Review: Juan Fifty at Alexandra Headland
With neon signs, Day of the Dead paraphernalia and more colours than a packet of 100s and 1000s, this southeast Queensland restaurant and bar is a casual, fun place to lift the spirits. In this coronavirus-frenzied world, it may just be what we all need.
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Oh how great it will be to party like we used to again.
When social distancing rules are no more and we can all truly let our hair down.
That’s just the type of experience Sunshine Coast eatery Juan Fifty at Alexandra Headland is built for.
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Decorated with neon signs, Day of the Dead paraphernalia and more colours than a packet of 100s and 1000s, the casual Mexican restaurant with a covered outdoor courtyard is designed to make dining feel like a fiesta.
Heightening the party vibe is the team of young and enthusiastic staff, who eagerly welcome guests and check in throughout the meal in a way that’s, thankfully, more endearing than annoying.
And just like the decor, the food is all about brightness and freshness.
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Avoiding the popular Tex Mex route in favour of more traditional Mexican flavours, the generous menu moves from small snacks such as chargrilled corn with melted manchego to burrito bowls featuring the likes of guajillo chilli and garlic-marinated chicken with mole negro.
Popcorn broccoli ($12) is a vegetarian take on the popular chicken snack, made gluten-free by a batter of besan flour.
While the coating could be a little crisper, the fried dish is lifted by the gentle hum of the chilli-laced mole and bite of pickled red cabbage.
That pickled cabbage stars again in the pork belly tacos ($16 for two) that are as bold as the fuchsia and aqua paint on the walls. Arguably the hero of the menu, the pork pieces are rendered into sweet, sticky submission juxtaposing the cabbage’s acid, slaw and guacamole.
Meanwhile, the retro coconut prawn is given a fun twist, teamed with mango, Mexican crema and lime in either a taco or tostada ($16 for two).
Go the taco though for ease of eating and to enjoy the corn tortilla at its best.
But to really connect with the party atmosphere, there’s the all-encompassing drinks, running from a variety of takes on the mojito and margarita strong enough to even have The Hulk feeling a little tipsy, to shared punches, Mexican and local beer, basic wines, tequila and mezcal.
Juan Fifty is a casual and fun place to lift the spirits, and in this coronavirus-frenzied world, it may just be what we all need.
JUAN FIFTY
150 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland
5452 7656
Open Wed-Sun noon-late
VERDICT
Food 7
Service 8
Ambience 7
Value 7.5
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