In our old Montreal, there is a little Mexican village, Casa De Mateo. As soon as we step foot inside the restaurant, we feel the family warmth, as if you were getting off the airplane in Mexico and the splendid hot sun was hitting on you. The mariachis playing vihula, la guitarone and rhythmic violin from table to table every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights created a festive ambiance. Numerous masks, flamenco dresses, hammock and colorful paintings ornate its rustic walls. The employees, in majority from Latin origins, are friendly and dressed in a traditional way.

For appetizer, we ordered the 'Plato Mexicano' composed of nachos, ceviches (small cold fish cubes very well spiced that melts in the mouth), black beans covered with grated cheese and some cactus heart. This plate comes in a generous portion that can fill you up on its own, so be careful to leave some space for what is to follow. Next to us, our neighbors had ordered fresh guacamole, so fresh that it's made next to your table to satisfy everyone to their own personal taste. Add a little more garlic, onion or the spices you prefer.

For the main dish, we had the Red Snapper, a salted fish overflowing with flavors that will satisfy the mouths that knows how to appreciate seafood at it's best. The plate is served with rice and an avocado filled with a spicy sauce. My recommendation is the fajitas. Casa De Matéo is the Mexican restaurant by excellence for this dish. It comes in a mountain of strips of chicken, beef and shrimps. The tortillas are rolled and cooked on the spot (we can't complain about the freshness of the food). The waitress actually took the time to change them after the Mariachis came to sing at my table to make sure they were hot. If that's not service…!

To end the journey, we had a 'flamed banana' for desert… yes, you've guest, they are prepared at your table. The lady puts a ice cream ball in your plate that she surrounds with flamed bananas with white rum, cinnamon, vanilla, and covers it all with hot honey. Don't wait for it to melt!

By now, you are full but you know that you will be back in a near future since 'Mi Casa Es Tu Casa'.