tastebuds'
Hanzattitude.