Some nights (and weekends), I just don't feel like cooking, so I do go out to local restaurants from time to time. My most frequent haunt is El Idolo, a Mexican place just on the edge of Bartlett, TN. It sits a good 1/8 of a mile from the geographic center of the county, so it's reached easily enough from everywhere. They also have the best damn margaritas in town.
I've come here frequently and long enough (since they opened, to be honest), that I don't order a drink - my server brings my drink when I've been seated. Incidentally, I go for the medium (used to be large, but they added a new size that's for my Sundays only) margarita on the rocks, no ice, no salt. When a new server starts at "the 'Dolo" (as we call it), it usually takes them 2-3 visits before they remember, and then it's smooth sailing again. Most places that I've ordered this just mix a normal margarita, then top it off with their mix; the 'Dolo says, "nah, hermano, we got you," and there's an extra shot or two of tequila in there because they love me.
It's also gotten to the point that they go ahead and bring out the spicy salsa and spicy tomatillo sauce without any sort of questioning. Last night, I also got the chunky guacamole and a queso because I wanted to engorge myself. The tomatillo sauce has a great kick, and the guac's got some jalapeño because spice is life.
The 'Dolo doesn't really go for the whole "presentation" thing because it's not that kind of joint. This is a "go get a margarita, eat some delicious-ass food, and come back soon" spot. I went for the shrimp embrujados, which has become one of my favorites of late. The shrimp are cooked in an habanero-based sauce (not too much heat, though) and is served with rice, salad, avocado slices, and a few tortillas. Naturally, I make tacos with all of the above, drizzle a little queso, and chow down. Once the shrimp and tortillas are gone, I mix everything up into a nasty mess on my plate and wolf it all down with my chips. Maybe I'll throw a little tomatillo sauce in, too. However the mood strikes me.
I want to reiterate: this is not a fancy place. You're not gonna have your coat taken, your chair pulled out, or see works of visual art adorning your plate: you're gonna be in someone's home, eating real food, hearing weird conversations because people don't realize they're in public. It's a great atmosphere (I have friends that live quite a ways away that hit me up to meet there for dinner), the staff is amazing (shout out to Eddie, who's been my boy for years), and those fuckin margaritas, man...when you see the DrunKitchen posts, this is where I was right before I started. Just sayin.
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