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-   -   In case anyone is wondering about Mexican (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/case-anyone-wondering-about-mexican-348518/)

Pairadocs 03-14-2024 02:59 PM

In case anyone is wondering about Mexican
 
Tried Campo Azul in the Spruce Creek plaza on 441 on 3-11-24. First time visit since it opened. Food was very good; a combo plate that included a tamale and two other selections, all were very tasty (about $12) , the other entree we tried was enchiladas verde, two chicken and two shredded (not ground) beef, per serving (think it was $12.99). The chicken was all white breast meat and not the "stewed" type of filling usually found in chicken enchilada filling. All food was very tasty and the service from waiter was very watchful, attentive. A good experience.

Keefelane66 03-14-2024 04:17 PM

Thanks for the recommendation

Altavia 03-14-2024 04:18 PM

How was the verede sauce? Spicy? Creamy?

fdpaq0580 03-14-2024 04:46 PM

We usually prefer the kind of places that have home-made horchata.

OrangeBlossomBaby 03-14-2024 04:55 PM

I'd been wondering about that place, thanks for the review! I'll probably give it a try in the next couple of weeks, as a result.

Michael 61 03-19-2024 01:38 PM

I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

Dusty_Star 03-19-2024 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2313190)
I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

Hope you update us after you do.

coralway 03-19-2024 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2313190)
I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.



And you won’t

OrangeBlossomBaby 03-20-2024 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2313190)
I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.


There are taquerias scattered around. Not many but some. It's not haute cuisine, but it's good hardy food that sticks to your ribs and is relatively inexpensive. A couple of carne asada tacos on home-made double-shell soft tortillas, with cilantro, onion, and roja, "paired" (see I can be presumptuous too!) with a bottle of mandarin Jarritos is only around $7. Eat al fresco, there is no "in" in which to dine at the canopy-covered food truck. Most of the people eating at nearby tables are Mexican, it's one of their go-tos for lunch.

ThirdOfFive 03-20-2024 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2311065)
Tried Campo Azul in the Spruce Creek plaza on 441 on 3-11-24. First time visit since it opened. Food was very good; a combo plate that included a tamale and two other selections, all were very tasty (about $12) , the other entree we tried was enchiladas verde, two chicken and two shredded (not ground) beef, per serving (think it was $12.99). The chicken was all white breast meat and not the "stewed" type of filling usually found in chicken enchilada filling. All food was very tasty and the service from waiter was very watchful, attentive. A good experience.

Thank you.

xcaligirl 03-20-2024 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2311065)
Tried Campo Azul in the Spruce Creek plaza on 441 on 3-11-24. First time visit since it opened. Food was very good; a combo plate that included a tamale and two other selections, all were very tasty (about $12) , the other entree we tried was enchiladas verde, two chicken and two shredded (not ground) beef, per serving (think it was $12.99). The chicken was all white breast meat and not the "stewed" type of filling usually found in chicken enchilada filling. All food was very tasty and the service from waiter was very watchful, attentive. A good experience.

Glad you had a good experience. When we went, the food was barely edible, small portions, service was okay, will never return. And, I felt it was very overpriced for what we received. Didn't look even close to all of the pictures posted

Dusty_Star 03-20-2024 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 2313515)
Glad you had a good experience. When we went, the food was barely edible, small portions, service was okay, will never return. And, I felt it was very overpriced for what we received. Didn't look even close to all of the pictures posted

Reminds me of that old joke:

Two elderly women are at a resort, and one says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible."
The other one says, "Yeah, I know; and such small portions."

PoolBrews 03-21-2024 07:11 AM

We love Mexican and tried Camp Azul twice. Both times service was great, but food was very average and much pricier than other restaurants we frequent. Fajitas were $20! Salsa was OK - fairly bland for my taste. El Ranchito's had better prices and flavor, but my favorite is Los Maguey's in Belleview. Not sure if they got new cooks, but my last 4 times there have been some of the best Mexican food I've had anywhere. Their salsa verde is amazing!

pauld315 03-27-2024 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2313190)
I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

Then you haven't been to Hacienda in Ocala if you want regular Mexican or you should try more upscale places in Ocala like El Mezcal or Azul Tequila

tophcfa 03-27-2024 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2311065)
Tried Campo Azul in the Spruce Creek plaza on 441 on 3-11-24. First time visit since it opened. Food was very good; a combo plate that included a tamale and two other selections, all were very tasty (about $12) , the other entree we tried was enchiladas verde, two chicken and two shredded (not ground) beef, per serving (think it was $12.99). The chicken was all white breast meat and not the "stewed" type of filling usually found in chicken enchilada filling. All food was very tasty and the service from waiter was very watchful, attentive. A good experience.

