Mexquite Restaurant Review by Kristen & Guy
She Said
Mexican food meets trendy upscale eatery… you can find it all under one roof at Mexquite in Folsom. Not only do they have some really unique Mexican dishes, but they also boast a full Tequila Lounge. The combination and the great cuisine are definitely worth the short drive to Folsom. And if you’re lucky enough to live there already, you have absolutely no excuse for not stopping by.
Our lunch gathering began with the Pachanga Platter off the ‘Entremeses’ (or appetizer) menu. The platter had a tasty sampling from Empanadillas to Chimichanguitas to Volcansitos. Despite the indication that these are ‘small’ servings, the platter is easily enough for a meal. It was perfect for our table of five to share.
When it came time to order an entrée, Mexquite had one of those menus that make you cross-eyed with fabulous-looking options. I must confess, I didn’t even read the entire menu. The first few pages,from the Fajita Salad to the Pollo en Crema were more than enough to make my mouth water. Instead of narrowing it down myself, I beckoned the owner, Mario for sugestions. You know, going straight to the owner is a sure bet that (a) you’re going to find out about the more unique items on the menu, and (b) they’re going to be good. Not just good but the best. He recommended the Rellenos en Nogada, which were two large Bolano Chiles stuffed with Mexican-style ground beef, walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. A little known fact, this is a dish specially created for the movie ‘Like Water for Chocolate’. I opted for his second recommendation the Camarones Chipotle. It was an amazing combination of mild Mexican flavors (the chipotle sauce, garlic and onion) sautéed in shrimp and served over the creamiest cilantro rice I have ever tasted. Aaah, one of those dishes you just can’t stop eating, even when you’re stuffed.
We finished off the meal with a wonderful caramel crepe that melts in your mouth. The experience itself was a great ‘dish’ of hip-hot spot-Tequila Lounge meets regional-Mexican flavors. Mario, the owner, couldn’t have been more hospitable and willing to share the stories of the creation of each dish as well as the restaurant. With a very full menu, kids options, and lunch specials, this is a dining experience that truly is special.
He Said
The restaurant explosion in Sacramento seems to be a popular subject these days, but if you live on the outskirts of the city you don't have to travel all the way downtown for a fun food experience. Our neighbors to the East in the growing city of Folsom can also boast about several new eateries in their area, including the stylish new Mexican restaurant Mexquite.
Whether you go for lunch (as we did) or for dinner, you're sure to have a memorable meal highlighted by that quickly disappearing thing I like to call "good service." But in this case, I'd call it exceptional. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. I never once had to ask for my water or iced tea to be refilled. Mexquite's owner, Mario Astorga, even came by to greet us and to explain how some of the dishes are created (see Kristen's review for one entree's unique connection to a popular foreign film.)
Important recommend ation; go on an empty stomach because the choices are ample and the portions are large. For example, most of the appetizers are large enough to be a meal. We ordered a mouthwatering sampler called the Pachanga Platter which included six different items from the list of entremeses on the menu. I'm a salad-lover, so I ordered the very tasty and appropriately named spinach salad called the Ensalada Popeye. The sweet vinaigrette dressing was a perfect compliment to the spinach, pears, walnuts and goat cheese. I know I've become a broken record when it comes to my love of mole (a sweet and spicy sauce made from chocolate and chiles), but if it's on the menu, I have to order it no matter how appetizing the other entrees sound. The Pollo en Mole Poblano was excellent. A bit more spicy than sweet, but wonderful just the same. Served with cilantro rice and black beans, it was the perfect dish. What room I had left in my stomach went to a few bites of the heavenly creamy Caramel crepe. Haven't I suggested ordering dessert first?
From the food to the service to the gorgeous decor (check out the awesome bar area), our dining experience at Mexquite was fantastic! On a scale of uno to diez, Mexquite scores the whole enchilada.
