Rey Azteca: A Rey of Mexican Sunshine

One of the great things about living in California is the never-ending string of Mexican restaurants dotting the landscape, like a rope of glittering pearls winding through the hills and valleys from San Diego to Crescent City.  OK, maybe I’m glorifying it a little bit here.  Let’s just say that it’s a great thing to be able to look in your Entertainment book, grab a coupon and head out to a Mexican place you’ve never been to and have a fantastic meal.  Monday night’s discovery was Rey Azteca on Fair Oaks Blvd in Carmichael.  Wedged between a gas station and a scrapbooking store, Rey Azteca (literally translated “Esquire Grill”) doesn’t exactly inspire confidence upon first inspection.  Murals cover the front walls, including a Latino State of Liberty and a scene of ancient Aztec glory.

Not to be put off by a slightly odd exterior though, my lovely companion and I ventured in.  Noticing the boxing match blaring on all six TVs in the small room, I mentioned to my wife that they should really change the word for “boxing” to “beating.”  I wondered if that would make it less popular or more.  “Hey, Jim, did you see the beating last night?”  Wouldn’t that be refreshing?

 We grabbed a booth and were quickly and politely attened to by our waitress.  She took our order and departed gracefully.  It took us a few minutes to realize that she had given us no chips and salsa.  I took a peek around and realized that the chips and salsa bar was a self-serve affair.  Being the man, I got up and and grabbed chips and dips for both of us.  The chips were thicker than marble coasters, and there’s not much in this world that Mrs. Eats enjoys more than extra-thick trotilla chips. Unless, of course, those chips are seved by her fantastic husband.

The food came promptly.  Mrs. Eats went for carnitas, which were good, not great, but good, very basic, not too exciting.  I went for the chile colorado.  Mr. Eats loves chile colorado, even more than he enjoys speaking about himself in the thrid person.  The chile was phenomenal, tender chunks of flavorful beef stewing in a beautiful red sauce with peppers and onions.  It was like the best veal and peppers you’ve ever had at an Italian restaurant, except better, and served with rice and beans and without Dean Martin playing in the backgroud, and the tablecloths weren’t checkered. 

Before we had finished eating, the owner came by our table to check on us.  He was happy that we had enjoyed our meal and told us that everything, from the tortillas and salsa to the rice and beans was homemade on the premises without the use of lard.  I wanted to tell him that my friend, Chris Olsen, loves lard and thinks more people should use it, but then I’d have to explain that Chris wieghs ten pounds and is taller than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar but he seemed like a nice man and I felt it would be difficult to explain myself over the sound of the enthusiastic “beating” that was taking place on the TVs.

We left feeling full and happy.  With tax, tip and the Entertainment book, the whole meal cost us $15.  I love this town.

Rey Azteca-Fair Oaks Blvd between Marconi & El Camino, Carmichael

Food*** Atmosphere** Service****