Review: Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

When it’s scorching hot like it has been for a couple of weeks now, I think we all turn our thoughts toward meals that are refreshing and tasty. So, upon entering , I was pleased to feel the cool, air-conditioned, open dining space and anticipated an enjoyable meal.

I was seated promptly and soon after, the chips and salsa appeared on the table. As I waited for my order, I enjoyed the live guitar music being played in the background. Nice! The restaurant was practically filled to capacity.

Readers of my reviews may remember that I lived in the Southwest, specifically, Tucson, AZ, for 15 years. There are more Mexican restaurants in Tucson than all of Georgia---a safe bet. With strong competition next door and around the corner, the food there is always creative, and exquisitely high quality. So, having been steeped in the culinary culture, I have, without a doubt, seen them all. Having that as a backdrop, I try to be kind.

For my appetizer, I ordered the guacamole ($3.75). This is usually my first test upon entering a new Mexican restaurant. It’s a bit like checking the silverware for cleanliness—signs of care. The avocado in the delightful invention called guacamole is often the “welcome mat,” a stimulating prelude to a delicious meal, and considered the “calling card” by restaurants that want people to like their food.  The guacamole that was served to me there at Monterrey was basically a neon green, pureed, soupy, goopy substance that was not only inedible, but hard to look at as well. It brought tears to my eyes, but for all the wrong reasons.

 My entrée was the Grilled Shrimp Tacos ($10.99). This dish was accompanied with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce and grated white Mexican cheese. The flour tortillas were warm and the shrimp were delivered at the proper temperature. Overall, the ‘fixins were bland and the shrimp tasted burnt and bitter. There was no discernible spice added to the grilled shrimp.

I know I’m in the South and the cool, wet elixir of choice is “Sweet Tea,” but that is no reason to recycle un-sweetened tea to those who prefer it. My tall glass of iced tea ($1.99) was old and stale. Unacceptable.

My server never checked on me after delivering the tacos, and toward the end, I had to summon him to bring my check. He also neglected to offer dessert, usually a high profit item. In the end, I had to personally bring my check to the front desk to pay my bill. When I mentioned the poor service to the manager, I was not offered an apology of any description.

Ambrose Bierce, a journalist from the 19^th century, who was known for his satire and sardonic style wrote of the future as “that period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happiness is assured.” In like manner, and in light of my experience at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, the future is that period of time in which the guacamole is divine, the shrimp are tasty and the service is impeccable. Sadly, I’ll never know when that day will come.