Mexico lives here!

Yep. You read that title correct. And, no..I'm not trying to be smart or witty.

Instead, I am about to divulge to you a small piece of heaven. (ok, that may be taking it too far--but it was a pretty cool experience.)

An attention grabbing title, eh?

A few weeks ago between the gorging of Thanksgiving and the cheer of Christmas, my friend Nicole and I ventured down to the Lemp District--the area known for Cherokee Street, Antique Row, and.... a dense population of Hispanics...resulting in an abundance of taquerias and tiendas.

Nicole, who has a background in Southwestern cuisine (green sauce, red sauce, or christmas, anybody?)--was extremely excited to test these grounds. What deliciousness we were sure to encounter!!

(I must admit that Mexican food is basically at the top of my "favorites" list--and this expedition was an answer for my heart's desire.)

We decided to eat at a restaurant (ehem, titled: Mexico lives here!!) with outdoor seating---tucked away through the back of a store.

Buy a pinata, find special ingredients for your newest
enchilada recipe, or try a candy you've never had.

We meandered up and down the aisles then came to the grocery/lunch counter section. Check out the massive amount of horchata they had!

Horchata is one of Red's favorite drink---an interesting combination of "rice milk", sugar, cinnamon, and spices.

Te horchata is on the left. I am unsure of what is
on the right.

We turned the corner and were warmly greeted and seated outside on the covered patio...walking out, we passed a single man with a table overflowing with food---the fajitas and the undeniable star.

Nicole and I eyed each other--each it seemed with the beginning of a choice already made...

We poured over our menus taking in all of the familiar and un-familiar choices laid before us. It seemed that neither of us could stop thinking about our neighbor's fajitas--their sweet sizzle singing  in our ears.

We decided our best option was to split some chicken and steak fajitas and to get a Gordita. Please attempt to not salivate on your computer:

Ah-mazing.

Here is a close up of the life-changing Gordita:

Its a thin corn cake sandwich filled with steak, guacamole,
 lettuce, cheese,  and pico de gallo. Yum.

My friends--we filled ourselves to the point of bursting--and I still took home enough fajitas to eat for lunch the next day.

The Gordita--again, was life-changing--and the fajitas were fresh, smoky, and delicious with out the deluging effect of "fajita seasoning".

Friends, if you desire a taste of Mexico--then Mexico lives here! is an excellent place to visit. You forget you are in St. Louis and are instead absorbed in an adventure.

An adventure that enlists you to take pictures with men painted on walls:

The faceless man.

Go ring in the New Year my friends!

Ps. I couldn't find any contact information for this restaurant.(A good sign!!) If you are interested in going, simply go to Cherokee Row, St. Louis--and drive down that road. It is on Cherokee.