When I first moved to midtown Sacramento, there was one restaurant down the street from me that always seemed to be overflowing with people, day or night, any season: Ernesto's Mexican Food. I was told the food was good, but despaired of ever knowing for myself since, as I said, it always seemed to be overflowing with people. Clearly I'd have had to put my name down last week for a table next month. (OK, so, maybe the patio was vacant when it was raining. My point still stands.)

Well, one day, my brother and I decided to brave the crowds for lunch. It was easier to get a table than I thought it would be—we even got to sit outside! Since that first bite of their grilled chicken, marinated and seasoned with spices like Heavenly, Tasteriffic and Muy Sabroso, I’ve been back several times.

Here’s where my review falls apart. I wish I could recommend more than either their grilled chicken Caesar salad or the chicken avocado salad. But I can’t, because those are the only two things I order when I go. I cannot resist them and make myself try something new. I know their tortilla chips are always fresh and hot, served with a chunky salsa and a bean and cheese dip (in separate bowls; it’s not a salsa-bean-cheese concoction). I know the nachos are good, because I’ve stolen some off my brother’s plate. Speaking of my brother, he swears by their fish tacos with its creamy chipotle sauce, not overly spicy but just spicy enough for his high tolerance. I know that the restaurant, which has been named Best Mexican Food by Sacramento Magazine, does not use lard, nor use any animal-based ingredients such as chicken stock in their vegetarian dishes. I am positive that many other dishes on the lunch and dinner menu, such as albondigas (Mexican meatball soup), shrimp ceviche or the fajitas, are delicious; I keep eyeing the strawberry margarita cheesecake on their dessert menu. They also serve up a weekend brunch menu that looks enticing.

But alas. As I was saying, if you wish to know about these other dishes, you’ll have to go there yourself. I don’t know about anything but the two plates I keep ordering. All I can say is, as we move into the summer months, be prepared to fight more aggressively for those coveted outside tables—better yet, get there early. Like last week.—A.C.

Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2008 in Permalink