Handsome Devil

It has been said that you will find what you are looking for when you stop looking.

I got an invite to join a friend for dinner this week. This is my fairly new friend, Ann the IG. While Ann and I only recently met, we have a frightening number of things in common and are fast becoming very good friends (I'd like to think). Anyway, Ann suggested that we try a Mexican place called Guapo's near her apartment in Tennleytown.

Readers, you know how I feel about Mexican food. You know I have looked and looked for a place that could meet my needs for yummy tacos and to-die-for quesadillas. How successful was Guapo's? Well...

I first noticed the large outdoor deck on the front of the restaurant. It was packed with people but as it was so beautiful out yesterday I really hoped we could get a table. As I waited on the sidewalk for Ann the IG, the next most noticeable thing about Guapo's struck me: the smell. Guapo's smells so good I was really temped to pick things off the deck dinner's plates while they weren't looking (I didn't). Needless to say, my hopes were getting pretty high.

Once Ann the IG arrived we were told there was a 10 minute wait for an outside table. No problem, we went to the bar to wait it out. The very friendly bartender informed me that they had a myriad of cocktail choices, including Sangria. I said yes to the Sangria and boy was I happy that I did. While Guapo's Sangria is a little stronger and less fruity than what I would make myself, it was really very good; ruby red served with little chunks of fresh apple floating in it. Yum!

Reader, perhaps I should pause here to note that I drank that Sangria through a straw, hence I was maybe a little intoxicated for the rest of the meal. I don't think it effected my judgement, but I would be remiss if I didn't at least warn you.

When we were called a few minutes later for our table we were escorted outside to the deck. Tables here were jammed together so it really felt like sitting family style- it was absolutely clear that we would be getting to know the people sitting next to us. Luckily for us, the people sitting next to us were FABULOUS! We were greeted by two guys playing Scrabble who apparently go to Guapo's all the time. They know the menu back to front and were eager to assist us in making our selections (as long as we promised to help them cheat at their game). We couldn't have been more pleased with our seating arrangements. Although our Scrabble playing friends left before we were finished with our meal, it really did feel like they were old friends by the time they left.

Despite the recommendations of the Scrabble Boys, I went with the tacos- they just looked too good to ignore. Everything at Guapo's is clearly very fresh. Pre-meal the table is served with the standard chips and salsa, and I have to say that salsa was unbelievably fresh! And good! The tacos were served with some of the best Spanish rice I've ever had. It was sticky and flavorful, with a few veggies dotting it here and there. The beans were not your usual Mexican restaurant beans-from-a-can, and were very mild and tasty. The tacos were PERFECT! They were full of cheese and veggies and tender meat and were served with just enough sour cream.

One of the young men who replaced our good friends the Scrabble Boys ordered the enchiladas and I made an immediate note to try those next time- they looked awesome.

Now, I've been advised that Guapo's is a chain, but that Tennleytown is the original and the best. I don't doubt it and I don't plan to test the theory. Now that the weather is gorgeous again, you can find me on the deck at Guapo's in Tennleytown, hanging with the Scrabble Boys and drinking Sangria through a straw.