Pop chow: The pop tart eats Spruce Taqueria

My American pal laments that it’s hard to find good, affordable Mexican food here. As much as I enjoy Margarita’s (only the East Coast Road branch), I totally agree. Something about Mexican food just doesn’t attract Singaporeans.  I wonder why. Frijoles Negros is really kinda similar to the black beans we have in Chinese food!

When buzz started building about Spruce Taqueria, my friends and I were pretty excited to try. Spruce restaurant at Phoenix Park has already gathered a following for its brunch and chef Travis Masiero’s fuss-free cooking since it opened last year.  As Spruce Taqueria only opens weekends 12pm to 3pm, I gathered my work pals and hopped into a cab during lunch cos boy, do WE WANT TACOS!

We were disappointed. While the gaucamole was creamy and punchy, and fillings of pork carnitas, short ribs and snapper were flavourful and delish, there accompanying tortillas were neither soft nor fluffy. Try tough and rubbery. My friends and I gave up tearing through the skin, and ate the fillings on their own instead.

Service was also sadly lacking. My friend inquired if the short ribs were pork or beef just to be sure. The cashier said pork and I thought, huh? So I asked again and she insisted it was pork.  It was beef. What if a Buddhist or Hindu had ordered it?!

We informed her about the mistake. She was still blurring away and finally checked with the cook.  They changed the dish to pork carnitas after that, but the serving size was significantly smaller. It reeked a little of a “smelly” attitude. FAIL, guys.

I guess I might go down to Spruce Taqueria again despite this big misstep. If only to try the quesadillas the next time. Would most people give a restaurant a second chance after a bad experience? But in food crazy, competitive Singapore, there’s always something  else around the corner. Spruce, maybe some sprucing up will be nice.

May 21, 2010. Popchow.