My friends were a bit reluctant to reveal details about the Mexican restaurant they’d been frequenting, for fear of it no longer being their own little secret. Ultimately, they trusted us and, well ... I’m about to violate that trust.
Daniela’s is a quaint find in the unlikeliest of locations—nestled in a small strip mall between a gas station and a hardware store—and what one friend of mine would characterize as a “joint.” Local choices for “south of the border” fare are limited, and Daniela’s offers not only an extensive menu, but a cozy atmosphere that makes the experience feel somewhat authentic. Shades of yellow, pink, and green dominate the space, with interesting, mesh-paneled doors sitting horizontally atop stucco walls, separating the lively bar area from the dining room. The dining room seats about 30 people, and is lit by warm overhead lights; there is additional seating in the bar area.
On two recent visits, we started with traditional chips and salsa, and were pleased with the crisp, sturdy tortilla chips offered with tangy homemade salsa ($1.99). Other appetizers on the menu include a range of adaptations on the nachos theme ($4.99–$8.99), as well as beef taquitos ($5.99) and chili con queso ($4.99).
We tried several different entrees: the poblano burrito ($7.99) offered a choice of beef, pork, or chicken wrapped in a large flour tortilla, with homemade mole sauce and cheese. We tried ours with pork, which was tender and flavorful. The enchiladas verde ($8.99) were made with corn tortillas and stuffed with chicken or beef (we chose chicken) and cheese, topped with a tomatillo sauce.
For vegetarians and/or noncarnivores, there are many choices. We tried the chili rellenos ($11.99), two chile peppers stuffed with cheese, coated with egg batter, grilled, and topped with red sauce and cheese. The quesadilla pacifico ($12.99) wrapped a grilled flour tortilla around shrimp, scallops, whitefish, tomatillo sauce, and cheese. The seafood was fresh-tasting and plentiful. We also enjoyed the fish tacos ($11.99), three soft flour tacos filled with whitefish (we opted for grilled instead of fried, and were easily accommodated), lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, and served with a spicy ranchero sauce.
Most entrées are served with rice, deliciously smoky refried beans, and many with sour cream and guacamole. The menu is broad, including variations on traditional fare like chimichangas and fajitas, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches. There are a few dessert choices, as well, including flan with caramel sauce, Kahlua chocolate mousse, and fried ice cream. We tried the homemade coconut key lime pie, and found it a pleasant finish to our spicy meals. All desserts are $4.29.
In addition to their beer and wine selection, Daniela’s also offers a variety of margaritas, both frozen and traditional, in a wide-ranging choice of flavors, and priced from $5.99–$8.99. They also offer a bottled beer of the month for $2.50, and we appreciated beers of Turkish and Mexican origin on different occasions.
Daniela’s is busy and fills up fast on weekend nights. The service is friendly and attentive, the noise level high (you wouldn’t go here for quiet conversation), and the prices reasonable. We did experience minor problems with our check on each occasion, both of which were quickly and easily corrected, and neither of which would prevent us from returning.
Please don’t tell my friends I sent you! Gracias.
El Alimento Whisperer es Mark Mikitarian del Camino del Sur de la Coctelera, y usted puede email él en: foodwhisperer@charter.net.