For no real reason Alice and I don’t eat Mexican food as often as we would like. We talk about it but could never decide on which one to try. But Monday night we decided to try one that opened just last Saturday around the corner from my house. Los Tres Jalapenos is located on 8th and Christian, the original location of Nam Phoung, a space which we are very familiar with.
The decor was tasteful, not overdone. The atmosphere was calm and subdued, unlike so many restaurants that play too loud music that the owner and staff want to hear rather than what is appropriate for the clientele. Loud, deafening music is becoming more and more of a problem in so many restaurants. This is why it was an absolute pleasure to listen to Guadalupe Pimeda, a balladeer who reminded me of Linda Ronstadt. The volume was perfect and the music was delightful. Alice and I could actually hear each other while enjoying the music.
With all this in Los Tres Jalapenos favor the only thing left was the food.
Alice ordered a chicken Burrito with a side of guacamole. I ordered the chicken mole enchilada platter, which included rice and refried beans. We split the flan for desert.
The burrito was moist and flavorful with the chicken seasoned and cooked well with plenty of lettuce. It was enough for two people. My mole was delicious. So often mole tastes like a Hershey’s chocolate bar. This mole had a smokey flavor with undercurrents of the peppers and seasonings. It was rich and well balanced with hints of chocolate. Again the chicken was prepared well.
The flan was a surprise. So often it is very sweet. This flan was moist and dense with a noticeable flavor of the egg. The sweetness was subtle and not the overriding flavor. It was delicious.
The superb service, atmosphere, and food made this a fine dining night. The music made it memorable!! We will definitely be going back.
Look for another entry next week.
Armond Scavo
