Picasso's Mexican Taqueria

Lyn Davis: “Mexican food is all about sharing.”

Stratos and Debbie Perakis own Picasso on the Beach in Naxos, Greece, and for 18 years John and Lyn Davis have enjoyed their extraordinary food during their annual Greek odyssey. Over a meal, it sounded simple – why not bring their idyllic restaurant experience closer to home? A genius idea that took lots of work but in December 2014 Picasso’s opened in White River.

“To me, a Mexican restaurant should be all about really good food, a friendly atmosphere and fresh ingredients. That’s how you express who you are,” says Stratos, who, with Debbie, is a partner in White River’s Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria along with John, Lyn, Olaf and Tracey. Stratos visited South Africa for the first time in December 2014 to train the staff, ensuring our local Picasso’s is a chip off the original Grecian block.

While Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria is a little bit of Mexico transported from a Greek Island to White River, the proudly White River owners ensure that they make as much of their menu as possible on the premises and buy fresh produce from local suppliers. “Our produce suits the Lowveld, with avos, limes, strawberries and jalapeños all grown on our doorstep,” says Lyn.

They make all their own tortillas (they specialise in tacos), their own chorizo and chilli poppers. Picasso’s has a range of Antojitos (street food, little cravings) which, together with their hugely popular Churros dessert, are made to share. Picasso’s offers larger platters for groups and their Comida (main meal of the day) menu includes delicious fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, amongst other dishes.

Mexico, of course, is another word for tequila and Picasso’s intends educating White Riverians on the proper way to drink the fiery brew – sip, not down! They offer 20 different tequilas and the good news is that 100% Agave tequila goes a long way to prevent hangovers, especially when drunk warm in a snifter glass.

In a few short months, they’ve gained a following for the frozen margaritas made with fresh limes, and frozen strawberry daiquiris (with fresh strawberries) they serve beautifully decorated with real chrysanths.

Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria is where you go to enjoy freshly made Mexican food for lunch and dinner, while sitting back and watching the sun set over the White River farmlands, and the scenery most certainly calls for one of their delicious cocktails.

Picasso’s has free WiFi for customers and there is a generator at Bagdad, so this is the place to be when load shedding leaves you powerless at home!