Cinco de Mayo is almost here, so it may be time to start thinking about where to celebrate. Old Town is definitely one place worth considering.
Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's independence day, celebrating the battle when an outnumbered army defeated a superior French and Mexican force and compelled the French to leave.
It is an important day for our resident Mexican population, which celebrates with parties, good food, good drink and music.
On Cinco de Mayo, Old Town usually rings with the sounds of mariachi music, providing background to the celebrants meandering through the streets. Restaurants are crowded and the drinks usually flow.
Some restaurant operators suggested toning down advertising's emphasis on drinking to reduce drunken driving and other hazards. But customers still want to have fun and celebrate the day.
Café Coyote, an award-winning restaurant, has a new feature that can make a difference. One of its employees, Mario Marquez, has become its "tequila ambassador," who serves like a sommelier or concierge to introduce patrons to the world of fine tequila. He has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, met with many tequila masters and learned what makes some tequilas great.
Lehn Goetz, owner of Café Coyote, said, "Tequilas are not just for doing shots and mixing in margaritas anymore. Many customers enjoy sipping our fine tequilas like a good cognac. Many of the tequilas are aged and refined in a similar manner to cognac, and we felt it was time to give our customers the information and knowledge they were looking for."
Marquez can help celebrants experience the joys of fine tequila, savoring the flavors and exchanging quality for sheer quantity. Drink less but enjoy it more, one could say. Marquez loves to stop by diners' tables with information and suggestions.
Café Coyote serves wonderful food to go with its beverages. It won an award in 2006 as "best Mexican restaurant" for its innovative, colorful and tasty cuisine. The restaurant has two large covered patios where diners can enjoy balmy weather, interior dining surrounded by the vivid colors and art that makes Mexico so attractive, and a cantina with two huge plasma TV screens.
Café Coyote is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has free parking.
Start the day off with a chile relleno omelet: green chile strips, cheese and cilantro topped with tomatillo-chile sauce, melted cheese and a scoop of sour cream.
Or, enjoy carnitas con huevos, carnitas served with two eggs.
Tostada suprema is a favorite dish. It is a large, crispy, flour tortilla layered with refried beans, shredded beef or chicken, and served with guacamole and sour cream.
Or, try some of the traditional Mexican offerings -- burrito especial, a large flour tortilla filled with refried beans and cheese, or Ricardo especial, carne asada with a chile relleno, served with guacamole.
Entrées reflect the cooking styles from all over Mexico. Pescado Monterey, fresh fish sautéed in a tomatilla-jalapeño sauce is based on the tastes of that city. Tequila lime shrimp -- shrimp sautéed in a delicious combination of tequila, lime, cilantro and garlic -- offers the tastes of lower Baja.
For a unique dessert treat, try Jose's Fried Ice Cream, vanilla ice cream covered in corn flakes, deep-fried and topped with honey and whipped cream.
Café Coyote's cuisine is beautifully presented, colorful and tastes as good as it looks. And prices are reasonable, making this restaurant a favorite destination for families.
When planning Cinco de Mayo celebrations or a dinner out on the town, think of Café Coyote for good food, good ambiance and an interesting experience. Café Coyote is located in Old Town at 2461 San Diego Ave. Call (619) 291-4695 for information and reservations.
Rottenberg is editor of Dining San Diego Magazine and member of the California Restaurant Writers Association. Send comments to the editor@sddt.com. All letters are forwarded to the author and may be used as Letters to the Editor.
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