A is for Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant

We sat outside at Avila’s El Ranchito Restaurant on the corner of La Paz and Aliso Creek recently. There was something for everyone a decent value and healthy choices.

It was Tuesday so it was not too crowded. Hector immediately brought us warm chips and spicy salsa. A little spicier than the usual restaurant salsa, it had lots of chopped green onions in it which gave it an extra crunch. When it was too spicy for my wife Sue, our waiter brought her some pico de gallo.

 The food arrived quickly and we oohed at the presentation. Susan, who’s always counting her points, had the grilled fiesta platter: grilled fresh vegetables, chicken and black beans. The chicken was smoky but not dry. Veggies were crisp and tasty. There was so much both she and daughter Emma ate off it and we still took enough home for lunch the next day.

Daughter Xandy and I split one of Avila’s specialties– the Botana Fiesta, a massive platter of lobster, shrimp, and carnitas, with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and avocado sliced on the side and two kinds of warm tortillas. The seafood was all grilled and fantastic. The shrimp were huge. In the center of this south-of-the-border schooner is a bowl of drawn butter with Mexican spices mixed in for the shellfish. Now it felt like my birthday! This put the meal over the top.

Emma had the kids’ meal with carnitas crispy taco, beans, and rice. She usually does not order off the kids menu anymore but with the chips and samples she had plenty.

Summary: Still have not met a food I have not liked. Mexican food is usually a good value because you get so much. Avila’s held true to that. The two dinners we ordered could easily have been split by adults. It was $50 before the tip. Not every day dining but a good value considering the quantity of seafood.

Healthy choices available: They have a lot of low-carb items, fresh grilled veggies, salad and are happy to customize anything for you.

 Something for everyone: My kids like Mexican food so this was not an issue but I did see they had chicken nuggets for pickier eaters. They also had an a la carte section and Mexican-themed breakfast is also available all day.  I can't wait for B.  B is for...