Repeat Offender - Elwood

- Fried taco: enjoyable, essentially a taquito; - Patatas bravas: good; - Cauliflower potato croquettes: good; - Jackfruit taco: decent. read more - Fried taco: enjoyable, essentially a taquito; - Patatas bravas: good; - Cauliflower potato croquettes: good; - Jackfruit taco: decent.

The short version: raw garlic. Pungent burning raw garlic is all we can taste in our mouths, over an hour later. No amount of toothpaste is going to mask this f... read more The short version: raw garlic. Pungent burning raw garlic is all we can taste in our mouths, over an hour later. No amount of toothpaste is going to mask this flavour. We started out with some cocktails: spicy margarita and a smoked orange sour. Both were very meh, they both lacked any zing or intrigue. Very forgettable. For food we both got the vegan tasting menu which started out with a plate of corn chips and two mediocre dips and guacamole: some kind of reduced tomato paste and a black bean puree. All of them could have used some spices, salt and acid. Quite bland. Next came the charred corn with chimichurri and saffron corn puree. The first bite we both recoiled due the the salt. We had to send it back as it was inedible, but the replacement was incredible. Amazing flavours. Next came the paella rice bombs. Not sure where they came up with the name, but these are just mushroom arrancini. They were quite tasty. Soft and fluffy inside, crispy outside. We got the truffle mayo on the side and didn't touch it, far too overpowering. Not at all Mexican flavours however. Next was the tomato salad with aji amarillo, basil and olive crumble. This one was ok, the flavour was almost good, just lacked some salt and acid... And some freshness. It tasted quite mellow and polite, and there was no texture at all: just soft on soft on puree. After that we got some bizarre dish of zucchinis stuffed with vegan mince, sitting on red sauce, topped with a strange salad and all drowned in the most potent garlic aioli I've ever had the displeasure to eat. From here on out, we could taste nothing but raw garlic. Next we had a patatas bravas which was functional but forgettable, then dessert of upsidedown mango torta with some kind of ice cream. Neither of us took more than two bites of the dessert, the texture was grainy and it tasted bland, the ice cream was awful and sickly sweet. Overall very disappointing, we live within walking distance so it's a shame the food was so underwhelming. Service was very attentive and friendly, I just feel the (vegan) menu needs a little love and attention. I doubt we'll be back. There are far better options in the area close by for Mexican inspired cuisine (like Ladygreen).

My partner and I came for dinner and margaritas and were so amazed by the vegan options! We are super fussy (he's a nutritionist, I'm a food scientist) and it's... read more My partner and I came for dinner and margaritas and were so amazed by the vegan options! We are super fussy (he's a nutritionist, I'm a food scientist) and it's one of the few restaurants we always agree to come back to and recommend to friends, as food was really yummy and didn't feel unhealthy or heavy. Margs were great too!

Repeat Offender in Elwood offers a fantastic selection of vegan options, including a fully vegan "Feed Me" choice! Plus, the entire menu is gluten-free! I highl... read more Repeat Offender in Elwood offers a fantastic selection of vegan options, including a fully vegan "Feed Me" choice! Plus, the entire menu is gluten-free! I highly recommend it! (Updated from my previous review on July 12, 2021)

I had a fantastic dinner last night with some meat-loving friends. They have a delicious taco made with 'fable,' which is crafted from mushrooms. I highly recom... read more I had a fantastic dinner last night with some meat-loving friends. They have a delicious taco made with 'fable,' which is crafted from mushrooms. I highly recommend it!