Mexican restaurant to spice things up at Stockland

ALTHOUGH he's never been to Mexico, Rockhampton's Colin Dean wants to celebrate its cuisine in CQ after opening Zambrero yesterday.

One of few Mexican food outlets in the region, owners of the Stockland Rockhampton store, Colin and his wife Michelle, said they chose to open the franchise because of its humanitarian side.

"We've owned carveries, a New Zealand Natural Ice Creamery and pizza places, so we have a background in food and hospitality," Colin said yesterday.

"And every time you buy a burrito or bowl here, a meal is donated through our distribution partner Stop Hunger Now."

Plate 4 Plate is Zambrero's way of providing food to those in need, which distributes it to those in the developing world.

After a busy opening day yesterday, Colin said the quick service restaurant franchise offered healthy Mexican food with a twist.

"It's a modern take of Mexican that's toned down for our palette but you can still spice it up if you like," he said.

"I love (Mexican food), I love the flavours. But I'm also very excited about how we're going to be helping disadvantaged children."

The menu offers burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas made with fresh ingredients.

Colin said this store was one of six he hoped to open across the region.

"We've had a good response so far, I'd say the burritos and the herb and garlic sauce have been pretty popular," Colin said.

Mexican Food Sayings

Nunca falta un pelo en la sopa

Translation: There's always some problem (a hair in the soup).

Meaning: Nothing is quite flawless.

Entre menos burros, más olotes

Translation: The fewer the donkeys, the more cobs (for each).

Meaning: This is said by way of consolation when somebody leaves a gathering. If there are fewer people, there will be more food to go around.

CQ'S INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Some of CQ's tastiest restaurants

INDIAN: Miss India, Punjabi

CHINESE: Ocean City, Happy Sun Yeppoon

THAI: Thai Tanee

ITALIAN: Antonio's Italian Pizzeria, Pacino's

MEXICAN: Crooked Cactus, Zambrero