El Puerto flavorful

Published 8:48 am Thursday, February 28, 2008

I have always said you can tell a good Mexican restaurant by the salsa and chips they give you prior to the meal.

I love spicy food, and when the salsa is spicy and fresh and not too tomatoey and the chips are fresh, salty and warm — usually the rest of the food is really good, too.

That’s the way it is at El Puerto Mexican restaurant, where they make their salsa homemade everyday in the heart of downtown Edmonds.

El Puerto is a family owned restaurant established over 14 years ago, said owner and manager Ramon Garcia.

The food is authentic but still a little Americanized so that it’s not so mysterious.

Garcia said they find this balance by “doing the same thing, not making any changes.”

Garcia said that is one way he finds success with his restaurant is that he hasn’t changed a thing since they opened.

El Puerto’s menu offers all of the combinations typical at most Mexican restaurants, but the full flavor and quality of El Puerto isn’t typical.

They also advertise on their front window, which faces the famous Edmonds fountain, that they offer ostrich, which they use in one of their four varieties of fajitas.

I have been to El Puerto several times and have enjoyed everything I’ve tried. I haven’t tried the ostrich fajitas — but I’ve tried and enjoyed almost everything else.

Sunday, July 6, my family and I ate there and I enjoyed the avocado chicken tostada. A good time of year for this dish because of the beautiful, fresh avocados. And El Puerto isn’t stingy with the avocados or other ingredients.

El Puerto also offers a full cantina, including a variety of margarita options, dessert menu and a children’s menu as well.