Tacos at En Su Boca

The first time I went to En Su Boca for lunch the place was a madhouse and nothing except the cocktails were up to snuff. After many, many months, I went back for lunch. The place was still busy and understaffed, so service was slow. But the tacos had more flavor and the portions seemed much more generous. I definitely enjoyed the Carnitas and the Carne Asada on this return trip.

Since the tacos were only $3 a piece, lunch was inexpensive and filling.

En Su Boca

On a hot August Saturday we had lunch at En Su Boca or the Taco Porn Shop. So glad to see the evolution of the adult bookstore into a cute oasis off of Boulevard.

On this day, it was crowded. Every bar stool was occupied. We were seated at a two top. Later on, we understood why this strip of tables were the last to be filled. They sit directly under the HVAC conduits and it was so humid/hot that the vents dripped. You are now warned and can strategize accordingly.

With an eye on where the condensation landed we ordered a cocktail. The Teeny Weeny Hot Bikini was a pink concoction containing Espolon Reposado tequila, watermelon, basil, agave, and lime. The watermelon was very refreshing, although I did not really taste the basil. Still, En Su Boca utilized one of my favorite tequilas, and I would gladly order it again.

We also ordered chips with three different salsas: roasted tomato, tomatillo verde, and grilled habanero. The chips were not gratis, but understandable with the not-your-average salsas. My favorite was the tomatillo verde. The chips were not your average chips either; more like fried tortilla wrappers. Very satisfying.

Burritos and tacos dominated the menu. The tacos were priced individually with discounts for ordering four or more. Four tacos seemed a bit much, especially after chowing down on chips. I ordered three instead; it turned out to be the right choice for lunch. And I ordered a variety: Marinated Grilled Chicken, Slow Roasted Carnitas, and Carne Asada.

The chicken didn't taste very grilled. A bit bland really. The pork was decent, but did not bowl me over. The beef was the clear winner. Great flavor with the right amount of spices. When I return, this is what I will be ordering.

I like the spot. It's cute. I will be judicious in where I sit in the future. And I'll continue to enjoy the tequila choices, the carne asada, and the chips.

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor Maine

We enjoyed visiting Bar Harbor, Maine. Lots of shops and restaurants. During September, as long as a cruise ship wasn't docked, the town was peaceful. Acadia National Park was nearby. All of the elements to make a great vacation spot for us.

In this post I will focus on the places we ate at. All of these places I would recommend.

First up is Jordan Pond House located within Acadia National Park and the only one that we drove to. We attempted to get lunch there a couple of days and the place was so packed that we opted for somewhere else. We did take advantage of the afternoon Tea and Popover service. A pot of tea of your choice served with two piping hot popovers along with butter and strawberry jam. Delightful.

Another lunch spot that would also be great for dinner is Blaze. They have the only beer that I can really tolerate on draft: Franziskaner. We shared lobster tacos and a tomato and basil wood-fired pizza. We sat outside and enjoyed the sunny weather.

We discovered a from-scratch bakery for breakfast called Morning Glory. Lots of locals hung out here, too.

For dinner we visited four very different places and had a lovely time at each one.

Mache Bistro is a tiny French restaurant and very popular. We were very fortunate to obtain a cozy table for two after a brief wait (long enough to order a glass of wine). We started with Marinated Olives and then proceeded to devour Beef and Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes and Duck Confit over Creamy Polenta. The wine was a Saint -Emilion from Bordeaux. Dessert, a shared Creme Caramel. An awesome meal.

The following evening we trekked to The Looking Glass Restaurant. It was just out of town and up a steep hill. A bit dark walking back to our hotel. The place itself was a large octagonal structure with blond wood and glass all around. The patio also had a fire pit. During daylight hours, the view should be stunning. Since we worked so hard getting there, we started with a Manhattan. Then had House and Caesar Salads. A Simi Cab was ordered for dinner and our entrees consisted of a Mixed Seafood Grill (scallops, shrimp, and lobster tail) and Filet and Lobster Tail (special for the evening). To fortify us for the walk back we finished up with an Irish Coffee. Wonderful food and a great place for folks who want more of a traditional menu offering.

