17th Ave, Restaurant

Blanco Cantina

Nearly two years ago Blanco Cantina opened on 17th Ave.  To say we were excited for another Mexican option would be putting it mildly.  We have had an influx of Mexican spots (actually since Blanco opened two of them have disappeared) but I think Calgarians have a hunger for it.

First off Blanco comes from the group behind Añejo, The Mission and The Living Room.  They have transformed the space once occupied by Brava Bistro, opening up the restaurant with a rustic vibe and enlarging the patio with, of course, roll up doors.  While the decor is rustic, it is a clean modern rustic with neon signs filling the walls.  The bar of course is a focal point with more tequila options than I’m close to familiar with.

The food menu at Blanco is outstanding, it’s filled with all of the Mexican favorites with a special emphasis put on nachos (these are not to be missed!).  The burritos are huge ($16/$20) with vivid flavours, however I’ve only had them once.  The nachos ($12/$20/$28) on the other hand, we’ve been for three times.  There’s a separate ordering card for the nachos, what size, what toppings, what meat, how about more toppings.  They are huge, and excellent.  I no longer order nachos elsewhere because what would be the point, they’d only be disappointing after these.

On another visit to Blanco we had brunch.  You didn’t know Mexicans did brunch?  Well of course they do, they just do it spicier!  Forgive me as this was some months back.  I had the Blanco Benny ($17) (poached eggs, toasted english muffin, chipotle beef brisket, spicy hollandaise, hash browns, fresh fruit).  I remember it being good, just as described and satisfying, but really just as one would expect it to be.  My wife on the other hand had the Huevos Rancheros ($14) (crispy corn tortillas, refried beans, hash browns, salsa rojo, two fried eggs, crispy bacon, fresh fruit) nothing unusual there right?  Right.  Except this was basically breakfast nachos and amazing.  Do yourself a favor go order this next Sunday.  My daughter had a bacon and eggs with fruit ($12), not actually on the menu.

So here’s where I answer my usual, how is it for kids?  Well there is no kids menu, or high chairs.  However they have been extremely great with my daughter.  On multiple occasions they have made extra effort with her, making her slushy juice drinks ($5) and a cheese quesadilla ($?) .  Taking notice when she wasn’t interested in the world’s greatest nachos (because we were expecting to share them),  so she ordered the Mexican flatbread ($14).  While I wouldn’t suggest their intention is for a “family” restaurant, with a child that can sit and be patient Blanco is a great family spot.