Sometimes, it is best to try new things… on a whim. And such was the case when we decided to stop at a Mexican restaurant – Encanto Cantina – while in Eau Claire recently. Many places do not open until 11:00 AM, but it was exactly 11:00 when we spotted a place with which we were previously unfamiliar. So, we decided to give it a try.
Margaritas… I Caved
Having just opened for the day, Encanto Cantina welcomed us as the only guests – thus far. Upon entering, we noticed that a sign read “Monday & Tuesday: House Margaritas – Half Price.” Regular readers know that I have a soft spot for two food categories: Italian and Mexican. Quite obviously, Margaritas easily fall into the second of those. It was, perhaps, a bit early in the day for adult beverages, but I caved and ordered two. Lauren just smiled. I assumed the smile to be simply saying: “I sure hope one of those Margaritas is for me!”
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Go ahead – Make My Day
Our server was also acting as hostess and bartender – a multitasker for sure – but she did a fine job of it all and handled it all quite easily. Shortly she returned with the Margaritas, a basket of very fresh and crispy tortillas, a container of salsa, and a small dish of a mildly-spiced white sauce, also for dipping. Most excellent! The Margaritas, salsa and chips pretty much made my day! But could things get better? Yes!
Calamari vs. Guacamole
An appointment kept us from staying for a full lunch, but we figured we had time to split an order of Calamari anyway. As soon as I ordered though, I had this nagging feeling that our second choice (Guacamole) was a better choice. My concern was whether the oil in the fryers was yet hot enough or not – the restaurant had just opened – to properly deep-fry the morsels of squid. Turns out my fears were not unfounded.
When the Calamari order was delivered, it was actually quite hot… but also very oily. And my first bite confirmed that the squid pieces were not completely cooked. When I explained this to our server, not only did she express sincere concern, she politely asked if we would like something else instead. A rare show of competence and courtesy, indeed. I was duly impressed.
Perhaps the Best Guacamole I Had Ever Tasted
So, it was an easy decision for us to make; we asked for an order of Guacamole. Very shortly, our server appeared with a special cart laden with fresh limes, avocados, peppers, onions, and cilantro, as well as other spices I could not see. I had no clue what our server-hostess-bartender might be doing, but I was about to find out.
She soon delivered to our table a massive stone bowl, filled with huge chunks of avocado – along with other items from her cart – in the Guacamole the we had ordered. I had no idea the order would be made tableside, as I saw nothing mentioned about that on the menu.
A bit of research later revealed the bowl to be a rough-hewn molcajete (mortar) and accompanying tejolete (pestle). These pieces are apparently carved from a single piece of fine-grained basalt (lava rock). It was beautiful – and impressive. However, and most impressive, was the incredible batch of Guacamole the bowl held. Short story? It was perhaps the best Guacamole I have ever tasted. You may quote me on that. And I had thought Lauren was the only one who could claim that honor…
Conclusions & Collective Performance
In any case, I was suddenly a bit disappointed that we could not stay for lunch. But the appointment I mentioned earlier was calling and lunch would have to wait for another day. I can unequivocally say that the whole experience that day put a smile on my face – and Lauren’s as well. As we left the place, I made several mental notes. The restaurant was clean, servers were dressed alike and wearing the equivalent of a uniform, prices were very reasonable, and our service was flawless.
With the slight exception of the Calamari, Encanto Cantina has rightfully earned Four Zins for their collective performance. If you have not yet been there, I highly recommend you try it. I know we will be back. And I forgot to mention an awesome outdoor patio. That’s where we will be enjoying our meal on our next visit!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Encanto Cantina is located at 2839 Mall Drive in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. On their website, you can browse their menu, order online or purchase gift cards.
Lauren’s Links
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Molcajete Mortar Pestle made from authentic lava rock for making guacamole
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Chefcaptain Margarita Glass Schooner – Set Of 4 JUMBO SIZE 26.5OZ XL
- 3 in 1 Avocado Slicer Tool
