young.optimistic.brash.: yum. el encanto.

5.27.2011

yum. el encanto.

I am such a sucker for Mexican Food, I love love love it. When the theoretical question is asked “What would you want for your last meal?” most people I know respond with steak and potatoes—not this girl. Give me a plate full of stuffed burritos, fish tacos, Mexican rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa and top it all off with a delicious margarita—salt of course. Luckily for me I grew up in Phoenix—the “unofficial” best place to get Mexican food north of the Border. When the mood strikes you for some delicious, Old-World Mission-style cuisine head north of the Valley to Cave Creek and stop in at El Encanto. This place boasts authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine made daily with fresh ingredients. No you won’t find enchiladas that have been sitting under a heat lamp for hours waiting for you to order it, you won’t find questionable “meats” here; but what you will find is some of the most delicious fish tacos (my favorite!), Pollo Fundido which is a deep fried chicken burrito with fundido sauce smothered on top. What is fundido you ask—well it is creamy, cheesey, jalapeñoy melt in your mouth delectableness. If you just can’t decide what to get, order the fajitas, they are brought to the table still sizzling and they are so tasty. Last but certainly not least- order a margarita “Cadillac” style (floater of Grand Marnier). I am a self-proclaimed margarita snob—my Dad, hands down, makes the BEST margaritas. El Encanto shocked me when I ordered my first and then a second margarita, a rare occurrence for me. Most Mexican restaurants disappoint me with their margaritas and I end up drinking a Mexican Beer, not here. Whether you like them frozen, on the rocks, salt, or no salt, just order one, they are delish! I haven’t even gotten to the ambiance of the place yet- outdoor seating around a pond- or sit inside and admire the pond through the floor to ceiling windows! It’s a great spot for a date, a “ladies night out”, or a family dinner. They cater to it all! Below is a link to their website. nom. nom. nom.