The next night we decided to try this Italian place tucked a couple of blocks away from the main drag called Mama Dimatteo's. The place was not very busy, but the menu looked decent, so we took a chance. We ordered a Beronia Rioja for the meal and had traditional Italian dishes - Bucatini Bolognese and Veal Parmesan. Both well executed and tasty.

Our last night we spiced it up with a trip to Havana. As the name would lead one to believe, the space is colorful and airy. I had a true rum and cola with a Mexican Pepsi (made with sugar instead of corn syrup). We then ordered Lamb Meatballs and a Cuban-influenced Tuna Torte with Crispy Chips for appetizers. To enjoy with dinner we ordered a Stag's Leap Petite Syrah. For entrees we had Seafood Paella and a Filet Mignon with Chili Peppers. To end our meal we splurged on a flight tasting of ruby port: Ferreira 2000, Warre's 1997, Churchill's 1994, Warre's 1980. What an incredible opportunity. We have seen port flights before, but never a vintage flight. And a 1 ounce pour of each was only $22. Our order peaked the owner's interest and he visited our table to chat about port. Sipping wonderful port was a fitting end to our vacation.

Don't ask me for a favorite. I would go back to any of these depending on mood and what I had a hankering for. We were fortunate to find so many places that we truly enjoyed.

Bar Harbor offered us everything we wanted from a vacation spot - natural awesomeness nearby, great places to eat and drink within walking distance. I recommend going during lulls in the season. I imagine the place can be a zoo during peak times and would leave a very different impression.

Plenty Good on the Cheap

Don't Look Back. We went here to eat after watching a matinee of  The Artist at the Byrd. A selection of beers, don't ask me what, since I am not a beer fan. From other reviews and comments I have heard they have decent offerings. An eye popping selection of tequila from the cheap stuff to the esoteric anejos. The menu contains prices (very nice to see) so you know what you are getting into. If you want a margarita, just add a buck for a small and two bucks for a large. Of course, I cannot recommend any of the anejos as the base for the lime green cocktail, those amigos are for slowly sipping and contemplating the origins of the universe. I can recommend the Espolon Silver as a margarita base. While the mix is sweet, the Espolon still shines through. It's important to be able to taste the tequila in a margarita. I need to return to try out the sipping varieties (with DD or taxi in tow).

The food menu is flat out cheap. This is a good thing. Since Nate formerly of Nate's Taco Truck fame is running the kitchen show, we knew the offerings would be delicious. They were. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole. This is not free like many of the other establishments, but I would gladly fork over the $3 bucks ($2 for the chips and salsa and a $1 extra for the guac). Delicious.

I had the Pulled Chicken Taco and the Carnitas Taco, traditional style (lime and cilantro-topped, no cheese). Lovely as ever and since Nate is not at the South of the James Market these days, this is the place to grab these babies. Best of all - only $3 each.

Hubby had the Carnitas Burrito with pinto beans. A huge and tasty dish for only $7.

Yummy and inexpensive (at least if you lay off the agave offerings). Don't think about it, just go.

SOJ 6/11/2011

A hot one today at the South of the James Market, but that did not stop folks from attending. Many thanks to all of the producers who harvested yummy items this past week to have available for today. The weather has been brutally hot. I applaud your stamina!

We picked up a fresh chicken from Ault's (we plan on smoking it tomorrow!); radicchio, Japanese turnips, and garlic from Manakintowne Growers; Yukon Gold potatoes and arugula from Fertile Crescent Farm (picked and washed!); spring red onions from Pleitez Produce; carrots from Bill's Produce; pork chops from Root Force Collective (from year old pigs that foraged on acorns and such in the forest); a spot of tea from Koralee Coffee; iced coffee from Blanchard's (they always have a sugar syrup to sweeten your cold brew - much better than granular sugar); noodles and egg rolls from Tropical Safari; and a pork taco from El Cielito Lindo.

Of course, all manner of other goodies were also available. Tomatoes were beginning to trickle in and beets and other greens were also abundant. As we entered and exited the market, our favorite bluesman, Markiss Blowfish serenaded the crowd and tried to stay cool.

Here are some photos. If you have photos of any of the local markets, post them here.