I finally got around today to trying Azteca for lunch. I'd been meaning to for more than a year now. I think I was putting it off because, as much as I want to really like it, everytime I have Mexican food with even the barest hint of authenticity (even in Mexico), it's never quite what I want it to be. That's probably because as a stupid American, I am programmed to want some Tex-Mex crap.
What an adorable little place; I'm glad I didn't wait for it to go out of business before working up the courage to try it, like I did with the Peruvian restaurant that used to be across the street. Nestled in another of the ubiquitous strip malls that litter Route 9, once inside, you find yourself in a significantly more festive place than the exterior would suggest. The walls are adorned in orange and red hues, with murals of plains and mountains scattered throughout. There is a wooden miniature Mayan pyramid at the back of the shop which looks as though it may have been built with a purpose in mind (such as storing glassware), but makes for an interesting decoration. There is plenty of seating. When I went in, there was a good sized group of actual Mexicans eating, which, according to the rule of Chinese restaurants, augered well.
Not desiring the most authentic experience, I inadvertently got one. I ordered the Torta Cubana, described as consisting of ham, eggs, and marinated pork, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, avacado, cheese, and mayonaisse. Eh, almost. Served on a fresh bolillo and loaded with queso blanco, in addition to the above, this monster also had refried beans and strips of poblano peppers piled on. I am not a light eater, but this sandwich was almost insurmountable. More than that, it had all the look, taste, and feel of something off the street in Mexico City. I was transported. Referring back to what I said at the start about my feelings toward Mexican food, there were adjustments I would've made. I would have cut down on the cheese, or maybe put on two types totalling the same amount; queso blanco tastes, to me, a lot like mozzarella, and I find too much of either on its own to be a bit rich and overwhelming. The other thing I would've done is forgone the white pants today in favor of something in denim, and possibly focused more on leaning over the table. Should I have cause to walk the red carpet later and were someone to ask who I am wearing, I will affect my Most Interesting Man in the World voice, and proudly reply "Torta Cubana, my friend."
Fries: The above sandwich came with them, unnecessarily, and damn, do they have the capacity to become some of the best I've had. To achieve that, they need to drain a bit more, and they need to be salted. Azteca will have reached the french fry pinnacle if they take those two suggestions to heart.
I have to go now. I have to change my clothes, put something on these stains, and probably take a nap. I will be better prepared next time, and I am looking forward to it. read more