El Patio Mexicano


El Patio Mexicano

(4 votes)

Written by Claire Saylor

Saturday, April 14 2007

Click to enlarge

Would I go back again? Yes Location: El Cangrejo, next to Power Club Gym FOOD:xxx SERVICE:xxxxx AMBIENCE:xxxxx PRICE:$$-$$$ OVERALL:xxxx

When I first entered El Patio on a Saturday afternoon, I had to both squint and shield my eyes at the same time to adjust to the dim brilliance radiating from every corner. The ambience that has been established here is like something out of Disney's Epcot Center Mexico exhibit, mixed with my favorite “It's a small world after all” ride. I made a quick scan of the restaurant, disappointed that to find that no animatronics were in sight. This was made up for by wall to wall decorations of the shiny, colorful, illuminated and mobile variety. From the ceiling hung star-shaped lanterns, colored flag banners, flower pots, and several shades of bright chili peppers. Tables were covered with bright mixtures of red, green, yellow and checkered table clothes with bottles of house red wine awaiting their inevitable purchase. Through the low lighting – which prevents guests from feeling overwhelmed by it all – the bar could be seen radiating tantalizing shades of gold and red from the back corner.

In a word, the busy authentic character of the place left me giddy. The only quick decision I could make when ordering was, “una cerveza, por favor,” as it was a bit early for tequila. The appetizers and soups ran an average of $6 each, and the entrees ranged from $7 to $15. While all the ingredients were familiar, many items needed to be explained to me and there seemed to be a larger than average representation of the letter “X” in the names of the plates.

My friend and I shared an order of shredded chicken nachos with pico de gallo and a tongue-singeing hot sauce on the side. The presentation of the food was something I had never before associated with Mexican food: beautiful and appetizing! My enchiladas divorciadas (which in essence were chicken-stuffed corn tortillas covered in a slop of melted cheese and two different sauces) were decorated with swirls of sour cream and upright tortilla chips in the center. My friend's batter-fried chalupas were touched up with a simple line of sour cream and a dash of chopped tomatoes and cilantro lining the top of each one, to visually differentiate them from their fried Asian cousin - the egg roll.

All in all, the experience, atmosphere and service were top-notch. The food, especially the nachos, was pretty good but the chalupas were a bit dry and the sauce on my enchiladas was drowned out by the powerful flavor of the cheese. However, with the extensive amount of items on the menu, I will definitely give it another try, and maybe stick to the basics this time. The ambience makes it all worth the effort, even if you only visit the bar, which by the looks of it could keep the entire province of Herrera intoxicated for a good month.