While I don't live in California I certainly covet a good Mexican meal. I'm on the west coast every few weeks and I always get at least a couple Mexican meals in during my stay.Last week I had one of the best Mexican meals ever - it was real, down-home authentic Mexican food. There was no overly complicated, americanized overly cheesed and sauced chain food. It was the same simple but delicious menu that you'd find at any self-respecting taqueria in California.
What set this restaurant apart was the freshness of the ingredients and the lovely way the food was presented. My chicken tortilla soup - homemade, fresh, with veggies and queso - was served with a side of cilantro, lime wedges and dried herbs for the diner to add according to their palate. The chile verde was devine - it was tender and juicy, not overly fatty - with delicious refried beans and more of the fresh queso. Best of all, the agave margaritas were literally the best I think I've EVER had - including those in Mexico! As much as I like the food, the margaritas were so good I'd go back just for those.
Picante is the name of the restaurant and they are located in Berkeley. The rumor is (and I have not confirmed this) the owners were previously with Chez Alice - not a surprise considering the attention to quality, freshness and detail. They use a lot of natural and organic ingredients, locally and naturally raised meat (Niman Ranch, etc) and are committed to authentic ingredients.But most of all - it was really good. I can't wait to get back there for another Picante fix!
