MEXICAN food is a big passion of mine so eating at a well-known chain restaurant was never going to be filled with excitement for me.

Chiquitos has branches spread across the country, usually near cinema complexes, but its Cardiff eatery is nicely placed in the Brewery Quarter, just off St Mary Street.

The first thing that hits you when you walk in is the random Latin CD on play - an attempt to make things more authentic, no doubt.

However, music wasn't going to be put me off - I was starving so hit the main course straight away and ordered the chilli beef burrito although the fiesta nachos starter covered in cheese, jalapeno peppers, guacamole and sour cream looked tempting.

My partner went for the steak fajita, which sizzled its way impressively on to our table.

My meal came with some fried beans and the flour tortilla was smothered in sour cream.

Both dishes - and I say this as a lover of 'real' Mexican food - looked the part and tasted excellent.

I polished it off with a bottle of Corona - complete with a slice of lime, of course - but was too full for a dessert, although those with a sweet tooth will definitely be tempted by the waffle toffee crunch sundae or some traditional fried ice cream.

The bill came to a reasonable £25.85. The staff were friendly and overall the food was very good - in fact, a hell of a lot better than I was expecting.

Mark Templeton