London Elites Get Their Mo On At Tortilla

Long have we heard that it's a struggle to find quality Mexican food here in the capital. Well last night certainly put paid to that myth as our fabulous Yelp London Elites, and self-declared 'Mexperts', descended upon Tortilla in Leadenhall Market, to be treated to an evening of music, margaritas and delicious Cali-Mex creations.

Tucked in the festive, Christmas-lit maze of Leadenhall Market, Yelp Elites arrived at Tortilla to be swept to the lower ground bar and grab a chilled Pacifico beer or a choice of strawberry, mango or frozen original margaritas. There were sombreros and moustaches a'plenty, with some interesting top-lip creations; drawn-on, stuck-on and fantastic home-grown Movember efforts!

Store Manager Jesus Anorve opened up the entire restaurant exclusively to Yelp, hosting the event over all three floors. So while some of us were bopping to the Latino and Merengue beats on the lower ground floor, 50 lucky yelpers were treated to a masterclass in burrito rolling on the mezzanine level, courtesy of head chef Bruno Pires. They also had the opportunity to get their hands dirty making their own guacamole, to take home, from a selection of fresh ingredients.

Hungry bellies were happily sated as the friendly and super-quick staff served bespoke burritos to every yelper from the ground floor counter. Warm flour tortillas filled with generous helpings of the desired rice, beans, meat, salsa, guacamole, cheese… the list goes on – cue 'mmm', 'aaaah' and yummy noises all round!

Back down on the lower ground floor the party got underway as the pull-piñatas spilled their goodies and yelpers grabbed their chocolates, lollies, Yelp nail files and lip balms, and… birdseye chillis! The competitive fires blazed, and so did tongues, as Andrew M challenged our very own London CM Josephine B to a chilli-eating competition that made even the spectators' eyes water!

After many more Pacifico beers and margaritas flowed, it was time for the Movember moustache competition winners to be announced. Chris R grabbed first prize for the lads with his fantastic home-grown Mo-dazzler, and Ashley V scooped the win for the ladies having come as Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo! Not only did they win themselves a fabulous Yelp t-shirt but Tortilla also gave them both each a bottle of Blair's Death Sauce to really spice up their home-cooking!

A big thank you to all of the staff at Tortilla who truly made it a fantastic evening, I'm sure you will be seeing many of us again soon for one of your huge and delicious burritos! To check out the rest of the fiesta fun, see the photos from the talented photographer Phil Sharp, read reviews and come join in the chatter on Talk!

SYOY!

Katie B