Is that place golf cart accessible? We very much enjoy both Ay Jalisco in Spanish Springs and Tequila Cantina on Wedgewood Lane (The old Crispers Location) and both are easily golf cart accessible. Any location requiring taking a car would have to be 5 star off the charts good to get our attention. That being said, I haven’t driven a car since early January and am in no hurry to do so until we have to go back north.

Pairadocs 04-04-2024 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altavia (Post 2311095)
How was the verede sauce? Spicy? Creamy?

It was mild verde, I do like more spice, but I did NOT make that known, so that one is on me, few places are going to use much spice without a request from customer ! Hope the quality is consistent, going back next weekend since it was such a positive experience !

Pairadocs 04-04-2024 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2311104)
We usually prefer the kind of places that have home-made horchata.


You know I didn't even notice if they had agua de horchata on the menu ! Will check that out this next weekend, we're going back. I love my own recipe (got it living in Mexico for work). Really simple one, I'll share it here, but you probably have your favorite home made too ! 2 cups long grain rice (I use Texmati brand)
stick Mexican Cinnamon, 4 cups hot water, 8 cups extra water to finish the drink, ¾ cup sugar ( I use Florida raw organic), 2 teaspoon pure vanilla, cup milk (I use 2% or whole, whatever I have).

AMB444 04-04-2024 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2318753)
It was mild verde, I do like more spice, but I did NOT make that known, so that one is on me, few places are going to use much spice without a request from customer ! Hope the quality is consistent, going back next weekend since it was such a positive experience !

This is an easy recipe for salsa verde. I'm not super talented in the kitchen but I even made this one successfully. :) Roasted Tomatillo Salsa - Rick Bayless

PoolBrews 04-05-2024 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauld315 (Post 2316091)
Then you haven't been to Hacienda in Ocala if you want regular Mexican or you should try more upscale places in Ocala like El Mezcal or Azul Tequila

I haven't been to Hacienda or Azul Tequila, but I have been to El Mezcal many times. Great food there as well, and I love their outdoor area. As everyone knows, these place sometimes go through cooking staff. I'm simply saying that whoever is cooking at Los Maguey's in Belleview as of right now is hands down the best tasting food.

Topspinmo 04-05-2024 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2313190)
I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

I prefer TexMex over Authentic. I prefer Texas barbecue over anything in Florida, can’t wait for Bucky’s in north Ocala to be completed.

Topspinmo 04-05-2024 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMB444 (Post 2318757)
This is an easy recipe for salsa verde. I'm not super talented in the kitchen but I even made this one successfully. :) Roasted Tomatillo Salsa - Rick Bayless

I just buy HERDEZ salsa Carera comes in three levels heat.

Topspinmo 04-05-2024 08:39 AM

I’ve been to few Authentic Mexican restaurants in Florida IMO all taste about same. IMO good but nothing to rave about yet?

Pairadocs 04-08-2024 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2311108)
I'd been wondering about that place, thanks for the review! I'll probably give it a try in the next couple of weeks, as a result.

It was quite good food and service, and we DID go again this weekend. So far, so good, LOL !

Pairadocs 04-08-2024 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2318879)
I’ve been to few Authentic Mexican restaurants in Florida IMO all taste about same. IMO good but nothing to rave about yet?

True, it is the Tex-Mex type , I agree. But like the pizza discussions, LOL, "for here" it's a little above the usual, LOL ! Many people in the U.S.really don't like authentic "Mexican" that's for sure. I LOVE the Yucatan style, a LOT of snapper, a LOT of grouper, dishes, but not going to find that here much, once in awhile maybe. Been told there is a place in Brooksville that's very authentic, carne de cabra and a lot of sea food we've been told. Will go explore one weekend probably.

