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August 19, 2014
[Cha Cha Laca: fancy a tequila?][1]
Cha Cha Laca: fancy a tequila?

Edinburgh has a while to go before it catches up with Glasgow in terms of the new wave of Mexican restaurants opening but, given current developments, it’s only a matter of time.

The rapidly expanding Pinto group have announced that they are to launch a branch on Lothian Road soon. Meanwhile on Hanover Street, more or less opposite the Taco Mazama that opened on last summer, Cha Cha Laca has just started welcoming guests.

Once Caciopepe, the former Italian restaurant has been transformed into a Mexican complete with some 30 odd tequilas and oodles of cocktails.

According to our chums at STV, Cha Cha Laca (it’s a type of bird) is aiming to be a genuine Mexican restaurant as opposed to the usual Tex-Mex.

Chef from Guadalajara

In the kitchens, Eduardo the chef comes from Guadalajara and he wants to offer what the restaurant terms ‘modern, Mexican, market food’.

As well as ceviche, this seems to translate to a menu packed with tortillas, burritos, taquitos and quesadillas with many options available as tapas portions.

Numerous margaritas; hand muddled mojitos and a selection of potent sounding mezcal cocktails are also likely to be draws here.

The tequilas start at £3.25 for a simple Aqua Riva blanco rising to £11.95 for a shot of Platinum Patron.

‘Arriba!’, as they will soon be toasting on Hanover Street.

[Cha Cha Laca's interior is not plain.][6]
Cha Cha Laca’s interior is not plain.