THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tacuba Cantina Mexicana

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tacuba Cantina Mexicana Restaurant Review:

Any place that has New Mexican restaurateur Mark Miller's name attached promises outstanding cooking, and this oddly-located Mexican restaurant is no exception. Indeed, its food is so brilliant that we wondered---and asked---why the crowds aren't shoe-horned in. It seems we were too early for the big action, but this restaurant would be better suited to a non-shopping mall location where it is not just one of many storefronts. The food stands out as startlingly infused with color and flavor. Such cooking deserves a stand-alone set-up, but until then, we'll return for the satiny refried beans charged with chipotle chiles. The chipotle shrimp were good, but nothing could top the pork carnitas, though this comes as shredded rather than cubed pork. Even the very trite offering of fajitas gets an update here with the many levels of flavors in the meat and sides. True the dishes include only tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas sold singly or in combination plates, but the flavors will inspire you to shout olé. Be sure to start with the double-decker quesadilla oozing cheese, sliced avocados and one of several fillings such as chipotle shrimp or chicken tinga. For our preferences, desserts begin and end with the dulce de leche cheesecake---beyond sensational.