Cactus Taverna

8/6/2009

For Thursday's dinner, Margaret took the family to Cactus Taverna. We're not sure why, but the service was slower than usual and the restaurant was very noisy. We arrived at 6 and didn't get drinks until 6:30 and dinner came at 7:10.

The Margaritas, both rocks and up are (6). The chips and salsa were good, and we finished both baskets while we waited. Entrees come with Black Beans and Rice. Elaine chose the Chicken Fajitas Strips of chicken sautéed with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes, served sizzling with flour tortillas, refried beans, lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole on the side (13.95). Tom wanted the Grouper, but upon finding they were out, ordered the Pork Maroona, A 12oz Frenched bone-in chop stuffed with prosciutto ham and provolone cheese then topped with a mushroom brandy sauce (17.95), which was excellent. Margaret and Victor both chose the Shrimp Cancun, Six butter flied jumbo shrimp broiled with white wine and butter then topped with a creamy light seafood sauce (16.95). Lyd chose Paella, A traditional Spanish dish with shrimp, mussels, scallops, calamari, fish, and clams in a bed of saffron rice (19.95). She found it over-cooked and dried out. Normally, dinner is finished with a small glass of Port. Whether they were busy or we appeared impatient, it didn't appear.

This is the 2nd consecutive visit where we found the dining room crowded and noisy. Cactus Taverna has slipped some on our list of preferred restaurants.