TALEO MEXICAN GRILL

PICTURED (top to bottom): Restaurant, Chips and Salsa, Tortilla Soup, Pozole, Carnitas, Prime Rib Chop (med/well), Prime Rib Chop (med/rare), Flan.

We hadn't been to Taleo Mexican Grill in several months, and decided it was time for a return visit. It has long been our favorite upscale Mexican restaurant. We were delighted to find that Chef Jose and his kitchen crew are still doing an excellent job preparing the authentic Mexican recipes. The staff is very friendly and the service excellent. The ambiance is warm and comfortable, making this a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by the hostess and promptly taken to our favorite table. After receiving the complimentary chips and salsa (wonderfully spicy), we decided to start off with soup. Sweetie Pie ordered her favorite, the Tortilla Soup. Her mother and I both ordered the Pozole, the Friday night special. Our server apologized for the rather skimpy portions, but it was the "last of the Pozole". Still darn good though, and filling.

For her entree, Sweetie Pie ordered the Carnitas. This is their signature dish, and we feel, the best Carnitas in town. The meat is tender and succulent on the inside, and crispy and sweetly caramelized on the outside. Her mother and I both ordered the off the menu special "Prime Rib Chop". The meat was tender and lean, and cooked to perfection. They often have steaks available off the menu, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the New York and Rib Eye specials in the past. They use a spice rub that gives the steaks an excellent flavor.

(Some of our favorite items on the menu include the Carne Asada, the Pork Ribs and the Smokey Apple Chipotle Chicken. From the appetizer menu, the Queso Fundido and the Guacamole are excellent.)

For dessert tonight, we decided to share the Flan. We love Taleo's Flan. During the holidays they also offer a Sweet Potato Flan that is not to be missed!

Tonight's Taleo dinner gets three thumbs up from the 3 Tubby Tummys!