Livin’ La Vida at Fresca Mexican Kitchen and Bar

It is common among Malaysians to confuse Mexican cuisine with its close relative – Tex-Mex. The latter is usually found in commercialised chain of restaurants scattered all around Klang Valley, while the former is much harder and rarer to find. Fresca, situated at The Gardens Mall, is one of the few authentic Mexican establishments that have sprung up in the dining scene to cater to a sophisticated globetrotter, who is probably able to tell the difference between corn tortilla and flour tortilla.

Meaning 'fresh' or 'cool' in Mexican, the decor at Fresca is charmingly rustic, accentuated by the use of textured wooden panels to elaborate brickwork arches with contemporary industrial elements of exposed ceilings and tall metal doors. Paying tribute to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, strikingly-coloured talavera tiles as well as handcrafted ceramics and paintings are displayed around the restaurant.

Its menu is comprehensive and informative at one go, divided into botanas (small plates), sopas & ensaladas (soups and salads), sides, platos principales (main courses) and postres (desserts). Only the freshest ingredients are used at Fresca; for example, its pico de gallo and guacamole condiments are prepared daily and its corn tortillas are home-made and hand-pressed in a traditional way.

The best day to truly sample what Fresca has to offer is on Fridays, between 4-8pm. This is when the Taco Platter is available, a delectable ensemble of signature Tacos from the main menu that will give you a sneak peek at what the kitchens of Fresca are capable of. The Taco Platter comes with fillings of beef, fish, chicken, prawn and vegetables – this final option would certainly meet a vegetarian’s seal of approval.

Our favourite taco from the platter is a tussle between the palatable Ensenada (flour tortillas with beer-battered fish tacos and coleslaw) or the incredibly satisfying Alambro (corn tortillas with grilled beef, chopped Poblano chiles, onion and crispy bacon). The way to eat the platter is to start off with the corn tortillas first as it loses its texture if left cold over a longer period of time. Other than tacos, you can also go for sopes, popular Mexican street snacks, or tortilla chips.

Wash down these appetisers with the array of thirst-quencing drinks that is unique to Fresca, such as a tangy glass of Hibiscus juice or the deliciously milky and sweetish Horchata, a refreshing Mexican drink made with rice and cinnamon. If you are not so adventurous, the mango juice here is a winner as well.

On to the mains; we are pleased to hear the plate of chicken fajitas we had ordered were sizzling in melodious symphony on the way to our table. Served with guacamole, pico de gallo and special chipotle cream sauce, the tender, well-marinaded pieces of chicken leg is served with heaps of onions for a pure, fresh flavour to go with the tortilla. It is highly recommended that you utilise all three condiments for your fajitas and end it with a topping of special chipotle cream sauce for a smoky finish on the palate.

From chicken, progress onto a healthier fish dish for your next main course; you won’t go wrong with the Pescado ala Veracruzana. A specialty of Veracruz, pan-fried red snapper is served with a colourful sauce of onions, olives and Jalapeno chiles alongside white rice and mixed salad. The sauce that gives the fish its flavours has a distinctive tomato base and it tastes excellent when the fish is hot. A piece of fried zucchini gives the dish a unique twist.

If red meat is your type of flavour, then opt for the carne asada for your main course. A Mexican steak platter that is also a signature at Fresca, the dish features grilled tenderloin ‘a la Tampiquena’ with onions, red rice (rice cooked with tomatoes), enchiladas verdes and refried beans. Vibrant in colour and presentation, the star of the dish is undoubtedly the slab of beef itself. Cooked medium, the meat is charred just right so that it is chewy without being too juicy.

Dessert at Fresca ranges from a medley of flavours, from sourish lime cheesecake to the decadent pastel de chocolate. The latter is a sinful blend of dense and moist flourless chocolate cake with warm fudge, served with brandy-glazed banana and homemade vanilla ice cream. Otherwise, the churros here is a timeless favourite. Stick donuts are rolled in cinnamon and sugar, and served with dips. The cajeta dip, made out of traditional goat’s milk caramel, is a must-try; it actually is better than the chocolate – a statement we’d never dream of making!

Do also note that Fresca is a bar as it is a restaurant – the music blaring from its speaker reflects that. It transits from mariachi tunes to snazzy music as day turn into night, providing you with the perfect ambiance to kick back and nurse a cocktail or two.

Fresca Mexican Kitchen and Bar, G-242A, Ground Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur; Tel: +603-2201-2893