Perry S.
Yelp
This is a small, rather cramped restaurant located near Lake Nokomis. Even though we had a reservation, it took a while to be seated as there are booths and only two tables that seat four each, but one of them was occupied by a single diner. (There is a large dining room in the lower level, but it was closed when 7 of us arrived for an early dinner.)
Once seated, the homemade chips arrived fresh and warm, accompanied by a very mild salsa, which was only liquid; no chopped jalapeños, tomatoes or onions. A spicy salsa is available, but also without chopped veggies. Perhaps this style salsa comes from Cuernavaca, where the owners are from.
From glowing reports by friends we were expecting food comparable to the complexity, sophistication and flavors of food we've come to expect and enjoy in Mexico.
Such was not the case, which is why we were disappointed.
That said, by the staple Mexican fare offered in the Twin Cities (burritos, rice and beans, tacos, etc., the Dominguez Family Restaurant is in the middle of the pack. The one outstanding item is their molé, which we we're told comes from a family recipe. It is quite good, and can be had on just about anything on the menu.
The "tilapia salad" came in a taco salad tortilla bowl along with scoops of guacamole and chopped tomatoes, lettuce and a sprinkling of white (Mexican?) and yellow (American?) cheese. The fish was deep fried and rather disappointing.
The caldo de cameron y pescado, or shrimp and fish soup, included potatoes, carrots, celery in a Mexican sauce called "Guaguillo". It was spicy and quite good. I would have preferred an order of tortillas to the grilled bread with which it was served.
Those who had the fajitas with molé were pleased with their dinners. Rice and beans included.
Mexican and American beers as well as marguerites are available. For something non-alcoholic and different, try a Jamaica, a sweetened hibiscus-flavored beverage.
Should we return, it will be for lunch and I will sample more of the seafood items.