One of the many challenges with life in Canada (OK, there aren't many at all - it just makes the challenge to follow seem far less superficial) is that it is impossible to get good Mexican food. We both LOVE good Mexican food. We make it a habit when we're in the States to search out a run-down looking restaurant and order a huge plate of food and a few beers. MMMM Hell, sometimes we'll go with the tamales served up from a tin foil-covered cooler at the side of the road.
Yesterday my colleague and I asked the participants in the training session we were in where we could get good Mexican food in Golden. They suggested that we go to a restaurant nearby that was well-known to the local folks - we were told that we could find it because there would be lines of cars heading in.
We drove along Colfax and sure enough saw cars wrestling for parking spots in front of El Senor Sol. To be fair this isn't a complete hole-in-the-wall and it is a part of a small local chair of Mexican restaurants but the ambiance was right, there were lots of folks sipping margaritas from glasses the size of a bathroom sink, and the food smelled good. We were set.
The restaurant quickly passed my colleague's salsa test - it was fresh, had just the right hint of spice, and was loaded with cilantro. We ordered our beers and I ordered a carnitas burrito. When it arrived I realized that I had dinner for 2! It was huge.
(crappy cell phone pic because I neglected to bring my camera into the restaurant)
It was also very delicious. There must have been more than a pound of pork stuffed into that tortilla. In fact, I had to admit defeat before I could finish it all. The carnitas had a crisp on the outside but the inside of the meat was tender and juicy - just as it should be. The spice and flavouring was perfect.
I was a very happy Canadian!
The bill just made this happiness grow - less than $ 40 for appetizers, beers, and 2 mains. My expense account won't be taking a beating on this trip (o far . . .)
I totally get the carnitas, crispy and soft, thing you have going - in spite of this animal not exactly being kosher, I am grateful I don't keep kosher every time I can order carnitas - once of my favorites is the carnitas tostada at our local place.
Posted by: Marcia | June 04, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Love Mexican food! I grew up with it...we are Japanese second generation Texans. Our Christmas meals include sushi with tamales, enchildas and chili. Carnitas....mmmm, mmmm, I'm ready and hungry. Thanks for the photo. I don't care if it's a cell phone pic, it still looks great to me.
Posted by: barb cabot | June 04, 2009 at 09:28 PM
I will start looking for a good Mexican dive in the desert. It never occurs to me to have Mexican food, but I do love carnitas and an occasional burrito (meat and cheese only). As long as they keep the rice, beans and cilantro off my plate I'm good. I also like good chilies relleno.
Posted by: Palma | June 04, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Marcia - apparently i shall need to exp[lore more Mexican spots when I am in CA!
Barb - that is a fascinating combination - but delicious sounding!
Palma - then you'll be able to direct us whe we visit. It must be challenging for a non cilantro, bean, tomato eating person to enjoy Mexican food - no wonder you don't have it often.
Posted by: Jerry | June 07, 2009 at 06:53 AM