First off, I didn’t spell it wrong, that’s how it’s spelled in Spanish. They have two n’s – n and ñ. It’s important to pronunciation.
OK – on to what we’re here for. We had dinner there last night, not for the first time. This place serves, in my opinion, the closest thing to “authentic Mexican” food as you will find in the area. I should qualify that statement by telling you that Irene and I used to live in Mexico; in San Carlos, Senora, United States of Mexico. Yes, that’s really the country’s name. Irene is Mexican, but like most Mexicans, not really.
This calls for a bit of a civics lesson. Mexico is a beautiful and interesting country with a colorful history. My statement that most Mexicans are not really Mexican is true and not true. While they are “Mexican Citizens”, their heritage reflects much more. Many are Mestizos; people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Many are descended from those indigenous people. There are 69 “official” languages in Mexico. My lovely wife, for example, traces her heritage back to Mayan and Navajo ancestors. Her 3X Great grandmother, who was married to an associate of Pancho Villa, was run out of the U.S. after attacking a woman with a knife who flirted with her husband. Which is why it is genetically unwise to piss off my wife.
But G you say, all I really want to know is how was the restaurant? I’m gettin’ there. It’s decorated with a mix of portraits of famous Mexicans, and depictions of Latin American culture. Like virgin sacrifice. Honest. Mariachi and Tejano music play in the background. They have a bi-lingual staff. Personal belief – never trust a Mexican restaurant where the staff doesn’t speak Spanish.
We both ordered Horchata to drink. It’s a good sign that they have it. If you are not familiar, horchata is a traditional Mexican beverage made from rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. It was served in 32 oz mugs – that’s a lot.
The tortilla chips they serve seem to be homemade and much better than the typical mass-produced ones. The salsa that comes with them is spicier than that typically served in the U.S, but not overly so. I asked for a salsa picosa, or a real hot sauce, typically made from jalapeños or habañeros, and they had it, and it was very hot and very good.
(Mexican restaurant dining tip: if you have horchata and get surprised by something really hot, take a drink of the horchata, it will help neutralize the capsaicin from the pepper. Drinking water will only spread it and make it worse.)
Irene ordered Carne Gorditas, and I ordered Carnitas. There was a bit of a mix up and I got chimichangas, but it was fixed and exchanged for the correct item quickly and courteously.
My carnitas were excellent, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. They were served with rice, beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. The beans were definitely not of the canned variety, made in house and very good, as was the rice and pico. The guacamole was also homemade, thick and creamy.
Irene was served three gorditas which were wonderfully overstuffed. The carne was well seasoned and beautifully complimented by the salsa in them.
The portions were very generous. We ended up taking home one of her gorditas and most of my rice, pico, and guacamole.
The fare – gorditas $16.95, carnitas $15.99, horchata @$6.00. Total dinner for two – $45.94 plus tax and tip.
All in all, a very enjoyable experience and an excellent meal.
Señor Jalapeño is located at 2451 U.S. Highway 27 North, South Avon Park and is open Tuesday through Thursday: 1500 – 2100, Friday & Saturday: 1100 – 2200, Sunday: 1100 – 2000.
