If you've moved around a lot — as my family has — you know how great it feels to find just the right places to shop or dine, only to relocate again and hunt for new favorites. It takes trial and error. Tips from neighbors or co-workers aren't always helpful because they come from different backgrounds and have different expectations.
Back in Washington state, our "go-to" spot for Mexican dining was Ixtapa in Duvall, a small town on Seattle's Eastside. The food was as authentic and awesome as just about any we've had in the U.S., including San Diego.
Our first foray into Mexican dining, here in South Reno, was at La Posada Real, 5270 Longley Ln. Being "Ixtapa Snobs," we agreed it was pretty good, but didn't quite measure up to what we'd had before.
Then we tried Murrieta's, on South Virginia Street near Patriot Boulevard. Our first two experiences were positive, but the third was atrocious. On that visit, service was very inattentive and my leathery chicken fajitas seemed to have been reheated, possibly more than once.
As bad as that was, Serrano's at The Summit was worse. The salsa and enchilada sauce looked and tasted like plain old ketchup. Not even Heinz ketchup, but a watered-down bargain brand. We didn't shed a tear when Serrano's closed soon afterward. The spot is now occupied by The Tuscan Tomato, which we've not yet tried.
Before revisiting La Posada Real, we also sampled Mexican food at Toucan Charlie's Buffet at Atlantis. Their Mexican items were all right — not outstanding. The buffet, in general, was odd, with Mexican and Asian choices far outweighing American. For instance, I ate a side of stir-fried Asian vegetables with a slice of prime rib because there weren't any plain options like broccoli or green beans near the carving station.
However, let's get back to Mexican food and another trip to La Posada Real. I'm not sure what changed in the past year but it was so much better the second time around. Is the place under new management? Have we just forgotten how much we loved Ixtapa in Duvall, Washington? I don't know, but for now, I think La Posada Real might just be South Reno's best bet for Mexican food.
Lunch combinations at La Posada Real are not inexpensive but the portions are dinner-sized and the quality is way above-average.
One chile relleno with an enchilada (choice of cheese, chicken or beef) costs $11.25 and comes with rice, choice of beans (refried, whole or black) and lettuce and tomato. Sour cream costs $1 extra.
One tamal with choice of enchilada, rice and beans costs $10.25. Larger or smaller combos are also available.
Complimentary chips and salsa at La Posada Real are fresh and delicious. It irks me when Mexican restaurants charge extra for this or use chips from a bag. One thing I'd add — and yes, this goes back again to my love of Ixtapa in Duvall — is that it's nice to get two types of salsa, "hot" and "hotter," to alternate between the two. La Posada Real's salsa is addictive but has a powerful kick.
Service and decor at La Posada Real are pleasant. The dining room has a sleek, modern look, the music isn't overly loud, etc. While the nice weather lasts, you can also sit outside in the shadow of Mount La Posada. (Okay, I don't know what that looming mountain is actually called, but Mount La Posada seems like a logical name.)
Sometimes you "can't go home" to your favorite ethnic restaurants, but La Posada Real in South Reno could maybe be a home away from home.
For more information, call (775) 852-1227 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Posada-Real/113644515337117 .
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