Rio Grande (Arlington, VA)

THE MEAL
Drinks: Margarita (Cuervo Gold and Grand Marnier); Diet Coke
Appetizers: Chips and Salsa (gratis)
Entree: Mixed Fajitas (Steak and Chicken)

THOUGHTS
When it's late, we've got no food at home, and we're not feeling inspired, odds are that Emily and I are at Rio Grande. When our server introduces himself/herself -- and it should be noted that the servers at Rio Grande are, by and large, amongst the best in the area -- I always get a chuckle when they ask whether we have previously been to Rio Grande.

On our most recent trip to Rio Grande, we began our visit with a round of margaritas at the bar, as we waited for a table. It should be noted that Rio Grande's Errata score below reflects the fact that they often have a wait approaching 45-60 minutes, even on weeknights. This past Thursday was no exception.

The upshot of having to wait, of course, is having a margarita. Now, when you've been to Rio Grande as frequently as we have, you know that it doesn't make sense to order a rail margarita when -- for only $0.50 more -- you can choose your tequila and triple sec. My favorite (and, I believe, our favorite) is the Cuervo Gold and Grand Marnier version of the classic cocktail, on the rocks with salt. Sweet, sour, and salty, this margarita is easy to drink and delights the tastebuds. Try though I might, I have been unable to replicate this drink at home (although, I would concede, it might be the lime juice-sour mix used by Rio Grande that makes the drink).

Also while waiting, we enjoyed our first basket of chips and salsa. The chips are made in-house and come out fresh and salty. But it is the salsa -- warm, cilantro-infused, and with great smokiness -- that is truly outstanding. Unable to find salsa at any grocery store that matches the quality of Rio Grande's salsa, I have been known to swing by Rio Grande on my way home to pick up a fresh batch when we have Mexican at home. Needless to say, we went through 3-4 cups of the salsa either on chips or on fajitas.

Eventually, upon being seated, we switched from margaritas to diet coke. While I have rated Rio Grande a $-priced restaurant, it is not difficult to rack up a nice sized bill there with the prices they charge for alcohol. Also, too many margaritas mid-week is never a good idea. But this isn't a problem, given the high quality diet coke offered by Rio Grande. As a diet coke connoisseur, I can assure you that the syrup-carbonation mix at every restaurant differs, as does the width of the straw. In my humble opinion, Rio Grande has found the perfect blend of diet coke syrup and carbonation, and paired that with a nice thick straw. The result is the best diet coke in the area. And they replicate this blend at all of the Rio Grande locations I've been to!

This brings us to the entree: steak and chicken fajitas, served with homemade flour tortillas. Rio Grande offers two options for their fajitas, either a "single" serving or a "double" serving. Having had both, the "single" serving is more than enough for the both of us (usually) and the "double" serving is rarely twice the size of the "single" serving. We usually get the "single" serving and end up fully-satisfied with our decision. Our most recent trip was no exception.

The fajitas at Rio Grande are served with fresh tortillas (which they supplement as often as you request), grilled onions (which I usually get all of), pico de gallo, and homemade guacamole. Rio Grande's guacamole, it should be noted, is creamy and flavorful. While it might be better with more cilantro, the guacamole marries nicely with Rio Grande's cilantro-infused salsa. There's a reason we return to Rio Grande time-and-time-again...the flavorful and high-quality food consistently put out each trip. (It should be noted that I also love the new Steak Tampiqueno and, occasionally, will go "off-menu" from time-to-time to order the Pollo Blanco...which usually impresses our server.)

No matter what we get, however, Rio Grande always delivers the goods and, unless the quality and consistency changes, will remain on our short list for casual dinners out.

CONCLUSIONS
Food: 8/10
Service: 4/5
Errata: 2/5
Total: 14/20
$$