Despensa — Restaurant in Howick

Went to this place curious to know what it was like. I am from Mexico and spent years working in Mexican restaurants in NZ, so I am familiar with both, the real deal and the commercial, kiwi/American versions. Both can be good. I am also familiar with what’s on offer in Auckland in this space (some outstanding options out there) , and sadly I have to say I was very disappointed with Despensa. I understand it’s not meant to be authentic, but I just can’t see how the idea of “traditionally inspired and reminiscent of food markets/taquerias in Mexico” translates with what I experienced at the restaurant yesterday. Nothing further from it.

First impressions, a kind of shrine to Pablo Escobar on the wall ( not Mexican by the way) is of incredibly poor taste. Of all the amazing, colourful, Mexican or Hispanic people in history, Despensa chooses this. The glorification of cartel groups is the glorification of gruesome violence. My wife (deeply in love with my culture) wanted to leave because of this, I insisted we stayed to try the food. I don’t believe in “cultural appropriation” by the way, but if it exists, it has to be this, executed with very poor judgement. Cultural elements can be implemented with freedom yet tastefully (look at any of the MEXICO restaurants chain in NZ).

Then, the food.

I was excited to see things like “goat birria” o “horchata” on the menu. The horchata was so thick, served in a tiny bottle. It needs to be thinner, and less milky. The amount of cinnamon was overkill for the size of the bottle. Maybe 125-200ml.

Goat meat is meant to have a very punchy, gamey, distinctive smell/taste. It’s an animal that smells very strongly, and this smell is meant to be part of any recipes having goat or “ chivo” “cabra”. This distinctive smell/taste was completely missing from my goat tacos and from the broth. It almost tasted like beef. I wonder if it was beef?

Talking about the beef, the beef quesadilla was tasteless. Lots of meat, but no flavour. Which is a shame because this type of meat takes hours (ideally all night) to cook. The team needs to try the food they are cooking and season accordingly. No salt and pepper on the tables. No salsa to dip. I don’t remember what the cheese was like either. Great cheese is the most important part of a quesadilla. Queso means cheese.

The prawn cocktail was the best item and even then, the presentation with corn chips is a bit strange. No spoons to eat a seafood cocktail?

Then we had another couple of hiccups like the tacos coming with jalapeños, when the menu didn’t mention they had jalapeños.

Our bill was $94, which is crazy money for the...

I visited this place last night to have our first drink, I had just arrived from Ireland and wanted to have a drink, ordered our drink and then waited a half an hour, staff were extremely rude, and service was terrible. Anyways, I pay and move on to the next pub which is owned by the same owner. Firstly I head in up to the bar and order a pint, and then I put my card in to try avoid the tap surcharge. I then try twice switching between different accounts (credit, saving & cheque) and I can’t get it to work, so I just tap and that works fine, bear in mind it’s my first time actually inserting my card so I wasn’t sure and have never had issues before, go back in 5 minutes later to order another drink, and the bar staff says to me “in my opinion your completely fine but the manager has told me to cut you off, sorry man”. Abit shocked we leave the pub, and again continue to another bar without issues ect. Later on the night one of the people I was with met the people that worked in this bar in another pub, and asked why were cut off, in which they responded “because of the two Irish”. I have to say, in all my 25 years I have never heard a more racist comment, not something I’d normally hear, but anyway - if this is the type of behaviour that the staff get up to, I won’t be...

Yummy adults menu but Kids menu boring and too small.

Visited Despensa as a family of 4 for dinner a few weeks ago. Atmosphere was lively. Margaritas were incredibly tasty! Adult tacos were delicious and overflowing with juicy yummy fillings. We also shared a couple of shared plates as starters which were also tasty. However we were left very underwhelmed and disappointed with the Nina's (Kids) option - 1 small Tortilla with half a dozen tiny popcorn chicken pieces size of marbles , a small ramekin of sweetcorn kernels and small ramekin of mayo. For $12 this was so small and bland compared to the adult Tacos which were $7-$9 each and brimming with colorful and delicious ingredients. Our 7 and 5 year olds were so hungry even with guacamole and chips plus a dessert each purchased. On leaving we did suggest to the waiter the kids menu for $12 could include a drink or icecream. But in hindsight we can only assume Despensa is not encouraging families with children, so if we return we'll make sure to leave...