Lunch with Loretta: Loretta is not a restaurant critic, and many of her posts are based on a single visit or company lunch order, thus not necessarily representative of everyone’s experience. She does regard herself as a foodie and local food purveyor. She believes that we should bring European lunch hours to the U.S., strives to be a “Lady who Lunches” and acknowledges that the best work sessions occur over the lunch hour, martini optional.  Things that make for a good lunch spot include locally-owned and operated, fast + efficient, tasty, friendly, inexpensive options and unique atmosphere.

Cielito Lindo’s  
Mexican Restaurant and Bar

“A taste with tradition”

Hours: Mon – Sat 11 am – 10 pm / Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
2222 SW Washburn Ave
357.8859

“Cielito Lindo” is a popular Ranchera song from Mexico written in 1882 by Quirino Mendoz y Cortés. In recent years, it has become widely known as the theme song for Mexicans, particularly in international circumstances like the FIFA World Cup.

Missing soccer and having the day off work, Cielito Lindo, a new Mexican restaurant in Topeka, answered my stomach craving.  Plus, they had margaritas.

Cielito Lindo is located behind Henry T’s in a location that seems to be just another black hole for local restaurants. I believe there has been about four in this location over the last six years.  I’m hoping that if any having staying power, it’s Cielito Lindo’s.

The outside appears the same, with the addition of an over-sized decal of fajitas on the window.  Not my fav.  I did appreciate, however, the little revamping of the interior; removing those picnic-style benches with real booths. Thank you.

This particular lunch visit, I brought one of my best gal-pals along who is extremely knowledgeable, and a little snooty, about Mexican fare, since, of course, she makes the best next to her mother.  As we entered, I immediately took notice of a sign that explained that they take coupons from any Mexican restaurant.  “Taco Bell?” I wondered. I assume they meant from their competitors, like El Mezcal and sorts.  Smart, we both agreed and filed into our booth.

A pitcher of margarita hastily arrived and was escorted by two glasses,  already filled to the brim.  Bonus.  We began with chips and salsa, the thing that can make or break a Mexican restaurant for me.  It was underwhelming for us both. I prefer chunky salsa with lots of flavor and a little kick.  The second test for me at any Mexican restaurant is the guacamole.  A large was literally a cereal bowl filled, daunting but manageable after the delish cilantro, avocado, tomato, onions and chopped jalapeños hit our tongues.  (Reg. was $3.29 / Large $7.49)

We took advantage of the lunch specials, served 11 am – 2 pm Monday – Friday.  I ordered the fajitas which were a bouquet of colors (loved the taste and visual appeal of the yellow peppers) and not overly greasy, which is the case at many of the Mexican joints around town.  She had the Pollo Fundido.  A chicken breast topped with chorizo, which gave the dish some heat, covered with cheese and served with tortillas.

While we were waiting on our food, the ladies who were lunching behind us ordered the Molcajete.

“Every place has to have that one signature item,” we agreed, and this must be theirs.  The huge portion of steak, chicken, shrimp, pork cooked with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes was served in an enormous margarita bowl.  On the side was rice and beans and avocado salad. This must be shared we decided.

I was hesitant to ask our fellow diners if I could take a picture, so I decided not to creep them out and just peered around the corner of my tall booth back several times without saying a word. The Molcajete is $15.99 and something I must try – ASAP.

Time [from entering to exiting]: 50 minutes
Avg. cost per person:   $8 plus tip
Stomach report:   Lots of food – need a to-go box.  Minimal grease in comparison to other places. The ingredients tasted fresher then most, which was appreciated as was the use of yellow bell peppers and lemon.
Leftovers: Another meal worth
Is there a return visit / order: Done. Tried the Taco Salad Fajita and looking for a friend to tackle the Molcajete.  Maybe Fed and Faded can go to town on that.
Seen + Noted items: They take coupons from other Mexican restaurants.  Margaritas pack some punch.

If I could change on thing or had a suggestion: Salsa needs to be amped up