I would like to share with you today a pleasant experience I had this past weekend.  I don’t normally use this space to promote anything but my own ideas and perceptions, and I suppose that this week isn’t any different, but while the perceptions are my own, that of which I speak is not.

I’m not a big fan of Mexican food.  The Mexican food I do enjoy is very Americanized – think Chili’s restaurant, cheese-drenched nachos, “Newman’s Own” salsa or Ortega Tacos kits.  So when my wife suggested an “authentic Mexican Restaurant”, I had doubts that I would find much on the menu that I would enjoy.  I’m not a big fan of onions and peppers and nearly everything on a Mexican menu is 90% beans, either refried or black.  I like beans, but too much of anything can be a detractor.

Needing a night out and not much caring about what I’d be eating, I agreed to accompany Sandy to Newington, NH’s Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.  This homey little restaurant can be found at the Fox Run Mall down at the end of the food court where “Shorty’s” used to be.  Regardless of its location, the atmosphere is relaxed, the floor is spacious (and clean) and the greeting was pleasant and sincere.  The bright yellow stucco walls somehow reminded me of Mexico – or at least the Mexico I’ve seen on TV.  Mellow Latino music played quietly in the background as we were guided to our booth by an older Mexican gentleman who seemed genuinely happy to see us.  Our waiter, also Hispanic, appeared within seconds of our being seated and, in slightly broken English, took out drink requests.  Sandy ordered one of their margaritas, of which the selection was extensive.  I am not a tequila drinker (nor is she, really), but I tried some and was quite surprised at the lack of “vomitous aftertaste” tequila usually seems to carry with it.  Maybe I’ve just never consumed quality tequila.  Mine’s always had a worm in it.

At the same time the drinks arrived, we were treated to a bottomless basket of tortilla chips and a decanter of salsa – on the house, of course.  I was surprised again (the second of many) that the chips were hot.  It turns out that they make them fresh out back.  It turns out they make everything fresh out back, including the salsa that was so delicious we asked to take some home – and they happily obliged.  Fresh is the word of the day at Ixtapa.  So is service.

The waiter was very attentive, but not hovering or making us uncomfortable in any way.  I ordered the “Steak Asada Burrito with Rice and Black Beans”, while Sandy requested the “Chicken Tacos with Rice and Refried Beans”.  Both meals came within fifteen minutes, were piping hot, smelled wonderful and the portions were enormous.  I’ve never ordered burritos while dining out, nor has Sandy ordered chicken tacos, but we were both feeling adventurous and it appeared to have paid off.  I first tried the black beans figuring, well, they’re black beans, how good could they possibly be?

The answer: fantastic, simply fantastic.  I don’t know what they do to their beans, but whatever it is, I hope they don’t stop.  The rice was cooked perfectly and lightly flavored, combining well with the beans.  The steak inside the burrito was plentiful and not grisly at all, with little fat and a ton of flavor.  Wrapped in a soft tortilla with red sauce and cheese on top – simply delectable.  Sandy’s chicken was very tasty and I would have ordered chicken tacos if not for the fact that they were smothered in and overflowing with peppers and onions.  Still, the chicken tasted great, as did the refried beans, a dish Sandy rarely enjoys.  In this case, she cleaned her plate of them before finishing the tacos.

It isn’t often I have a truly enjoyable experience at a restaurant.  Sure, we have a good time and, sure, the food and service is usually acceptable, but the freshness of the meat, produce and, well, everything else at Ixtapa was well beyond my expectations.  Cap it off with unmatched service and the fact that Ixtapa is family-owned, and I have something to write home about – or at least write YOU about. 

If you keep an eye out for your next “Val-pack” coupons to arrive in the mail, you just might find an Ixtapa coupon for “buy one entrée, get the second half-off”.  We used one (happily accepted by them, of course) and with our two meals, Sandy’s two margaritas, my lemonade (shut up, it was bottomless) and our take-home salsa, the meal barely totaled $40.  Sandy, who is usually very tight with the purse strings, made sure I left a tip in excess of 20%.  That, in and of itself, should indicate the quality of the meal and the service.  And for those not in the know, Ixtapa is a sandy beach resort in Mexico – as well as a great restaurant in Newington.  I highly recommend visiting both.