blue artichoke

When it rains, it pours.

About two weeks ago a friend of mine and I were discussing how much we "missed" Mexican food. We really didn't miss it (we both moved from Denver to Boston), but were just trying to adjust to having other meals that were not Mexican. Back in Denver, we ate Mexican food several times a week. An excellent restaurant, Benny's on 6th, had fantastic Mexican food and I would say one of my friends virtually lives there. Their margaritas are also delicious.

This past Friday, my friend Ken wanted to celebrate his birthday dinner at the Border Cafe in Cambridge. So I went out to Harvard Square, found a parking space that was free and only a block away (this is unheard of), and went in. It was the best and the worst of Mexican restaurants, depending on your viewpoint. Loud, crazy colours, and smells that were quite... interesting. Sometimes they smelled incredible, other times like used diapers. Pretty typical, I'd say.

The food was at best passable. Of course, other events at the birthday party shindig distracted me, so I couldn't really concentrate on my food, but it was only passable and I can only remember what I ate because it had been such a long time since I'd even seen enchiladas. The rice was sub-par, and the black beans were too dry. Afterwards, we went to a bar in Back Bay and two of us had tequila shots. I could have done those all night.

Sunday afternoon after watching Kimi Raikkonen lose, again, in a Formula One Grand Prix, my roommate and I went to Boca, a Mexican place in Coolidge Corner (about a five minute walk). What I had there was a quesadilla with "Colorado Chicken" -- I felt I had to eat this simply because I had moved to Boston from Colorado, but was pleased when I saw a spicy-looking chicken that was labeled "Colorado Chicken." I wish I could tell you what went into it, but it was a nice blend of spices and reminiscent of mole. Very tasty.

I also ordered some nachos with cheese... hoping for a little bowl to dip the chips into... denied. It was a plate of nachos with the cheese microwaved on top... I hate that. The chips stick together and as soon as the cheese cools off, it becomes a very messy proposition trying to get one or two chips away from the mass.

I realise it was only two meals, but two Mexican meals in one weekend is a lot for me. And I've had my fill for a few weeks, unless someone says "hey, let's go get margaritas."

Oh, and sorry there's no recipes here. I ate out all weekend.

Getting to Know All About You: What's the food you thought you'd never get tired of, but are really sick of and kind of prefer you never see again?