By Corrine Humphrey
If you’re suffering from salsa fever, or you’ve got a craving for carnitas, a hankering for horchata or a taste for tacos, savor some great south-of-the-border specialties at one of Park City’s Mexican restaurants.
At Loco Lizard in Kimball Junction, everything is made in house, including the tortillas and chips, and 99% of menu items are gluten free, even the sauces. Loco Lizard gets my vote for best chips, homemade tamales and best enchiladas — the Seafood Enchiladas and also the house special “Enchiladas Suizas” are crowd favorites. The restaurant uses only shredded beef and rotisserie chicken, and other menu items include traditional dishes and a broad selection of seafood entrees and salads. Loco Lizard’s covered patio is a perfect place for outdoor summer dining.
Sergios is located next to the Holiday Village Cinemas (look for the old sign, Lorenzo’s above the entrance). It’s an ideal spot for lunch or a pre-movie dinner. Here you can enjoy the best crispy tacos around, and it’s the only place in town that offers “Molcajete,” a house speciality of marinated steak, chicken and shrimp with nopales, onions, Monterey Jack cheese and jalapenos in Chile Verde sauce served in a hot stone bowl. Molcajete serves 2-3 people so bring your friends. Save room for dessert if you can — the Tres Leches cake is divine.
Blue Iguana, at the top of Main Street in Old Town has the best margaritas (try the Mango Margarita), and they are also best known for their Moles. Chef Tony Cardenas, of Red Iguana fame, creates five different Moles, including: Almendras; Poblano; Verde; Negro; and Coloradito. Each recipe has over 20 ingredients and is served with pork or chicken. Blue Iguana also has authentic Huevos Rancheros, served only during weekend brunch.
If you want to get hooked up with the best Fish Tacos in town, head to Chubasco at 1890 Bonanza Drive. Made with crisp beer-battered cod, they are topped with crunchy cabbage and tomatoes with a drizzle of crema. A popular locals’ lunch spot, Chubasco is also open for dinner. They also have the best selection of homemade salsas at their salsa bar featuring 15 different freshly made variations to suit any taste, including traditional Pico de Gallo, and spicy Chipotle or Mango salsas.
Baja Cantina, at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, is a great gathering place at any time of year. Enjoy outdoor dining and the best nachos around — choose from the Machaca Shredded Beef Nachos, Pork Chile Verde Nachos or the Cantina Chicken version topped with tomatoes, onions, beans, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Baja Cantina also gets kudos for their Chicken Flautas, shredded chicken and cheeses rolled in tortillas, then deep fried and served with spicy green salsa or sweet chipotle. Wash it down with a Mexican Mojito or a creamy Vanilla Colada.
Spice up your summer and your suppertime. Turn any meal into a fiesta and get great Mexican flavors without leaving the city limits.
