Pancho Villa

In my humble little opinion, the most authentic Mexican cuisine here in Ottawa is found at Pancho Villa. I am at an advantage to know this, as my mother in law is Mexican. In addition to this fact, Pancho Villa is really easy on your wallet.

The best part? The food is delicious, and the service is always pleasant.

You also get a lot of food on your plate. My all-time favourite dish is the Pancho Special, but made with slight variations than how it is on their menu. The Pancho Special is essentially just three enchiladas, which can be stuffed with either beef, chicken, or Monterrey Jack cheese. On the side you are served with re-fried black beans, a salad, and a nice dollop of guacamole. I usually get two chicken enchiladas and one beef one, or one of each if I’m craving cheese.  I also always ask for an additional side of guacamole, and a side of sour cream.

This is what I recommend you do to your Pancho Special, with a picture to boot!

Ask your server to bring you the Pancho Special, but with the following three sauces, instead of bare. Ask for mole (pronounced moh-lay), salsa verde (ver-day), AND the red sauce so that the sauces are sprawled across the three enchiladas. (I’ve brought in this picture to show them, so that they KNOW what I’m talking about- I’m that crazy)

What I then do, which you don’t have to, unless you’re obsessed with condiments and sauces like I am, is then take your re-fried beans, layer them across all your enchiladas, do the same thing with your guacamole, and last but not least, take your sour cream and layer it on top of all of that. Then you have the most flavourful meal of all time, for around twelve dollars. Oh, I almost forgot the hot green sauce! Make sure you ask for that, and dabble that on top too!

Food genius, I know! Or just disgusting to some.

Pancho Special or not, Pancho Villa has a lot of meals to try, and a great patio in the summer. As my friend would say, be there or be square!

 ~Darleya~