RANCHO EL NOPAL RESTAURANT
There is one area in San Diego that I never tire of. Whether it's an evening out with friends or a just a stroll by the unique shops and restaurants, I can always be assured of an enjoyable time at Bazaar Del Mundo in Old Town. One unique restaurant, and relatively new to the scene in old town, is Rancho El Nopal.
Located in the heart of historic old town, Rancho El Nopal's decor and menu reflect the "days of the Dons" when San Diego was home to more than 30 ranchos.
At Rancho El Nopal, visitors can relive the flavor of the ranch era through the restaurant's inspiring decor, including wrought iron, serape draped windows and vivid murals portraying the drama of the period.
True to its identity, Rancho El Nopal features "nopales" menu selections, including "Nopalitios Fritos", which is deep fried cactus served with rancho dressing and salsa verde. The name Rancho El Nopal reflects the years when California was part of Mexico, and since the "nopal" plant, or prickly pear cactus can be seen at the restaurant's entrance and is indigenous to Mexico, it's a name that reflects the cuisine and culture of Mexico and early California.
On our visit we sampled the Chile Con Pollo soup, made with beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic and green and red bell pepper. The chicken is precooked separately from the ingredients and then combined to make a spicy and healthy dish.
We then tried the Black Bean Burrito, which was black beans, sour cream tomatillo sauce wrapped in a thin tortilla (made without lard). The dish included salad and rice. The dish was very flavorful. We followed this with the Chicken Fahita Salad which was a real visual treat, presented in a flour tortilla shell. Lastly we sample the Tostada de Pescado, made with cod, garlic, beans, olives, lettuce, cilantro, cabbage and tomatoes. This dish is soon to be "tested" and added to the "Healthy Dining" menu.
Open seven days a week , from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. (during the warmer months, hours are extended) Rancho El Nopal offers both a Healthy dining menu, with an ample selection of low fat items, along with a superb range of traditional Mexican and Southwest specialities.
Rancho El Nopal has a heated garden patio and lest we not forget, there is a selection of ten flavors of margaritas! And if you have a little extra time and are looking for some unique gifts, browse through the unusual shops of Bazaar Del Mundo located only steps away.
Robert Ross can be reached by e-mail at: SanDiegoRoss@Yahoo.com
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