Reader report: Authentic Mexican in Salem
Longtime Fridge Magnet reader Dennis Mitchell is often our extra pair of eyes and ears in the Salem area. Dennis and his wife appreciate good food and say they’ve found it at a new Mexican restaurant called Xinachtli, which has opened in the former location of Claudia’s Blues Cafe at College and E. Main.
I’m not sure how the name is pronounced, but we’re gathering more info here at the old RT. Meanwhile, here are some excerpts from Dennis’ e-mails:
“Xinachtli, a Mexican restaurant, is now open on E. Main at the corner of College and Main, where Claudia’s used to be. Diane and I ate lunch there today and it was AWESOME!!
I had enchiladas w/ two fried eggs on top; served on top of a red or green sauce, I chose red. Outstanding, quite different from what I’ve had before. Di had flautas, deep fried corn tortillas filled w/ chicken w/ the red AND the green sauce. It was obviously prepared fresh as it didn’t come out in two minutes on a hot, micro waved plate!
It’s a tiny place, decorated simply and is clean and nice. Di didn’t care for it as much as I did as she’s more into the “Americanized” style of Mexican food. I got a small side of guacamole and it was good and VERY spicy! I loved it! No chips and salsa but the food was plenty spicy, even enough so for me. They have some specials on Thursday through Sat., and some of them sounded really good.
Prices reasonable, we both had a good lunch w/ sodas and the side of guacamole for seventeen bucks, comparable to the “El’s” I’d say.”
August 10, 2010 - 7:00 AM
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This restaurant has been closed the past few evenings (around 6pm, not late). It looks like maybe they were open for a few days and have closed again. Does anyone know what’s going on?
I’ll have to try this out! My husband and I spent time in Mexico years ago and we love authentic Mexican food.
Kate, they are open for breakfast, 8:00 to 11:30, and lunch, 11:30 to 5:30, Mon. through Sat. So, they are gone at six pm. I can’t WAIT to have a Mexican breakfast!
Sweet! My hubby and I miss the real latin food. Simple and homemade like abuelita, not tex mex.
We also find that Rico’s pizza has wonderful Columbian food, she has two seperate menus and its simple, basic meals with lots of flavor.
Just ate there and wow it was great! The owner was very friendly. My wife and I had the guacamole, the camarones a la diabla and the flautas verdes. Fresh ingredients, great presentation and most important, delicious! Definitely going back.
Very good to hear, Matt! Thanks for the review.
This is the real deal from Mexico City, not the “Americanized” dreck found at the large, tourist-looking establishments scattered around Roanoke, and the recipes are from the cook’s family, except for her own version of rice. They close early (5:30pm) so get some take-out on the way home.