If you find yourself new to this region you will be amazed by Medford's abundance of two businesses. Car dealerships and Mexican restaurants. While I could write about cars or sub-standard culinary ethnic fare, I would instead like to sound the bell about a really surprising and pleasing lunch.
Habanero's is not new to this valley. It has been around a number of years serving what by most accounts is a fairly standard menu given the style of food. The menu isn't what blew my skirt up however, it was the absolutely incredible execution of it that really impressed me. I have been to an inordinant number of Mexican eateries in this valley and it has been by most accounts a ho-hum affair. My experience at Habanero's (thankfully and finally), ended that streak.
We started our expedition by walking through the bar to the family side of the restaurant. This is not the only entrance, I just needed to see the list of tequilla specials. A bit expensive for the Cabo Wabo, but the other brands I saw listed were of a very fair price. They don't have one or two brands of premium labels, they have a litany. But we came to eat and hungry as we were prepared ourselves for lunch.
We were seated within about 20 to 30 seconds of arrival into the dining area by a young woman named Stephanie and presented with menus. This was followed IMMEDIATELY by chips and salsa. Why the capitol letters? The service thus far was immediately prompt and I have an unnatural love for all that is hot chips and even hotter salsa. I do not flinch at the threat of tens of thousands of scoville units, and most often I prefer the hot-sauce the head chef is afraid to remove from underneath his car seat. I like to party and I expect my salsa to do the same. Dissapointed is a word I cannot even spell when I have salsa that hot. It didn't melt my face, but it was enough to make me flush. Impressive indeed. Habanero peppers in the salsa? I guess I'm in the right place. I think they found a fitting moniker.
Before I say anymore about the food I feel more than compelled to talk about the water. This may seem a bit absurd, but if I find myself eating hotter foods it's nice to have an abundance. Pitcher at the table-problem solved. Even this did not stop Stephanie from being very attentive without the trappings of being an over-bearing presence at the table. She seemed to materialize whenever we so much as thought of something we might need. I understand I may run the very real risk of being long-winded here, but I honestly cannot say enough things about how excellent our service was. Off to the food.
At just over ten dollars the Tacos Del Carnitas would normally be just a bit much more than I would usually spend for a mid-day meal. Brave as I am however, and never afraid to risk personal harm to my wallet or body for delicious south of the border chow I did what I thought I must. One of the best decisions I have made all year. When my order arrived I felt vindicated. I shied away from the refried beans in favor of the cuban black beans. I tend not to order black beans because most people do not order them often enough for a quick turnaround, i.e.- fresher, appropriately cooked beans. These were absolutely perfect. The beans were prepared as they should be while retaining their body and bite. The light line of sour cream on top proved itself and married wonderfully with the rice and salsa. The steak tacos were rich and delicious, but I was completely unprepared for what it was served with.
We all know what tomatillos are, and most of us don't use them nearly enough. Whoever is in charge of that kitchen however, understands exactly how they should be used for a sauce. In my entire lexicon of words I can't find any to describe that sauce. It was smokey and rich with an absolute and perfect balance of citrus. I have never had a tomatillo sauce that well put together. It was a perfect foil to the already great taste of the meat, onions, and peppers. If I had that recipe I might be inclined to make enough to bathe in it. It really was that good, and I really do honestly mean that.
My compatriots meal was incredibe as well. Far too busy with my own plate,(and a large plate it was), I was persuaded to try the green jalapeno sauce on his Mexican burritto. I don't mind the heat of a jalapeno at all, in fact I find it pleasant but in most sauces I have tried during my tenure in this Bergh they are entirely too saturated with a vinegar taste. This was not the case with what he was presented. According to his account it was a really different and pleasing sauce that was delivered on a burritto of excellent size filled with wonderful things. I may not have eaten his burruitto, (I didn't have the room), but I did try a smidge of that sauce and it was great. Who would have known I could find all this on Front street?
There is one point of contention I do have with this restaurant though. I had to ask for a take home container for my left-overs. I know I'm spoiled, but that should have been spotted by the staff. Or perhaps I shouldn't be quite so cheap. How in good conciounce could I leave even one single bean prepared and served that well and refreshingly on the plate? When we finished our meal we were very warmly and personally thanked by stephanie, and the lovely young lady by the door. A very surprising experience in this valley, and one I have been waiting for quite some time. I suppose now I'll have to try all those lovely tequillas when I return.
I know it will be soon.
Tags: Habanero's
