LAS IGUANAS | FOOD REVIEW
1-4 Castle Square, Swansea. 01792 930565 / www.iguanas.co.uk
Purpose-built at the very end – or beginning, depending which way you come in – of Wind Street, overlooking the square, Las Iguanas’ 43rd restaurant is now open. The concept remains the same: the menu has changed slightly over the years and their cocktails are still made with their own Magnifica cachaça from their plantation in Brazil, and still a winner. They’ve gone for the industrial look, which appears to be still in vogue – high ceiling, bright colours, open pipes and brickwork which, while trendy, does make the Swansea restaurant an energetic setting.
To the menu, and we started with calamares in cayenne and cassava crumb and Albondigas Patagonian-style lamb meatballs with apple, mint, parmesan and nutmeg. These were followed by the classic chicken fajitas and churrasco skewers, plus marinated, skewered and flame-grilled fillet steak, red onion and peppers with honey peri-peri sauce, salad and cassava fries.
Mains were followed by dulce de leche macadamia cheesecake (creamy vanilla cheesecake with roasted macadamia nuts and dulce de leche sauce) and tembleque (a chef challenge winner from the Las Iguanas team – creamy set coconut pudding with mixed berries and mango sauce). The desserts perfectly offset the spicy, feisty starters and main courses.
Las Iguanas has its niche and delivers it. Expect a party atmosphere, plenty of caipirinhas (which you may be asked to make at your table), and a great, lively venue. If you are looking for a fun night out, you have arrived.
words ANTONIA LEVAY