Pairadocs 04-08-2024 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMB444 (Post 2318757)
This is an easy recipe for salsa verde. I'm not super talented in the kitchen but I even made this one successfully. :) Roasted Tomatillo Salsa - Rick Bayless

Thanks, I made it TODAY, it was GREAT, not complicated. Have no idea why I've never considered making it at home previously, thanks again !

Pairadocs 04-08-2024 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoolBrews (Post 2318845)
I haven't been to Hacienda or Azul Tequila, but I have been to El Mezcal many times. Great food there as well, and I love their outdoor area. As everyone knows, these place sometimes go through cooking staff. I'm simply saying that whoever is cooking at Los Maguey's in Belleview as of right now is hands down the best tasting food.

Humm, haven't been to Los Maquey's for such a long time now, have to do again soon. You are right, Asian and Mexican restaurants do seem to have unavoidable (?) staff, cook, changes often and it sometimes makes at shocking difference !

Pairadocs 04-12-2024 12:50 PM

[QUOTE=Michael 61;2313190]I’ll check it out, but so far I have yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Florida that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.[/QUOTE

That's true, and you may not ever find that. Many owners all over Florida DO know authentic methods, meats, and ingredients, but like Asian cuisines, most Americans do NOT want 100% authentic dishes as they don't like many of the authentic ingredients, and in many cases the preferred protein sources in many countries are not the same as here in the U.S. For instance, Publix does not routinely carry goat meat, one of the top choices for "tacos" (also quite different than the typical American's concept of a "taco"...lol) in Mexico. Have to make the most of vacations in Mexico we've found, eat your fill of authentic while there and enjoy before you get back to "Tex Mex" or Taco Bell....LOL !

Pairadocs 04-12-2024 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2318874)
I prefer TexMex over Authentic. I prefer Texas barbecue over anything in Florida, can’t wait for Bucky’s in north Ocala to be completed.

Can we hope and pray for really good brisket ????? Heavenly just thinking about it !

Pairadocs 04-12-2024 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2311108)
I'd been wondering about that place, thanks for the review! I'll probably give it a try in the next couple of weeks, as a result.

You're welcome, but, the way places change kitchen help, you can't depend on sustainability most places.

Pairadocs 04-12-2024 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 2313515)
Glad you had a good experience. When we went, the food was barely edible, small portions, service was okay, will never return. And, I felt it was very overpriced for what we received. Didn't look even close to all of the pictures posted

Oh dear, that's what I always fear. One finds good food and service, then a friend tries and has a miserable experience. We've been twice now in 6 weeks and no changes... yet ! Very low cost, about $12.99 for HUGE enchilada dinner, could only eat 2 with all the rice, beans, chips, etc. included. Hate to hear is fallen so low so fast, we took house guests over Easter and it was still great and prices were still really low. Nothing lasts I guess !

Stu from NYC 04-12-2024 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2321099)
Can we hope and pray for really good brisket ????? Heavenly just thinking about it !

We really enjoy their brisket but unless you spell it correctly Buc cees NO BRISKET FOR YOU!

JMintzer 04-12-2024 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2321123)
We really enjoy their brisket but unless you spell it correctly Buc cees NO BRISKET FOR YOU!

Do you mean Buc-ees?

https://www.thestate.com/latest-news...-ees-69485.jpg

shaw8700@outlook.com 04-12-2024 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2311065)
Tried Campo Azul in the Spruce Creek plaza on 441 on 3-11-24. First time visit since it opened. Food was very good; a combo plate that included a tamale and two other selections, all were very tasty (about $12) , the other entree we tried was enchiladas verde, two chicken and two shredded (not ground) beef, per serving (think it was $12.99). The chicken was all white breast meat and not the "stewed" type of filling usually found in chicken enchilada filling. All food was very tasty and the service from waiter was very watchful, attentive. A good experience.

Do they have whole pinto beans?

Stu from NYC 04-12-2024 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2321149)

I was pretty close

JMintzer 04-12-2024 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2321193)
I was pretty close

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0f/86...1b9e232804.gif

Dusty_Star 04-13-2024 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2321193)
I was pretty close

I appreciated your first spelling, because before that I had no idea what they were talking about.

Stu from NYC 04-13-2024 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star (Post 2321350)
I appreciated your first spelling, because before that I had no idea what they were talking about.

When traveling around lunch time first choice for lunch. Also very good gas prices and baked goods


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