My wife is from California and considers herself a connessuir of Mexican food. In 5 years on the East Coast, between Philly, New Jersey and New York, she has yet to find a Mexican Restaurant that is good enough to match what she gets at home. We were wandering around New Rochelle, looking for a place to eat, and we decided to take a chance on Tlaquepaque. My wife's expectations were really low. Every time I get excited about a place and say, "Maybe this is it!" She eats and responds, "Nope, its not. When are we moving back to California?"



We walked into Tlaquepaque, and it looked promising. Mexican music was playing, the decorations were fun but not overblown, and Victor the owner treated us like the old friends we were to quickly become. Two old couples were next to us, obviously enjoying their meal. One of the women leaned over and whispered, "This place is our great little secret. Best Mexican around." The chips and salsa come to the table and they are really good. the chips are crisp and not greasy, obviously freshly made that day. The salsa is wonderful with little bits of pineapple and a hint of heat. We decide to order grilled cactus for an appetizer. I ordered steak with enchiladas and my wife ordered a chile relleno. She was hesitant because it comes with a garlic cream sauce, and she does not like cream sauces. Victor said that is was fantastic and he guaranteed that she would like it. Against her better judgment, she ordered it.



The cactus came out, and it was surreal. I never knew cactus could be so good. Then dinner came, and my steak was tender, perfectly seasoned and wonderful. France tried the chile and almost died. It was the best one she ever had! And she has had some great ones. Her family's housekeeper in San Diego made them at home in tijuana with her own peppers. They were good, Victor's were better.



we ate and drank until we had to roll home. What a great meal. My wife said, "Honey, this is it."



We subsequently ate there four more times and each time was better than the next.