This opulent restaurant in Grand Bay brings those who cross the threshold within a culinary trip to the South America.  The proposed specialties along with the atmosphere are resolutely festive.  

With its colourful facade, the Iguana Lounge, located about thirty meters from the conference hall in Grand Bay does not go unnoticed.  On the orange walls, the silhouettes of the green cactus which are legion in Mexico stand out.  It's not fussy here.  Crossing the border, or rather the threshold of the door, one will discover a huge hall as much colourful as convivial.  Pictures of traditional musicians with pancho are hanging on the walls.  At the table, a few groups of friends are joking over a few beers.  The atmosphere is resolutely festive.     
And whilst waiting to be lead to our table, the waiter smilingly invites us to take a seat at the shadowed terrace and handed us the wines' menu.  The swinging background music intermingles with the sound of the water that flows from the nearby fountain.  The spot invites one to relax.   We order two "Mojitos." Being both sour and refreshing, this cocktail is prepared from white rum, soda water and crushed mint leaves.      
A Mexican restaurant is never a real one without the tapas.  No need to get worried.  One is also served the Doritos dipped in the guacamole along with the cocktail.  This purée is made from avocado, bell pepper and chili.  Once you start you can't stop.  The guests seated at the next table have ordered a cheesy rissole covered with whipped cream.  We can easily guess of what they think of by their expression.     

Vegetarian meals are also offered

Swayed by the music, a couple dances in the midst of the hall, converted into a dance floor for the occasion.  The barman slightly turn the sound.  To cheer the dancers, the applause that accompany on the music gradually increase the pace.  The Iguana Lounge bears well its reputation whether through its décor or dishes.  The restaurant indeed proposes lively and friendly evenings as well as a refined cuisine.  Which explains well why the spots are full every evening.     
For the main course, we choose the borito.  This typical and tasty dish consists of fine pasta and a dressing made with meat, bell peppers, onions and so on.  All is topped up with a delicious whipping cream.  The restaurant also offers vegetarians dishes so that everyone can taste this excellent cuisine.  You will no longer have any excuses not to eat Mexican when you pop in Grand Bay.    
Here comes the eagerly awaited dessert.  The chef proposes us one of his specialties: a chocolate melting served with pineapple ice cream and a cream puff.  The dessert is a reflection of the dishes offered at the Iguana Lounge: a blend of flavours and textures.  Ultimately, this Mexican restaurant offers an exotic cuisine at an affordable price.  An ideal spot to start a nice evening with friends.    

Written by Guillaume Gouges
March 2008