If you like the way you’ve been treated somewhere, you’ll likely go back, no?

But, how about going to the same place on the same day for seven years straight? And so begins our story…

This past weekend was my friend’s birthday (the guy responsible for this promotion)…and for seven years in a row, he’s been going to the same restaurant to celebrate it.

Now, I know what you’re likely thinking, either your friend is slightly crazy or something about this place MUST be incredible. I’m here to tell you that I’ve been to three of the past seven birthday ‘events’ (because that’s what they become when you go to this place)…and he’s perfectly sane.

In fact, he’s a genious for introducing me to Andale’s Mexican Restaurant at 3211 West Broadway here in Vancouver (Kitsilano) [important note: NOT the Davie Street location].

Cut to the scene as soon as you walk in the front door – you will likely greeted by Enrique (he’s hard to miss/hear), one of the most energetic retaurant hosts/servers I think I’ve ever met.

Once you’ve finished smiling, you take a quick look around and immediately recognize that you could quite honestly have stepped into someone’s rec room from 1985 (minus an air hockey table and record player).

On its own, that’s all fine and good, but it’s hardly enough to keep someone coming back. What’s the magic formula? What has my friend been drawn to? Why are there vegeteable-shaped Christmas lights stapled to the wall?

I’ve thought about it and I think the draw to Andale’s is the way in which Enrique and his crew have mixed atmosphere, music, service, and of course food! Having travelled to Mexico about five times since moving to Vancouver in 2000, I honestly felt like I just rolled up off the beach and into a cantina…a REALLY cool and laid back one at that.

Absolute must-haves at Andales include their Ceviche (prounounced: se-vee-shay) whichis kind of like a mexican salad/shrimp/seafood cocktail of sorts and of course, their FAMOUS fajitas (steak, chicken, seafood, vegetarian).

One common theme across all of their dishes…they come in one size…huge. Be prepared to take stuff home.

As I said before, when you go to Andale’s it truly is an ‘experience’. It’s loud, it’s fun, it’s authentic…and it’s the best Mexican food in Vancouver, in my view, Sombreros down.

darren