How to Distinguish a High-Quality Mexican Restaurant
When trying out a new Mexican restaurant, what should you order to tell if the place is of high quality or not? In this article, we will explore this question and delve into some key dishes and elements to look for, such as the cheese enchiladas, chile verde, and authentic Mexican tacos. By paying attention to these details, you can judge the authenticity and quality of the cuisine served.
Ordering Cheese Enchiladas to Assess Quality
If you're deciding on a new Mexican restaurant to try, your first choice of ordering should be the cheese enchiladas. This dish can tell you everything you need to know about the restaurant's quality. Here's what you should be checking:
What kind of cheese is used? How much is used? Is there a choice of type of cheese? Is the cheese properly melted? What sauce is used? Is it made in-house or is it canned? Is it 'chili' or 'mole' or something unique to the restaurant? Does it have chocolate in it? Does it have layers of flavor? Is the right texture achieved? Are the tortillas homemade or commercial? Are corn or wheat tortillas used? Does the restaurant offer chopped onions with the dish?If the enchiladas are great, the restaurant is likely high quality, and you can order almost anything on the menu with confidence.
The Salsa on the Table: A Taste of Effort and Innovation
The salsa on the table is another crucial element to evaluate. While you may not like it, you should appreciate the effort they put in to it. A twist on the traditional salsa can be a great indication of the restaurant's creativity. Red and green salsas are particularly interesting to try.
Chile Verde: A Family Recipe or Subpar Version?
When it comes to chile verde, there are two kinds: the family recipe or the subpar version. For the family recipe, the salsa should be thicker than a thin broth with green chili. It should include bay leaves, cumin, oregano, onions, and the depth of roasted chilis and tomatillos. This is a true chile verde.
The Least Expensive Dish with Rice and Beans: An Insight into Authenticity
When trying a new Mexican restaurant, order the least expensive dish that comes with rice and beans on the side. This helps you evaluate the quality of the side dishes, which can offer insight into the overall quality of the restaurant. Look for peas and carrots in the rice as a cheap filler that has nothing to do with authentic Mexican cuisine. If a Mexican restaurant pays attention to these humble sides, they likely produce good food all around.
Authentic Mexican Food: Embracing the Real Deal
I love Mexican food and am selective about the places where I eat. Real Mexican tacos are wrapped in soft corn tortillas, preferably two, served with cilantro, onion, and lime. Real Mexican food should stick to a limited number of acceptable toppings and avoid the abomination of a crunchy tortilla with only cheese and sour cream. I love authentic tacos that use the meat that the landed gentry wouldn't eat, such as buche (pork stomach), tripas (chitterlings or intestines), beef cheeks, chorizo, and my absolute favorite, lengua (beef or pork tongue).
A good salsa is critically important. It should have some kick, a good hint of cilantro, and should actually cling to a chip. Watery salsas and guacamole can make one weep. Mexican chorizo is almost always a loose fresh sausage, while Spanish chorizo is firm and smoked. A well-executed tacos al pastor, marinated pork cooked as it rotates on a vertical spit, is a delightful experience. And one must not forget the stuffed poblanos!
By being observant and selective when trying a new Mexican restaurant, you can find the true gems among the many options available. The quality of the cheese enchiladas, the salsa, and the tacos can be used as gauges to determine the authenticity and quality of the cuisine served. Happy dining!