CyberEater Review

Café Coyote – Cinco Celebration

By David Rottenberg

David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining San Diego Magazine, a guide to many of the city’s favorite restaurants. He is also a member of the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Dining San Diego Magazine is available free at major hotel and other visitor locations as well as at most major condominiums and large corporate offices.© 2004 David Rottenberg All Rights Reserved

Cinco de Mayo, May 5, is almost here so it may be time to start thinking about where to celebrate. Old Town is definitely one place worth considering.

Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s “Independence Day”, celebrating the battle when an outnumbered army defeated a superior French and Mexican force and compelled the French to leave. It is an important day to our resident Hispanic population, which celebrates with parties, good food, good drink, and music.

Old Town in one of the city's most popular attractions to visitors who enjoy dining and shopping at its many restaurants and stores. It also reflects the history of our city and its Hispanic heritage. It is the location where settlers who founded our city first set up their community. There’s an old church, an old graveyard and old buildings. An early governor of California lived here. The grounds of the old Bazaar del Mundo are well maintained, home to tall trees that have seen the passage of time and the growth of the city around them. The buildings, large and small, hold interesting shops. Restaurants serve a variety of cuisines but many are “Mexican” restaurants, some of the best.

On Cinco de Mayo, Old Town usually rings with the sounds of mariachi music, providing background to the footsteps of celebrants meandering through the streets. Restaurants are usually crowded and the drinks usually flow.

Years past, some restaurant operators suggested that they tone down advertising’s emphasis on drinking, in order to reduce driving and other hazards. But customers still want to party, to have fun, to celebrate the day.

Café Coyote, an award winning restaurant, has a new feature that can make a difference. One of its employees, Mario Marquez, has become its “tequila ambassador”, who serves like a sommelier or concierge to introduce patrons to the world of fine tequila. He has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, met with many tequila masters and has learned what makes some tequilas great. Lehn Goetz, owner of Café Coyote said, "Tequilas are not just for doing shots and mixing in Margaritas anymore. Many customers enjoy sipping our fine tequilas like a good Cognac. Many of the tequilas are aged and refined in a similar manner to Cognac and we felt it was time to give our customers the information and knowledge they were looking for."

Marquez can help celebrants experience the joys of fine tequila, savoring the flavors and exchanging quality for sheer quantity. Drink less but enjoy it more, one could say. Marques loves to stop by at diners’ tables with information and suggestions.

Café Coyote serves wonderful food to go beverages. It won an award in 2006 as “best Mexican restaurant” for its innovative, colorful and tasty cuisine. The restaurant has two large covered patios where diners can enjoy our balmy weather, interior dining surrounded by the vivid colors and art that makes Mexico so attractive, and a cantina with 2 huge plasma screens that is a fun place to have a drink or watch “the game.” Café Coyote is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has FREE parking.

Start the day off with Chile Relleno Omelette, green chile strips, cheese, cilantro and topped with tomatillo-chile sauce, melted cheese and a scoop of sour cream. Or, enjoy Carnitas Con Huevos, carnitas served with two eggs.

Tostada Suprema, is a favorite dish. It is a large crispy flour tortilla layered with refried beans, shredded beef or chicken, served with guacamole and sour cream. Or, try some of the traditional Mexican offerings -- Burrito Especial, a large flour tortilla filled with refried beans and cheese or Ricardo Especial, carne asada with a chile rellano, served with guacamole.

Entrees reflect the cooking styles from all over Mexico. Pescado Monterey, fresh fish sautéed in a tomatilla-jalapeño sauce is based on the tastes of that city. Tequila Lime Shrimp, shrimp sautéed in a delicious combination of tequila, lime, cilantro and garlic, offers the tastes of lower Baja.

For a unique dessert treat, try Jose's Fried Ice Cream, vanilla ice cream covered in corn flakes, deep-fried and topped with honey and whipped cream.

Café Coyote’s cuisine is beautifully presented, colorful and tastes as good as it looks. And, prices are very reasonable, making this restaurant a favorite destination for families.

When planning Cinco de Mayo celebrations – or, at any time – think of Café Coyote for good food, good ambiance and interesting experience. Café Coyote is located in Old Town at 2461 San Diego Avenue. Call 619 291-4695 for information and reservations.

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