cantina by cascabel

I literally just read this tweet: "Mexican food is unbelievably regionalized. To call one city 'the kitchen of Mexico' is inaccurate, there are a nearly a dozen." I couldn't agree more, despite the fact that I'm not sure to what/whom Adam Goldberg was responding. I also believe it's undeniable that the majority of Americans adore Mexican food, no matter what version they're accustomed to.

My dad, on the other hand, rarely seeks out Mexican restaurants. He was born in the countryside of Jalisco, one of the 31 states of Mexico, and is often disappointed in the adaptations of his native cuisine. It should also be noted that he's the kind of person who only believes things are great if he likes them. If he doesn't like something, it's obviously just bad. I get my affinity for exotic flavor from my mom.

Anyway, now that you know all the important information :) the point... I've been meeting my dad for lunch in my neighborhood about once a week since he's been conveniently working nearby. I love being able to spend one-on-one time with him (and expand on my Upper East Side palate.) This past Friday, I insisted we try Cascabel, one of the highest rated Mexican restaurants in the area.

For whatever reason, we ended up at their sister restaurant, Cantina de Cascabel, instead. Thoughts? Guacamole, mediocre. Hot sauce, fantastic. Baja Fish tacos, perfect. My dad didn't love their Pollo Chipotle Burrito, but he was thrilled they were serving Captain Lawrence, and at happy hour prices. 

Thanks for being open minded enough to treat me to the casual, Southern California-style Mexican lunch, Dad. I cannot, cannot wait to share a more authentic meal when we're in Mexico at the end of December.