January
2003
Mystery
Muncher
Tortuga's
Cantina
1001 S Clinton Ave
Trenton, NJ
609-989-9006
Tortuga's
combines atmosphere with fine food and drink
It's
a busy time of the year with the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
We feel that the last thing we need is anything to slow us down,
yet one always needs to take the time to sit and have a meal.
Tortuga's was on the way to my next appointment so I stopped by
for lunch.
A
distinct Mexican decor catches your eye right away. If you take
the handicap entrance it winds through two ramps and ends at the
side entrance just past their outside bar, which I expect is very
busy at certain times of the year. Inside I glanced through the
dining area and it was plenty spacious for a large party of twenty-five
as well as the regular crowd sitting in the many booths available.
Their
salsa is very good, with meaty chunks of tomato, and the chips
are kept warm and delivered to you with great speed and are a
great way to have a beer while you sit and peruse the menu. Gary
told me once, and I have got to concur, they make one of the very
best margaritas in Trenton. The blend each drink individually,
not like some places that have ready-made slush. Since I was by
myself I opted for the bar and looked around at the décor
while I waited to be served. This is a clean, well-kept establishment
that is friendly and comfortable.
My
waitress, whose name escapes me, was prompt in taking my order
of the lunch special. They have combination platters that let
you choose, based on your hunger, one, two, or three items from
a choice of six different selections. Aside from the classic taco
there are enchiladas (soft corn tortilla shell), tamales, flautas
(flute shaped flour tortilla), tostadas (that's the crispy flat
open tortilla), or classic burrito.
The
taco was crispy and is available with any of the following fillers:
shredded meat, chicken, chorizo or ground beef or four choices
of veggie fillings-sautéed veggies, guacamole, refried
beans or cheese. I picked a two-combination for only $7.95: beef
taco and chicken burrito smothered with excellent guacamole and
beans and rice. There are so many combinations on this small menu
you could come back once a week for six months and not get the
same meal twice. The six traditional platters available, which
include a wonderful fish taco, are priced from $8.95 to $11.95.
When you get to the dinner menu it has all the same from the lunch
but with added house specials such as Filet Mignon ($17.95), chipotle
shrimp ($13.95) or shrimp and crab in salsa wrapped in a tortilla
and baked ($12.95) to name but a few.
All-in-all
it was a wonderful lunch, delicious, filling and reasonably priced.
If you want to go someplace different to relax and have a great
time or do not have a lot of time and want to get in and out in
a hurry, either way I have done both but this time I only spent
twenty five minutes all total. Just amazing…now…back
to the Christmas shopping!
# # #
The Muncher
