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Contra Costa Marketplace - May 2016

cholesterol free oil. In addition to pico de gallo, Los Cerros offers mild salsa (salsa roja), medium spicy salsa (tomatillo sauce), and hot habanero salsa. The menu offerings have remained relatively static over the years, and there are no plans to expand the menu or to offer daily specials at this time. The owners prefer to continue with their standard menu to enable them to maintain the quality their customers have come to expect. During our interview, Eduardo treated me and my guest to a grilled Chicken Quesadilla, made using a fresh flour tortilla, large chunks of grilled chicken, and cheese. It was cut into portions and served with sides of sour cream and guacamole. We had the opportunity to try all of the different salsas with our meal, and all were excellent. Even the habanero sauce was tolerable, and not so hot as to obliterate the taste of the food. Eduardo also made me a chile relleno a la carte, and this time it was thinly breaded, unlike the one I’d been served on my previous visit. My guest and I shared the relleno, which was spicier than the first one I’d eaten, and very yummy! To top off our visit, my guest and I were each served a CHICkEn QuESADILLA freshly baked Caramel Apple Empanada, one of four desserts offered at Los Cerros. Eduardo is the resident baker for Los Cerros, a skill he learned by taking classes 10 years ago. He makes the apple empanadas from scratch, as well as Flan and Tres Leches cake. Churros are also offered for dessert, but are not made at the restaurant. Eduardo also bakes Mexican Wedding Cookies, which are sold separately at the counter. The apple empanada was served with a small scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, with caramel syrup over the top of both the ice cream and the pastry. The pastry was melt-in-your-mouth flaky and very completely filled with sweet yet slightly tart fresh apple mixture. It was truly scrumptious, and I highly recommend saving room for dessert when you visit Los Cerros so that you, too, can enjoy the empanada or one of the other desserts offered. The prices at Los Cerros make it a very affordable place for family dining, with most food selections ranging from $7 to $10. For larger parties, a private banquet room and separate banquet menu is available; and for slightly smaller parties, Los Cerros accepts dining reservations. If you’re a “regular” who still orders takeout from Los Cerros Mexican Grill, consider “dining in” so that you can enjoy the beautiful new restaurant and perhaps partake of a margarita or two. If you’ve never tried this venue, check it out soon, and then add it to your list of favorites for local dining options. Eduardo and Gaby are planning a special Cinco de Mayo celebration, so be sure to stop by to enjoy the festivities. APPLE EMPAnADA HORCHATA


Contra Costa Marketplace - May 2016
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