Bisbee Gal Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 Number 4 and Chili Bang share the same ownership, chefs and even some menu items. For us, Number 4 is a spluge meal, pricewise. Chili Bang is a bargain, given it has the same high quality as Number 4. Chili Bang is advertised as a tapas place, but the size of their tapas portions are larger than the other tapas places in Ajijic. We find we order 3 tapas to share at other places, but 2 tapas shared at Chili Bang are more than enough. Last night we shared the Sticky Belly Ribs (they are also on the menu at Number 4) and Holy Basil Chicken...they were 90 and 85 pesos, respectively. The ribs were served with a tangy Asian slaw; the chicken was basically a large salad, with lots of chicken, veggies and greens. Both were substantial portions...probably more meat on the rib dish than you get at most other restaurants for a 'dinner.' The food was excellent...very well seasoned, great sauces. If you really need a starch with your meal, they offer sides...you can get a large order of sweet potato fries for 40 pesos. The menu is large and we've been there 3 times and have ordered several different items and the food has been wonderful each time, as well as good service. I believe there may be a cover charge for live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays...we tend to go midweek. They open at 5PM; closing day is Monday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyn2 Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 We ate at Chili Bang the other night and were very happy with our meals. Because the Chef from Chili Bang won the Chefs competition at the Chili Cookoff, my husband had the chili. He said it was great (and he's pretty picky about his chili.) The meals didn't seem like tapas to me, were more like regular meals. Excellent food, and cheaper than Number 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willieboy Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 BTW, Tapas means "small plates" not small meals. Nope. Tapas comes from the verb "tapar" which means "to cover" or "to put a lid on". The most common legend is that one day King Alfonso stopped at an inn and ordered a glass of wine. The wind was blowing so the innkeeper put a piece of ham over the glass to "cover" it against the dust. When the king ordered a second glass, he also ordered a "tapa" to go with it. In Spain "tapa" does mean snack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doolittle Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Nope. Tapas comes from the verb "tapar" which means "to cover" or "to put a lid on". The most common legend is that one day King Alfonso stopped at an inn and ordered a glass of wine. The wind was blowing so the innkeeper put a piece of ham over the glass to "cover" it against the dust. When the king ordered a second glass, he also ordered a "tapa" to go with it. In Spain "tapa" does mean snack. Of course tapar means to cover. However, in common use "Tapas" are small plates of food. the King Alfonso story is only one of four possible versions of the origin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willieboy Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Of course tapar means to cover. However, in common use "Tapas" are small plates of food. the King Alfonso story is only one of four possible versions of the origin. "Tony Sierra is a native of Castilla, Spain, and has lived in California for 24 years. Tony spent 20 years managing different types of restaurants both in Spain and the US. He has a passion for sharing his knowledge of Spanish food and wines with everyone. Question: What are Tapas? Answer: Tapas are snacks, canapés or finger food. Tapas come in many different forms and can vary from town to town! But, what are they? Tapas can be practically anything from a chunk of tuna, cocktail onion and an olive skewered on a long toothpick to meat with sauce served piping hot in a miniature clay dish. They are served day in and day out in every bar and café in Spain. So much a part of the culture and social scene that the Spanish people invented the verb tapear which means to go and eat tapas!" (from About.com - Spanish Food) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doolittle Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Every 'tapa' I've had in the US, Spain, France, and Italy was served on a small plate. I love 'em! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senor vivo Posted March 28, 2010 Report Share Posted March 28, 2010 small plates,small meals - whatever. We really enjoyed the Chili Bang Bar, especially the fact that they have a private parking lot. It has great decor,excellent service and a very pleasant atmosphere. The food was very good, and nicely presented. We had ribs,[4 meaty ones],and the jerk wings[6],which were really good. The gado gado salad was delicious and surely not overpriced at a a whopping 30 pesos! Being a bit piggy, we also ordered the basil chicken dish, which again was very good,and sweet potato fries. The four of us were stuffed and did not feel at all shortchanged. However, the Cuban band are loud,so good for dancing, not so much for conversation. I am not a fan of Number 4, so was pleasantly surprised at the value we received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Gal Posted March 29, 2010 Report Share Posted March 29, 2010 Where is their private parking lot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senor vivo Posted April 1, 2010 Report Share Posted April 1, 2010 Just to the west of the building - the attendant will wave you in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin K Posted April 8, 2010 Report Share Posted April 8, 2010 We ate there with friends tonight. The atmosphere is very nice - elegant and unusual - you feel more like you're in a sophisticated big city from the moment you walk in. Service was extraordinarily attentive and solicitous. We were only moderately hungry, so between the four of us had seared tuna, vegetables, their signature soup with jerk