La Chorza

Two weeks later and something blog-worthy has finally cropped up, huzzah! Today I finally visited La Chorza in the centre of Brighton's North Laine. I've been walking past this place for months, without fail smellgasming each time as that deep, flavoursome Mexican aroma so tickles my nose. 

Brighton has recently, debatably suffered, from the rise of the chain Mexican street food, with 'Tortilla's' and 'La Buritos' opening on every blooming street corner. So I was keen to try La Chorza purely due it's independence, and the fact it so blatantly fits in with Brighton's charm unlike these outsider chains. It is also by far the busiest of it's type around, which is always a good sign.

Luckily, we arrived at the perfect time as we were seated to the last free table, but by the time we left there was an hour wait list, so getting down there early on a sunny day (around 1pm) is definitely a good idea. When the sun decides to properly come out, they have a great outside seating area with quirky table clothes and long communal benches. 

Before the food had even arrived I felt very satisfied with my experience. The decor in there is so fabulous, I'd say it has a very Miami-fresco atmosphere, with bright colours, overside table pieces and floral patterns everywhere. There was tequila bottles everywhere you looked and real iced Margarita machines whirring in the corner. I agreed with this very much. Furthermore the staff were really great, attentive and full of life.

Then the food came, and I think the photos below say it all really. Their fillings are all slow cooked and incredible full of flavour. I opted for marinated free-range chicken, whereas my friend chose the slow cooked beef. The meat was perfect, no messing around with poor quality cuts, and cooked so well the flavour was embedded deep. The top dish, was a basket burrito, so basically all your classic burrito ingredients in a bowl, with some beautiful spicy rice. The second dish is of three beef tacos. Both came with a lovely shredded red cabbage garnish and a salsa of your choosing. I'd highly recommend the green salsa, which although was mild, it had an insane depth of flavour. 

Both these meals were a very fair £6.50. The price is dependant on your choice of meat filling rather than the base (whether burrito, tostado, taco or quesadilla). 

Another really great find in the centre of Brighton, 100% worth a visit. Lets all boycott these bloody chains and opt for the real authentic deal!

Find La Chorza at 36 Gloucester Road, Brighton. 

Iydea Vegetarian Cafe, Brighton

Located in the bustling North Laine area of Central Brighton, Iydea is a heavily talked about cafe that I just knew I had to visit. 

I first encountered Iydea, when sat at the White Rabbit pub directly opposite one evening. At closing time, they leave cartons of the days food on their doorstep, and being the cheap student I am, of course I couldn't resist a nibble. At the time, I really thought little of the food, stating that it simply tasted of dirt. But I think this may have been due to the fact a vegetarian quiche doesn't exactly compliment cheap pints of lager.

So when my friend suggested we meet at Iydea, I let out a silent groan, as I am far too much of a carnivore to enjoy a meal entirely composed of veg and good stuff. I was in fact so very pleasantly surprised. Once I finally managed to get seats (as I said, very popular) I soon tucked into my grub and found that the whispers I so often hear from these veggie folk, that with the right spices and flavourings, vegetarian food is in fact downright delicious, are in fact true. 

It's set out almost like a school dinner canteen, you start at one end of the counter, select your main, then two vegetables/salads and a topping, gradually moving down towards the till area. I chose to eat a Thai sweetcorn fritter with peanut and chilli sauce, accompanied by a warm chick pea salad and broccoli, roasted pepper and olive cold salad. I topped it off with a healthy slop of tzatziki.

I don't know if the picture does it justice, but it was genuinely one of the tastiest meals I have ever eaten. Iydea has won multiple awards recently, including The Brighton and Hove Foodie Award for best Cafe and the national Vegetarian Society best eating-out Award. I can entirely understand why it has such accolades.

Prices are fair, it was £6.30 for the meal above, but the portion size was good and they continually offered free tap water. Their drink selection looked great, boasting a full licence also. 

If you're after a home-cooked, well flavoured meal that is beyond Pub Grub at a fair price, then find Iydea at 17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton.