Cuisine:

• Catering
• Mexican

El Tapatia Description:
Most Mexican eateries---especially those that bill themselves as "family restaurants"---take the same 15 or so ingredients that are the foundations of Mexican cooking and arrange them into tasty but usually safe and predictable dishes. Maybe that's why it's so refreshing to discover a place like El Tapatio, which manages to serve up the expected array of beef, pork, chicken and cheese dishes with a little extra pizzazz. No, we're not talking "Nuevo Mexican" cuisine, but rather an attention to detail when tackling the basics, like skirt steak cooked rare despite being pounded to a one-eighth-inch thickness for the carne asada; chubby scallion shoots make a pleasantly crunchy accompaniment. A side of rice comes cooked to just the right dry, crumbly texture; it's a bit bland on its own, but excellent when scooped up along with a bit of salsa, refried beans or guacamole. Margaritas are top-shelf and blended smooth. The bilingual staff provides an added touch of authenticity. The décor won't make you feel transported south of the border---although the uniquely hand-painted chairs are a nice touch---but your meal just might.


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