WHAT’S COOKIN’ Delicious enchiladas stuffed with shrimp, lobster, cream, a hint of bacon, and topped with a roasted tomato cream sauce.
the royal treat California’s roads haven’t been royal for a couple centuries now, but you’re in for a royal treat when you dine at Camino Real, the restaurant that claims it was Mexican inspired with California love. By Mike Stepanovich It recently opened in a new locale, 4501 Stine Road in southwest Of course we had to have some guacamole ($7), and also decided to Bakersfield, after spending the first 3½ years of its existence on Trux- try the sampler platter ($9; add your choice of meat, $2), which is comtun Avenue at Westwind Drive. Word on the street is that the old prised of, according to the menu, nachos topped with taquitos, flautas, locale was more of a nightclub scene while the new locale is more quesadillas, and hot wings. The guacamole arrived first, and was fresh and scrumptious; it had a focused on dining. Regardless of where it is, it’s worth the effort to get there. The food, table presence that was warm and inviting. The presentation was spectacular: the freshly made guacamole in the center of a plate with long, the ambience, and the service all add up to a fine dining experience. I visited Camino Real recently with a companion, unsure of what toasted triangular flour-tortilla chips encircling the guacamole spread out likes rays of the sun. The we would find. We were hopeguacamole had diced tomatoes ful because several acquainand onions and was delightful. tances had told us they had Any Mexican restaurant worth enjoyed the food. its salt has a good margarita in We were greeted warmly at its repertoire; Camino Real has a the door, and after being seated whole page of them! There must in a comfortable booth, we have been a dozen or so. What were brought a basket of chips to choose? Our server, Maria, and a selection of three salsas. was most helpful in deciphering That was our first clue that the The warm tones of the Camino Real the list of specialty margaritas Restaurant will remind you of an old California mission. evening was going to be special. ($9 each). At her suggestion, I The chips were thin, crisp, and fresh. The three salsas were in a rectangular container divided into chose one dubbed “Freska,” which had limes, oranges, tequila blanco, three compartments, each with a different salsa. On the left was a green Gran Marnier, and agave nectar. Of course the rim was salted. The drink was slightly sweet and reflected the limes. The salt went chile salsa, flavorful and spicy. The right had a red chile salsa, also richly flavored. The middle was what might be considered regular salsa, with well with it, and I found it very refreshing. My companion tried it and tomatoes, chiles, and onions. Only this salsa was not from a jar or can; it declared it the perfect margarita! While enjoying our beverages and waiting for our appetizers, >> had been made fresh, with freshly diced tomatoes, yellow onions, green peppers, plus fresh corn. All three salsas were delicious, underscoring that this southwest Bakersfield restaurant was worthy of a revisit.
Cuisine: imaginative tastes
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