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.

Thanks for the recommendation

How was the verede sauce? Spicy? Creamy?

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

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.

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.

And you won’t

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.

Thank you.

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."

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!

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

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.

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 !

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).

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 !

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 !

[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 !

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

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

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 !

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

Do they have whole pinto beans?

I was pretty close

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