Viva! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Rio Rico!

Cinco de Mayo is a Méxican holiday that has come to be a much-celebrated occasion in San Diego County as well. The holiday commemorates the victory of the Méxican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla (100 miles east of México City) on May 5, 1862.

The holiday is traditionally celebrated with dancing, music and ‘grande’ feasts. One of the best places in our area to savor Méxican food is Rio Rico restaurant/cantina in Bonsall’s River Village. Since Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday this year it is the perfect time to get out and celebrate with a wonderful Méxican dinner.

Rio Rico means ‘Rich River’ in Spanish, although the word ‘rico’ can also mean tasty. Rich and tasty – not a bad description for a restaurant! Guests are greeted by a décor rich in Méxican tradition, from iron cactus sculptures to the warm colors of terra cotta and guava. Light fixtures are glass and iron works of art, and parrot colors of yellow and blue splash the tables and chairs with attitude. Cynthia DeCindis, owner, noted that the restaurant décor was inspired by her love of Baja California.

On sunny afternoons or warm evenings, a great place to linger over your ‘rico’ meal is the patio dining area, which affords a view of the verdant San Luis Rey River area and surrounding hillsides.

For antojitos, or starters, the ‘Calamari Crisps’ are a good choice. However, the light and crispy tortilla chips, which accompany every meal, are memorable too. They are served warm, then lightly dusted with a chili powder blend that gives them a delicious kick.

The Cuisine Tradicional menu selections boast inventive regional dishes from México. The ‘Horsetail Camarones’ are tiger shrimp stuffed with brown sugar and horseradish. The horseradish is not at all overwhelming but enhances the flavor. The shrimp are wrapped in bacon, deep-fried and lightly brushed with a smoky barbeque sauce. The dish is served with rice, black beans and orange slices.

Another delicious Cuisine Tradicional entrée is the ‘Drunken Fish,’ which is tender grilled mahi-mahi deglazed with tequila and topped with Méxican crème sauce and capers. With the Cuisine Tradicional entrées diners are given a choice of soup or salad. I recommend the ‘Tortilla Soup,’ which is a confetti-like blend of corn, tomatoes, chilies, onions and shredded chicken garnished with jack cheese.

Rio Rico is open daily at 11:30 a.m. and is located in Bonsall’s River Village at 5256 South Mission. The telephone number is (760) 945-1250.