Tio’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar

March26

I spotted Tio’s Mexican Restaurant as I was heading south on St. Mary’s Rd. (754 to be exact). one afternoon and made a mental note to put it on my “must try” list. Unfortunately, my list is very long and there are only so many times that I can justify going out for dinner. But, if a new friend suggests that we meet at a restaurant that she thinks that I would enjoy, the decision is made for me. I just had to go out again, didn’t I?

Even though the sun is changing locations in the sky and sticking around for longer in the evening, it is still not spring time in Winnipeg. This, I believe is the perfect time to savour the tastes that remind you of warm places like Mexico! For me, the combination of tomatoes, limes and cilantro transport me to a place and time where the sun is warm and always shining.

It was cold and blustery, the night that we met, but the tidy and cheerful décor was warm and inviting. The helpful server was truly glad to take care of us and shared her stories of warm places that she has traveled to. Dinner started with chips and salsa and we ordered guacamole just for good measure.

Tio’s makes their guacamole to order only when avocadoes are in season, which I think bodes well for their commitment to quality. We agreed that the recipe needed a little bit more zing so we added a pinch of salt and more lime juice.

My supper mate chose the Combination Plate and was cheerfully accommodated when she requested a mix of chicken and beef items, instead of one or the other. Her platter of a beef burrito, chicken taco and chicken enchilada came with a cheese quesadilla, Mexican rice and re-fried beans.

I went with the Shrimp Tacos and both of us had to take leftovers home for lunch the following day. The next time we meet for chips and salsa again, it will be in Mexico (I am counting the sleeps)!

Post Script: I obviously wrote this a little while ago because I have been to Isla and my tan has already washed itself down the shower drain.