When my mother, my fiance Michael, and I decided to go eat at the new Mexican Restaurant for dinner last Tuesday night, I thought it would be absolutely delicious, as I have a fetish, and Mexican food is always good. El Carreton, which can be found off Tate Street on 948 Walker Avenue in Greensboro, has been open for three months, according to the hostess who sat us.
I’ve always had a thing for Mexican food. When we got there I saw beautiful paintings on the walls of warriors embracing their leading ladies. The restaurant was full of customers and I thought to myself that the food and service must be outstanding to have such a packed crowd.
As I looked through the menu and checked out the prices, I found to my surprise that it wasn’t too expensive. A restaurant with the “fancy” look always seems to have high prices. As our waiter came and took our drink order, my mother let slip that I was reviewing the restaurant. I wasn’t that hungry, so I ordered Bean Nachos for $3.95, while Mom ordered the same thing and Michael ordered the Pollo a la Parrilla for $7.95. After waiting for almost 20 minutes, our food finally arrived.
As our waiter set the food down, it looked very appetizing; when I ate, however, I found out by the first bite that my food was not hot – nor was it warm; it was in fact cold. I asked my mother and Michael how their meals were and both of them said that their dishes were cold as well.
It might have been an off night for the restaurant, but I won’t find myself going there again any time soon. I had high expectations for eating at El Carreton, because as I said, I love Mexican food. Not one of us finished our meal. Instead, we ate the chips and salsa throughout the evening served at the beginning of the meal.
With restaurant staff knowing I was reviewing their restaurant based on food and service, I expected them to make sure everything would be spectacular. But I was wrong. I’ve found that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
As I learned last Tuesday, what may look like a good place to eat could always be just another mediocre restaurant disguised by beautiful paintings.