If I were to compile a list of my favorite foods, Latin American foods would be very well represented. Those flavors really bring me back to my childhood, back to when my mother would have me set the table after cutting up onions and peppers for her. I consider it a blessing that my mother was such a great chef. I grew up eating a lot of traditional Latin American foods like arroz con pollo and bistec palomilla, and, thanks to her, I find myself making very similar dishes to this day.
There is a good amount of Latin restaurants in Tallahassee, but Mexican restaurants reign supreme. Mexican joints like El Jalisco, Los Compadres, Los Amigos, Morelia's and all the others more than fulfill my cravings for enchiladas and 2 for 1 margaritas. It's a great idea to go with a bunch of friends to these places and have a few drinks while planning out the rest of the night.
Whenever I go to any Mexican restaurant, I always get the enchiladas verdes. It's my favorite Mexican dish and I've grown to expect a fair amount from it. Some places don't season the beef enough and expect the sauce to carry the dish. That being said, at El Jalisco's, their beef enchiladas verdes are my favorite in town. Their salsa verdes is by far the best green sauce I've had. Its tangy flavor adds a delicious zip to the seasoned beef and flour tortillas. I often question why I don't bring a jar to the restaurant and ask them to top me off. It'll be great to have it at home to spruce up every meal.
Los Amigos has an amazing bean dip that has Monterey jack cheese melted on top of it. This appetizer is delicious and there is a lot of it. For those wary of overly cheesy dips, the Monterey jack base keeps it mild yet tasty. Of course it sets the stage nicely for the tangy tomatillo sauce for the verdes, but their chili con carne is a great bet as well. It's meaty and has a distinct sweetness to it, which is a little different than a conventional chili. I'd recommend that as well.
Having dinner with a group of friends is always a great time, but taking that experience outdoors and adding some very gracious drink specials, I can't think of a better way to start the night. The outdoor areas at El Jalisco and Los Amigos have a great atmosphere and offer a good place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. El Jalisco's covered seating area is a safer choice for those days that look like rain, but on those clear nights, the Los Amigos on Apalachee has that beautiful night sky to enjoy.
Los Amigos has live music at each of their locations on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're into having a fun time dancing, I'd recommend making it out to one of those nights. I'd bring my dancing shoes and wait till after a couple of drinks before I bust a move though. Nothing is worse that getting shy on the dance floor.
Tags: Dining, Food, Mexican, Tallahassee
Pedro SemperteguiPedro Sempértegui is a recent graduate of Florida State University's English department. After growing up in the quiet suburb of Coral Springs, Fl, he moved to the capital to pursue writing. Since Tallahassee's nightlife has introduced him to new music, awesome food, and delicious microbrews, it's only right that tries to pass on that knowledge.
