Cancun Mexican Grill – by demand

As we’ve begun to sample some of the great eateries in town, Cancun Mexican Grill has come up as a suggestion from time to time. Finally, one day after church, we met a great couple and they invited us to lunch. Cancun Mexican Grill is right near the Crosspoint Church… so Cancun won the coin toss.

Our newest friends, Kraig and Crystal, said they loved the place… so why not. Besides, it was on the short lost of locations the Living Hutch fans have been asking about.

Arriving at Cancun Mexican Grill

Heidi and I arrived first and parked in the lot between the restaurant and the shopping center to the north where Temaat Liqour Store (mentioned in the Salt City Brewery post) is. We saw the outside seating area, but the door in didn’t make any sense so we went to the front of the building facing Lorraine St. We entered and the honestly – it didn’t feel right. There is a certain “Flow” a foodie expects on entry and things felt out of place.

I saw a “specials” board off to the side and the greeting desk was off to the side as well. Typically, these are items that almost block your thoroughfare… instead, they were inobtrusive – which defeats the purpose. We were greeted after a short delay, but that was because nobody was manning the door. As first-time visitors, I almost felt we entered through the back door. Kraig and Crystal arrived directly behind us and all the weirdness immediately dissipated. We were with seasoned Cancun Mexican Grill fans now.

I was surprised how large the facility is. We were walked back, back, back until we were in a bar area surrounded by wide, upholstered chairs, around tables. You know what I thought right away… “I bet these chairs are filthy”. Sure enough, everyone sat first, and as I approached my remaining seat I noticed a dollop of refried beans smeered into the space, that if I sat carefully, would be between my legs. Were the chairs comfy? Yes. Would it be a nightmare to keep clean? Also yes.

We were cheerfully greeted and ordered up a round of iced teas. Easy. On to the menu, I was a bit more overwhelmed. There were tons of choices and finally I decided on a plate that had a blend of meats on it. I wish I could remember the name of it… and here’s the crazy part. I went online to try to look up their menu and I can’t find a website for them!!

Anyway, the other three ordered more conventional plates. Out come the Taco Salad, enchilads, pollo con arroz, and then… my mound of meat. I am gonna be brutally honest here… I was kind of shocked. I expected a plate that would be dressed with some beans, lettuce, rice… and then a smattering of beef, chicken, pork, etc. I expected it to be a modest selection of meats all separated on the plate and accompanied by “Plating staples”.

This is not what arrived.

I got a few plates… tortillas, beans, and a stack of combined meats. It was hot, steamy, and moist – not dry. It was almost as if it was all cooked together and blended. I didn’t sense any artistry in the preparedness or presentation of the dish. Now my accountant hat comes out.

Was This a Good Deal?

For the price of this meal, and the weighty stack of meat on the plate – was this a good deal? I have to say “Yes”. Was it inedible? No. The meats were well cooked, not dry, seasoned and somewhat tasty. For me, I prefer my seasoning to stand up and be recognized. I almost always have jalapenos in the fridge waiting to bolster a home-cooked meal. So, when I first tasted the plate, I was disappointed at the lack of seasoning.

Again, I have to point out, it was a stack of meat. I definitely got my money’s worth and for folks that enjoy a more bland Mexican experience, this may be your ticket.

Did You Say Taco Salad?

When I asked Heidi about her taco salad, she commented “It wasn’t all that… actually, I didn’t like it that much.” I believe this also stems from our family trait of enjoying more seasonings in our meals.

It was prepared well, presented well, and served hot… but that Mexican seasoning we were craving was not in the salad either.

I should have known when I sampled the Chips and Salsa. The salsa lacked any real bite. At the risk of repeating myself – it wasn’t bad. The salsa appeared fairly fresh, vibrant and of a great consistency… just a lack of flavor.

What’s the Good News?

The good news is that this may be right up your alley. As long as you get a clean chair, you get a comfy seat, patient service, and well-prepared foods with zero risk of “spice pain”. I am most certain there is a market for this venue, or else I wouldn’t have had so many recommend it.

For me personally, they need to add garlic and jalapeno at an astonishing rate.

What is this about Patient Service?

We were there for almost two hours. Granted we were with brand new friends that we had just met. This was a blessing. There was no rush, although there was a piece of me that felt a bit ignored. There was a lot of time with an empty glass.

But… we got to sit and get to know two wonderful people for two hours. Life is give and take.

Would I go Back?

For the cost and the quality of delivered meals… yes. As long as I was going back with friend that really enjoyed it. I would go back for them. I would also ask the server to “warm-up” whatever I chose from the menu. As ordered from the menu, without extra spice, I fear it would all be too bland for my tastes.

When I think Mexican – I think of places like El-Patio or Rodeo. Both of these have items that bite you back. But if I am honest, it is personal preference.

Kurt