El Mundo appreciation thread (NOT A RESURRECTION)

At this point, I'd say we should all go to El Mundo's and see what happens. At least we won't have to resurrect a dead thread.

Just not all at the samt time.....

I jest..

I think El Mundo's food is better than Qdoba, and much better than Moe's, which I don't care for at all.

I was honestly comparing it more to places like Santa Fe Grill, which I think has far better food, so perhaps burrito joint was not the correct term. Not exactly a taqueria either, since they have a more varied menu than most taquerias.

[Robin Garr]

I think El Mundo's food is better than Qdoba, and much better than Moe's, which I don't care for at all.

I was honestly comparing it more to places like Santa Fe Grill, which I think has far better food, so perhaps burrito joint was not the correct term. Not exactly a taqueria either, since they have a more varied menu than most taquerias.

I was really just yanking your chain, Clay. Thanks for taking it in good humor.

Really, though, I do consider El Mundo pretty much one-of-a-kind and don't think it compares closely to any other local Latino place. It's much more authentic, and interesting, than the fresh-burrito joints, and it's more English-speaking and frankly a little more innovative than the taquerias (which I love).

Although it's far more downscale, I think of it as closer to Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill in Chicago than to any other "Mexican" restaurant in Louisville. Mexican regional dishes, made with some care, not just slapped on a plate but plated decoratively.

As I've said before, this is a neighborhood joint for me. I've been a fairly regular customer (as regular as it's possible to be when you dine out professionally all over town) and a fan since they opened up as one of the early arrivals on Frankfort back in the middle '90s. They've stood the test of time and they're constantly packed with a loyal base of fans.

I love Frontera. I think there have only been two times out of all the trips I've made to to Chicago where I haven't eaten there or next door at Topolobampo. If your opinion of the food at El Mundo is that high, I seriously need to revisit the place. (It's probably been close to a couple of years since I last ate there.)

[Robin Garr]

I love Frontera. I think there have only been two times out of all the trips I've made to to Chicago where I haven't eaten there or next door at Topolobampo. If your opinion of the food at El Mundo is that high, I seriously need to revisit the place. (It's probably been close to a couple of years since I last ate there.)

I do think it's worth another look, although I hope I was clear that I'm not calling El Mundo a Frontera clone. It's certainly more funky and downscale and of course very small - to me, that's part of its charm. But when I try to come up with a way to distinguish it from Louisville's other Mexican eateries, the Frontera analogy comes closer than anything else I can think of.

I get what you are getting at, Robin.

Although it's far more downscale, I think of it as closer to Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill in Chicago than to any other "Mexican" restaurant in Louisville. Mexican regional dishes, made with some care, not just slapped on a plate but plated decoratively.

While you're on the subject, stay away from Rick Bayless's latest product in the freezer section "Frontera Pizzas". Not a very good pizza and certain nothing close to what you get in his Chicago establishment.

I wonder why he bothers. His jarred salsa products aren't that glowing either come to think of it.

Just thought I would jump in with that.

$$$?

[Robin Garr]

While you're on the subject, stay away from Rick Bayless's latest product in the freezer section "Frontera Pizzas". Not a very good pizza and certain nothing close to what you get in his Chicago establishment.

I wonder why he bothers. His jarred salsa products aren't that glowing either come to think of it.

Just thought I would jump in with that.

Thanks for jumping, David. Frankly, and sadly, it doesn't surprise me. Name chefs' faces and signatures turning up on frozen packages rarely appeal to me. Too often burnt, too long shy.

I really don't expect much from a burrito joint.

You think of El Mundo as a burrito joint? Interesting ... I wonder if you might be happier saving a little money by going to Qdoba or Moe's.

Is everyone forgetting El Mundo's famous margaritas? Hard to beat em.