I’d never been to Chiqutios before last weekend. I’m not sure why, I’d just never really fancied it or bothered looking into it much, despite it popping up almost anywhere there was a lot going on (think cinemas, city centres and shopping malls). It was only when I visited The Printworks Prohabition Valnetine’s Day event in Manchester city centre that Chiquitos caught my eye. Being right in the middle of all the activity, this restaurant is located in the heart of The Printworks and so it was fitting that they would invite me in to try some of their menu.

Starting with a Mango Dacquiri and Raspberry Dacquiri (both two of the best cocktails I’ve had), my guest and I were encouraged to order a starter each and some nachos to share. I went for a halloumi skewer, which was delicious and kinda made me want to just eat that forever – even the salad with it tasted yummy! My guest went for Peri Peri prawns, served in a pan with Nachos (and a lot of chillis in the sauce)! Lakis insisted on Nachos to share, and I am glad he did. I am not one for your average

nacho, but these were not average; they were crispy tortilla chips covered in lashings of Texan style cheese sauce, jalapeño peppers, melted cheese and sour cream. At £5.95, there’s enough for two to dib in and share which makes it probably the most cost-effective starter, if you just want something to nibble before your main course.

By the time we had finished chomping down our starters, we actually had another guest join us. We asked Lakis if this would be okay and he was totally welcoming and let us all order together. As a veggie, there was a pretty decent amount of choice for vegetarians on the Chiquito’s menu, despite it being a ‘Mexican Grill’. I settled on the Vegetable Fajitas, which came with 3 wraps, stir-fried sizzling veg and dips of grated cheese, homemade salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Despite loving the starters and drinks, I was underwhelmed with my fajitas. They were pretty plain and there wasn’t a huge variety of vegetable – in fact, most of the plain was actually just onion, and the wraps themselves were basic. I only ate half, but I also had a side of sweet potato fries which were delicious and made up for my main a bit.

In contrast to my veggie main, my guests both went for meat feast mains. One opted for Peri Peri chicken and the other for Chicken and Ribs. Both of these were served in large portions with fries, corn on the cob, slaw and onion rings. Both of my guests really enjoyed these and they were certainly large portions (which you would hope for at around £15 each). I nicked a couple of fries from their plates, but was pleased I had opted for Sweet Potato Fries myself, as mine were a lot more flavoursome.

 

 

At this point, I was offered another cocktail, and dessert, gladly accepted! I asked Lakis what he would recommend to me for both of these, as he was knowledgeable about the menu and was glad to engage in conversation with us. As I like fruity alcoholic cocktails, and he brought me over a Frozen Passionfruit Margarita. I’d never had one before but really loved it! For my dessert, I had a slice of Honeycomb Cheesecake – this was delicious! One of the best desserts I have had recently; a soft cheesecake with chocolate nuggets in it, served with two strawberries and a little pot of chocolate dip. Mmm, I could go for another round of these two right now…

Despite never thinking to go to Chiquitio’s before, I had a really great time and this Chiquito’s Printworks Manchester Review was one of the best dining out experiences I have had in the past year or so. Aside from the food, the staff really make a dining experience and our waiter was highly attentive, friendly and knowledgable about the menu. My starter and dessert were both fantastic, and my cocktails luxurious, which more than made up for an average main course. If I was stuck for somewhere to eat in Manchester city centre again, I would definitely go back to Chiquito’s in The Printworks. I am converted!