240053 Mon Apr 21 23:25:46 -0700 2003 7 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1273248 Maria's Mexican Bistro (Union b'twn 4th & 5th) has got to be Park Slopes best Mexican restaurant. Forget Mezcals, Calexico and even the fairly decent Mexican Sandwich Company and go for the real deal over on Union. It isn't cheap but it's well worth it-including the eight dollar guacamole which was among the best I've ever had, the chicken, apple and rasin Chile Reillnos (sp?) which was tender and delicious, a Sirloin steak in a cognac sauce and topped with a small vegetable enchilada that was rich and wonderful and the fresh grilled Salmon that was, according to my sister,quite amazing. besides, the guys were super nice and gave us a number of gratis items. Mon Apr 21 23:25:46 -0700 2003 0 tony l 1 1273254 The wife and I had lunch there this past Friday, and were happy with our lunch, though not blown away. I had a chicken tamale, which came with a side of organic mixed greens. The salad was nice and the tamale was ok, if a little dry. Also, on the whole, I think that everything was underseasoned. My wife had the vegetable fajita, which was was great. Fresh veggies, perfect amount of oil and, ummm, "sizzle". The lunch menu is actually MUCH cheaper than the dinner menu. It is a pretty room and the service was decent. I am still not sure if I'd return... would love to hear more feedback. We only went to Maria's because Cafe Mexicano next door was closed. We went back to Cafe Mexicano on Sunday night and I LOVED the two tamales that I had. What a great value and addition to the Slope. Muk Tue Apr 22 09:03:11 -0700 2003 1273248 0 Muk 2 1273259 I was about to throw out Cafe Mexicano as a viable food option in the 'hood, after twice being underwhelmed by their tamales (and in fact almost sickened by their oaxacan cheese and tomatillo tamale). However, I gave it one last chance yesterday and tried the tlocoyos, and I have to admit I am now smitten. So I will avoid the tamales, and relish in everything else on the menu. As for next door, does anyone know the prices on the lunch menu? I would like to try that place out but I didn't see a separate lunch menu posted anywhere. Tue Apr 22 09:50:28 -0700 2003 1273254 0 Lambretta76 3 1273263 Both places are owned by Los Pollitos. They also own and operate Trattoria Mulano across from key food. Personally, I think they should stick with chicken and simple mexican food ala los pollitos. Tue Apr 22 10:15:18 -0700 2003 1273259 0 josh L 1 1273255 $8 for guacamole! You've got to be kidding. Stay on the B63 bus go to Sunset Park and eat reasonably priced Mexican food. Tue Apr 22 09:07:51 -0700 2003 1273248 0 DeeDee 1 1273256 Oh, how I wish I could agree. My meal there a few weeks ago -- I had the chicken fajitas -- was really bad. I really hoped it would be better. Tue Apr 22 09:25:21 -0700 2003 1273248 0 mimimi 2 1273265 Yeah, I had one of the worst guacomoles of all time there. The guy goes through this huge production on a little table in front of us to produce this stuff which barely resembled guacomole, with all the key spices in the incorrect proportions. Nothing else we tried rose above decent. And the service was very strange. Tue Apr 22 11:09:12 -0700 2003 1273256 0 Peter Cuce 1 1273288 Maria's Mexican Bistro: "It isn't cheap" is an understatement - considering the miniscule portions, the prices are practically outrageous. The guy who owns the place is totally sweet, and I wish him the best. But he's got to give a little more for the money. Also, the waiters are really a bit too pushy, constantly hawking guacamole, sangria, etc. Tue Apr 22 15:29:33 -0700 2003 1273248 0 Cathy Elton