Chica Bonita, Manly

Remember "back in the day" when you used to go to Manly for fish + chips by the ocean.  And, maybe an ice-cream cone that would end up melting down your arms before you could finish it?? Yeah, I remember those days too...but now there's a new reason to visit Manly. Chica Bonita.

Situated about as FAR as you can get from the beach, Chica Bonita is a tiny hole-in-the-wall serving up tasty Mexican food. You'll find this place nestled in a little arcade off The Corso as you heard towards the ferry terminal.  Not an ocean view in sight, but who cares when the food is THIS good!

I had my heart set on trying their tacos - whose reputation precedes them - but alas it's only burritos on offer during lunchtime. Oh well, we'll just have to come back another time for dinner.

I console my taco-loving-self with a stiff drink as Tara + I peruse the menu. It's a refreshing, yet boozy watermelon margarita ($9.50) for me (or as Chica Bonita calls it "Pink Bits Watermelon"). Tara opts for the cringeworthingly named "Rim Job" ($12.00).  Things got even more embarrassing when the bartender started calling out "who ordered a rim job"?  Dear God, don't order this drink if your here with your mother folks! Never-the-less it's a tasty drink - orange, port with cinnamon + honey on the rim of the glass.

We kick things off with the MASSIVE Veggie Fries ($13.00) - oh boy, were these GOOD! A layer of fries that are seasoned with smokey paprika + lime salt are topped with mounds of melted cheese, black beans, guacamole and salsa. I think it was the spicy, salty fries that really made this dish for me - so moreish.

After our mammoth Veggie Fries we're both glad we decided to share a burrito as these babies are BIG! There are two veggie burritos on offer here, but we shun the regular veggie one for the cool sounding California Hippie Burrito ($13.00) which has all the fixings of the regular veggie burrito (black beans, guacamole, cheese) with the addition of fries. I am wondering why is this called a "hippie" burrito? Maybe as hippies eat fries when they're stoned (I  thought it was Dorritos, but hey, what do I know)? This was a good, filling burrito but I needed a bit of heat in the mix so splashed some hot sauce around quite liberally.

I HAVE no idea what this dessert is called and it's not on the lunchtime menu BUT I spotted it being sent out from the kitchen to a table outside, so I quickly ordered one whilst the chefs were feeling in a dessert kinda mood. Holy smokes Batman, AMAZING! Thick, sweet dulce de leche is snuggled wrapped by a sweet, doughy pasty that is dusted with cinnamon sugar. Totally decadent, and totally delicious.

Chica Bonita is at Shop 9, The Corso, Manly (down the end of a little arcade).  Phone them on 9976 5255.