Salsas

Extraordinary Storefront Restaurant

Were it not for a recommendation from Roadfood correspondent Marlene Steinberg, I likely would not have stopped at Salsas. At the street end of Cathedral Plaza Shopping Center, it looks like just another storefront Mexican restaurant. They abound in this part of the world. But the menu tells a different story. Among a full repertoire of familiar California Mexican restaurant fare (fajitas, burritos, tacos, etc.), you will find an extensive repertoire of intriguing fish and shrimp dishes.

Shrimp!

Marlene praised shrimp the most. She recommended it grilled in creamy chipotle sauce. Sure enough, these shrimp earn raves. The plump pink crescents, edged with a bit of char from the grill, find their complement in the slightly spicy sauce that envelops them. On a plate with rice and refried beans, they make a fantastic meal.

While lacking the excitement infused by a charcoal grill, shrimp sauteed in butter and garlic have sumptuous charm. Scattered in a taco along with shreds of cabbage, tomato, cool crema, and a couple of slices of ripe avocado, they become a Salsas best dish.

Grilled Tacos

Beyond shrimp, Guanatos (“Guadalajara style”) tacos rate high also. They differ from most because the kitchen grills them after stuffing them. Their surface crisps and turns dark gold. When they stuff the taco with juicy, full-flavored shredded beef, the grilling works especially well, complementing the beefy flavor. Sweet sauteed onions come with it.

For dessert: flan served a la mode or pastel de elote (sweet corn cake) topped with creamy sauce.

California Mexican Hospitality

Salsas is a happy little Mexican cafe with bare tables, paper napkins, and a hospitable staff who make newcomers feel right at home. The second time I stopped in, a waitress suggested a windowside table because the light would be better for the pictures she remembered I like to take.