 Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe
Another dateless Friday encroached, and while it seemed an emotional extension of "the day job," I accepted my parents' offer to join them for dinner at one of their favorite places, Carlos O'Kelly's. Yes, a terrible name, I agree (the menu is solely Mexican, not Mexican/Irish as the name implies), but this place has never failed to satisfy on any of my visits. Besides, if there WERE any Irish hanging around this joint, fat chance I'd ever come back!
Even though we had called ahead, near-guaranteeing us instant seating in spite of the fact they don't take reservations on Fridays, we did have a 20-odd minute wait … for the St. Clair Square area, this was still ahead of the curve, considering the pup-tents dotting Red Lobster's parking lot across the street. For some reason I expected to encounter a frumpy server, but our server was top-notch. First real tell-tale sign was her bringing me another Dr Pepper as I had half-finished the first. Bon appetite! The atmosphere of Carlos's is fair-to-nice for a restaurant of this type, no sign of kitsch or pop culture references to be found (thankfully), just 19th century photographs of banditos. An extra plus goes to the radio satellite service that night, playing a surprisingly good mix of stuff, most noteworthy being "Trouble Man." Now, does Paul Prudhomme mentioning overhead music in one of HIS restaurant reviews? Ha! Oh, wait, Paul Prudhomme does not review restaurants? Aw, shit.
Food was very, very tasty. I had the beef, bean, & cheese burro dinner, while my mother had nearly the same, but with fajita chicken instead. The refried beans served on the side were excellent, though I'm rather impartial to their Mexican rice. Dad had the prairiefire steak, or whatever it was, that seems to be a favorite of his. I had a bit, and it was damn juicy. COK's once again stayed the course, and will be there for me the next time my stomach asks. Hopefully on a date, or alone even, with not one uncomfortable "So, what are you gonna do with your life?" conversation to be found!
Review by Bradley A. Milton, October 1998 |