A Mexican getaway in Vacaville
Bargain Bites
Dan Fein
Located in Vacaville’s flourishing downtown, Los Reyes Restaurante Y Cantina is a pleasant retreat from a hectic day. The relaxed terraces invite you in and the food and hospitable service make you want to stay.
A co-worker and I find Los Reyes to be the ideal late Friday afternoon lunch spot to close out the week and bring in the weekend.
Passing up the terrace, we decide to sit inside. The decor is rustic, from the burnt-orange plaster walls to the terra cotta tiles and distressed wood tables and chairs. Our server promptly brings out the standard chips and salsa, but there is nothing ordinary about their salsas; they have obviously been made with care and a healthy dose of inventiveness. There are three offered, all of them house-made: their version of Pico de Gallo, a salsa crudo with roasted pineapple, and a spicy chipotle salsa with roasted jalapeno and chili de arbol.
My friend orders the Los Reyes salad ($8.99), a combination of mixed spring greens, thinly sliced grilled tri-tip, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles tossed with a honey basil vinaigrette. She says that she couldn’t be more pleased with the flavors and heartiness.
I order the Mole Poblano ($8.99), tender chicken slow-simmered in that rich, delicious sauce and accompanied by beans and rice. Mole is one of my favorite Mexican dishes and Los Reyes’ house-made mole is a perfect example.
Lunch for two for only $18 is a pretty good deal and would have been unbeatable if we’d had a few of their famous margaritas.
Los Reyes Restaurante y Cantina, 21 Town Square Plaza, Vacaville (707) 448-2113.
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