by Marsha L. » Sat Nov 15, 2008 2:44 pm
John and I tried the new Sol Aztecas last night. I should say first of all, we love the Aztecas restaurants and as we briefly discussed last night, we probably go to Sol Aztecas on Bardstown Rd at least once a month for casual dining. We wanted to try the more "upscale" version last night, so I called to make a reservation, but they do not take reservations at this time. We headed over about 7:15 or 7:30, and had no trouble getting a table right away, although they may have been on a slight wait by the time we left.
There seemed to be an army of wait staff, their uniforms were pretty standard black and white, perhaps a bit more upscale than at the other Aztecas. Our server (I think "Luis") seemed enthusiastic (if a bit over eager), and seemed to be still in training mode, shadowed fairly unobtrusively by his supervisor or a trainer.
We had been once to the restaurant while it was Sweet Peas Southern, and the decor has been completely redone - walls have been painted deep jewel tones, and there are nicer versions of the kitschy Mexican decor items, and a lot fewer of them. No pinatas or anything, just nice wall hangings and framed posters. Tables were dressed with black wipe-able tablecloths. The automatic chips and salsa that were brought to the table had three or four colors of chips: traditional corn, blue corn, red pepper and spinach tortillas. Salsa seemed to be the same as the other stores.
The liquor license hadn't come through just yet. John noticed a prominent posting about this at the hostess stand. So in addition to soft drinks, they brought around several virgin versions of their frozen cocktails and their bloody mary to the table periodically throught our meal. The hostess also took our email address so they can email us a coupon for discounted cocktails when the license comes through any day now. All the virgin drink examples were tasty except the blue curacao drink - blech (but I never like that stuff anyway, no matter how it's presented. Tastes like dish soap to me.)
The menu seems to have been streamlined from their other stores, but I don't know if I would call it more upscale. Seems like they've cut down the number of pre-formed "combinaciones" and opted for a system where you can mix and match mains and sides, in combinations of 3 or 4 items. We did not see any seviche on the menu (it might be there, but we didn't notice it). Fish tacos were on the menu, and I asked to have one added to my skirt steak entree. At first our server said they couldn't sell them by the single one, but a few minutes later he came back with his trainer and said they'd be happy to add one to my entree after all.
Our entrees were great, John had the carnitas platter, and I had the skirt steak, both familiar and well-loved choices for us. My fish taco was tasty, but I've only had fish tacos four or five times before, and I've always had them presented as chunks of fried fish in a soft tortilla with taco fixings. This fish taco tasted good, but the fish was chopped or shredded (although I believe it was fried) and mixed together with the salsa, etc.
All in all, a great meal and at $30 for both of us (without alcohol), a total bargain. We completely expected to be paying a couple dollars more a plate than at their other locations, but I don't think they've raised any prices at all! Nice, more upscale atmosphere, with the cozy rooms that lead one onto another that you'll remember from Sweet Peas or Furlong's before that. Being directly across the street from El Mundo, I know they are anxious to get their liquor license in place so they can offer a full range of beer, wine and cocktails. When I get the email saying their license is in effect, I'll post here again.
For moderately priced Mexican-American comfort food in a lovely setting, we highly recommend! Near the Walgreen's on Frankfort Avenue, two blocks northwest of the intersection with Peterson. 895-3333.
Marsha Lynch
LEO columnist, free range cook/food writer/food stylist
