El Mexicano - Love at first bite!
When you live in the South, you can always identify the California transplants by their whining insistence that the Mexican food here is ridiculously mediocre. Not horrible, just not very good. I know. I'm one of those voices.
In Atlanta there are a few pockets where hope remains: a couple of taco places on Buford Highway, a Mexican/Columbian spot in Marietta, and the default far-too-crowded Nuevo Laredo.
Still, the numbers are dismal. And so, when one of my fellow transplants and favorite foodie texts me with a newsflash that she and her husband have found a "legit" spot that I MUST visit, I beat a path to meet her.
The spot? El Mexicano in East Atlanta.
I only had one meal there and I am smitten.
I suspected it was going to be good because the place has very little to recommend itself in terms of atmosphere and yet it was packed!!
Still, the proof would be in guacamole. This is the most important test of a Mexican food spot. If you can't make chunky, perfectly seasoned guac, then your pedigree is in question.
A picture tells a 1,000 words, so read this Exhibit A:Oh my!!!
So, so good!!
Next up Camerones al mojo de ajo- or shrimp with jalapeno and garlic in a butter sauce. The picture doesn't do the flavors justice.Even the side salad was quality - fresh and tasty.THIS place is exactly what we need more of here!!! I can't wait to go back.