Another "gem" is Chipparelli's in Little Italy. It is about a 10 minute walk, but worth it! They have an incredible house salad! Their entrees are big enough for two and then some. We will each order a salad and split an entree between us. Prices are fair and the food is heavenly!
We have also found that you can get excellent "pub grub." There several pubs in our area. Can't say that we have ever left a place unsatisfied. James Joyce has the best Beef/Lamb stew around.
Now Mexican is another story. There are a lot of Hispanic/ Ecuadorean Restaurants on Broadway. We wanted to go for Mexican yesterday afternoon after church, so we set out to find a place. We went by several, and for one reason or another, we decided on Santa Ana Restaurant. We walked in, and all heads turned our way! Ever feel like you wish the floor would open up and suck you under? Sure felt like this yesterday. The second indication that we may not be in the right place, was that no one spoke English, at least to us! After asking the hostess if we should seat ourselves, I knew this was going to be a difficult process. Se hablo Espanol? No we both chimed in. There was an awkward silence. We finally ordered drinks, but when it came to the menu, we both decided, we were just there to "wet our whistle", so to speak. We paid the bill and left, still hungry, but not thirsty! We ended up across the street at a Chinese eat in/take out place. Which was very good, and cheap. We will definitely go there again.
The conclusion we have come to, as this was not the first "Mexican Restaurant" up here that we have tried, with the same results, is that these restaurants are not here for "gringos" to go and eat....they are here for the Hispanics to go to. They pretty much stick to their own culture here. Maybe that is the way it is in larger cities.
All I know is, in Saint Mary's County......You can get a real good "feed" at Salsa's, Monterey's or Fiesta Cafe....And they appreciate your business and want you back!
So Much for Eating Mexican here!
