Wahaca

This is a brand new place on Chandos Place, just off the strand. Made a perfect lunch venue with friends, but I am sure it is fun in the evenings too. The space is bright and funky, as soon as we got there we were treated to exceptional service and were sitting munching 'mole before we knew it.
Only when the chirpy waiter came over to introduce the 'dining concept' did the bell start clanging in my head. Stairs leading down to a large open space, simplistic decor, paper place-mats for menus ('ouch!'say the eco-warriors) listing a delightful mix of exotic... street food. Well, if the concept worked at Wagamama for Japanese food, there should be no reason it shouldn't work here for Mexican. I'm sure punters who've actually been to Mexico (and even Japan in Wagamama's case) aren't that impressed by paying 3 times the price that you'd pay at the street stalls there. But then, this is London, and it's still cheap compared to a lot of places.
The food was authentic and tasty. There was a decent choice with a range of sizes, from tapas to delicious salads and platos fuertes. It was all made fresh and came very quickly. I also recommend the Hisbiscus flavour drink to wash it down with, though I am sure Corona works well too.
Our service continued to be great, although one hint to the many lovely-looking waiters is that lots of gabbling ladies on a tight time limit probably don't want to be interrupted every 5 minutes. Then again, maybe some do. I'd go back, especially if I wanted a good value meal and a treat for my eyes at the same time!