Friday Night Dinner at Sol Azteca

This particular group of ladies has been getting together for a couple of years. We laugh, talk, and support, and celebrate birthdays, weddings, babies, and new jobs.  I always leave feeling loved, appreciated and utterly understood. It’s a good feeling, and I know they feel the same.  If the aforementioned theory on living to 100 holds any truth, than I will be thanking Liz, Asha, June, and Maritza when I blow out 100 candles in 2067 🙂

We chose to meet at Sol Azteca, a Mexican restaurant close to where we all work in Boston.  It is a cozy little place with authentic dishes and great service.  After getting caught up over homemade salsa and crisp red sangria, we got down to the business of figuring out what to order.

I like to try something new when I’m out, something I’m unlikely to make at home. A salad with cactus?  Sure!  It was a yummy mix of greens, tomato, avocado, and pickled cactus with a creamy cilantro dressing. The cactus was excellent, vinegar-y with a bit of jalapeno kick, and went really well with the creamy avocado and dressing.

I have also been a bit obsessed with sweet/savory dishes of late, so I went for the Mole Poblano, a traditional dish with chicken and mole sauce (a mixture of spices, nuts, and chocolate). Muy delicioso!

Liz enjoyed the Enchiladas Suizas — a chicken enchilada in tomatillo sauce. We also passed around the vegetarian enchiladas, beef tostadas, and shrimp fajitas.

All were delicious, and surrounded by black beans, rice and a sweet and sour red cabbage (which I loved). A real festival of flavors. Also at the table was some of the HOTTEST hot sauce I have ever tried. While my tongue was a-fire, Asha and Liz dabbed it carelessly here and there to enjoy with their meals. Wow. I’ve got some newfound respect for the two of them 🙂

As with most of our outings, there is no debate about dessert.  The fried ice cream was crispy, sweet and cold and enjoyed by all. We also dipped into the Kahlua-topped vanilla ice cream with joy.  But the scene-stealer for the night was the simple banana slices in caramel sauce. The sauce was creamy and thick, not gooey, and soooo good. I don’t think there was a drop left!

We all left a couple of hours later, stuffed and happy. Regrets? There are two.  First, I forgot to take a group shot of us — boo! That is poor planning for an avid scrapbooker like me. I blame the sangria. And second? I left a rather large doggie bag sitting on the table.  No leftover Mole Poblano for me, Mark or the kids.  That was a major bummer.

Anyway, it was a great night out full of laughs and stories and we all left happier and, as we know now, healthier! Check out Sol Azteca if you’re in Boston and in the mood for authentic, moderately-priced Mexican fare. If our experience is any indication, you will not be disappointed!

Adios!