TravelValue: Restaurants Across The U.S.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

San Fernando, CA: Shiver Me Timbers, This Chubasco Blew Me Away!

Chubasco Restaurant
11220 Laurel Canyon Blvd
San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone number (818) 361-7408
Prices: $$$$

What a great little place! With an unassuming store front in a small strip mall with far too little parking, Chubasco serves top-notch, authentic Mexican food at a very reasonable price.

"A chubasco is a violent squall with thunder and lightning, encountered during the rainy season along the Pacific coast of Mexico, Central America, and South America" (Wikipedia).

With a plane to catch at Bob Hope Burbank Airport just a few miles away in two hours, I needed something quick and tasty. I ordered two crispy shredded beef tacos ($2.25) and a cheese and onion enchilada ($3) à la carte as well as a side order of guacamole ($1.95). They brought me a complimentary basked of fresh, warm chips and some salsa (green or red) to eat with my guac.

The guacamole was the size of a $5 - $6 order at most places and seasoned perfectly and tacos were spot-on with hot, crispy shells, an abundance of shredded beef, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and grated queso fresco (fresh, white cheese). I added a little of the guacamole and some salsa, making these the perfect tacos, the tacos that I have been missing since moving to the Pacific Northwest.

The enchilada had plenty o' cheese and onion, the homemade red enchilada sauce was sublime, a perfect blend of chiles (not tomato) and spices, and it was topped with more cheese and broiled before serving.

All in all, for just $12.50 including tax, this was one of the best values, when it comes to meals, I have had in recent memory. The service was fast and friendly and the place clean although very basic, with just a few small tables and chairs.

CombatCritic Gives Chubasco Restaurant 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Nine Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "U.S. Marine Response To A Verbal Greeting Or As An Expression Of Enthusiasm"

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Seattle, WA: Decent Mexican Food In A Warm, No Frills Setting ... Olé!

El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant

4868 Rainier Avenue South

Seattle, WA 98118

Phone number: (206) 722-1717

Website: elsombreroseattle.com

Prices: $$$$

In an attractive, early 20th Century neighborhood in southeastern Seattle we came across El Sombrero while searching for some chow. It looked simple and inviting, so in we went in.

The prices were fair as was the service and the chips hot, the salsa tasty, and the guacamole ($4.25) decent, although it needed some extra salt - we were off to a good start. My Negra Modelo (on tap - $4.50) was relatively cold, but yummy nonetheless.

My wife had a small Vegetarian Quesadilla ($8.55) that was actually pretty big, so I would not fathom to guess how big the large one might have been. It came with both a scoop of guacamole (still needing some salt) and sour cream (which she hates). I had a bite and it was as good as a flour tortilla with cheese and potato could be.

I had the Tacos Rancheros ($12.25), three deep fried corn tortillas filled with shredded beef and pork, and potato, then topped with loads of lettuce, a little tomato, and not so much cheese. However, they were very tasty and my arteries will never be the same, but those are the sacrifices I must make for my readers. I saved some salted guac for the tacos and was glad I did, while the server brought me some green chili salsa which complemented the tacos quite nicely ... OLÉ!

Being a California native, a 20+ year Texas resident, and a relatively new Portland, Oregon area transplant, I have been completely unimpressed with Pacific NW Mexican restaurants to date, but this experience gave me a glimmer of hope that there might be sunshine on the horizon. Not great by any stretch, El Sombrero was a good find, a decent value, and a tasty treat ... HOOAH!

CombatCritic Gives El Sombrero 7 Out Of 10 Bombs ... More Bombs Are Better!

Seven Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Vancouver, WA: No Bitterness Here, Amaro's Happy Hour Is Sweeeeet

Amaro’s Table

1220 Main Street, Suite 100

Vancouver, WA 98660

Phone number (360) 718-2942

Website: amarostable.com

Prices: $$$$

I was a little hesitant after seeing the exterior of Amaro's Table ("amaro" means "bitter" in Italian), a

small, glass fishbowl environment with modern, minimalist furnishings in the corner of a sterile, boring, multi-story office building in downtown Vancouver. I usually prefer warmer wood tones over glass, steel and concrete, but we decided to give them a try anyway ... and am I glad we did!

They have a reasonably priced menu with an eclectic selection of starters ($5-$12), salads ($6-$16), burgers and sandwiches ($10-$14), and entrees ("large plates" - $14-$26), but their Happy Hour menu (2pm-5pm daily in the dining room) made me very happy! With a widely varied selection of tasty savory and sweet treats, prices start at $3 for House Made Chips and Ranch Dressing or a Caesar Salad and top out at just $5 for a Bavarian Cheese Fondue (with a giant pretzel), Cheeseburger, Fish & Chips, or Flatbread.

We ordered an iced tea ($3 - minimum drink order for Happy Hour pricing) and an (IPA - $5) as well as the Carnitas Tacos ($4) and the Bavarian Cheese Fondue and Pretzel, a Cheese Burger, and Fish & Chips ($5 each). The portions were not very big as we were warned by Stephanie (our server), but appropriate for the price. It was nice to sample several dishes in one go, allowing us to determine if will return in the future. We shall.

The Cheese Burger ($5) looked smallish and very lonely on the plate, a 3-4 ounce patty on a toasted brioche bun with caramelized onion, tomato, pickle and house sauce, but it was tasty nonetheless.

The Fish and Chips ($5) consisted of two small breaded, deep-fried fish filets, a small portion of fries, and tartar sauce. The fish was crispy and very good, and the fries came in handy while chowing down on the burger.

Our Bavarian Cheese Fondue ($5) was rich and savory with a hint of chardonnay and Swiss cheese along with the massive, soft pretzel. There was more than enough fondue to go around for pretzel dipping with a little leftover.

The two Carnitas Tacos ($4) had two large corn tortillas each and were stuffed with shredded pork shoulder in an adobo sauce and topped with shredded cabbage, accompanied by a homemade salsa verde. In my opinion, the tacos were the best value on the menu at just $2 a pop, a relative bargain in my eyes, as well as being scrumdiddlyumptious.

Stephanie was very attentive, efficient and friendly as were her numerous tattooed comrades who greeted us a we entered and said goodbye when we left. The place was nearly empty when we arrived at 3:45 PM, but was packed when we left just before 5 PM, a good sign.

At $42, including tax and tip, Amaro's Table is a definite "TravelValue" and worth a visit in my opinion, whether for happy hour, lunch or dinner.

CombatCritic Gives Amaro's Table 7 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!