Chica Bonita – Manly

Alex: The past few weeks have seen me venturing to the northern beaches more often than I am used to, due in part to photographing a wedding. There were some recurring trips in order to do test shots and search for good locations for photos.

On one of those occasions I had a severe craving for some Guacamole and some seriously messy food. So I looked no further than the alluring and quaint Chica Bonita that resides just off the Corso in Manly.

Obviously, it was decided before even sitting down that we would be ordering the Corn Chips and Guacamole $6. Gil (my future business partner/good friend) and I both agreed that the Guac had just the right amount of zest, and was perfectly seasoned. The only thing I would say was that it would’ve been better if the tomatoes and red onion were diced even finer than what they were and…maybe be a little less stingy (I love me some red onion, alright!) The corn chips were warm and moreish, making it evident that they were obviously fresh. Definitely a must order. The dish itself wasn’t heavy or particularly filling, so it was a nice little pick me up. 

As I had mentioned, the restaurant itself is tiny, but offers bar seating. Not that I’ve ever been, but it is exactly how I picture ‘Mejico’ with all the mosaic tiles, different types of tequila and of course amazing food.

So they only really offer burritos, that can also be served as a salad and some interesting looking dishes that was sitting on a bed of chips (need to go back to find out what that was) but we just decided to share our burritos. The first was the Cochinita Pibil: Super slow roasted shredded pork with beans, rice, cheese, pico de gallo and added avocado. $13. The pork was succulent and full of flavour and dripped with all of its fatty goodness. The juices did make the whole thing really soggy, and it sort of just fell apart, I’m sure my love for avocado didn’t help as it added to the soggy mess, but it still tasted bloody delicious.

The winner of the day was the California Burrito: The traditional Cali B; steak, cheese, guacamole and fries. $13. Never have I seen or heard of a burrito with chips in it. I always thought of that as more of a greek thing but holy shiz balls it was amazing. The chips gave the burrito a much-needed crunch that the other lacked, and it was so well with the strong flavours. Do not order any other burrito but this one. You won’t regret it.

So my first little experience at Chica Bonita was a fun one. It’s small, cheap, tasty and great for a quick feed.

Definitely one to check out. Laters Haters

Alex