Fiesta Mexicana

Tostada, Un-fried Quesadilla and El Nido

When I said that yesterday was Taco Thursday, I wasn't joking.  I had tacos for lunch, and tacos for dinner.  The best part about it is that I had amazing tacos for both meals.  Taco Bell got nowhere near this belly.

This time I'm writing about Fiesta Mexicana - a restaurant I've been to roughly 100 times.  Since I had it last night for dinner, I figured I might as well give them some official props.  Fiesta Mexicana is a hole-in-the-wall joint in Rosedale located at 8304 Philadelphia Road.  The place and location don't look like much, but just like a person, it's what's inside that matters the most. 

Once you walk inside, you'll notice the Mexican culture on the walls and the kitchen directly to your right.  You can see everything being cooked here, which is a good thing.  The owners Frederico and Maria (both of whom I've personally known for years) are extremely friendly and can usually be found cooking the food.  The food is all cooked to order as well.  That may cause it to take a bit longer to get to the table, but completely worth the wait as this is some of the freshest Mexican food you'll ever eat.  Fresh.  That's a word you'll use a lot during your meal.  In terms of beverages, they don't have a liquor license so it's completely BYOB.  There are two refrigerators with standard soda selections if you don't want to bring something of your own.  If you're a beer fan, I recommend bringing some Tecate as it goes very well with the food.  Frederico will even provide you with limes!

Ok, let's talk about the food itself.  I can easily say that this is some of my favorite food to eat.  The cheese that you'll find on most of the dishes has a fancy name that I can never remember...but it's special ordered directly from Mexico.  Very creamy, light, and fresh in taste.  There's that fresh word.  I'm going to use it again to describe the guacamole ($4).  I never liked guacamole until I had it here.  Again, made to order and out of this world delicious.  The avocados taste as if they were picked directly and immediately made into the guacamole.  In addition to the guac, another quality appetizer is the El Nido (Top of the picture above - $6).  It's chips with a mixture of meat and black beans.  Simple, yet oh so good.

The entrees are where this place truly shines.  Frederico and co. put their heart and soul into every  dish that they create.  Cilantro and cream are key ingredients to most of them, providing that fresh taste I keep talking about.  Most of the dishes aren't too spicy unless otherwise noted.  If you're looking for spice, all you need to do is ask and they will be happy to provide a plate of sauteed spicy peppers and onions.  Along with your meal, you will also receive two salsas:  Salsa Verde and Salsa Roja.  The salsas are made differently each time, so one could be spicier than the other at different times.  Best thing to do is to try them first!  Salsa Verde seems to feature more jalapeno, while the Salsa Roja gets its spice from red peppers.  Neither of them is an overpowering spice (unless you use a good amount of it). 

Our entree last night is pictured above and was hand-picked by Frederico.  It's one of their Tostadas (usually come in orders of 2 - $7.75) and a Quesadilla that had not been fried.  A dish I've never had before that truly did not disappoint.  The rest of the menu is standard Mexican fare with Tacos ($2.25 each), Enchiladas ($11), Flautas ($8), and the Pambazo ($7).  The Pambazo shines on the menu because it is a "sandwich" of sorts - featuring lettuce, cream, meat, and veggies - with the entire bun having been cooked in salsa.  Yes, it's as good as it sounds.  Throw a little extra Salsa Roja on there for a flavor explosion.  

As I've been listing the prices, you've probably noticed how reasonably priced the food is.  For last night's meal, we had two appetizers, an appetizer Compachano Taco for me (clutch to order a taco before the entree), and the two entrees pictured.  Total price was $27.  For one of the best meals I've ever had, I continue to be shocked by how little I have to pay.  If they ever raise their prices, I will understand completely and still go back weekly.

So if you're looking for a great Mexican meal for little cost, Fiesta Mexicana is the place to go.  You need to try it at least once; even though I know once you do, it'll end up being an immediate favorite.