Reviews for Tortilla West

12/20/2009 - GregNorfolk
Pretentious people like to elevate their sense of self value and importance by making negative comments regarding the authenticity of restaurants based upon some loose connection they feel they have with a specific cuisine due to a previous locale they lived in, visited, or became an expert on by watching the Travel Channel or Food Network. I probaby chase the gustatory memory of a fine meal with a special someone in a special place as much as the next guy. At least I realize when that is what I am doing and don't downgrade the efforts of local eateries by trying to make them live up to my expectations that they rekindle feelings and memories of my past. A friend told me about a local restaurant with descriptions of agave reductions, extensive beer and taquilla lists and Mexican food without the typical seven ingredients arranged and rearranged in different combinations. I like Mexican food and don't really care if every citizen of Juarez, Mexico City or Mazatlan has all of the ingredients in their pantries. Mexico's cuisine started with local beans and corn as staples. Hardly varied enough to satisfy the complex and diverse tastes of a dining public. Chilis and heavy spices were added for flavor. The Spaniards added garlic, onions, cheese, wheat and more. Other influences from Europe, India and even China were added. If Norfolk Virginia adds it's own twist at a local Mexican eatery I don't imagine the Mexican people will lose their cultural identity. Tortilla West offers large portions of well thought out dishes at reasonable prices. (I think low prices but don't want them to catch on and raise them) The food is prepared well and served attractively. The service is always friendly, attentive, and efficient. I ordered the breakfast bowl for Sunday brunch and was quickly served an almost over generous and very tasty combination of grits, potatoes, eggs, cheese, chorizo and other savory breakfast goodies served in a tortilla bowl for under $9. Mine was accompanied by a Bloody Mary from the Bloody Mary bar which offered more than 20 additions including five varieties of stuffed olives, artichoke hearts, spices, sauces and special ingredients all for $2.50. The presentation of the additions was less than elegant but did I mention 20 ingredients and it was only $2.50? The wait staff was attentive, friendly, efficient and yet unobtrusive. I asked to speak with the manager with my only complaint, that being that despite living in Ghent, I had never heard of the place. I found the manager to be charming, warm, friendly and appreciative of my comments and suggestions. In the interest of being balanced, I have to say the atmosphere though comfortable, was more eatery and youthful hangout than the quality of the menu and variety of libations would suggest. I can only hope that as word gets out about the food, drinks, and service, there will be a few upgrades to the decor. Additionally, while I have never had or heard of anyone having a scary or unsafe experience there, the location's proximity to 'the docks' makes it feel a little shady but not much more than Orapax Inn a couple of blocks away.