"I Don't Do Mild"...

That's a quote the chef said about his restaurant in a review we read in New York Times.
So guess who haaad to check that out.

Los Dos Molinos
119 E 18th St. (between Park and Irving)

Mr. Broad and I have been eating and cooking (yes, we cook!) a lot of Asian recently so Mexican was a nice change. While researching this restaurant after the fact I found out that it's actually a Phoenix based restaurant in 3 other locations there. Mr. Broad, cover your ears! Did we just go to a CHAIN RESTAURANT??

This place didn't take reservations and it was raining last Saturday night so we were really hoping for luck to be on our side. And ... we were seated right away! Circle gets the square! This is a novel concept for New Yorkers when you do not have a reservation.. One more time to brag... we were seated right away! Already we're off to good things. I think the food tastes better already...

We were given two types of salsa and chips (chip refills- $2.95. Of course they are...)

And then we ordered.

Nachos to start- it had the proclaimed spicy machaca beef sauce.

Waitress: Are you okay with spicy?? It only comes one way.
Us- Yes
Waitress (with concerned look in her eyes): Ok... it's very spicy.
Me: umm..
Mr. Broad: Perfect!

And how were said Nachos? Spicy! But REALLY good. They were still edible despite making my nose run and had a FAB sauce on it. Also- please take note of the cheese to chip ratio in the picture. Perfect. While many restaurants may skimp on the cheese or only get those top chips which either 1) leaves said chips soggy or 2) madness ensues amongst those eating by fighting for the "superior" chips covered with the toppings... This nacho platter need not worry.

I think Mr. Broad commented about licking the plate that had the leftover special sauce. He settled for a spoon.

Dinner:

Me- Grande Burro. Pretty standard in terms of what it was. I liked it a lot, was definitely grando but would probably try the fish tacos next time.

Mr. Broad- Red or Green Chili with Beef Burro
Order was placed like this:
Mr. Broad: I'll have the Green Chili with Beef Burro
Waitress (again scared): Are you aware that this is one of our spiciest dishes we offer?
Mr. Broad: I like my mouth to bleed.
Waitress (confused): Umm
Me: It's fine.
Waitress (runs off afraid)

And the item:

Result- AND... it wasn't *that* spicy! Maybe they didn't use enough of the "sauce" or the waitress got confused by his sarcasm because even I had no problems with it. The nachos were mucho spicier. However even if our mouths were not on fire and we weren't downing lots of margarit- I mean water- it was goood.

Review:

This place definitely has atmosphere- and not in the romantic way. It's loud, but lights are dimmed, and there's the feeling like there's a party going on at every table. And when they bring out the fried ice cream to sing happy birthday, the whole restaurant chimes in. The food was a bit expensive for Mexican. The margaritas while huge, strong, and soo good- came in many fun flavors however, they were not recession-cheap. Looking around it appeared that no one at the restaurant cared. Well if everyone else is doing it... We'll take 2.

The food was good, Mr. Broad thought it was a bit expensive for what it was, however, reflecting back I think it was really only our alcohol tab that might have been the factor. Oops. Oh and they messed up the bill for us. They were very apologetic but when you see an extra $16 margarita listed on your bill, you notice these things.

Grade: B+