Saturday night we had dinner at the newest addition to Northern Liberties, Dos Segundos. Its a northern reincarnation of the popular Cantina Los Caballitos in South Philadelphia. We’ve only been to the Cantina once, but this newest spot seemed to have a very similar menu. We started with a white cheesy scalliony nacho plate, it was delicious, though a bit too greasy. We stayed simple for our meals, Lois had a spicy and hearty faux beef burrito, and I had the vegetarian chimichanga. Somehow I have a hard time believing that a chimichanga is “authentic” Mexican (maybe its my childhood memories of Chi Chi’s and Taco Bell), but it really doesn’t matter, because it was delicious.
The beer menu, at least as published, was mediocre at best. They very well might have had a draft menu that I didn’t see. And I didn’t ask, because my eyes were set on the tequila menu. I’m not much of a tequila drinker, but I’m a sucker for learning about any drink. Particularly when the menu is so thorough and informative. After reading all about the differences between Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo tequilas (Lois was on her second white peach margarita by this point), I opted for the “liquid smoke” flight. It was a 3 glass flight with a tequila from each category, which the menu described as akin to the peaty malts of Islay. With a comparison like that, how could I resist? (For the record, my poor wallet rarely allows my rich tastes to indulge in my favorite Islay whisky’s, Lagavulin and Laphroaig). I probably wouldn’t have made the connection on my own, having very limited experience with tequila, but the comparison was apt. The three tequilas in the flight really did have a subtle smokiness. Even the Blanco, the lightest of the three.
I’m mixed on the dark decor and the layout. Its not the kind of place I could imagine spending hours in. Particularly with the clientèle of this particular evening. But would will definitely go back, if only to learn about, and try more of their tequila selection.
3 comments
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July 15, 2008 at 1:35 pm
lindsey
Remember the first and only time I ever drank tequila?
July 15, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Jonny Rashid
Hrm… I’m not much a liquor drinker; I’m upset to hear about the beer menu. I will check out that place in No Libs soon with Amie, and I’ll tell you what I think. Sounds like the food is great, but the beer list may put it a distant second to Cantina, no?
July 25, 2008 at 9:33 am
Sonya
I despise tequila since my first encounter with it left me incapacitated for days BUT the Cantina makes their margaritas just perfect. There’s the tiniest smidge of tequila taste and they are not too sweet to stomach. I wouldn’t ever make this a beer-stop since the Foodery and Standard Tap are almost next door. I love this addition to the Northern Liberties ‘hood. They’ve done well by me so far!