There's nothing like going out for Mexican food when you're famished. (Unless, of course, you add on a margarita.) And my stomach was rumbling mightily when my friend Liz and I pulled into the Jefferson Plaza parking lot to lunch at Henrietta's new Mariachi Mexican Grill.
The mood Fun and festive. Greeted immediately by two employees in white shirts and red ties, we were seated in a cushioned, high-backed booth amid arched doorways, colorful artwork and murals. Spirited music, separate eating areas, attentive service. (You know the place has a good vibe when the only special listed in the entryway is a medium margarita for $7.)
The food An overflowing basket of warm chips — deliciously crisp, not greasy or salty — were served quickly after our arrival, alongside a cup of thin, homemade salsa that barely had bite.
It took us way too long to decide what to order, thanks to the massive menu. I finally went with the Enchiladas Suizas ($7), a choice of three chicken, shredded beef or cheese enchiladas, topped with a "special sauce" and served with pico de gallo, rice and refried beans. I chose one cheese and two chicken enchiladas, which at first glance gave me pause because of the oily pools that had gathered at the edge of each — presumably from the sauce, a scrumptious blend of tomatillos, poblanos and sour cream, as far as we could tell. These were exquisite, with thinly shredded chicken mixed with diced onions and peppers. The cheese-only version held up under the heat and was nice and chewy rather than overly melted. The refried beans were like a puree and tasted good paired with the so-so rice.
Liz got the Quesadilla Rellena ($6), a nicely grilled and thick flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, mushrooms, formidable onion and bell pepper chunks, and tomatoes. She substituted beans for the standard rice, and enjoyed her iceberg salad served in a crispy taco bowl, though the guacamole was more of a dash than a topping.
Unable to decide in a timely manner on dessert, either, we ordered two: the creamy, freshly baked, delicately sweet Flan ($3.50) and a crunchy, sticky Sopapilla ($1.50) topped with lots of cinnamon, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream. Each one was big enough to share.
The drinks Full bar, featuring eight types of tequila shots (starting at $5), beer (starting at $3.25), wine ($3.99/glass) and non-alcoholic daiquiris ($3). Horchata (cinnamon rice milk for $2) and Jarritos (Mexican soft drink for $2.50). Sodas are $1.99 with free refills. We had water.
The damage: $23.44 Next time... I'd get the Chori-Pollo: grilled chicken breast topped with chorizo and cheese, served with rice and beans, for $10.25. Mariachi Mexican Grill
Mariachi Mexican Grill Where: 400 Jefferson Road, Henrietta When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Call: (585) 424-4411
