El Rayo Taqueria - Portland, Maine

El Rayo, Portland's newest restaurant, is now open for business. We stopped in for lunch earlier today and as is the case with most restaurant openings in Portland, the place was packed. Every seat was filled and there was a line out the door the entire time we were there.

Housed in a former gas station located at 101 York Street, the restaurant is painted - inside and out - in vibrant colors. The atmosphere is casual and fun. Orders are taken at the counter and delivered to the tables when ready. Non-alcoholic drinks are self serve from a dispenser in the corner. Paper napkins and plastic plates prevail, though there is "real" silverware. While the restaurant isn't air conditioned, there is a ceiling fan that cools the tiny restaurant adequately. The restaurant seats approximately 30 patrons. Those who opt for seating at the funky bar can watch the cooks at work in the open kitchen.

The menu features many typical Mexican items - quesadillas, tacos, burritos, nachos, sopas and enchiladas. The drink menu is diverse, featuring everything from Corona to margaritas to lime rickeys. On the day we dined, complimentary white Sangrias were served, which helped patrons forgive some of the service issues typical of most restaurant openings.

While the little guy and I snagged a table, my husband stood in line to place our order. He selected the Smoked Potato Fritters, a Chicken Burrito, two Fish Tacos and a couple of iced teas - which totaled just over $20. We waited about 15 minutes for the burrito and fish tacos to be delivered - the potato fritters (our appetizer) arrived about 10 minutes later.

The burrito was by far our favorite. Pulled chicken, marinated in citrus and cumin, was tender, moist and smothered with rice, cheese, black beans, avocado and sweet onions in a flour tortilla shell. Hot sauce was served on the side, though the burrito was flavorful enough that no condiments were needed.

For those seeking lighter fare, the fish tacos fit the bill. White corn soft taco shells were filled with chunks of Pollack, cilantro, veggie slaw, avocado and a creamy cheese sauce. Guacamole is an "extra" that can be ordered for a surcharge. El Rayo's version is better than most and definitely enhanced the tacos.

The potato fritters were rolled in crushed tortilla shells then deep fried. Served piping hot, they were surprisingly light and fluffy.

My husband and I both wanted to try dessert (especially the flan), but the line was simply too long. We vowed to return as soon as they start serving dinner (currently they are only serving lunch) to try more of the menu items. If the food on our next visit is as delicious as it was today, we will be frequent visitors to El Rayo.

Bottom line: El Rayo lived up to expectations, at long last bringing fantastic Mexican fare to Portland.

Hugo's Rob Evans Wins Best Chef Northeast

Congratulations to Rob Evans of Hugo's for well-deserved recognition by the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef Northeast!

We've enjoyed many amazing meals at Hugo's. During our most recent visit, we sat at the bar and enjoyed Truffle Asiago Cheese Puffs while Joe poured "virgin Mojitos." The puffs were light as air, but packed with wonderfully pungent flavor.

For more details on Hugo's dining, you can read posts detailing my visits during Restaurant Week Maine 2009 and the 2008 Hugo's Dinner recap.