Still The One

Our favorite Mexican restaurant is just across the bridge from us, over in Marin county. We have been going there ever since we were dating (My Beloved has been going there even longer than that) and have always loved it. We love the story behind the restaurant, too - how  back in the '60s a young woman went to Mexico on a vacation and came back with a gorgeous Mexican husband/chef in tow. He has been there, turning out delicious food, ever since, and she manages the front of the house.  They have two beautiful children and, if they haven't already, they are soon have their first grandchild.  Happy ending for all.

Especially for the patrons of Las Camelias, still the best Mexican restaurant in my world. Last week, we stopped in for lunch after meeting with a lawyer to start the process of writing our wills. If you can think of a more depressing subject, I'd like to hear it, but needs must, right?

Anyway, after 90 dry and lowering minutes contemplating our mortality, we were hungry for a good lunch. 

We ankled on over to Las Camelias and ordered first their delicious margarita to dispel the thoughts of certain death, then perused the menu. My eye was caught by their California Zincronizada, a wonderful mixture of Dungeness crabmeat, tiny bay shrimp, cheese, avocado, peeled tomatoes, chipotle chile and cheese in a lightly grilled flour tortilla. It can be served with a green salad but I do love the way they treat their white beans, so I opted for the rice and beans instead.

As the margarita took effect and the delicious zincronizada (isn't that a wonderful word?) filled the empty places, we began to feel distinctly more mellow. 

Whenever we go to Las Camelias, I am reminded that it is Still The One. Over the years, they have won many times the label of "Best in Marin" and that hasn't changed. The friendly waiters still greet us with a hearty, "¡Ola!" and, each time, they teach me another word or two of Spanish. The food is always superior, the artwork on the walls is ever changing and always interesting, and the service is quick and friendly. 

Next time you are thinking about your advancing age, I can recommend a lunch at Las Camelias as a pick-me-up.