Date Night: Mariachi De Oro, Medina NY

First of all, Happy National Guacamole Day! My favorite holiday of the year, and I always find a special way to commemorate the event. Two years ago, Scott and I took a trip down King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, and “Guac Hopped” to all of my favorite Mexican restaurants. This year will be slightly different, but fortunately we have found ourselves the perfect place to celebrate in Medina, NY: Mariachi De Oro.

Two weeks ago we found ourselves driving around the countryside at 5:30 after Scott got out of work in search of an open winery or some other festive way to celebrate the end of the week. However, our attempt at wine tasting failed, as all wineries here close at 6. Dejected, we drove through Medina hoping that inspiration would envelop us and the night would be saved. Thankfully, we found ourselves on an impromptu date at the small Mexican restaurant on Maple Ridge, and couldn’t have had a better evening together.

It’s bizarre – I have fond memories of skipping out of high school as a senior to grab lunch at the same spot, then Creekside Bakery. Now the place has transformed and it’s like stepping into the door of Oz from Kansas; hard to believe we are still in Medina. Everything from the decor to the music to the saddles that provide eclectic bar seating, no detail has been overlooked and instantly gets you in the right mood.

Speaking of the bar, every Mexican dining experience deserves a margarita (or 2….) and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the options at Mariachi.

It’s hard to disappoint me with Mexican cuisine, and thankfully everything on the menu that we sampled earned my approval. We began with a trio of chips and dip, including a bowl of guacamole that was served fresh, albeit not table-side that evening. However, the appetizer that we would recommend to everyone would be the Parnillada Nachos, which stole the show. Beef, chicken, and chorizo overtop a regular bed of nachos; Scott was in protein heaven.

For our entree, we split the Molcajete, which we discovered was more than enough for 2 after an entire helping of nachos. This dish is served in the traditional molcajete, but includes all the Mercado-style carnes (chorizo, carne asada, nopal, chicken, jumbo shrimp, sauteed onions) and is delivered steaming hot with a plate of flour tortillas. We took a box home with us, but not before we tried dessert….

I’m not a sweet fan; this you know. Scott, on the other hand, is tempted by all sugar concoctions and I am easily swayed when he places an order. Though I thought I was too full to try the fried ice cream, he would tell you that I devoured my share of the dessert. What is it about fried food?? This will easily follow every meal we ever have at Mariachi, and I suggest you do the same.

Between the service (TOP NOTCH – who knows Edgar??? Love him!), the festive atmosphere, and the delicious meal, it is refreshing to know that our date nights can be had within our own little town without skimping on quality or ambiance. The price can’t be beat, either, and with the parking lot always full, we know we aren’t the only ones excited about Mariachi De Oro.

Tell us: who’s been? What other hometown gems do we try?? Happy National Guacamole Day! (for other guac posts, click here!