10/26/09

Great food unique atmosphere

by Eat in PDX

I was introduced to La Calaca Comelona by a family member who has lived in the metro area for about 14 years. She and her husband (a relatively well known PDX food blogger and restaurateur think extramsg) have traveled several times to Mexico on "food trips" and they really have an eye for the best places in town.

Walking up to the place I was pleased by the murals and sculptures outsize and upon entering the interior was equally authentic and fun.

I don't drink alcohol so usually I'm disappointed at "Mexican" places because often the menu consists of the same old combo plates and the obligatory burritos the size of my arm along with tons alcoholic drinks. I was thrilled that they have decent collection of non-alcoholic liquados on the menu. Another thing that I loved about the menu was that is was different from many Mexican restaurants in that there are several different moles on the menu and no burritos. The other menu items are equally delicious owing to the ingredients and preparation. I am not a big meat-eater so I have not tried all of their meat items so I can't vouch for those. My family member brought me there but I've gone back for the food and the feeling that I'm in Mexico again.

One con I have though (which is a small con) is that it is sort of tucked away in SE instead of downtown. But a benefit of that is that the prices are reasonable (with the acceptation of the most expensive items on the menuPr

• Pros: Love the food and the liquados
• Cons: location

10/21/09

omg why!

by Food Adventurer

First of all went to try this place out for the best margaritas like city search keeps saying...and are surely not. They are below average (disappointed). This place seems to get a lot of hype but does not deliver. The food was different and unique I have to give them that but I have not had such salty food in a long time and was definitely overpriced. The waiter was very accommodating on special requests for changing something (food).-he should be for that price. The host guy seemed to have an attitude of some sort kinda like what are you doing here, or acted like he was better, and kinda annoyed we were there when he should not be since we are the one's paying his paycheck. This is the first mexican restaurant I've been to that they do not serve chips and salsa when you sit down. It feels a little empty when you sit down until the waiter shows up. Ok have to say the artwork was kinda freakin me out (creepy) with the same lady looking down on me and was not fond of all the skeletons. The seats were very uncomfortable too (tables with hard high chairs metal backs). They let you take your time with no pressure which is a change and nice, but when your ready for that next drink you may be waitin a little bit. Was really expecting an amazing experience with all the hype about this place. Don't expect margaritas to be on happy hour either like most places. I would give this place a C rating. Only go if you have extra money to spend and want to chance it-than have extra money to go to your favorite mexican restaurant the next night.....like try the Iron Horse is waaaaay better. They have better margaritas and better food!! Thanks!!

• Pros: hmm different unique food. Don't feel pressured. Helpful to.
• Cons: Why does this place keep coming up for best margaritas??

10/09/09

Great food, amazing mojitos

by Alocasia Green

La Calaca Comelona has come a long way since it's little spot on 11th, but they still won't serve you a burrito (and this is a good thing).

So the crickets aren't for the faint of heart (even though they're tasty), but all of the grilled dishes are absolutely to-die-for and the blackberry-pear mole is inspired deliciousness (even if a bit over-priced, in my opinion). Most dishes are also served with fresh onion, cilantro, and lime - very tasty additions to the grilled dishes or tasty tacos. This place also makes one of the *best* mojitos I've ever had, if Kyle is working the bar.

To the woman upset that she wasn't allowed to sit on the patio: trust me, you weren't missing much. The seats out there are not particularly comfortable or solid and the patio itself is not very well leveled and maintained. Your little one could have easily ended up toppling into the pond after tripping on one of the poorly installed rocks in the patio. Sure, it's nice to be in the sunshine on a lovely Portland day, but it's not really worth the lack of comfort (or stability) in my opinion.

• Pros: Tasty authentic ingredients
• Cons: Rickety outdoor patio, some overpriced dishes