Ahu Eats

This post is not specific to a restaurant or food, but I think it’s important enough to write about. When I first moved to NYC and started really ‘eating’, I was horrible at picking dishes when dining out. I was going to the most fabulous restaurants and friends were ooh-ing and aah-ing over their dishes while I was left underwhelmed. I realized I wasn’t ordering the right dishes.

I haven’t mastered the art of ordering by any means, but I have gotten much better and now have about a 90% success rate. A few pointers on what I’ve learned:

– Unless it’s a restaurant you go to often, don’t order the ‘unique’ dishes that have little to do with the rest of the menu
– Along the same lines (and I think Anthony Bourdain emphasizes this heavily in one of his books), steer clear of the specials menu. There is a reason the dish isn’t on the regular menu.
– Do your research. I’ll usually do a quick search on my iPhone (yelp and foursquare are my preferred resources because they will tell you what dishes are most talked about) and see what’s good. I don’t always trust what other’s say but it can push me to order a dish that I was already thinking about.
– Ask your server’s opinion. You can always tell by the *way* they respond if they’re knowledgeable or not about the menu. If they sound knowledgeable, then I will probably take their recommendation. This is particularly useful when deciding between two dishes.
– Be open minded. If the it’s the restaurant’s signature dish and everybody and their mom is raving about it, you should probably give it a go.

Not to say there aren’t exceptions to these rules – I ordered a special from Gradisca last night that turned out to be a home run (Waygu filet mignon with truffle sauce), but as a general rule, stick with what the establishment is known for.

Any other tips on how to choose from the menu?

7/10 stars.
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So I’m never really enthusiastic about chain restaurants, when there are so many fabulous non-chains in NYC (and anywhere for that matter), but when a chain is consistently good, I have no problem giving them business. Also, as a Californian, I am always on the hunt for decent Mexican food here – and Dos Caminos has become a standby. Convenient location, friendly staff, and never had an issue getting seating. Oh, and lets not forget the extensive tequila and alcohol selection. During warmer months the patio is a lively gathering spot for many a banker, trader or other creature whose native habitat is Midtown. Bathrooms are downstairs and they do have attendants.

Now, onto the good stuff. Chips. Oh, glorious chips. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth (not to say that if you put ice cream in front of me I wouldn’t shovel it into my mouth, but I don’t crave it), but BRING ON THE SALT!!! Dos Caminos’ chips are decent, but they could be thicker and saltier.

I never met a chip I didn’t like.

They bring the 3-salsa sampler (mild-medium-hot) along with it and everybody who is anybody orders their famous guacamole. I like the guac, however again, I find it a bit lacking on the salt side.

Their margaritas are delicious, I always default to the Prickly Pear (warning: this is a frothy, pink drink), and their pitchers of sangria are the perfect medicine after a long day at work.

As for the food, I always go with the fish tacos (mahi mahi). Love the functional presentation – solves the drip factor and is cute!

It’s like bunk-beds…for tacos.

The fish is always super fresh and I drench them with lemon juice for a tangy zing (also, I like any food that burns my tooth enamel off). I’m obsessed with fresh and quality ingredients, and Dos definitely does this well.

All the colors! I’m pretty sure this adheres to some sort of diet, somewhere.

Also, surprisingly enough, they also do a great brunch. I think the Park Avenue location even has live jazz during weekend brunch. The Dos Caminos Cobb Salad is like a field of dreams (or greens?) and any item at brunch comes with a free cocktail.
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All in all, Dos Caminos is a solid option for Mexican food or a cocktail and chips if you’re in the neighborhood. Extra points for being extremely consistent across food, service and overall experience.

Dos Caminos Third Avenue
825 Third Avenue at 50th St
New York, NY
www.doscaminos.com