Rehoboth Foodie

Long-time restaurateurs Yolanda Pineda and Jose Perez are no strangers to Mexican and Spanish food. Within viewing distance of the Atlantic Ocean on Wilmington Avenue, the Rehoboth Beach Mariachi is one of the recent additions to Jose's collection of eateries in Frederick and Rockville, MD, and Lansdowne VA. Yolanda's personality  is definitely one of the main courses at this large, 2-level facility. If you go there a few times, you can't help but get to know her.

When the waiter reads the list of specials, listen carefully! Every special that has been ordered in my presence (at least so far) has been good. Don't miss the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo, a decadent casserole of creamy queso topped with crispy chorizo. Though you might start out intending to share, things might not end up that way. Try not to stab anybody with your fork.

All the standard Mexican goodies are there: nachos (with that creamy cheese and crispy peppers), quesadillas, guacamole, etc., Branch out and try the sweetly irresistable Platanos (fried plantain), the Ceviche with fish (a nice firm white fish marinated in lime juice, onions, peppers and cilantro), and the plump little Pupusas, each one lovingly stuffed with flavorful pork and cheese. A simple salad that I always get is the Ensalada De Guacamole. Nothing more than a standard dinner salad with a mound of cool guac in the middle, for some reason it satisfies the texture/taste needs of this Foodie's preprandial nosh. The light, citrusy vinaigrette dressing tops it off perfectly.

If you've visited this site before, you know about my ruts. That's why I take as many people with me as I can. My Mariachi rut is the Plato Norteno, a combination of a chicken burrito (spiced and shredded white-meat chicken), a rich cheese enchilada and, of course, guac. I love Tex-Mex and that does it for me. Fortunately, my regular dining companions like to branch out a little more. The seafood enchiladas are stuffed with lots of marine goodies and bathed in a happy tsunami of cheese and a cream sauce (didn't think you'd read the words "happy tsunami" today, did you?). Chicken lovers should not miss the Pechuga al La Parilla, a boneless breast with lemon and a great sauce. The Spanish specialties have always been consistent and authentic, including such goodies as beef tongue, trout, sirloin steak, and what is reported to be wonderful Paella, all decked out with shrimp, mussels, squid, scallops, fish and clams perched atop a savory saffron rice. Been there? Post your comments below.

Surprisingly, in this wonderful whirlwind of pork, chicken and seafood, they have six tasty sounding vegetarian dishes, including a wonderful Plato Rojo, which is basically a cheesy chile relleno, deep fried, of course. Almost makes you forget it's vegetarian.

Mariachi is a three-story building at 14 Wilmington Ave, on the south side, just a half-block from the Boardwalk. Be sure to call to check their hours (302-227-0115). By the way, if you decide you just can't go even one day without Yolanda's food, they have a wonderful, huge and airy apartment on the top floor (ocean view both front and back) that is available for rental and/or parties. Speaking of apartments, having an affair? Yolanda will cater it! Click here to check out the entrees at Mariachi. (Sunday Brunch, L., D., Bar) Price Range: Moderate -.