Studio City by Cali-Mex exudes a distinctly SoCal vibe, with a bright, modern interior. The stylish and eclectic space boasts an ample (and pet-friendly!) al-fresco dining area too.
Mexican corn on the cob ($78): I love this cob! The corn is grilled and coated with Mexican seasonings and cheese. My only issue is there isn’t enough of it…
Aguachile de camaron ($128): similar to ceviche, this dish features fresh prawns, cucumber, onion and piquín chilli. Piquín is a hot pepper known too pack a bunch of heat, but this dish is surprisingly on the mild side, which I was grateful for (there is a time for hot spice, and it’s not at lunchtime).
Nachos grande with grilled rib-eye ($238): we’ve all been there when you order nachos, and instead of getting a plate of fried corn tortilla chips loaded with fresh toppings, you get Doritos (or a bootleg version) with measly fake cheese and salsa. Thankfully, this is not the case at Studio City, where the nachos showcase freshly fried corn tortillas topped with black beans, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, guacamole and melted cotija and mozzarella cheeses. I got mine crowned with grilled rib-eye steak – a job well done.
Verdict
I visited Studio City at lunchtime, and on that day it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine when it’s full, there will be a lively atmosphere. The food was good, not exceptional, but you kind of expect that from a chain. I will return specifically for the three-hour Borracho Brunch (from $495/person), where they have 90s hip-hop (the golden era of rap), free-flow drinks (including Casamigos margaritas) and all-you-can-eat tacos and quesadillas to soak it all up. The brunch is held on the fourth Saturday of the month and must be booked via the link here or by WhatsApping 6050 9332.
56 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, 2889 1696
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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