The Star's pages will sparkle with a different dining gem for every day of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, which concludes Feb. 12 at the Tucson Convention Center. Catch all the reviews at go.azstarnet.com/ gemshoweats online.
Picture this: authentic Sonoran-style food east of Kolb Road.
Yeah, we know — makes you think of that commercial where everyone gasps when they hear the salsa comes from New York City.
But El Molinito has the pedigree to compensate for its East Side locale. The Molina family opened its first restaurant in 1976, said owner Wayne Hallquist, who learned the biz from his father-in-law, Gilberto Molina.
The eatery serves tasty and reasonably priced Mexican food (there are Midtown and Northwest locations, too). You'll find tacos and other basics, some served with a twist. The Enchiladas de la Casa ($5.95), for example, feature tender chunks of chicken bathed in a cheesy white sauce dotted with mild green chiles.
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Carne seca fans will dig the No. 8 combination plate ($8.95), which offers a modest amount of smoky, chewy meat that's not overly dry. The accompanying chile relleno sported possibly the hottest chile ever tucked inside a fluffy egg batter.
If you are one of those people who can't get onboard with carne seca because it's too dry, check out the juicy shredded beef burrito ($4.95). Reminiscent of perfectly cooked pot roast, it boasts just the barest bite.
The salsa, however, ought to come with a warning label. Armed with great roasted flavor, it sets the tongue on fire — and we couldn't stop eating it.
2323 N. Pantano Road; 885-0055
● Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays.