Don Antonio’s Mexican Food
10750 – 124 St.
780-451-8996
Rating: *** 1/2
Dinner for two: $50
Signature Dish: Enchiladas poblenas ($13.95)
Signature Drink: (Non-alcoholic) Sangria Señorial ($2.50)
Blink and you might miss it — and miss out. A small sign heralds a cozy, eight-table bistro where Don Antonio’s finest Latin American cuisine is served every day.
Our server delivered a warm smile, basket of tortilla chips and a delicious, cilantro-laced salsa as we sat down. We were left with menus where none of the authentic Mexican dishes topped $15 and a choice of fizzy, fruity drinks.
On the strength of online recommendations favouring the mole (mo-lay) sauce, I chose the enchiladas poblenas ($13.95) with a bottled sangria ($2.50). The Sangria Señorial ended its journey from Mexico to our table: the unexpectedly non-alcoholic, oddly carbonated taste was spot-on, a summer pitcher in the sun.
My plate’s rigidly geometric lines arrived shortly after. From left to right, the rice and chicken enchiladas were decent, that mole sauce was exquisite, and the refried beans were excellent. The star of the dish was textured with flavours from the other side of midnight. Cocoa, chili and 22 other spices flowed across my tongue.
Unfortunately, there was no fried ice cream to be had, but the sponge-toffeelike flan with its sweet, caramelized au jus was a sweet replacement.
Don Antonio’s is a friendly, family-run neighbourhood spot that I wouldn’t hesitate to visit if I were in the area and hankering for a tamale.
Dining out
Smitty’s
Canada’s largest family restaurant chain is celebrating 50 years. Swing by your local Smitty’s now through May 2 for in-store and online prizes, plus a chance to win one of three $5,000 Grand Prizes. Celebrate a local success story with a Western Skillet or Belgian Waffle.
Fondue I can not wait to try this place: Edmonton’s first Melting Pot fondue restaurant just opened at 2920 Calgary Trail Sundays through Thursdays open until 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. Expect to see a review soon.
