Tequila Sunrise Mexican Grill / Oakland Park
By Judith Stocks
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Important: This article was last updated on November 5, 2009. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
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First impression: Sombreros and plastic chili peppers suggest a casual eatery with a bar focus. But look anywhere on this menu and there's something you simply have to try. Unfortunately, the menu print job doesn't mesh with the dim lighting. Until the on-order new menus arrive, ask for a flashlight and forgive them. This food is worth the eye strain.
Ambience: Chili pepper prints cover tables for a festive touch. Avoid the bar area and sit on the pleasant air-conditioned patio.
Starters: I can't think of anywhere I'd rather spend $5.95 than on the sensational chipotle oyster chowder. Thick and rich, oyster, smoked jalapenos and roasted corn are pureed into creamy heaven. Rich chili ($5.95) contains ground beef, crumbled chorizo, beans, veggies and chilies. Just as tempting are Maryland crab nachos capped with Old Bay-infused blue crab Imperial surrounding fresh pico de gallo ($9.95).
Entree excellence: A flour tortilla surrounds a seafood crepe ($17.49) stuffed with whole shrimp, scallops, crab, mushrooms and onions in Dijon cream sauce, draped in melted cheese topped with guacamole. For $17.95, house-made mole takes on new meaning pooled over a slab of sizzling skirt steak cooked in a cast iron skillet until the meat edges caramelize. Cheese-filled chili relleno with fresh tomato chili sauce ($8.49) is egg battered and perfectly fried. Shrimp enchilada blanco is smothered in chipotle cream sauce $14.95). There are also great burritos, tacos, tamales, fajitas and chilaquiles.
Sweet!: Whole banana dessert flautas are wrapped in flour tortillas, deep fried and served with butterscotch and ice cream ($4.95). Cinnamon-dusted churros ($6) are made to order and the house flan is densely satisfying at $4.
Liquid assets: Knock back house specialty prickly pear margaritas ($14.95), served in a big glass. The 46-ouncer is a deal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at $9.99. Or, the more manageable 16-ouncer, regularly $7.25, sells for $3.99 on the same days. Either way the prickly pear cactus fruit is imported, soaked in Silver Tequila for three days and blended with house sour mix.
Service: A cheery menu knowledgeable staff watches over the dining room with smiles and confidence in the food they serve, but always checks back shortly after each course delivers.
4711 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park
954-938-4473
tequilasunrise.us
Cuisine: Mexican
Cost: inexpensive-moderate
Hours: lunch, dinner daily
Reservations: accepted for parties of 5 or more
Credit cards: all major
Bar: full service
Sound level: average but noisier on live music Fridays and Saturdays
Smoking: yes
For kids: high chairs, boosters, menu
Wheelchair accessible: yes
Contact dining correspondent Judith Stocks at Judithstocksreviews@yahoo.com