Saturday, April 28, 2007

I had such hope for you, Nena

So, I'll try not to rant here. Notice the word rant, rather than rave.
Oh Nena's Tacos, how I had so much hope for you. You're right on my way pretty much anywhere, you'd be so convenient, you'd be so wonderful... if only you were good.
I've been there twice recently. The first was eh. The second was blech. Touted as authentic and cheap, it was neither. The menu is varied, and depending on the portion sizes, I figured the prices could be reasonable, but they were a little on the high side.
The first encounter I ordered the mixed fajitas, we ate in and my eatin' partner ordered a variety of pork tacos. When my partner ordered a Jarrito drink and the girl had no idea what he was talking about until he pointed, we should have taken it as a sign.
The fajita meat was well cooked, a little over seasoned, but tasty. The veggies - there were mostly onions and a few peppers. They were cut weirdly. Instead of large hunks or strips, they were a medium dice, which made it awkward to try to scoop to put in the tortilla. No tomatoes included.
I had to request tortillas and the fajitas came essentially with nothing, just the sizzling meat and few veggies. The pork tacos were pretty good, though there was some confusion over the order. While the carnitas were good, the other pork was dry and kind of tough.
The second occasion I ordered a burrito to go. The overall experience took about 40 minutes, 30 minutes longer than any take away burrito experience should. The burrito had a mound of dried out chicken, not really seasoned, coated with a thick layer of off-tasting cheese. It was supposed to come with sour cream, some tomatoes, salsa, etc. but had none of that. The rice on the side was dried out, but simultaneously greasy.
I feel somewhat guilty panning the place since they've only been open for about a month. But I'll try again in a few weeks, a final attempt to redeem it. Until then, don't waste your time or money.

Summary:
Flavor: Not so good, Al.
Prices: Spendy for a taco joint.
Ambiance/service: A little bland/inexperienced.
Location: 1040 S Monroe St., Monroe MI