Located in Shinjuku, in a building across from Franc Franc, (JR South Exit), it’s the perfect spot for either lunch or dinner - followed by dessert if one still has the appetite as Krispy Kremes and Starbuck’s are but steps away.

This is actually the second time I’ve been to El Torito. I was first introduced to this authentic Mexican restaurant at the end of Golden Week when a friend invited me to dinner. There were eight of us in total on that visit so we ordered a set course. The best part was the beef fajitas. I can still taste them to this day. Served sizzling hot on an iron skillet, they were cooked medium rare. The accompanying tortillas were served fresh out of the oven which made for an orgasmic combination, especially when salsa, sour cream and avocado were added to the mix.

Anyway, I digress - in terms of price, a la carte items generally range from 1000 -2000 yen with appetizers as low as 490 yen. Set courses range from 2000 - 5000 yen. However, combination meals, generally hover around the 1500 yen mark, are the most economical as they come with a drink – but only if the drink in question costs no more than 420 yen.

On my latest visit I ordered the Shrimp Rice & Flautas combination platter, and decided to indulge in my craving for Sprite – a drink rarely found in Japan. The portions were divided evenly into thirds so one can thoroughly sample each item on the platter. For those who are not well versed in Mexican cuisine, flautas is a small rolled-up tortilla, about six inches long, served with some sort of filling, usually beef or chicken. At El Torito, the flautas were stuffed with chicken and green tomatoes, and even for yours truly, as someone who does not eat chicken breast, I found the meat to be very tender and its flavor effectively enhanced by the tomatoes. (El Torito pic 4) That said, as a seafood lover, the best part of the meal was the shrimp rice. There were four jumbo shrimp served on a bed of rice with just the right amount of cream sauce added to prevent the rice from being considered too.

Although the a-la-carte selections are pretty good at El Torito, it must be added that it is advisable to go in a group of at least six to eight people so one can take advantage of the variety and range of flavors offered through these set courses.

Oh, and before I forget, the aforementioned foodie thoughts aside for a mo, one must not forget the unlimited tortilla chip refills complete with salsa dip service at El Torito. The dip itself is made with fresh tomatoes and just the right amount of spice to keep everyone happy. Nibble away to your heart’s content.