Kelly the Culinarian: Food find: Mexilcali Rose

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Food find: Mexilcali Rose

Mexicali Rose in the Wisconsin Dells is what the Chicago Tribune calls a "must visit," a fact that is touted on all of the riverside restaurant's advertising. Tim and I didn't make it there on our last visit, but we thought we'd go on our last visit.

We trekked out there on a Friday evening and all but the bar was empty. We were quickly seated and served some chips and salsa, which were pretty good as far as that goes. Tim and I also ordered guacamole, which was an overpriced $5.25, but a nice blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, some spices and lemon. A nice starter, I suppose.

Tim and I ended up ordering the same combo platter with a hard-shelled taco, enchilada, burrito and rice and beans. The entire thing seemed like it was covered cheese, but Wisconsin cheese is the best, after all.

Now, the food was tasty. There was a great combination of spices and it seemed as though the veggies were fresh. The overpriced guac was really good, if only there was more. We left full, but I'm not sure if I'd call this a "must visit." I can find food that's more authentic down the street in Mundelein or Lake Zurich that has more bang for your buck and feels like you're actually eating something authentic to Mexico.

Then again, for a touristy joint in the middle of Wisconsin, I guess it's pretty good to get out the door for $32 with a full belly.

12 comments:

Dagny said...

I'm guessing the guac price had something to do with the currently high prices for avocados. Also what kind of enchilada, taco, etc? I usually start off with chicken enchiladas when trying to tell if a place is OK. If they're really good, then they make a mean chile relleno or carnitas.

KellytheCulinarian said...

Dagny,
Great point on the avocados. I went with all ground beef tacos and burritos because I was afraid the chicken option would be too spicy. The enchilada came with a red sauce on top as well that was tomato based and mild. The cheese on top I think was cheddar or colby.

backStreetGluttons said...

Happy New Year from
Kuala Lumpur !

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Have a safe and happy New year Kelly!!!! I'll look forward to many more delicious recipes and reviews from your kitchen in 2008!!

Unknown said...

Mmmm. I <3 Mexican food!

Happy New Year! May the coming year be more wonderful than the last!

Nan said...

Hi there. Stop by my blog. I'm having a party for a friend of yours.
Smiles,
Nan

Nan said...

Hi there. Stop by my blog. I'm having a party for a friend of yours.
Smiles,
Nan

Cynthia said...

Kelly, I want to thank you most sincerely for always making the time to visit my blog and comment. It means more than you will ever know. Thanks!

Happy new year to you and your loved ones.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Kelly. You have a nice, healthy, wealthy year 2008 OK?

bj said...

thanks for your well wishes on my birthday.
Happy New Year....
bj

KC said...

Wow $5 for guac? I wonder if that's due to the season? I'd still pay it though, I'm a sucker for the stuff. Looks like a great find for the middle of Wisconsin!

Lori said...

Ohhhhhhh, they all look absolutely sinful and delicious!! I LOVE Mexican food. Thanks for stopping by and for the kudos:) Happy New Year....