PASSIONATE RATIONS

Living in Los Angeles can make one complacent about Mexican food.  There’s a lot of it to be had and a significant percentage of it rates as good to excellent, which makes sense given the proximity to Mexico and the stiff competition.

When I was deciding whether or not to move back to the Northeast after seven+ years of SoCal living, the “lack of good Mexican food” made it onto the list of “cons” I was making to help me thoroughly consider the implications of such a transition. 

For whatever reason, and apparently despite large Hispanic clusters throughout New England, there is a dearth of really good Mexican food.  Maybe it’s because New Englanders traditionally eschew the spicy.

As I feared, I’ve been disappointed in most of the Mexican fare I have tried since my return several years ago.  Except for one venue–Baja’s in Orange, Connecticut, where I, once again, had the opportunity to eat this past weekend.

Though it is housed in a dreary-looking mini strip of shops, which you might miss if you aren’t paying attention, its food and service do not disappoint.  Nor do the Margaritas.

An imminently casual place, its menu offers a smorgasboard of dishes including (no surprise, given the name) the venerable and tasty fish taco.  In my visits I have had the opportunity to try their fish tacos, mango margaritas, mango shrimp, vegetarian fajitas, and enchiladas with mole sauce.  All have been excellent.  The mole sauce is particularly notable–a deep reddish brown, slightly sweet.  Even my brother–always a finicky eater–finished his (except for the amount I was able to steal).  And the salsa bar offers a variety of dipping pleasures, from mild to hot, hot, hot.

I also have to give a nod to the friendly, speedy service.  We ate there on a Saturday afternoon and our dishes (one order of fish tacos, one combination plate featuring a beef taco and cheese enchilada con mole, and one order of vegetable fajitas rounded out with a mango margarita) were on the table within about ten minutes of ordering, all with a smile and follow-up throughout the meal.  Good service always makes the experience tastier.

Prices vary widely depending on the dish.  The menu features a large a la carte section with items under $4 for lunch (under $5 for dinner).  The shrimp dish noted above is $14.99 for lunch and $16.99 for dinner.  Everyone can eat well for a pittance or a princely sum, whatever your pleasure.  Such variety makes Baja’s even more notable.

Mexico now feels a little closer to colder climes, for which I say, “Gracias.  Muchas, muchas gracias.”

To try it for yourself go to:
Baja’s Mexican Restaurant
63 Boston Post Road
Orange, Connecticut
203-799-2252