chicken and the Thai-style chicken thighs. All of the food was superb, and the soup and chicken in particular were appropriately spicy (despite being fusion far closer to real Thai food in flavor and heat level than anything we had at Simply Thai). It's not cheap but there's really nothing remotely as innovative anywhere else at Lakeside and one can't fault the cooking. They have a great Tequila selection and cocktail menu, but no wines by the glass, and the wines by the bottle are poorly chosen and grossly overpriced. Interestingly mostly well-to-do Mexicans rather than gringos dining there tonight. So, not a flawless place but a unique one with many strengths and well worth trying. We'll certainly be back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailor Posted April 13, 2010 Report Share Posted April 13, 2010 We ate there with friends tonight. The atmosphere is very nice - elegant and unusual - you feel more like you're in a sophisticated big city from the moment you walk in. Service was extraordinarily attentive and solicitous. We were only moderately hungry, so between the four of us had seared tuna, vegetables, their signature soup with jerk chicken and the Thai-style chicken thighs. All of the food was superb, and the soup and chicken in particular were appropriately spicy (despite being fusion far closer to real Thai food in flavor and heat level than anything we had at Simply Thai). It's not cheap but there's really nothing remotely as innovative anywhere else at Lakeside and one can't fault the cooking. They have a great Tequila selection and cocktail menu, but no wines by the glass, and the wines by the bottle are poorly chosen and grossly overpriced. Interestingly mostly well-to-do Mexicans rather than gringos dining there tonight. So, not a flawless place but a unique one with many strengths and well worth trying. We'll certainly be back. Unless things have changed in two weeks, 6 of us were there on a Friday night and all ordered wine by the glass. I will have to check it out again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFAjijic Posted April 23, 2010 Report Share Posted April 23, 2010 Unless things have changed in two weeks, 6 of us were there on a Friday night and all ordered wine by the glass. I will have to check it out again. CF We have been to Chili Bang several times now and have never had any trouble ordering wine by the glass, nor do we find anything "grossly overpriced". The food is exquisite, the coctails are fantastic and the welcoming staff flawlessly cater to your every need. You can't beat the prices, and you certainly cant beat Couillard's cuisine. We'd follow him anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newinajijic Posted April 23, 2010 Report Share Posted April 23, 2010 If CHILI BANG BAR's wine and drink prices are like Number FOUR they are overpriced. Why would prices be any different? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobs Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 I looked all over the comments and did not see directions. Please supply direction... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doolittle Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Go down Colon to the Plaza, turn left, it's in the first block on your right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bournemouth Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Go down Colon to the Plaza, turn left, it's in the first block on your right. I think you mean turn right/west on Hidalgo from the Plaza. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doolittle Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 I think you mean turn right/west on Hidalgo from the Plaza. Ooops! Correct, turn right, otherwise you're going the wrong way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 First time last night. Food with Flavor! I look forward to working my way through the menu and identifying favorites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shira Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 Four of us were there tonight. Two shared the crabcakes and said they were very good. Then they ordered a shrimp dish which they also loved. Two of us shared the belly sticker ribs and the wings. Manna from heaven. We all shared a pizza to top off the meal. We had to be rolled out of there we were so full. Great food! Great service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doolittle Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 "There" would be? 4 or ChiliBang? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shira Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 Since this thread is about Chili Bang, there, should suffice to identify what we are talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camillenparadise Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Have to chime in, the crab cakes are sensational and spicy! With the side of gado gado, a perfect meal.... wish they were open for lunch!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newinajijic Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 If they are anything like the Crabcakes served at Number FOUR, they are either not real crabmeat or are full of fillers. Number FOURS Crabcakes were mediocre. We know how Crabcakes should taste, we make crabcakes at home with all crabmeat and some spices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senor vivo Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Your crab cakes sound superb, better than anything any chef in any restaurant in Ajijic could possibly serve - What time do you want us all there for the crabcake cookoff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newinajijic Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 If we knew you, we could invite you, however as a substitute, buy a can or two of California Girl crabmeat. The recipe is on the side of the can. You need Old Bay Seasoning too, just a small amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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