what do I know

Well you’re bound to get a few bad restaurants along the road and Los Compadres Mexican is definitely in that category. We stopped off of the Monroe Road exit in Tallahassee on the way home from Louisiana and decided to give Los Compadres a shot. We knew it was risky picking a local Mexican joint, but we’re adventurous so what the hell right? Wow, was this ever the biggest mistake we’ve made.

Upon arriving, the sign says “Under New Management” … I’d hate to see what the old management did. To call our waiter terrible, is an understatement. We ordered a couple beers (~$4), a 4 item combintation of a chalupa, enchilada, taco, and burrito (~$9) as well as another chalupa (~$3), a tamal (~$2), and a side of rice (~$2). We never saw our waiter again until the food was ready and then again when we got the bill. The food tasted as if it’d been warmed over but still cold at the same time. The tamal was what I was looking forward to trying and this was the biggest disappointment. It tasted like it’d be squeezed out of a sausage machine and stuffed with seasoned pork. The corn meal mixture, used to coat the pork, was terrible and, unfortunately, again cold. I doubt a corn husk ever touched this tamal. Everyone at the table pushed their food aside after about 15 minutes and we waited for the bill. Once we got the bill we waited about 15 minutes for the waiter only to find out we had to pay up front. This doesn’t irritate me too much, but we let him know this was our first time in the restaurant, so I was hoping for a little more direction. On the way up to pay the bill I decided to visit the restroom and clean up. There was no way I was gonna clean anything in that restroom. When I entered the restroom I was greeted by toilet bowls filled and covered with crusted vomit (gag). Based on the tourist sized margarita’s being served, and it being a college town, I should have expected this. I ran to the sink, washed my hands, and ran out. When I went to pay the bill, we discovered that we were charged incorrectly (off by $4). By this time I was sick to my stomach and wanted to go, so we took the difference out of the crappy waiter’s tip and fled as quickly as possible.

There are bad experiences and then there is Los Compadres Mexican. When I looked up their location on the map I saw there were a few others in town; hopefully the “new management” didn’t take over those as well. I will admit, it’s possible we caught them on a really bad day, but I doubt it. Los Compadres was awful and I’d discourage anyone who’s traveling through the area from stopping there for what they called “authentic Mexican cuisine”. Someone should tell them that Montezuma’s revenge shouldn’t be included in the package.

Los Compadres Mexican is located at 2102 W Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL.

I try to stay on top of local news but I dropped the ball on this one. The Florida Today reported on Feb 4, 2008 that the Brevard Country Fire Department put out flames at Cantina Dos Amigos. Apparently it was an electrical fire that in the end damaged a large majority of the building. My thoughts and prayers go out to the owners and staff; it’s hard to see to a local business thrive for so long time only to be shut down by an unfortunate accident. Best of luck during your recovery.

I joined my in-laws and some other family members this past week at the local Mexican restaurant, Cantina Dos Amigos. There are quite a few places in the Melbourne area, and Dos Amigos is by far one of the better joints. They’ve got a full liquor bar and we always go on Wednesday for their $1 margarita specials. If you do go on Wednesday’s make sure to get in early, the place fills up fast. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very friendly and the wait staff is always pleasant.

This time around I ordered the Pescado Tacos (~$13) which comes with tortilla soup, spanish rice, and refried beans. The tortilla soup is a bit salty but has some nice vegatables and tortilla strips in a good broth. The rice and beans come topped with cheese, but I usually ask for it without. The tacos themselves come with a great pico de gallo (some nice jalapenos are in the mix) and two soft shell tortillas filled with two big pieces of a white fish, shredded lettuce, and a creamy house fish sauce. The chips are good and the salsa, which is always a good metric of a good Mexican restaurant, has some great flavors and texture (medium spicy).

As a warning, be prepared to wait for your food. The staff and bartenders are really great, but I’ve never been to the restaurant and gotten my food right away. That being said, my food has always been hot. Other items you may want to try are the Shrimp and Spinach Enchiladas (~$13) and the Beef Tamales (~$11).

Cantina Dos Amigos is a place my wife and I regard as a local beach-side tradition in Mexican food. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who is the mood for great Mexican food, or a refreshing drink, in the Brevard area.

Cantina Dos Amigos is located at 990 North AIA, Indialantic, FL 32952.