Guajillo

We first discovered Guajillo several years ago when we went to Ray's the Steaks at its old location (now the site of Ray's Hell Burgers) in Arlington and saw it next door. We went once, loved it, and, almost certainly because it is across the wide and forbidding Potomac, never went back.

Until last night, because we wanted Mexican food and Oyamel is hopelessly booked on Friday nights. Not only did Guajillo take reservations, but they had a table for two free at 7:30.

So we had the top shelf margarita (made with Patron for only $2 extra) and munched on the feather light corn chips with a warm salsa and a really nice mayonnaise type dip. We split the marvelous shrimp cerviche as an appetizer. It comes super-chilled in a large goblet swimming in the citrusy marinade that is very peppery and just delicious.

Then I had the mole poblano, a boned chicken breast smothered in chocolate-chili sauce, served with rice, refried beans, sliced onion and warm, fresh corn tortillas. Nothing outside of Oaxaca will probably ever equal the mole prepared for us by our cleaning lady in San Miguel, but this was very good and took me back to those idyllic days in Mexico.

Andrea had a special -- grilled pork chunks marinated in orange and nicely spiced up with chilis that was delicious, served with black beans and rice. It was such a generous portion that we were able to bring some home (with a couple of tortillas!).

It was a real pleasure to get some good Mexican food. The neighborhood places in DC -- Guapo, Cactus Cantina and that ilk -- are drearily mediocre. Rosa Mexicana and Lauriol Plaza are not that great either and hopelessly mobbed. Oyamel is the best, but not for a Friday night.

The place was great. They held our reservations for 10 minutes due to our late start down across the river, seated us immediately when we arrived, served us efficiently without rushing us. The restaurant is small and crowded, but warm with bright Mexican colors and art. The bar, crowded with those waiting for a table, is in the back and out of the way. It is just 25 min. from our house even on a Friday night, so it's a good bet we won't wait another five years or so to return.

Along with everything else, it inspired once again to plan a Mexican fiesta sometime this summer. It is one of the great world cuisines.