PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 1/16/07 Section: Entertainment

The Region is known for its melting pot diversity, and it's restaurants are no exception. The Region is home to Chinese, American, Indian, Japanese and Thai foods- but especially Mexican food.
From five star restaurants worth the long drive to the corner restaurant a few blocks from your house, Northwest Indiana offers some of the best Mexican food, especially these five places:
This semi-new establishment brings Mexican/Tex Mex to a whole new level. Abuelos, located in Merriville, modernizes traditional Mexican dishes serving entrees with different spices resulting in outstanding new tastes. These entrees are best for the weak-stomached because they don't have the hottest spices and peppers used for flavor.
Abuelos offers the traditional entrées- tacos, burritos and carne asada- yet it's best known for its authentic cuisines' from different parts of Mexico. Coastal Mexico dishes like Salmon San Carlos and steak and enchiladas from Interior Mexico.
Award for best on the menu goes to the el paso burrito. Massive-sized flour tortilla filled your choice of seasoned beef, chile con carne or beans will satisfy your craving for Mexican food. Add a side of rice and beans to guarantee satisfaction for the emptiest of stomachs.
Have a sweet tooth? Try dessert nachos- delicious cinnamon nacho chips with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and nuts.
Entering the doors of this Mexican food embassy may confuse you at first. The place is filled with a more modern feel of Mexico- elegant artifacts and chinaware adds a more expensive atmosphere compared to a local neighborhood joint.
If you enjoy a good drink, Abuelos also has a bar offering domestic beers and wines along with specialty drinks.
If you plan to dine, be sure to carry a decent amount of "dinero." Dinners start at $8.99 and go as high as $16.99.
Unlike Abuelos, Jalapenos is known for making its Mexican food with the traditional flavors. Jalapenos, located in Schererville, is known its spicy, zesty dishes. This restaurant offers different types of tacos cooked numerous ways, adding to the uniqueness of its menu. Best on the menu goes to Rita's tacos- spicy-seasoned beef and cheese-filled flour tortillas fried until brown, creating an outer crunchy shell with a warm, soft flavor-filled middle full of piquant meat.
Although prices are high at this restaurant, their dinners are worth the few extra dollars. Try their tamales when you drop by for a dinner with the family. If you prefer mild food, tamales are your best choice for a delicious representation of Mexican cooking at its best. Their best-in-town chile rellenos (stuffed peppers) can be made with either cheese or your choice meat, served steaming hot along with beans and rice- all sprinkled with rancherito cheese.

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