🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4088b1f4.1538882@news.dallas.sbcglobal.net>, Simon Belmont
<123@abc.xyz> wrote:

> On Wed, 21 Apr 2004 09:41:55 -0700, Tim May  wrote:
> 
> >I still have fond memories of this, and when I was last visiting him at
> >his place in Manhattan Beach, I suggested we try the Acapulco in MB. It
> >was not as good as my memories of the San Pedro location, though much
> >more crowded (and with more annoying mariachi music). 
> 
> You probably enjoyed the first time because of the and time and
> place. I have eaten at the Acapulco in San Diego (off Mira Mesa
> or something?)  I should say we ended up there because it was
> getting late and they're open late. The place was crowded and
> loud, and when we asked the waitstaff if it was always like that
> they said that they are a sort of  "club" at night, so I guess that
> explains that. The first thing I saw on the menu that tipped me
> off we were in the wrong "mexican" joint was chicken wings...
> Worse yet, I think the menu even called them "Buffalo Wings".
> 
> Someone in my party took my criticism as a taunt and ordered them.
> That turned out to be a mistake, since they were not tasty upon her
> initial bite and then she noticed that it was undercooked. We had to
> send the health-code-red wings back. And since our food would be
> arriving soon we did not seek a replacement. I ordered fajitas, and
> that was yet another mistake. The cook had cut the meat (I assume
> they had the sense to use skirt/flank steak) the wrong way. If you
> don't slice that cut of meat perpendicular to the muscle's grain, you
> end up with tough slices that yank out of your rolled up fajitas and
> are subsequently tough to chew. The best fajitas I had experienced
> in CA was at a Red Onion location in the LA area (I wanna say off
> Santa Monica?) Note I didn't say they were excellet, just that they
> were the best I've had in CA. Chain mexican will always be just that.

We've all had such difficulties at numerous places.  And frequently the
louder and the "more of a club" they turn into the more inconsistent
the food and service.

As a side note, despite my carping about the entire "big plate"
marketing (which is certainly not limited to Mexican food), I should
say that I think El Torito, for consistency of food and service, is
absolutely stellar. I note thte same personnel has been working in a
number of them for many years.  My Mother-in-law and a sister-in law
frequently requests El Torito, in two different locations (Tustin and
Fashion Island).  I'm not sure I haven't been pleased with the place
every time--for what it is.

-- 
First they gerrymander us into one-party fiefs. Then they tell us they only
care about the swing districts. Then they complain about voter apathy.
 -- Gail Collins