By Java and Dune

Showing posts with label Mexican. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mexican. Show all posts

Monday, November 22, 2010

Red Mesa

4912 4th St. No., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 527-8728

Okay, I love to dine at the original Red Mesa (not to be confused with their Cantina of the same name)....that is, when I can get in. Twice we've given up and left those loyal followers still waiting on the porch for diners within to relinquish their cozy table and sangria for that lonely ride home. I love those southwestern flavors that blend together so well, those black beans, cilantro, jalapenos, chorizo sausage and chipotle. My personal favorite is the Chilis Rellenos, long green peppers stuffed with either steak and chile verde or jack cheese and salsa roja. Vegetarians can do well here. This is another place that challenges you to make that hard decision...today do we want to have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Red Mesa? Mornings try the Huevos Rancheros with some black bean chipotle sauce...Yes!
Another plus is the pricing. The menus are all so extensive that you will find a tasty dish in your price range. There's also a Sunset Menu for $14. Don't expect fancy, it's showing a few years of wear and tear. The bar stools are always taken and there's plenty of chatter, but try it if you haven't already. This Mexican food is delicious.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Red Mesa Cantina

128 3rd St. So., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-896-6372

The English translation for Cantina is 'bar'. So....how important is the food?
Not very. This place is all about ambience. The entrance is in a lovely courtyard hidden behind a brick wall on the corner of 3rd St. and 1st Ave., downtown St. Pete. It's not too hard to find, just listen for the sound of the happy hour crowd. Yes, it's 2 for 1 from the bar located even further inside where there are alot more tables and happy people. The menu consists of the usual Mexican fare; tacos, cerviche, tortas, ensalada and more and it's not bad. I had the chicken tacos, which arrived open faced so they were not hot and could have used a little more seasoning but my friends were happy with their choices. One had the mahi mahi torta and the other consumed an entire El Gordo, a very 'fat' burrito. Everything we had was under $10. The chardonnay, 2 glasses for $6 was surprisingly delicious. I will definitely return.